Choosing a name for your new baby can be such a difficult task. Isn’t there just so much pressure to get it right?! Choosing a baby name out of the many that you and your partner actually can agree on, and one that your child won’t begrudge you for. Yes that’s right, a name that will be with your new bub for life… no pressure.

There are so many factors to consider. Do you stick with tradition or go with a modern, unique name? Do you use a family name or use a name that focuses more on the name meaning? Or do you just know and have always known? I’m already feeling overwhelmed!

To make your life a little easier and share some popular baby names trending elsewhere in the world, we are sharing with you what the UK predicts will be the top trends in baby names for 2018 and their meaning.

Over the last few years more and more new parents are returning to traditional names with the top girls and boys names, Ella and Liam remaining the same for some time. The world is still a buzz with the news of the royal engagement of Harry and Meghan in late 2017, this always brings trends back to traditional. Oh and who isn’t still in love with the most adorable royal siblings Prince George and Princess Charlotte?

Top Girl Names

1. Emma – meaning whole or universal. This traditional name has made a resurgence along with the popularity of celebrity actresses Emma Blunt and Emma Stone.
2. Charlotte – of French origin and meaning free man or petite. A very old world name perfect for your little princess.
3. Sadie – originally a nickname for Sarah meaning princess and derived from the biblical wife of Abraham. Sadie is now a popular name in its own right.
4. Violet – another French name derived from the beautiful tiny purple flower. This name has existed since the middle ages and became common in the middle of the 19^th century as flower names became popular.
5. Kennedy – originally an Irish name meaning helmeted chief. This name is a great unisex choice. Undecided and not sure what sex you are having this is the one to pick.
6. Savannah – of Spanish origin meaning treeless plain. Last year came in at 41 this year the sky’s the limit.
7. Penelope – or Greek origins and meaning bobbin. Penelope saw a surge of popularity in 2016, perhaps connected to Kourtney Kardashian’s daughter.
8. Victoria – of Latin origin and meaning victory or conquer. A truly royal name fit for the queen in your life.
9. Ellie – of Hebrew origins and was the nickname for Eleanor and means God is my light. It has become a popular short name but perhaps a bit more unique than Ella.
10. Hazel – of Old English heritage and connected to the colour and tree. Yes this name is a strong name and is fast climbing in popularity.

Top Boy Names

1. Finn – of Irish origins meaning “Fair”. You will hear this in every playground and to me it sounds just how you would like your little boy to be.
2. Jack – with origins in the middle ages Jack a diminutive of John meaning “man”. Has continued to soar in popularity over past years and is set to again.
3. Atticus – originally an old Roman nickname meaning “Man of Attica” the region surrounding Athens. The popularity of this name surged with the release of “To Kill a Mockingbird” in 1960.
4. Oliver – no surprise here to learn that Oliver is an English name connected to the Olive Tree. In biblical terms the Olive tree represents fruitfulness, dignity and beauty. Oliver topped the list of boy’s names in 2016.
5. Theodore – or Greek origins meaning “God’s Gift”. Theodore climbed the charts last year and with a nickname like Teddy who could resist.
6. Reuban – of Hebrew origins meaning “Behold a Son”. From the biblical firstborn son of Jacob in the Old Testament.
7. Dylan – of Welsh origins meaning “Son of the wave”. This hip, rock star name had a resurgence in popularity last year and is set to continue.
8. Corin – of Latin origin meaning ‘spear’. Is the name to watch this year for both boys and girls.
9. Adam – A biblical, strong and classic name where according to the Old Testament Adam was created “from the earth”. Always a popular choice.
10. Alexander – of Greek origins and meaning “Defender of Men”. George and Amal Clooney named their baby boy Alexander in 2017. This strong name is ideal for your little warrior.

So tell us what you prefer. Would you go with a traditional name, or a modern name?