The longest English names. Most English Names

The name is the personal name of a person that is given to him at birth, this is a well-known fact. As a rule, when meeting a new person, we tell him our name, and the person names his. Why can we be interested and useful British and American names? In fact, everything is very simple. We read about such people in books and articles on the Internet, we watch English and American films. In this article, we will analyze the origin and compile a list of common female and male English and American names.

Origin

The traditions associated with English and American names are different from what we are used to. In English-speaking countries, a person's name consists of three components: the first (given name), the second (middle name) and the surname (surname). The role of the first and second can be traditional names and even surnames. In addition, diminutive forms are often used (for example, these are Americans known to all of us: Bill Clinton or Johnny Depp), even in an official setting.

The history of the origin of names always helps to learn more about the history of the country, its culture. In England, you can find names of Anglo-Saxon origin, biblical and imbued with Protestant culture (Faith-My-Joy, Everlasting-Mercy), borrowings from other cultures and customary individual names that any common noun can become today.

List of popular female names in the table

There are a lot of female and male names in English and they often intersect, so we have prepared for you a selection of 60 (30 male and 30 female) that can often be found in the UK. Many of them will be familiar for a long time, thanks to literature and English and American cinema.

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List of male names in a table

The most common female names

The modern English vocabulary of names is diverse and very rich. But among all this diversity there are those that are most common. In Russia, it is considered popular to call children Alexander, Maxim, Sophia and Maria, but what is the most common name for children in the UK? What names are considered beautiful and most loved by people who call British English native?

Some of these names have been in the top ten for many years, considered beautiful or even "classic", others come and go depending on the fashion. So, when Kate Middleton gave birth to son George in 2013, and daughter Charlotte Elizabeth Diana in 2015, these names immediately became very popular among the British population.

The most common male names

The most unusual male and female names

Unusual, and often even a little strange names, people give their children in English-speaking countries. We have selected for you a few examples that can be found in England and the USA.

Unusual male names

Unusual female names

Useful video on the topic:

What guides the inhabitants of "foggy Albion" when choosing a name for their son or daughter? Read about modern English "trends" in choosing names for newborns in our article. Bonus: 10 most British names for girls and 10 for boys.

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Fashion names

When the British Bureau for National Statistics published its annual report for 2014, an interesting fact caught the attention of experts: more and more parents are choosing a name for newborns influenced by pop culture, and above all modern TV shows.

The growing popularity of the Game of Thrones movie epic has given rise to a whole galaxy of new names - in the real, not fictional world. The character of Emilia Clarke gave a start to life to two names at once: title), and 9 more were given the name Daenerys (Daenerys).The name Arya Stark turned out to be even more popular: 244 families chose the name Arya for their daughters, but only 6 girls were named Sansa (Sansa).

British boys were also not spared by the new fashion: 2014 was a fruitful year for Tyrions (17) and Theons (18) - for comparison, in 2013 there were 6 and 11, respectively.

But Game of Thrones isn't the only series to inspire Britain's new parents. "Downton Abbey" revived a dozen names popular at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. Since the launch of the movie saga in 2010, the names Rose, Cora, Violet and Edith have grown in popularity. Hollywood is not far behind: the Disney cartoon “Frozen” sparked interest in the old-fashioned but charming name Elsa.

Fans of "Sherlock" also contribute to the "nominal statistics". And although no one was named Sherlock in 2014, 132 little Britons were named Benedict.

Meanwhile, heading the list of the most popular names in England and Wales Oliver (Oliver) and Amelia (Amelia) - however, as in previous years.

10 most British male names

Alastair, Alistair, Alistair - Alastair, Alistair

Meaning: protector

Scottish equivalent of the Greek name Alexander.

Fergus

Meaning: strong

A Scotch-Irish name, rather old-fashioned but colorful.

Crispin - Crispin

Meaning: curly (lat.)

Saint Crispin, the patron saint of shoemakers, is mentioned in Shakespeare's play Henry V. A beautiful English name, and most importantly, a rare one.

• If we are talking about Henry the Fifth, we strongly recommend watching the 1989 English film "Henry V: The Battle of Agincourt" with Kenneth Branagh in the title role. An amazingly dramatic film that is useful to watch in the original.

Ellis — Ellis

Meaning: benevolent

No, this is not a female name: Ellis is the Welsh version of the male Greek name Elias.

• Fun fact: Emilia Brontë wrote her Wuthering Heights under the pseudonym Ellis Bell.

Piers

Meaning: stone

Pierce is the first variant of the Greek name Peter to reach the English-speaking world at the time of the Norman invasion. Among the famous Pierces are Brosnan, Pierce Brosnan, the lead actor in four Bond films.

Conall - Conall

Meaning: strong wolf

The Scottish name Conall is a variant of the name Connor. Wolves hunt in packs - choosing this name, parents must hope that their offspring will always be surrounded by friends.

Kenzie

Meaning: fair-skinned

And although the meaning of this name refers to the color of the skin, Kenzi boys are often endowed with a special inner light that distinguishes them from their peers.

Euan, Ewan

Meaning: born of a yew tree; youth

Scottish version of the name John. Judging by Ewan McGregor, the owners of this name are very talented, but at the same time modest.

Lachlan

Meaning: Warrior from the Scottish lands

The most Scottish name imaginable. You should not be surprised if this child prefers a Scottish kilt to trousers from childhood.

10 most British female names

Amelia - Amelia

Meaning: work

The most popular British name of the previous year, in fact, is not a name at all. This word is a hybrid of the Latin Emilia (Emilia) and the German Amalia (Amalia), and the letter e in the middle of the word symbolizes good old England (England) :)

Gladys

Meaning: country; people

Welsh name, equivalent to Claudia (Claudia).

Myrtle - Myrtle, Myrtle

Meaning: bush

Someone somewhere in the mists of time decided to name his newborn daughter in honor of a flowering bush - anything can happen. Surprisingly, the name stuck and became quite popular in Britain.

Frideswide

Meaning: peaceful, calm

The name comes from the Old English Friðuswiþ, combining the words frið (peace) and swiþ (strong). Therefore, little Fridesvids (no matter how unusual this name may seem) show an enviable firmness of character with outward calm. Just like Saint Frideswide (by the way, a princess) who lived in the 8th century and founded the Church of Christ in Oxford.

Note: To be honest, this name is, of course, quite rare these days. But in the days of Queen Elizabeth, it was in the top 50 most popular female names.

Agatha - Agatha

Meaning: good, respectable

Agathos means "good" in Greek, which is why Agathos are good girls (literally). The name migrated to England in the 11th century with the Normans who venerated Saint Agatha, who lived in the 3rd century and was probably a very good girl. And then there is Agatha Christie - a very, very good girl.

Olivia - Olivia

Meaning: olive

The female version of the male name Oliver (Oliver), meaning an olive seller or just an olive, an olive. Some names do not need to look for subtext.

Boadicea (Boudicca)

Meaning: victory

The militant Boudicca is the queen of the Briton tribe of the Iceni, who raised an uprising against the Romans (the events are mentioned in the Annals of Tacitus). And although the uprising was crushed, the name of the warrior has survived for centuries.

Edith - Edith

Meaning: riches obtained in battle

The Old English word ead means riches or blessing, and gyth means struggle. A girl named by this name will excel in martial arts. An interesting fact: the wife of William the Conqueror was also called Edith. Edith the Conqueror :)

It is doubly difficult for the British to choose a name for a girl, since British girls' names consist of two first name and middle name. Important, of course, is the first name, since it is a personal name. It should be noted that the fashion for British girl names is changing every year, as there is an active mixing of several cultures, which was not the case in past centuries.

In 18th century Britain, the most popular female given names were Elizabeth, Mary and Anna. Almost every third newborn was named either Mary or Anna. At the same time, such female British names as Mary, Anna almost do not lose their popularity. Even now they are often used. But choosing the name of the girl, parents must understand that by doing so they determine her fate. If you want to have a girl with a warlike character, then we advise you to call her Alexa or Alexandrea, that is, the defender of humanity. And the names Gabby and Brill have a meaning - strong from God. The British name Claribel means bright and beautiful. When choosing a name, do not forget to take into account the consonance with the surname, while the name should be light and pleasant. Parents often make this mistake by calling their children complex names. As a result, the child has a difficult fate or a difficult character. Our list of British girl names will help you when choosing.

British girl names:

Aion - island

Loris - sadness

Aleta is true

Lou is a famous warrior

Alexa - protector of humanity

Maybelline is attractive

Aliz - noble look

Misi - pearls, honey bee

Amaranth - not disappearing

Madonna is my lady

Allin - bird

Margot - pearl

Annis - chaste, saint

Martha - lady

Alexandrea - protector of humanity

Mackenzie - pretty

Anetta - usefulness, grace

Morine - Beloved

Adrina - from Hadria

Makei - a gift from God

Alberta - bright nobility

Madeline - from Magdala

Annali - graceful meadow

Merrilin - beloved, lake

Azalea - dry

Monat - little noblewoman

Blanda - care

Modi - mighty in battle

Brianna - strength

Melloni - black, dark

Brill - strong from God

Melissa - honey bee

Bailey - Sheriff's Deputy

Monta - a sharp hill

Bekkai - luring into a trap

Nicolet - victory of the people

Bet - god - my oath

Nevaeh - heaven

Brooklyn - stream, stream

Natil - birthday

Bessie - god is my oath

Omega is the last child

Briar - thorny shrub

Prunella - a small plum

Britney - Little Britain

Prudence - careful

Belind is a beautiful snake

paisley - church

blondie - blonde

petunia - petunia

Belita - a bit of beauty

Rhona - wise ruler

Vega - fallen, attacking

Roxane - dawn

Wilma - helmet

Romei - rosemary (herb)

Winnie - holy agreed

Rebeccann - trapping

Valerie is strong

Rhona - wise ruler

Willow - willow

Rena - born again

Vanessa - revealed

Roni - bringing victory

Vendaya - girlfriend

Rose - raising

Ghislaine - pledge

Ruby - contemplative

Gaea - earth

Rinna is a maiden

Gabby is strong from God

Sarahjin - princess

Jonel - good god

Sam - Listening to God

Dorinda - a gift

Sabina - sweet

Destiny - destiny, prosperity

scarlet - scarlet

Jessa - god sees

Sammaya - God listened

Jewell is a gem

Starla is a star

Demi is an earth mother

Steph - crown

Divina - similar to a goddess

Sage - sage

Dewan - parishioner

Sayanna - to be old

Jazmine - jasmine flower

Celeste - heavenly

Jonah - good god

Sandy - Sunday

Desiri - Desired

Titania - from the titans

Justice - justice

Thea is a gift from God

Joanne - good god

Tessie the reaper

Gilbertine - pledge

Twila - dusk

George the peasant

Trisha - noblewoman

Dalinda - noble snake

Terry the reaper

Dolores - sadness

Teresa the reaper

Josie - multiplying

Temple - temples

Georgina - peasant woman

Tessa the reaper

Desira - desired

Tiler - roof

Yerline - noblewoman, princess

Teri the reaper

Janine - good god

Tibby - gazelle and bold

Zavanna - savannah

Tamsen - twin

Ilana - tree

Tresha - noblewoman

Indi - the land of the Hindus

Unag - hunger

Yvon - yew tree

fern - fern

Eline - bird

Flower - flower

Zella - zealous

Felicia - Lucky

Coretta - maiden or gorge

Flossy - flower

Kiseli - blind

Haven - shelter, refuge

Kaylin - girl

Hortens - garden

Kitty - immaculate, chaste

Hanna - kind, merciful

Claribel - bright and beautiful

Cheris - cherry

Karon - to love

Chelsea - landing place

Kayleigh is weird

Chantale - stone place

Katya - immaculate, chaste

Cherise - cherry

Kerry - Kiara's people

Cheryl - beloved

Connie - steady

Shanna - lily

Capucaine - nasturtium

Sha - like a hawk

Kelly - blonde

Shavon - good god

Curry is a man

Shari - beloved

Colleen - girl

Sharron - plain

Corrie is a maid

Shevawn - good god

Courtney - short nose

Chanel - good god

Keita - forest

Shena - good god

Kira - like the sun

Eivise - bird

Kaylich is weird

Ethel - noble

Caitlynn - Immaculate

Eldred - ancient meeting

Cameron - curved nose

Erma - whole

Lolly - babbling

Ezelinda - noble snake

Lilly - lily

Emmaya - whole, whole

Fox - god - my oath

Amy is very much loved

Latina - happiness

Elanor - light of the star

Lukinda - light

Ashley - Ash Grove

Lakeshia - cinnamon tree

Edwena - rich friend

Leontine - like a lion

Eugenia - well born

Lola - sadness

Yula - courteous

Letty - happiness

Eunice is a good win

So much is said about the culture or traditions of England, but it is quite rare to find out about English names. And the topic, by the way, is very entertaining. After all, the naming system is globally different from what we are used to.

If we have a first and last name, then in England it is somewhat different. They have a first name, a middle name, and a surname. In addition, in England it is considered normal to give diminutive forms of the name. For example, even in formal conversations, a person may be called Tony, although his full name sounds like Anthony. If desired, the child can be immediately recorded with a diminutive name and the state will not object. Moreover, almost any word or name can be taken as a name - for example, the name Brooklyn. But if we tried to name our son, for example, Novosibirsk, they would hardly give permission for this.

The system of English given names and surnames

Each of us is already accustomed to the fact that he is the bearer of the surname, name and patronymic. But such a scheme is not suitable for the British, their naming system is absolutely unusual and therefore curious. The main difference between our systems is the lack of a patronymic. Instead, they have a surname, a first name, and a middle name. Moreover, as any of these two names, an Englishman can carry the names of some stars or even his ancestors. Although there is no strict requirement that a person have only these three points. Any Englishman can give a child a name from several names or surnames. For example, if you want to name it in honor of the whole football team at once.

Such a tradition - to give a person a surname as a name, has come down to our days from noble families. Although the history of the English name system developed quite actively, borrowings were made from various countries, and names were also mixed from the Angles, Celtic tribes, Franco-Normans. Since the Anglo-Saxons initially had only one name, they tried to attach special importance to it. Therefore, in the composition of ancient names one could meet such words as wealth or health. Old English female names were most often composed using adjectives, the most common variation being Leof (dear, beloved). And after the Norman invasion of England, a surname was gradually added to the name, making it close to the name system that exists today. The old Anglo-Saxon names gradually began to disappear, and due to the influence of the Christian religion, Christian schools that opened everywhere actively stimulated the registration of newborns who received a name at baptism, so the names changed slightly: from Mary to Mary, from Jeanne to John.

Generator of English names and surnames

GENERATOR OF ENGLISH NAMES AND SURNAMES
(including Anglo-Irish and Anglo-Scottish surnames)

And here are the most common British names. For convenience, they are divided into parts of the country, because in each corner some individual names are most popular. Some of them are the same, some are different. Names are ranked by popularity.

England

Men's

1. Harry- Harry (a diminutive of Henry - rich, powerful)
2. Oliver- Oliver (from ancient German - army)
3. Jack- Jack (a diminutive of John, from Hebrew - Yahweh is merciful)
4. Charlie- Charlie (from ancient German - man, husband)
5. Thomas- Thomas (from ancient Greek - twin)
6. Jacob– Jacob (simplified version of the name James)
7. Alfie- Alfie (from Old English - advice)
8. Riley- Riley (from Irish - courageous)
9. William- William (from ancient German - desire, will)
10. James- James (from Hebrew - "holding on to the heel")

Women's

1. Amelia- Amelia (from ancient German - work, work)
2. Olivia- Olivia (from Latin - olive tree)
3. Jessica- Jessica (the exact meaning is unknown, perhaps the name comes from the biblical name Jescha)
4. Emily– Emily (the female form of the male name Emil is a rival)
5. Lily- Lily (from the English name for the lily flower)
6. Ava– Ava (a variant of the medieval English name Evelyn)
7. Heather- Heather (from English - heather)
8. Sophie- Sophie (from ancient Greek - wisdom)
9. Mia– Mia
10. Isabella- Isabella (Provencal version of the name Elizabeth)

Northern Ireland

Men's

1. Jack– Jack
2. James– James
3. Daniel– Daniel
4. Harry– Harry
5. Charlie– Charlie
6. Ethan– Ethan
7. Matthew- Matthew (from Hebrew - the gift of Yahweh)
8. Ryan– Ryan
9. Riley– Riley
10. noah– Noah

Women's

1. Sophie– Sophie
2. Emily– Emily
3. grace- Grace (from English - grace, grace)
4. Amelia– Amelia
5. Jessica– Jessica
6. Lucy- Lucy (from the male Roman name Lucius - light)
7. Sophia– Sofia (variant of the name Sophie)
8. Katie- Katy (from Greek - pure, thoroughbred)
9. Eva- Eve (from Hebrew - breathe, live)
10. Aoife- Ifa (from Irish - beauty)

Wales

Men's

1. Jacob– Jacob
2. Oliver– Oliver
3. Riley– Riley
4. Jack– Jack
5. Alfie– Alfie
6. Harry– Harry
7. Charlie– Charlie
8. Dylan- Dylan (according to Welsh mythology, that was the name of the God of the Sea)
9. William– William
10. mason– Mason (from a similar surname meaning “stone carving”)

Women's

1. Amelia– Amelia
2. Ava– Ava
3. Mia– Mia
4. Lily– Lily
5. Olivia– Olivia
6. ruby- Ruby (from English - ruby)
7. Seren- Serenus (from Latin - clear)
8. Evie– Evie (from the English surname Evelyn)
9. Ella- Ella (from ancient German - all, everything)
10. Emily– Emily

Modern English names

In English names, pet and diminutive forms are very common as official names. With us, such a form is allowed only with personal, close communication. For example, take at least people familiar to everyone - Bill Clinton or Tony Blair. They are called by such names even at world negotiations, and this is absolutely acceptable. Although in fact, Bill's full name is William, and Tony is Anthony. The British are allowed to register a newborn child, giving him a diminutive first or second name. Although there are no special prohibitions on choosing a name in English-speaking countries as such, it is possible to give a child a name after a city or district. So, for example, the star couple Beckham did, Victoria and David gave their son the name Brooklyn - it was in this area of ​​\u200b\u200bNew York that he was born.

Gradually, fashion began to change and names in English-speaking countries often began to be borrowed from different languages. Since the 19th century, many female names have appeared such as Ruby, Daisy, Beryl, Amber and others. Willingly used names originally from Spain or France - Michel, Angelina, Jacqueline. But the tendency of some people to give their children unusual names has not disappeared anywhere. Bill Simser, Vice President of Microsoft, named his daughter Vista Avalon. The first part of the name is in honor of Windows Vista, and the second part is in honor of the Avalon system code name. But director Kevin Smith decided to name his daughter Harley Quinn at all - that was the name of the girl from the comics about Batman.

By the way, not every owner likes such unusual names. Many children are embarrassed by this and look forward to coming of age to officially change their name. Little Pixie Geldof, who is the daughter of musician Bob Geldof, was very shy about the prefix "little" at the beginning of her name and chose to call herself simply Pixie in her adult life. But what a resident of New Zealand, whose name is Bus No. 16, will do with his name is even hard to imagine. The fantasies of his parents can only be envied.