English Baby Names
Explore 2493 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.
Phylicia
“Green branch full of joy”
Phylicia is a variant spelling of Felicia influenced by the classical name Phyllis, blending associations of natural greenery with joy and happiness. The name rose to particular prominence in the United States in the 1980s. It carries a melodic, feminine quality while maintaining a connection to both classical and modern naming traditions.
Phyllida
“Leafy green bough”
Phyllida is a graceful, literary variant of Phyllis that was popular in English pastoral poetry of the 16th and 17th centuries, where it was used as a traditional name for idealized country maidens. It has a distinctly poetic and somewhat aristocratic English character, rare enough to feel distinctive yet rooted in a long literary tradition. The name is particularly associated with cultured, creative circles in Britain.
Phyllis
“Foliage and green branches”
Phyllis is a classical name rooted in Greek mythology, specifically the story of a Thracian princess who died of grief and was transformed into an almond tree that burst into bloom when her lover returned. The name was widely used in English pastoral literature from the Renaissance onwards and enjoyed peak popularity in the English-speaking world during the early to mid-20th century. It retains a warm, nostalgic charm and is associated with kind, dependable characters in both literature and popular culture.
Pierce
“Rock, stone”
Pierce is an Anglo-Norman form of Peter, derived from the Greek Petros meaning rock or stone. It arrived in England with the Norman Conquest and became an established English given name. The name has a sharp, distinguished quality that sets it apart from the more common Peter. It carries associations of strength, solidity, and steadfastness through its original meaning.
Piers
“Rock, stone”
Piers is the medieval English form of Peter, derived through the Old French 'Pierre' from the Latin 'Petrus' and ultimately from the Greek 'Petros', meaning rock or stone. It was the dominant English form of the name before Peter fully replaced it during the post-medieval period. Piers carries a distinctly British, literary quality, most famously associated with William Langland's 14th-century allegorical poem 'Piers Plowman', one of the great works of Middle English literature. The name has a quiet, upper-class English resonance.
Pilchard
“Small coastal fish of cultural heritage”
Pilchard is an extremely rare given name drawn directly from the English word for the small oily fish, also known as the European sardine, which was a vital part of the diet and economy of communities in Cornwall and Devon for centuries. As a personal name it is almost entirely unattested in historical records, making it one of the most unusual English names imaginable. Its use as a given name likely reflects the tradition in some coastal communities of using occupational or locally significant terms as identifiers.
Piotr
“Rock or stone, steadfast strength”
Piotr is the Polish and Eastern European variant of the classic name Peter, widely used across Slavic cultures and increasingly adopted in English-speaking countries. The name has a long history tied to Saint Peter, the apostle, lending it a sense of spiritual gravitas. Its crisp, distinctive sound has made it a favourite among parents seeking a familiar yet internationally flavoured given name.
Pip
“Lover of horses”
Pip is a diminutive of Philip or Philippa, from the Greek 'philos' meaning lover and 'hippos' meaning horse. While the literal meaning is lover of horses, Pip is cherished above all for its literary associations and its cheerful, compact energy. It is most famously the name of Phillip Pirrip, the hero of Charles Dickens's Great Expectations, where it represents the journey from humble origins to self-knowledge. As a standalone name, Pip has a playful, spirited quality that suits any gender.
Piper
“Pipe player”
Piper is an English occupational surname turned given name, originally referring to someone who played the pipe or flute. It has a musical, lively quality that translates beautifully to a modern first name. The name suggests energy, creativity, and a spirited personality, and has surged in popularity as a confident choice for girls.
Pippa
“Lover of horses”
Pippa is a diminutive of Philippa, the feminine form of Philip, which comes from the Greek Philippos, meaning lover of horses. The Greek elements are philos (loving) and hippos (horse). Whilst Pippa began as a nickname, it has long been used as a fully independent given name, particularly in Britain. It has a bright, energetic, and endearing quality that makes it feel both classic and lively. The name became especially prominent in British public life through Pippa Middleton, cementing its image as quintessentially British. Pippa has a charm that is at once playful and elegant.
Pippin
“Small beloved one, seedling apple”
Pippin is a charming, whimsical English name with roots in the medieval word for a seedling apple, which came to be used affectionately for small, lively children. It gained widespread cultural recognition through J.R.R. Tolkien's hobbit character Peregrin 'Pippin' Took in The Lord of the Rings. The name carries a playful, adventurous spirit while retaining a warm, old-fashioned English appeal.
Piran
“Patron saint of Cornwall, of tin miners”
Piran is a distinctly Cornish name, most closely associated with Saint Piran, the patron saint of Cornwall and of tin miners, whose black-and-white flag remains the emblem of Cornwall to this day. The name reflects the deep Celtic heritage of the southwest of England and carries a rugged, coastal character tied to the dramatic Cornish landscape. It remains a popular choice among families with Cornish roots or those who simply love its strong, unusual sound.
Pixie
“Mischievous fairy of Devon and Cornwall”
Pixie is a whimsical English name drawn from the mythological tradition of pixies, tiny, mischievous supernatural beings found in the folklore of Devon and Cornwall. As a given name it evokes a sense of magic, energy, and individuality, and has grown in popularity as parents seek names with fairy-tale charm. The name has been embraced in popular culture as a symbol of free-spirited, creative personalities.
Pliny
“Anglicisation of Roman scholarly family name”
Pliny is a rare and scholarly given name that reached English-speaking cultures through admiration for the two famous Roman naturalists and writers who bore the family name Plinius. Pliny the Elder authored the encyclopaedic Naturalis Historia, while Pliny the Younger left behind vivid eyewitness accounts of the eruption of Vesuvius. As a given name Pliny carries an aura of intellectual curiosity, classical learning, and historical gravitas.
Plover
“Coastal wading bird associated with rain”
Plover is an evocative nature-inspired given name drawn from the English word for a family of elegant wading birds found across the world's coastlines, grasslands, and tundra. The name carries associations with open landscapes, migratory journeys, and the wild beauty of nature, appealing to parents with a love of the natural world. Though highly unusual as a given name, Plover fits within the growing tradition of using bird names, alongside Robin, Martin, and Jay, as first names.
Plum
“Sweet, rich, something especially desirable”
Plum is a soft, colourful English name taken from the stone fruit, carrying associations of deep purple hues, sweetness, and abundance. It has gained traction as a fashionable given name in Britain, fitting within the broader trend of botanical and food-inspired names such as Clementine, Berry, and Olive. The name has a gentle, lyrical quality and a pleasingly old-fashioned British charm.
Polaris
“The North Star, guide and constant light”
Polaris is a bold, celestial given name taken from the North Star, which has guided navigators and travellers for millennia and sits almost directly above Earth's North Pole. As a name it carries powerful connotations of leadership, dependability, and a luminous presence, making it equally suited to any gender. Its astronomical origins give it a timeless, universal quality that transcends cultural boundaries while remaining firmly rooted in English usage.
Polly
“Star of the sea”
Polly originated as a medieval English rhyming nickname for Molly, which was itself a pet form of Mary. The name Mary derives from the Hebrew Miriam, most commonly interpreted as meaning 'star of the sea' from the Latin 'stella maris', though other derivations include 'beloved' and 'bitter'. Polly therefore carries this ancient heritage at several removes, arriving as a cheerful, distinctly English form with a long history of use. It has been borne by characters in English literature, music, and folklore, giving it a warm, unpretentious, and thoroughly British character. Polly has enjoyed a sustained revival in the United Kingdom over recent decades, reclaiming its place as a genuinely charming choice.
Pollyanna
“Beloved grace, irrepressible optimism”
Pollyanna is a warmly expressive English name that entered the language through Eleanor H. Porter's 1913 novel of the same name, featuring a relentlessly cheerful orphan girl who plays the 'Glad Game' to find something positive in every situation. The name has since entered everyday English as a noun and adjective describing an excessively optimistic person, giving Pollyanna a unique dual existence as both a given name and a cultural archetype. Despite its association with naivety, the name is cherished for its brightness, femininity, and storytelling heritage.
Pomona
“Goddess of fruit trees and orchards”
Pomona is a classical name of Latin origin that entered English usage through admiration for Roman mythology, where Pomona was the goddess of fruit trees and the abundance of orchards. It has a distinctly botanical, pastoral character that appeals to parents with a love of nature, classical learning, or the rich fruit-growing traditions of the English countryside. The name also carries a transatlantic heritage, as several places in the United States, including Pomona, California, were named in tribute to the Roman goddess.
Pondweed
“Aquatic plant of still waters”
Pondweed is an extremely rare given name drawn from the English word for a family of submerged aquatic plants. It carries an earthy, naturalistic quality that appeals to parents seeking deeply unconventional botanical names. The name evokes stillness, depth, and a connection to freshwater ecosystems.
Poppy
“Red flower, remembrance”
Poppy is a flower name derived from the Old English popig, referring to the bright red flowering plant known for its vivid colour and its association with remembrance. In Britain the poppy carries particular emotional weight as the symbol of Remembrance Day, worn each November to honour those who died in the First and Second World Wars. As a given name it captures both cheerful vibrancy and quiet poignancy, a combination that has made it one of the most beloved girls' names in Britain for the past two decades.
Porter
“Gatekeeper or carrier of loads”
Porter is an English surname-turned-given name with deep medieval roots in the trade of doorkeeping and goods transport. It has grown steadily in popularity as a first name throughout the 20th and 21st centuries, appreciated for its strong, no-nonsense sound. The name carries connotations of dependability, hard work, and a grounded, working-class dignity.
Portia
“Offering, gate”
Portia is derived from the ancient Roman family name Porcius, which is believed to connect to the Latin word for gate or offering. The Porcia gens was a distinguished Roman family, and the name carries the gravitas of that heritage. Portia is most celebrated through Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice, where the heroine demonstrates extraordinary wit, legal brilliance, and moral courage. The literary association has largely eclipsed the name's Latin etymology, giving Portia a reputation for intelligence and eloquence above all.
Portland
“Land by the harbour or port”
Portland is a place name used occasionally as a given name, drawn from several locations in England and the United States. The Isle of Portland in Dorset, England, is one of the oldest references, known since Roman times for its distinctive limestone. As a personal name it carries a sense of geographic grandeur and is associated with pioneering spirit in the American Northwest.
Posie
“Small bouquet of flowers”
Posie is a sweet, vintage English name that functions both as a diminutive of Josephine and as a standalone nature name evoking a small bouquet of flowers. It has experienced a notable revival in the 21st century as parents seek charming, old-fashioned names with botanical resonance. The name carries an inherently cheerful, light quality that suits its floral associations.
Posy
“Small bunch of flowers”
Posy is an English name meaning a small bunch of flowers or nosegay, the little tied posies of mixed blooms that were exchanged as tokens of affection and meaning from the medieval period onward. The word itself derives from the Middle English 'poesy', meaning a short verse or motto, which was inscribed inside rings and given with flowers, over time the flower token and the verse token merged into the word 'posy'. As a name, Posy belongs to the tradition of botanical and floral names beloved in the English-speaking world, alongside Violet, Flora, Lily, Daisy, and Poppy. It has a distinctly British character, sweet without being saccharine, whimsical without being frivolous. Posy has been rising in popularity among British parents drawn to vintage names with a fresh, light quality, and it fits naturally within the current revival of Edwardian and Victorian-era names.
Powell
“Son of Hywel, the eminent one”
Powell is a Welsh-origin surname that has been anglicised into English and used as a given name, particularly in the United States and United Kingdom. The name carries a distinguished, patrician quality and has been borne by notable figures in politics, military, and the arts. Its Welsh heritage gives it a Celtic depth beneath its crisp, modern English sound.
Prairie
“Vast open grassland of the plains”
Prairie is a nature name drawn from the word for the sweeping grasslands of North America, carrying connotations of wide-open spaces, freedom, and rugged American frontier spirit. It is an uncommon but evocative given name that has been used by bohemian and nature-minded parents seeking something both geographic and atmospheric. The name has a distinctly American character rooted in the landscape of the Great Plains.
Prescilla
“Ancient and venerable wisdom”
Prescilla is an alternative spelling of the classical Latin name Priscilla, which has been in use since early Christian times and appears in the New Testament. The variant spelling with the 'e' gives it a slightly more distinctive look while retaining the name's elegant, timeless sound. It carries an air of dignified antiquity combined with feminine grace.
Discover thousands of names in the app
Swipe through names, match with your partner, and find the perfect name together. Privacy-first, always.