English Baby Names
Explore 2515 english names, each with its own meaning, history, and pronunciation. Find one that carries the stories you want your child to grow up with.
English names form the largest body of names in our index. They run from Old English roots (Edward, Alfred, Mildred) through Norman-French imports (Richard, William, Rose), biblical names anglicised through centuries of use (James, Mary, John), and a growing modern lineage of place-and-nature names (Willow, Brooke, Hudson).
A short history
The English naming tradition is famously layered. Old English names (Edwin, Edith, Alfred) survived the Norman Conquest in smaller numbers and returned in the Victorian revival. Norman names (William, Henry, Richard) became the aristocratic backbone after 1066. Biblical names were anglicised and spread widely through Reformation-era England. Puritan virtue names (Patience, Hope, Grace) added a distinct 17th-century layer.
Naming traditions
Middle names became common in England from the 18th century onwards, often preserving a mother's maiden name or honouring a godparent. Double middle names are now standard. Sibling sets in England tend towards soft internal matching rather than thematic locking (e.g. George and Charlotte rather than Grace and Hope).
Sound and style
English names span every syllable count, every sound pattern, and every register. The current mood favours short classics (Jack, Max, Leo, Ava) and nature-led picks (Willow, Hazel, Rowan). English is also the most 'sibling-set friendly' naming tradition because its breadth accommodates almost any pairing.
Paschal
“Of Easter, sacred renewal”
Paschal is an ancient name with ecclesiastical roots, used widely in Christian communities across Europe and beyond for children born at Easter. It was borne by two popes, Paschal I and Paschal II, and numerous saints, giving it a weight of religious tradition in the English-speaking world. While rare as a modern given name, it retains a dignified, timeless quality favoured in communities with strong Catholic or Orthodox heritage.
Pascoe
“Easter child”
Pascoe is a Cornish form of Pascal, ultimately derived from the Hebrew 'Pesach', meaning Passover, and the Latin 'Pascha', meaning Easter. The name was traditionally given to children born at Easter, carrying the symbolic weight of resurrection, renewal, and spiritual rebirth. In Cornwall, a county in the far southwest of England with its own distinct Celtic language and cultural identity, Pascoe was a common surname and given name throughout the medieval period. Cornish naming traditions preserved many forms that disappeared elsewhere in England, and Pascoe is one of the most distinctive surviving Cornish names. Its West Country associations give it an appealingly regional, rustic charm alongside its deep religious roots.
Patchwork
“Beautiful harmony of diverse pieces”
Patchwork is an exceptionally rare and unconventional English given name drawn from the beloved textile craft tradition, evoking the artistry of quilting which has deep roots in British and American folk culture. As a name it carries a richly symbolic meaning, the idea that many different pieces, each with their own history, can be joined to create something more beautiful than any single part alone. It is an extraordinarily distinctive choice that speaks to parents who value creativity, heritage, and individuality.
Patience
“Endurance, forbearance”
Patience is an English virtue name meaning the quality of calm endurance, forbearance, and the ability to wait without distress. It derives from the Latin patientia, from patiens, meaning suffering or enduring. The name was adopted during the Puritan era of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries when English and American Puritan communities favoured names that expressed Christian virtues such as Hope, Faith, Grace, and Patience. The name carries a sense of quiet strength, the ability to persevere through hardship without complaint. It has a gentle, old-fashioned charm and a depth of character that many feel is absent from more fashionable names.
Patrice
“Noble and patrician by birth”
Patrice is the French form of Patrick, itself derived from the Latin Patricius, meaning nobleman or of noble birth. The name carries connotations of dignity, honour, and aristocratic bearing. It was widely used in France during the mid-twentieth century and has a refined, understated elegance that distinguishes it from its Irish counterpart.
Patrick
“Noble, patrician”
Patrick derives from the Latin name Patricius, meaning 'noble' or 'of patrician stock', referring to the aristocratic class of ancient Rome. The name was carried into the English-speaking world primarily through Saint Patrick, the fifth-century missionary who became the patron saint of Ireland. Its associations with nobility, faith and national identity have kept it firmly in use across the British Isles for well over a thousand years.
Patsy
“Noble, patrician”
Patsy is an English diminutive of Patricia, which derives from the Latin 'patricius' meaning noble or patrician. The patricians were the ruling class of ancient Rome, so the name carries connotations of dignity, leadership, and social grace. Patsy has a warmly retro quality, evoking the mid-twentieth century world of country music, old Hollywood, and cheerful confidence. Despite its informal feel, the name is grounded in a long history of classical Latin nomenclature.
Pattie
“Warm and noble diminutive”
Pattie is a cheerful, informal variant of Patricia that became popular in the mid-20th century as a given name in its own right. It projects a friendly and down-to-earth personality, often associated with a quintessentially American mid-century charm. While less common today as a formal name, it retains a nostalgic warmth.
Patton
“Fighter's town or Pat's settlement”
Patton is a bold, surname-derived given name that has grown in popularity as a first name over recent decades. It exudes strength and leadership, associations heavily influenced by the famous World War II general. The name has a rugged, distinctly American character that appeals to parents seeking a strong, uncommon choice.
Paula
“Small and humble”
Derived from the Latin cognomen Paulus, Paula carries the meaning of 'small' or 'humble,' rooted in the Roman ideal of modesty as a virtue. In German-speaking Europe the name has been used continuously since early Christian times, popularised by Saint Paula of Rome, a fourth-century widow and associate of Saint Jerome. Today Paula balances vintage charm with contemporary coolness, making it a favourite across generations of German families.
Paulette
“Small and humbly gracious”
Paulette is a charming feminine form of Paul that entered English use via French influence. It has a sophisticated, slightly vintage quality that makes it feel both timeless and distinctive. The name was most fashionable in the mid-20th century but continues to be chosen for its elegance.
Paulina
“Graceful and humbly distinguished”
Paulina is a stately and melodic name that bridges Latin, Spanish, Polish, and English naming traditions. It has a timeless, cosmopolitan appeal that has kept it in consistent use across centuries and continents. Shakespeare used the name for a strong female character in 'The Winter's Tale', lending it literary prestige.
Pavan
“Pure and sacred wind”
Pavan is a name with deep Sanskrit roots that has been adopted into English-speaking communities, particularly in South Asian diaspora families. It evokes the freshness and freedom of the wind, making it feel both spiritual and connected to the natural world. The name is gender-neutral and carries a calm, serene quality.
Pavia
“Ancient city of history and learning”
Pavia is a rare and distinctive given name drawn from the storied Italian city on the Ticino River, once a capital of the Lombard Kingdom. In English-speaking contexts, it carries an exotic, cultured appeal that sets it apart from more common names. Its rarity makes it a striking choice for parents seeking something truly unique.
Pax
“Peace, Roman goddess of peace”
Pax is a short, strong, and meaningful name rooted in Roman mythology and Latin language. It rose to wider public awareness after Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt chose it for their son, bringing its minimalist elegance to mainstream attention. The name's brevity and clear meaning make it a compelling modern choice.
Paxton
“Peaceful settlement from Old English”
Paxton is a surname-derived given name with strong Old English roots that has surged in popularity over recent decades as a first name. It strikes a balance between rugged and refined, appealing to parents who want something traditional yet not overused. The name has a warm, approachable quality alongside its solid English character.
Paz
“Peace and golden serenity”
Paz is a compact and beautiful name that carries the universal aspiration of peace, used across Spanish, Hebrew, and English-speaking cultures. Its single-syllable strength and clear meaning give it a modern, minimalist appeal that resonates with contemporary naming trends. The name has a warm, international character that feels both ancient and fresh.
Pearce
“Rock, stone”
Pearce is an Anglo-Norman form of Peter, itself derived from the Greek petros meaning rock or stone. It developed as a surname in medieval England and Wales before re-emerging as a given name. The name carries a sense of solidity and quiet strength, with a spelling that distinguishes it from the more common Pierce.
Pearl
“Precious gem”
Pearl takes its name directly from the lustrous gemstone formed within molluscs, long prized for its natural, understated beauty. As a given name it became fashionable in the Victorian and Edwardian eras, when jewel names such as Ruby, Opal, and Beryl were all in vogue. After a long period of decline, Pearl has made a confident and charming comeback, appealing to parents seeking vintage names with warmth and substance. The name carries a sense of quiet elegance, natural rarity, and enduring value.
Pearse
“Rock-solid steadfast strength”
Pearse is an anglicised spelling of the surname and given name Piers, rooted in the medieval English tradition of adapting Norman French names. It has been used both as a surname and a first name across Britain and Ireland. The name evokes a sense of solidity and reliability, qualities long associated with its etymological root.
Pebble
“Small smooth water-worn stone”
Pebble is an unconventional given name drawn directly from the English common noun, belonging to a tradition of nature-inspired word names. Its appeal lies in its gentle, rounded sound and the imagery of smooth river stones. While rare as a personal name, it fits within the modern trend of choosing distinctive, nature-connected names for children.
Peggy
“Pearl”
Peggy is a medieval English diminutive of Margaret, which traces back through Old French and Latin to the Greek 'Margarites', meaning pearl. The rhyming shift from Meg to Peg, and the addition of the familiar '-y' suffix to give Peggy, was characteristic of medieval English nickname formation. The name has a spirited, plucky character that makes it feel both warmly vintage and full of energy. After decades of being associated exclusively with mid-twentieth century Britain and America, Peggy has been enthusiastically revived as a fashionable choice for modern babies.
Pelham
“Homestead of Peola's people”
Pelham originated as a locational surname from several villages in England, most notably in Hertfordshire. It was transferred to use as a given name following the common English practice of adopting aristocratic surnames as first names. The name has a distinctly patrician quality and was especially fashionable in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.
Pemba
“Green island of natural abundance”
Pemba is primarily known as the name of a beautiful island off the coast of Tanzania, and has been adopted as a given name by English speakers drawn to its melodic sound and exotic geography. The name sits within a broader tradition of using place names as personal names. Its soft syllables and vivid geographical associations give it an appealing freshness.
Pemberley
“Grand estate of romantic aspiration”
Pemberley gained fame as the magnificent fictional estate of Mr Darcy in Jane Austen's 1813 novel 'Pride and Prejudice', and its use as a given name is almost entirely rooted in that literary legacy. It has a stately, lyrical quality that appeals to readers who love Austen's work. The name carries associations of elegance, landscape beauty, and romantic aspiration.
Pemberton
“Farmstead near Pendle Hill”
Pemberton is a village in Greater Manchester, England, and the surname derived from it has been used as a given name in the English-speaking world since the nineteenth century. It carries a robust, somewhat old-fashioned charm that fits within the trend for reviving vintage surname-names. The name has both British and North American currency through notable bearers.
Pembroke
“Headland”
Pembroke is derived from the Welsh place name for Pembroke in south-west Wales, which itself comes from the Welsh 'pen' meaning head or headland, and the Old English or Old Norse 'bro' meaning bridge or land. As a given name it is exceptionally rare, carrying a distinctly aristocratic and Welsh character. It is associated with the earldom of Pembroke, one of the oldest and most distinguished titles in British peerage.
Pendle
“Ancient Lancashire hill with dark history”
Pendle is a place name from Lancashire, England, carrying deep historical resonance as the site of the 1612 Pendle Witch Trials, one of the most famous witch trials in English history. Used as a given name, it appeals to those drawn to English landscape and history. Its short, punchy sound gives it a modern usability despite its ancient roots.
Pendleton
“Moorland farmstead near Pendle”
Pendleton is both an English village near Manchester and a small city in Oregon, USA, and the surname derived from the English original has been used as a given name in America since the nineteenth century. It has a strong, distinguished sound and a history of use among prominent American families. The name balances rugged associations with a polished, formal quality.
Penfield
“Open land with an animal enclosure”
Penfield is a surname of English toponymic origin that has been used as a given name, particularly in North America where the surname was carried by early settlers. It has a clean, distinguished sound and a grounded, pastoral quality. The name is associated with intellectual achievement through its most famous bearer.
Discover thousands of names in the app
Swipe through names, match with your partner, and find the perfect name together. Privacy-first, always.