With centuries of history and tradition to draw on, not to mention several different languages, we’re spoilt for choice in Britain when it comes to names for girls and boys.
I could have included dozens more names on this list, all worthy of their place, but I had to draw the line somewhere. So I’ve gone for a smaller selection of names, each of which has a poetic, musical sound and often has roots dating back hundreds of years or meanings steeped in mythology or nature.
I’ve pulled them from all corners of the UK. Some are quite common in different UK countries — like Siân in Wales — while being much rarer across the wider UK. Others are names which were popular among our grandparents’ generations before dropping out of fashion altogether then returning in a big way. But all are beautiful and stand out.
So if you’re on the hunt for a baby name these are just some that could provide inspiration. Or perhaps you just want to know the origin of your own name. I’ve included Northern Irish names too to celebrate their beauty, despite it being, of course, part of the UK rather than Britain. I’ve included the names’ meanings and, for some, the closest approximate pronunciation for each name.