2026-06-30 11:00:39
Olivia is no longer the UK’s most popular name for baby girls.
After two decades at the top of the list, baby naming experts have revealed there’s a new name at the pinnacle, with Eliana (Ellie-Ah-Nah) rising four places to the number one spot.
New data from parenting platform BabyCentre has revealed Olivia has been usurped, with Eliana, which means “God has answered”, emerging as the top choice girl’s name for 2026.
BabyCentre baby naming expert and author SJ Strum said: “It’s no surprise to see Eliana reach the top of the charts.
“Parents are increasingly looking for names that feel special and memorable, that will also grow effortlessly with their child.
“Eliana captures the ‘Riviera Chic’ mood perfectly: elegant, meaningful and timeless.”
The expert noted that ‘Riviera Chic’ names “have a sense of ease about them”.
Strum added: “From lemon-print interiors to relaxed European style, it reflects a move towards names that feel bright, elegant and full of optimism.
“These are luxury names that have taken a first-class ticket to the top of the baby name charts – imagine a jumper casually slung over their shoulders and a perfectly poised parasol in hand.”
There are other names which have soared in popularity, with Otis and Ottilie rising by 38, Christian by 62, Rio by 102, Nico and Elliott by 26, Liora by 309, Iris by one, and Talia by 22.
Meanwhile, people’s interest in romantic period dramas has resulted in Gothic romance names also becoming more widely used.
These include Azriel (up 59), Dhruv (up 112), Ezekiel (up 83), Levi (up 30), Zane (up 82), Noor (up 71), Imani (up 176), Zahra (up 25), Rosa (up 87) and Aurora (up eight).
The Grandmillennial trend has seen a rise in nostalgic and more traditionally styled monikers, such as Hazel, Winnie, Penelope, Jasper, Daphne and Rupert.
And TV has overseen a renewal in more retro and character-based name choices, like Freddie, Sarah, Valerie and more.
Strum added: “Parents are not choosing in isolation, they’re absorbing names from the shows they’re watching, the aesthetics they’re saving online, and the cultural moments that define everyday life.”
Top girls’ names for 2026 and movement:
1. Eliana (+4)
2. Olivia (-1)
3. Lily (0)
4. Amelia (-2)
5. Isabella (+8)
6. Sophia (+5)
7. Freya (0)
8. Poppy (0)
9. Ava (0)
Top boys’ names 2026 and movement
1. Muhammad (0)
2. Noah (0)
3. Leo (0)
4. Luca (+1)
5. Theo (-1)
6. Oliver (0)
7. Ethan (0)
8. Elijah (0)
9. Freddie (+5)
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