Why are baby-name lists so irresistible?
Because each name is a tiny cultural fairy light: hinting at the shows we binge, the migrations that reshape our neighbourhoods, and the old traditions we choose to revive.
Individually the choices seem personal, but together they sketch a fuzzy yet revealing portrait of who we are right now.
This visualization, via Visual; Capitalist's Pallavi Rao, ranks the thirty most popular names for boys registered in England and Wales last year, spotlighting newcomers and chart-toppers alike.
Data for this visualization comes from Office for National Statistics’ birth-registration records released on 31st July, 2025.
Common spelling variations of names are listed separately.
Muhammad recorded 5,721 registrations in 2024, making it the most popular boys’ name for the second consecutive year.
Named in 2024
Since 2014
That’s a climb of 13 spots compared to 2014 and reflects both the name’s cultural resonance and the UK’s increasing diversity.
Mohammed—an alternative spelling—also made the list at #21, underscoring the name’s combined dominance.
Muslim parents keep picking Muhammad (or Mohammad) for three simple reasons.
First, it honors the Prophet. Second, it slots neatly into double-barrel names—think “Mohammad Ali” or “Mohammad Yusuf.” Third, it travels well.
The name serves as a cultural passport, instantly understood in Lagos, London, or Lahore.
Fact: Second-ranked Noah and Oliver are also popular choices in America.
Meanwhile, traditional English names are enjoying a renaissance, compared to their popularity a decade ago.
Arthur rose 37 places to reach #4, while Theodore leaped 51 places to land in the top 10.
Parents are clearly rediscovering Edwardian-era charm: Leo, Henry, and Oscar all held on to top-tier positions, proving that classic picks can still feel fresh.
Three names posted significant jumps versus a decade ago.
Arlo (a name that dates back to the Middle Ages) rocketed 126 places to #15, Albie climbed 98 places to #19, and Rory long-jumped 63 places into the top 25.
On the flip side, former favorites such as Jacob (down 26 spots) and Jack (down 20) continued their gentle slide, showing how fast-moving pop-culture references and changing tastes reshape naming charts each year.
If you enjoyed today’s post, check out ???? From John to Jayden: How Names Have Changed for American Boys Since the 1880s on Voronoi, the new app from Visual Capitalist.