In Old English times, parents were inspired by gardens, resulting in names like Rose, Violet, and Holly. Places and geographical features also supplied British parents with immense possibilities for names such as Devon, River, or Brooks. Meanwhile, occupation-based names such as Mason and Carter are popular even today. We’ve compiled a list of 50 timeless baby names with English origins to consider for your baby on the way.

Ashlee

Origin: Modern English Meaning: Meadow of ash trees Alternative Spellings & Variations: Ashley, Ashleigh, Ashlie, Ashlyn, Ashlynn, Ashlea Famous Namesakes: American singer, Ashlee Simpson; American fiction writer, Ashlee Adams Crews Peak Popularity: The name Ashlee has not been in America’s top 1,000 most popular names since 2010. However, its variant Ashley ranked No. 154 in 2020.

Avery

Origin: English, FrenchMeaning: Ruler of the elvesAlternative Spellings & Variations: Averie, AveriFamous Namesakes: American actress, Avery Clyde; Canadian television journalist, Avery HainesPeak Popularity: For American girls, Avery has gradually been growing in popularity since 2000, with peak popularity in 2013.

Bethany

Origin: English, HebrewMeaning: Place of figsAlternative Spellings & Variations: Bethanie, Bethney, Beth, Bethenny, Bethonie, Bethania (Spanish)Famous Namesakes: American actress, Bethany Joy Lenz; English stand-up comedian, Bethany BlackPeak Popularity: It was the 59th most popular name for girls in England and Wales in 2010, and 11th most popular in 1999. In 2020 the name was ranked 603.

Charmaine

Origin: English, Greek, LatinMeaning: Charm, Bountiful orchard, SingerAlternative Spellings & Variations: Charmine, Charmane, Charmene, Sharmaine, CharmianFamous Namesakes: Canadian soccer player, Charmaine Hooper; Australian Paralympic athlete, Charmaine CreePeak Popularity: The name was most popular in England and Wales in 1996, when it ranked No. 319 in the charts. In the U.S., Charmaine was most popular in 1952 and was last seen in the top 1,000 names in 1993.

Deonne

Origin: Old English, GreekMeaning: Valley, Church leader, Follower of DionysiusAlternative Spellings & Variations: Deanna, Deonna, Deondra, Deona, DionneFamous Namesakes: Australian archer, Deonne Bridger; American singer and actress, Dionne WarwickPeak Popularity: The name Deonne does is not featured in the top 1,000 names in the U.S.

Elvina

Origin: Old EnglishMeaning: Elf, Magical creature, FriendAlternative Spellings & Variations: Alvina, Alveena, Elvena, Elvene, Elvenia, Elvinia, Elvyra, ElveenaFamous Namesakes: Italian opera singer, Elvina Ramella; American entrepreneur, Elvina BeckPeak Popularity: Elvina was in the top 1,000 names between 1900 and 1923, with peak popularity in 1902.

Felicity

Origin: English, LatinMeaning: Happiness, luck, good fortuneAlternative Spellings & Variations: Felicia, Felicidad (Spanish), Felicita (Italian), Félicité (French), Felizitas (German)Famous Namesakes: English actress, Felicity Jones; British film producer, Felicity DahlPeak Popularity: Felicity was the 97th most popular name for girls born in England and Wales in 2016. In the U.S. it was most popular in 2017, ranking at 345.

Georgia

Origin: English, Latin, GreekMeaning: FarmerAlternative Spellings & Variations: Georgiana, Georgina, GeorgeannaFamous Namesakes: American artist, Georgia O’Keeffe; English fashion model and designer, Georgia May JaggerPeak Popularity: Georgia reached its top rank at No. 10 in 1997 in England and Wales. In the U.S., Georgia ranked No. 176 in 2020.

Hazel

Origin: Old EnglishMeaning: The hazelnut treeAlternative Spellings & Variations: Hazell, Hazelle, Hazal, HazleFamous Namesakes: English actress, Hazel Court; American chemist and inventor, Hazel Gladys Bishop; Australian author, Hazel EdwardsPeak Popularity: The name steadily dropped in popularity from 1954, but since 2009 it has been rising up the ranks in the U.K. It was most popular in 1907 in the U.S. and featured in the top 50 names since 2017. It ranked at No. 31 in 2020.

Ivy

Origin: Old EnglishMeaning: Evergreen climbing plant, A symbol of fidelity and faithfulnessAlternative Spellings & Variations: IvieFamous Namesakes: American author, Ivy Ruckman; Duchess of Portland, Ivy Cavendish-Bentinck; American actress, singer, and voice-over artist, Ivy AustinPeak Popularity: Ivy first reached the top 200 names for girls in England and Wales in 1880. It featured in the top 50 girl names for 2020 announced by The Telegraph. In the U.S., the name Ivy was most popular in 2020, when it ranked at No. 58. The name Ivy has featured in the top 500 names since 1995.

Jemma

Origin: English, Italian,Meaning: Jewel (Italian)Alternative Spellings & Variations: GemmaFamous Namesakes: English actress, Jemma McKenzie-Brown; English actress, Jemma RedgravePeak Popularity: The name was most popular in England, Wales, and Australia during the 1990s and early 2000s. It has only recently been used in the U.S., with 2018 being its most popular year ranked at 528.

Kellsie

Origin: EnglishMeaning: Victorious shipAlternative Spellings & Variations: Kelsey, Kelsie, Kellsey, Kelsa, Kelcy, KelcieFamous Namesakes: Professional basketball player, Kelsey Plum; American actress, Kelsey AsbillePeak Popularity: The name Kellsie does not appear on any historical charts as it is a modern variant of the name Kelsey, which featured at no. 87 in 1998 for girls in England and Wales. Kelsey reached its peak popularity in Scotland that same year, ranking at No. 66. In the U.S. it ranked at No. 527 in 2020.

Lily

Origin: English Meaning: Lily flower; Innocence, Purity, Beauty, God is gracious Alternative Spellings & Variations: Lilybell, Lilli, Lilly, Lillie, Lillian Famous Namesakes: English Singer, Lily Allen; American actress and comedian, Lily Tomlin; British fashion model, Lily Cole Peak Popularity: In England and Wales, the name ranked No. 9 in 2019. In the U.S., the name Lily has featured in the top 50 girl names since 2005. Its most popular year was 2011.

Madeline

Origin: English, Hebrew, GreekMeaning: High tower, Woman from Magdala (Hebrew), Child of light (Greek)Alternative Spellings & Variations: Madeleine (French), Madalyn, Madelyn, Madelynn, MagdaleneFamous Namesakes: American actress, Madeline Zima; American actress and comedian, Madeline Kahn; English actress, Madeline DugganPeak Popularity: The popularity of the name Madeline has been dropping since 2003 in England and Wales, when it was ranked No. 110. Its variant Madeleine peaked in 2005, when it was ranked No. 64. In the U.S., both names have appeared in the top 500 for three decades, with Madeline being the more popular variation.

Maisie

Origin: English, ScottishMeaning: PearlAlternative Spellings & Variations: Maisy, Mazie, Maisey, MaiseeFamous Namesakes: English actress, Maisie Williams; French Resistance fighter, Maisie RenaultPeak Popularity: Maisie was the 40th most popular name of 2020 in the U.K. It seems to be catching on in the U.S. too. It has featured in the top 500 names in the U.S. since 2018.

Natalie

Origin: English, FrenchMeaning: Birthday of the Lord, Christmas DayAlternative Spellings & Variations: Natalia, Nathalie, Natalee, Nataleah, Nataleigh, Nathaly, Natali, NatFamous Namesakes: Australian-British singer-songwriter, Natalie Imbruglia; American actress, Natalie PortmanPeak Popularity: Natalie was most popular in the U.K. between 1980 and 1990 and currently features in the top 500 names. In the U.S., the name is extremely popular with peak popularity in 2008. Currently, Natalie sits at No. 51.

Olivia

Origin: English, LatinMeaning: Olive treeAlternative Spellings & Variations: Alivia, Olyvia, Livia, Olive (French), Olivie (Czech)Famous Namesakes: American actress, Olivia Wilde; British biologist, Olivia Judson; British-Australian singer, songwriter, and actress, Olivia Newton-JohnPeak Popularity: Olivia is an extremely popular name in the U.K. ranking in the top 10 since 2000. In the U.S. the trend is similar, with the name reaching peak popularity in 2020 at No. 1.

Peyton

Origin: English, LatinMeaning: Fighting man’s estate, NobleAlternative Spellings & Variations: PaytonFamous Namesakes: American actress, Peyton ListPeak Popularity: This unisex name is quite popular in the U.K. It moved into the top 1,000 names for girls in 2008 and peaked in 2010 at No. 254. In the U.S. the name has been gaining popularity since 1992. It was most popular in 2009, ranking at No. 42.

Poppy

Origin: English, LatinMeaning: Red flower ‘poppy’Alternative Spellings & Variations: N/AFamous Namesakes: Australian-American actress, Poppy Montgomery; English model and actress Poppy DelevingnePeak Popularity: Poppy was the 13th most popular girl name in 2016 in England and Wales, and ranked in the top 50 names in Scotland in 2020. In the U.S., the name was not in the top 1,000 names till 2016. Since then it has climbed into the top 500 in 2019 and 2020.

Rose

Origin: English, Latin, French Meaning: Fragrant flower ‘rose’ Alternative Spellings & Variations: Rosa, Rosabel, Rosabella, Roseanne, Rosalie (French) Famous Namesakes: Australian actress, Rose Byrne; American philanthropist, Rose Kennedy; American actress, Rose McGowan Peak Popularity: The name ranked at No. 56 in England and Wales in 2019. In the U.S. it was most popular in 1913. More recently, it has featured in the top 200 names since 2014.

Scarlett

Origin: English, Arabic, FrenchMeaning: Scarlet or bright red (French), One who makes scarlet cloth (Arabic)Alternative Spellings & Variations: Scarlet, ScarletteFamous Namesakes: American actress, Scarlett Johansson; English actress, Scarlett Alice JohnsonPeak Popularity: Scarlett has featured in the top 50 names in the U.K. since 2005. Scarlett has been a popular name in the U.S. since the early 2000s. The name is currently ranked at No. 21 in the U.S.

Tiffany

Origin: English, GreekMeaning: Revelation of God, Born on the day of the festival EpiphanyAlternative Spellings & Variations: Tiffiny, Tiffani, Tiffaney, Tiffanie, Tiffney, Tiffiney, TiphanieFamous Namesakes: American actress, comedian, and author, Tiffany Haddish; American figure skater, Tiffany ScottPeak Popularity: Tiffany was a popular name in the late 90s in the UK but has dropped in popularity over the years. However, it still featured in the top 1,000 names in 2019. In the U.S., Tiffany had the height of its popularity between the mid-70s and the mid-90s, peaking in 1988.

Violet

Origin: English, LatinMeaning: Purple, FlowerAlternative Spellings & Variations: Violetta, Violette, Viola (Italian and Scandinavian)Famous Namesakes: Irish author, Violet Florence Martin; Australian-British actress, Violet HopsonPeak Popularity: Violet was an extremely popular name in the U.K. in the early 1900s, and over the past decade, it seems to be making a comeback. It featured in the top 100 names in 2019 and 2020 and is trending for 2021. The U.S. has shown a similar trend since the 1900s. The name Violet was most popular in 2019 and ranked at No. 37 in 2020.

Willow

Origin: EnglishMeaning: Willow tree, FreedomAlternative Spellings & Variations: WilloFamous Namesakes: American singer, rapper, and actress, Willow Smith; American actress, Willow ShieldsPeak Popularity: In England and Wales, Willow has featured in the top 100 girl names since 2011. It is also a popular name in Australia and Canada. The name has been steadily climbing the charts in the U.S. since 1998. Currently, it is ranked at No. 48.

Yetta

Origin: Old English, Old German, YiddishMeaning: Ruler of the household, Light (Yiddish)Alternative Spellings & Variations: Yette, Etta, HenriettaFamous Namesakes: Puerto Rican actress, Yetta Gottesman; Yiddish movie star, Yetta ZwerlingPeak Popularity: Yetta is an unusual name in the U.K. and was more prominent during the 1800s and 1900s. In the U.S. the name was predominantly used in the early 1900s and was most popular in 1913. Currently, it does not feature in the top 1,000 girl names.

Acton

Origin: Old EnglishMeaning: Village with oak trees, oak tree settlementAlternative Spellings & Variations: N/AFamous Namesakes: British barrister and Liberal Party politician, Acton Smee AyrtonPeak Popularity: Acton is a historical name that first arose amongst the Anglo-Saxon tribes of Britain and was mostly used as a surname back then. Currently, it is a unique first name for boys in the U.K. and is not ranked in the U.S.

Archie

Origin: English, ScottishMeaning: Archer, Bold, BraveAlternative Spellings & Variations: ArchibaldFamous Namesakes: American jazz saxophonist, Archie Shepp; American professional boxer Archie Moore; son of Prince Harry and Meghan, Archie Mountbatten-WindsorPeak Popularity: The name has been featuring in the top 100 boy names in the U.K. since 2000 and has been in the top 20 names since 2013. In the U.S. the name featured in the top 500 names from 1900 through 1972. It returned to the top 500 in 2020.

Braxton

Origin: Old EnglishMeaning: Badger; From Bracca’s TownAlternative Spellings & Variations: BraxFamous Namesakes: American football player, Braxton MillerPeak Popularity: In the U.S. the name has only started gaining popularity since 1985 reaching peak popularity in 2017 at No. 118. Currently, it is ranked at No. 132. In England and Wales, Braxton briefly reached the top 500 names in 2013.

Colton

Origin: Old EnglishMeaning: Coal town or settlement, SwarthyAlternative Spellings & Variations: Colten, KoltonFamous Namesakes: American singer-songwriter, Colton Dixon; American actor, Colton Haynes; Canadian former professional ice hockey player, Colton OrrPeak Popularity: Colton is quite a popular name in the U.K. In the U.S. the name has been in the top 100 boy names since 2008, with peak popularity in 2019.

Dean

Origin: EnglishMeaning: From the valley, A church officialAlternative Spellings & Variations: Dane, DeneFamous Namesakes: American singer, actor, and comedian Dean Martin; American actor and television show host, Dean CainPeak Popularity: The name featured in the top 100 names in England and Wales from the late 1960s to the late 1990s.

Everett

Origin: Old English, GermanMeaning: Brave as a wild boarAlternative Spellings & Variations: Everette, Everitt, Everet, Everrett, Evert, Evrett, Everard, RhettFamous Namesakes: American professional baseball player, Everett Scott; American actor, Everett McGillPeak Popularity: In the U.S. Everett has been a popular name since 1900, with peak popularity in 1906. Since 2018 it has featured in the top 100 boy names.

Ellis

Origin: English, WelshMeaning: BenevolentAlternative Spellings & Variations: ElisFamous Namesakes: British director and actor, Ellis Jones; British speedway rider, Ellis Perks; American talk show host and TV personality Ellis CannonPeak Popularity: The name has been ranking in the top 100 boy names in England and Wales since 2014. In the U.S. Ellis has been a popular name since 1900, peaking in 1902, and was featured in the top 500 boy names for many of those years. Currently, it sits at No. 325.

Fletcher

Origin: English, Scottish, IrishMeaning: Arrow makerAlternative Spellings & Variations:Famous Namesakes: British artist, Fletcher Sibthorp; American landscape architect, Fletcher Steele; American sculptor, and painter, Fletcher BentonPeak Popularity: The name is quite popular in the U.K., ranking at No. 293 in 2019. It was most popular in 1900 in the U.S. and has been predominantly featured in the top 1,000 names through 2020.

Grayson

Origin: EnglishMeaning: Son of a bailiff, Son of a steward, To shineAlternative Spellings & Variations: GreysonFamous Namesakes: British sprint canoer and Olympian, Grayson Bourne; English contemporary artist, Grayson PerryPeak Popularity: The name Grayson has been popular since 2019 in England and Wales, listed in the top 100 boy names. In the U.S. the name has been steadily climbing the ranks, with 2018 being its most popular year. Currently, it ranks at No. 35 while the alternate spelling of Greyson is at No. 81.

Harlow

Origin: Old EnglishMeaning: Rock hill, Army hillAlternative Spellings & Variations:Famous Namesakes: American scientist and astronomer, Harlow Shapley; American real estate investor, Harlow CurtisPeak Popularity: This gender-neutral name has been gaining popularity in England and Wales in the past decade—it has featured in the top 500 boy names since 2013. In the U.S. it is predominantly used as a girl name and is not so popular as a boy name. It has not featured in the top 1,000 boy names since 1936.

Jaxon

Origin: English, AmericanMeaning: Son of JackAlternative Spellings & Variations: Jackson, Jaxson, Jack, JaxFamous Namesakes: American artist, Jackson Pollock; American actor, Jackson Rathbone; American voice-actor, Jaxon LeePeak Popularity: A variant of the classic name Jackson, this name has been rising fast in the popularity charts both in the U.K. and the U.S. It features in the top 50 names in England and Wales. In the U.S. the name Jaxon entered the top 1,000 in 1997 and is currently ranked at No. 48.

Jameson

Origin: English, Scottish, IrishMeaning: Son of JamesAlternative Spellings & Variations: Jamieson. JamisenFamous Namesakes: British Antarctic explorer, Jameson Adams; American country musician, Jameson Rodgers; Canadian-American professional baseball player, Jameson TaillonPeak Popularity: Jameson is a popular name in the U.K., featuring in the top 1,500 since 2008. It has also been in the top 1,000 boy names in the U.S. since 1969. It was most popular in 2019 at No. 77.

Knox

Origin: English, ScottishMeaning: Small hill (Scottish), Round-topped hill (English)Alternative Spellings & Variations: N/AFamous Namesakes: American painter, sculptor, and muralist Knox MartinPeak Popularity: The surname Knox has been around since the 13th century in the U.K. As a first name it has been gaining popularity over a decade or so, and from 2012 to 2018 it was positively climbing the charts. In the U.S., it made its appearance in the top 1,000 boy names in 2009, with peak popularity in 2018. Currently, it ranks at No. 236.

Landon

Origin: EnglishMeaning: Long hillAlternative Spellings & Variations: Langdon, Landen, Landyn, Landin, LandanFamous Namesakes: American professional soccer player, Landon Donovan; American basketball player, Landon TurnerPeak Popularity: Landon reached its peak popularity in the U.K. in 2006, ranking No. 914. In the U.S. it entered the top 200 in 2000, and by 2010 it was the 33rd most popular boy name. Currently, it ranks at No. 68.

Milo

Origin: English, Old German, LatinMeaning: SoldierAlternative Spellings & Variations: Miles, Myles, MyloFamous Namesakes: American actor, Milo Ventimiglia; Irish actor, Milo O’SheaPeak Popularity: Milo was touted as No. 108 on the list of most popular boy names in England and Wales in 2019. That same year in the U.S., it ranked No. 162.

Nash

Origin: EnglishMeaning: By the ash treeAlternative Spellings & Variations: N/AFamous Namesakes: American Internet personality, Nash Grier; prominent Australian jockey, Nash RawillerPeak Popularity: Nash entered the American popularity charts in 1997. Its popularity has been growing since 2004, reaching peak popularity in 2020 when it ranked at No. 240. In the U.K., its popularity has fallen since 1997.

Oscar

Origin: Old English, Irish, Old Norse Meaning: Friend to the deer, Spear of the gods Alternative Spellings & Variations: Óscar (Portuguese, Spanish), Oskar (Swedish, Norwegian, Danish, German) Famous Namesakes: Irish poet and playwright, Oscar Wilde; Guatemalan-American actor, Oscar Isaac Peak Popularity: Oscar is an extremely popular name in the U.K. featuring in the top 10 names in 2019 and 2020. In the U.S. the name has maintained its popularity since 1900. In 2020, it ranked at No. 215.

Preston

Origin: Old EnglishMeaning: Priest’s townAlternative Spellings & Variations: N/AFamous Namesakes: American playwright, screenwriter, and film director, Preston Sturges; Scottish aviation pioneer, Preston WatsonPeak Popularity: Preston has maintained a good presence in the top 1,000 boy names in America since the 1900s. After a slight dip in the 1970s, the name has been steadily gaining popularity, often ranking in the top 200 names. In the U.K. the name has featured in the top 500 since 2006.

Parker

Origin: Old EnglishMeaning: Park keeperAlternative Spellings & Variations: ParkeFamous Namesakes: American actor, Parker Stevenson; American professional stock car racing driver, Parker KligermanPeak Popularity: This name is almost as popular for girls as it is for boys. Parker has ranked in the top 200 names for boys in the U.K since 2014. The name started getting popular in 1978 in the U.S. and has been steadily climbing the ranks. Its most popular year was 2015 ranked at No. 72. Currently, it features in the top 100 boy names.

Ryder

Origin: Old EnglishMeaning: Mounted warrior, Knight, Messenger, Horseman, RiderAlternative Spellings & Variations: RiderFamous Namesakes: Canadian professional racing cyclist, Ryder Hesjedal; American science fiction author, Ryder WindhamPeak Popularity: Ryder is a more favored spelling than Rider in the U.S. In 1994 it entered the top 1,000. In 2014, the name’s most popular year, Ryder jumped into the top 100 boy names. Currently, it ranks at No. 108. In the U.K., it has been in the top 500 names since 2018.

Sheldon

Origin: Old EnglishMeaning: Valley with steep sidesAlternative Spellings & Variations: Shelden, SheldinFamous Namesakes: Nobel Prize-winning American theoretical physicist, Sheldon Lee Glashow; American film and television actor, Sheldon LeonardPeak Popularity: Sheldon was a popular name in the 1900s, featuring in the top 500 American boy names from 1915 to 1997 (1982 was the only exception with a rank of No. 513). Since the 90s, Sheldon has fallen on the popularity charts and was last on the charts in 2012 at No. 941. In England and Wales, Sheldon only made it on the charts between 1996 and 1999.

Tanner

Origin: Old English Meaning: Leather maker, One who tans hides Alternative Spellings & Variations: N/A Famous Namesakes: American professional racing driver, Tanner Foust; American singer-songwriter, Tanner Patrick Peak Popularity: Tanner first appeared on the U.S. charts in 1976 and steadily climbed the charts to enter the Top 100 names in 1993. In 1998, it reached peak popularity, and Tanner currently features in the top 500 names.

Tucker

Origin: Old English, Irish, German, Old DutchMeaning: One who softens the fabric, Cloth-maker (German), To tug sharply (Old Dutch)Alternative Spellings & Variations: TuckFamous Namesakes: American actor, dancer, and singer, Tucker Smith; American author and public speaker, Tucker MaxPeak Popularity: The name entered the U.S. charts for Top 1,000 boy names in 1978. Its popularity took off in the late 1980s, and by 2011 it was in the Top 200 names. In the U.K. the name has been getting increasingly popular since 2008.

Vance

Origin: Old EnglishMeaning: MarshlandAlternative Spellings & Variations: VanFamous Namesakes: Australian singer and songwriter, Vance Joy; American NASA astronaut, Vance BrandPeak Popularity: The name became popular in England in the 19th century and entered the U.S. charts in the 1900s, where it maintained its position. It was most popular in 1969. In recent years, the name has lost much of its popularity, ranking at No. 977 in 2020.