London is one of the trendiest cities in the world, from its takes on fashion, culture, lifestyle and now, on baby names too.
In 2026, the capital’s newest arrivals are being given names that feel both timeless and unmistakably modern.
From classic favourites that never seem to get old to fresh, new, unique names inspired by pop culture, TV and film, and contemporary style, the city's parents are blending tradition with individuality.
As the year draws on, HELLO! is taking a look at the most popular choices made by new parents for their little boys and girls born in London, according to data collected by the Office for National Statistics. But before you discover which names Londoners are plumping for, why not see how many answers you can get right in HELLO!'s baby-girl name quiz? If you are on a non-HELLO! platform, click here to take part.
Top 10 boys' names in London
- Muhammad
- Noah
- Leo
- Adam
- Theodore
- Oliver
- Arthur
- Mohammed
- Oscar
- Alexander
© Getty ImagesTop 10 girls' names in London
- Olivia
- Sofia
- Amelia
- Maya
- Sophia
- Sienna
- Mia
- Maryam
- Lily
- Isabella
© Getty ImagesTrending cycles explained
In 2026, according to naming expert and editor-in-chief at Nameberry, Sophie Kihm, more focus is being placed on traditionally rooted names that originate from particular cultures and communities around the world. English-origin names are unsurprisingly leading the charge in the UK, while Arabic and Indian names are catching up.
Sophie explained: "Names in the top ten, like Lily, Ivy, and Elsie for girls, Oliver, George, and Archie for boys, are all English. But Arabic and Indian names are rising very quickly in the UK. Muhammad, the new top name in England and Wales, is Arabic in origin.
"Reem, Hadiya, and Huda are fast-rising Arabic girl names, and Hadi, Essa, and Kabir are fast-rising Arabic boy names. Trending names with (various) Indian origins include Avani, Saanvi, and Aadhya for girls, Gurnawab, Agastya, and Rudra for boys."
She also touched on a rising number of names that echoed a sentiment of fantastical escapism. "Parents are seeking names fueled by escapism. Literature - both romantasy and the classics - epic movies, and favourite music are driving many of our 2026 trends, including romantasy names, Brit Lit names, ancient civilisations, and showgirl names," Sophie revealed.
The expert added: "2025 name trends were more directly influenced by social media, but this year, parents are expanding their media inspirations. We’re also seeing a shift towards names that connect to culture and heritage.
"Parents increasingly want their children’s names to be rooted in some type of history, whether that’s global history (think: ancient civilisation) or personal family history."
Royal trendsetters
© PA Images via Getty ImagesAhead of the curve, several royals named their children after popular names in the city. Zara Tindall's daughter is called Mia, and Sienna is Princess Beatrice's daughter.
