If you're expecting a new bundle of joy this year, congratulations! We hope you enjoy your parenting journey and look forward to meeting your little one. However, one of the most challenging parts of having a baby is settling on a name you and your family love. We've picked our top 5 names for both boys and girls and what they mean to hopefully make the decision a little bit easier for you!
Olivia - This name regularly tops baby name lists good reason. It's an adorable name for a baby; plus, it carries well into adulthood. The name comes from the Latin for 'Olive Tree' and is often linked to peace and harmony. This peaceful attribution comes from the book of Genesis when Noah receives an olive leaf after the flood. Popularised by Shakespeare in the play Twelfth Night, Olivia firmly has a place in British history.
Isla - Beautifully rhythmic with a sing-song cadence, Isla is a sweet name that's becoming fashionable. The name is Scottish and Spanish for 'island' and is related to the Scottish island of Islay, so if you'd like your baby to have a beautifully relaxing name, then Isla might be the one. It's also suitable for parents who'd like to give their child a nature-related name but would prefer to stay away from the prominent floral themes.
Ivy - An English and Latin name meaning 'vine', this gorgeous girl's name also has roots in Greek culture. In Ancient Greece, newlyweds would be given wreaths of ivy to symbolise their eternal faithfulness to one another. It also has a festive theme, making it particularly suitable if you're having a December baby. However, this name can be use year round as it's grown in popularity since Beyonce and Jay-Z chose the name for their daughter Blue Ivy.
Evelyn - this lovely traditional name has several meanings: desired, life, water island, and even from the French for hazelnut! Evelyn can also be used as a boy's name and a surname, giving it a long history across Europe and explaining why it's never really fallen out of favour completely. We think that Evelyn is the perfect name for parents who love to read; the popularity of the novel The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid has helped this name soar up name charts. It also connects to the novelist Evelyn Waugh, author of Brideshead Revisited.
Bellamy - another gender-neutral name, Bellamy comes from the French for 'fine friend', making it a unique and elegant choice with a beautiful and hopeful meaning for the future. It's great for those who love the name Bella or Isabella but would prefer to stay away from the popular. Bellamy has been climbing the ranks for girls and boys over the last few years, reaching the top 1000 names but not going much higher than this, so you can enjoy knowing your baby's name is memorable and distinctive.
Alexander - a strong name, Alexander comes from the Greek meaning 'defender of mankind.' One of the most famous instances of this name comes from Alexander the Great, which immediately evokes power and confidence. The term has religious connotations as there were plenty of Popes and other religious leaders with the name.
Theodore - this sweet and sophisticated name means "gift of God." Not only does it work as a very 'grown up' name for your child when they're older, but you can get some beautiful nicknames like Theo, Ted, or Teddy. It gained popularity in 1901 when Teddy Roosevelt became the American President, and its long history in Greece, America, and the UK make it a great choice, especially for those who love nicknames.
Arthur - this name remains popular around England thanks to the legendary King Arthur. It's believed the name comes from the Latin for "Bear", or the Roman family Artorius. The name has been used throughout the UK since the 9th Century, making it a traditional option, but it's also got a modern feel thanks to the popularity of the TV show Peaky Blinders.
Oscar - another name that has rarely fallen out of favour, Oscar comes from the Irish for 'friend of deer', so it would be a beautiful name for those that live in the countryside, or are passionate about nature. Oscar has an exciting legacy for history buffs too. Napoleon gave the name as a middle name to his godson, Joseph, who grew up to be Oscar I, King of Sweden, and as a result, the name swept across Scandinavia. Other famous Oscars include Oscar Hammerstein and Oscar Wilde.
Leo - perfect on its own or elongated to Leon, Leopold, Leonard, or Leonardo, Leo is a name that suits childhood as well as adulthood. It has a long history, thanks to artist Leonardo da Vinci and author Leo Tolstoy, but is suitable for New Age parents due to its connections with the zodiac. The Leo constellation is named in honour of the Nemean Lion in Greek myth - slaying the lion was the first of Heracles' twelve labours. Suitable for sensitive types, the boisterous, and the nouvelle, it's a beautiful all-round name for all families.
