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.
Petronius
“Roman clan name, stone or rock lineage”
Petronius is a grand classical name of Roman origin that entered English usage primarily through scholarship and admiration of ancient literature. It is best known from the first-century Roman author Petronius Arbiter, credited with writing the satirical novel Satyricon. In English contexts the name has always been rare and literary in character, favoured by those with a deep appreciation of classical antiquity.
Petrova
“Daughter of Peter, Slavic stone heritage”
Petrova is a Slavic feminine patronymic that has been adopted as a given name in English-speaking contexts, often chosen for its elegant, European sound. It gained particular cultural presence in Britain through Noel Streatfeild's beloved 1936 novel Ballet Shoes, in which Petrova Fossil is one of the three orphan sisters. The name carries a distinctive, literary quality that sets it apart from more common English names.
Petula
“Lively, forward-spirited modern coinage”
Petula is a twentieth-century English given name that rose to prominence largely due to the fame of British singer Petula Clark. Its origins are somewhat uncertain, it may be a fanciful invention or a pet-name elaboration, but it gained enough currency in the mid-century to be recognised as a standalone name. It carries a bright, musical association that makes it feel warm and approachable.
Petunia
“Trumpet-shaped flower”
Petunia is a botanical name derived from the flowering plant of the genus Petunia, which itself comes from a South American Guarani word for tobacco, petun, the plants being related. The flower is known for its vivid, trumpet-shaped blooms in shades of purple, pink, white, and red. As a given name, Petunia shares the whimsical, nature-loving spirit of Victorian floral names. It is rare as a personal name, lending it an eccentric charm and a distinctly individual character that sets it apart from more conventional botanical choices.
Petworth
“Peota's enclosure, ancient Sussex homestead”
Petworth is a topographical name originating from the historic market town of Petworth in West Sussex, England, which has been recorded since the Domesday Book of 1086. As a given name it is exceedingly rare, belonging to the category of English place-names occasionally adopted by families with ancestral ties to a location. It carries a deeply English, country-house character strongly associated with Petworth House, one of Britain's great stately homes.
Pewter
“Grey metallic alloy, old-world craft quality”
Pewter is an unconventional English word-name drawn from the traditional alloy that was the standard material for household vessels and tableware from the medieval period through the eighteenth century. Its use as a given name is extremely rare and distinctly modern, belonging to the trend of adopting material or colour words as names. It carries a cool, silvery-grey aesthetic and a sense of old-world craftsmanship.
Peyton
“Fighting man's estate”
Peyton is an English surname derived from a place name meaning the estate or settlement of Paeга, an Old English personal name connected with the word for fighting man or warrior. It originated as a locational surname in England before crossing the Atlantic and becoming a given name in the United States. It has grown into a confident, polished unisex name with a modern feel.
Philemon
“Affectionate and loving by nature”
Philemon is a classical Greek name with a rich literary and biblical heritage that entered English usage through Christian tradition and Renaissance scholarship. In the New Testament, Paul's Epistle to Philemon addresses a Christian convert called by this name, giving it strong ecclesiastical roots. In English the name has been used since the Reformation era, particularly among Puritans and later Nonconformists who favoured biblical names.
Philip
“Lover of horses”
Philip comes from the Ancient Greek Philippos, a compound of philos meaning 'loving' or 'friend' and hippos meaning 'horse'. Horses were symbols of power and prestige in the ancient world, so the name carried aristocratic connotations from its earliest use. It was borne by Philip II of Macedon, father of Alexander the Great, and has been used by European royalty ever since, including as the name of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.
Philipa
“Lover of horses”
Philipa is a feminine variant of the classical name Philip, retaining the Greek sense of devotion to horses. It is a less common spelling compared to Philippa, lending it a distinctive and refined quality. The name carries an air of elegance and historical depth, associated with medieval European royalty and nobility.
Philippa
“Lover of horses”
Philippa is the feminine form of Philip, derived from the ancient Greek name Philippos, composed of 'philos', meaning lover or friend, and 'hippos', meaning horse. The horse was a symbol of noble status in ancient Greece and Rome, and a love of horses indicated a person of rank and cultivation. Philippa has a solidly British, aristocratic quality, associated with queens, noblewomen, and country estates. It is a name of considerable substance and history, and its range of nicknames, particularly the charming Pippa, gives it excellent everyday flexibility.
Phillipa
“Lover of horses”
Phillipa is a double-l spelling variant of the classical feminine name Philippa, reflecting the common English tendency to double consonants in adaptation of Greek and Latin names. It maintains the same dignified meaning and historical resonance as its counterparts. The name strikes a balance between traditional formality and approachable femininity.
Philo
“Friend or lover of wisdom”
Philo is a short, punchy name of Greek origin that has been used in the English-speaking world since at least the early modern period. It carries connotations of philosophy, friendship, and intellectual curiosity, as it shares its root with words like 'philosophy' and 'philanthropist'. The name has a pleasingly simple sound while conveying a depth of meaning rooted in classical learning.
Phineas
“Oracle”
Phineas is a name of uncertain ancient origin, most likely derived from the Hebrew Phinehas, possibly meaning oracle, serpent's mouth, or Nubian. It carries an air of eccentricity and intellectual vitality. The name gained literary fame through Phineas Fogg, the protagonist of Jules Verne's Around the World in Eighty Days, and has enjoyed a modern revival through popular culture. It is distinctive without being obscure.
Phineus
“Oracle or brazen-voiced prophet”
Phineus is a rare and ancient name drawn from Greek mythology, borne by several figures including a blind prophet-king punished by the gods. Its rarity in modern usage gives it a distinctive, scholarly quality appealing to parents who favour classical mythology and antiquity. The name is closely related to Phineas, which has seen a modest revival in contemporary naming trends.
Phoenix
“Immortal bird of fire and rebirth”
Phoenix derives from the ancient Greek word 'phoinix', referring to the legendary bird that cyclically burns itself to ashes and rises again reborn. The name evokes resilience, transformation, and the triumph of renewal over destruction. In antiquity the phoenix was a symbol of the sun, immortality, and the eternal cycle of time. As a given name it has become a bold unisex choice with a powerful, aspirational quality, appealing to parents who want a name that carries genuine mythological weight alongside modern energy.
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.
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