New analysis has revealed the hidden gems for parents seeking alternative travel inspired names, and the countries with the most influence on modern UK names.
The research, conducted by name label manufacturer mynametags.com, explored the most recent ONS data to reveal the countries that have the most influence on UK baby names.
Unsurprisingly, Western Europe heavily dominates the UK’s naming charts. When looking at the top 100 baby names registered in 2024, Germanic roots lead the way at 20%. Latin and Italian names follow at 10.5%, followed by Greek names at 9%. Spanish and French names tie at 5% each.
Hebrew names are also strongly represented within the top 100, with choices like Noah and Evie proving a hit with UK parents. Traditional Eastern European names such as Mila and Roman were also wildly popular in 2024, as were notable Scandinavian favourites Freya and Kai.
Caption: 2024 ONS data has revealed that Western Europe heavily influences baby name popularity in the UK.
However, while admired names like Olivia or Arthur might feel quintessentially British, the core of UK baby naming trends is deeply multicultural. For parents looking to embrace this global influence without choosing a chart-topper, My Nametags has uncovered the ‘hidden’ international alternatives that are widely popular abroad but virtually unused in the UK.
The Wanderlust Hidden Gems
Frieda (German)
Meaning “Peace”, Frieda is a top 20 staple in Germany. Despite its international popularity, it saw only 18 registrations in England and Wales in 2024. It offers a beautiful alternative for parents loving the vintage revival trend of names like Freya or Florence.
Ginerva (Italian)
The Italian form of Guinevere meaning “White shadow” or “Fair one” is currently the number one girl’s name in Italy. However, it remains a true hidden gem in the UK with just 12 registrations in 2024. It taps into the current trend for romantic, multi-syllable names like Isabella.
Rosalía (Spanish)
This gorgeous Spanish name is an alternative to mainstream floral names like Lily or Poppy, with a lyrical flair. Meaning “Rose garden” or “Festival of Roses”, it’s also the name of a Spanish singer-songwriter and actress currently charting internationally. Despite this, only 0.002% of babies born in the UK were named Rosalía in 2024.
Ambre (French)
Meaning “Amber”, this is an incredibly chic French favourite. Unregistered in the UK in 2024 due to its distinct French spelling, it swaps out the popular English Amber for an elegant European variant, appealing to lovers of vintage nature and jewel names.
Ansel (German)
Meaning “With divine protection” or “Follower of a nobleman”, Ansel is a German classic. Despite its rich heritage, it saw zero registrations in England and Wales in 2024. It taps directly into the popular vintage aesthetic, offering a unique and sophisticated alternative that fits perfectly alongside the current British revival of traditional names like Arthur or Alfred.
Tommaso (Italian)
A traditional, rhythmic Italian classic meaning “Twin”, Tommaso replaces the mainstream English Thomas with a passionate, European style. It remains a rare find in the UK, with only 0.003% of babies born in 2024 registered with the name. It also shortens to the popular nickname Tommy, making it familiar yet distinct.
Lucía (Spanish)
Meaning “Light”, Lucía has a melodic, Mediterranean phonetic appeal. Despite its immense popularity abroad, it recorded zero registrations in England and Wales in 2024. The Spanish accented version of Lucia offers a unique alternative to similar-sounding UK favourites like Lucy or Luna.
Raphaël (French)
Raphaël carries effortless Parisian sophistication and artistic prestige. Meaning “God heals”, the name was used zero times in the UK in 2024 due to its distinct accented spelling. It can be easily shortened to ‘Raffy’, structurally aligning with popular soft-sounding boys’ names like Gabriel or Theo.
“We’ve been supporting parents in the UK for more than 20 years, and we have a front row seat to how beautifully diverse British naming trends have become,” says Lars B. Andersen, Managing Director at mynametags.com.
“Our analysis shows that the quintessential British baby name is actually a wonderful melting pot of global influences, dominated heavily by Germanic, Hebrew, and Latin roots. However, because names like Amelia and Noah are so popular, many parents are looking further afield for something truly unique. We hope that our list of hidden continental gems provides name inspiration for parents who want a name with rich heritage that still stands out.”
Discover the full list of wanderlust names and explore the interactive world map here.
Methodology
The data was analysed by mynametags.com using ONS baby name data from 2024. The ‘Hidden Gem’ names were identified as high-ranking or culturally significant names in their countries of origin that were registered 50 times or fewer in the UK ONS data for the same period.
