The most popular English names and surnames. List of the most common names and surnames of men in America

As you know, the names English speaking countries are not built according to the usual formula “last name, first name, patronymic”. They can consist of two words (John Smith), three or more words (James Peter Williams), they have Junior or Senior additions (Walter White Jr., Walter White Sr) and other features. In this article, you will learn how English names are arranged, as well as which names and surnames are the most popular in the USA and England, and how this popularity has changed over the course of a century.

What is the name made of?

If we talk about names around the world, then their structure is very different in different countries. The most common, inherent in many cultures, elements of the name are personal name (personal name) and surname, family name (surname, last name, family name). The personal name is given at birth, while the family name is inherited as a common name for the family.

In many cultures, there are names derived from the names of the parents, usually from the name of the father, as a patronymic (patronymic), but sometimes also from the name of the mother (matronymic). In the Scandinavian countries there were no surnames, there were only given names and patronymics. In Norway, surnames were officially introduced from 1923, and in Iceland, surnames are not used until now. In fact, in Iceland, patronymics are used as surnames - the name of the father (less often the mother) with the suffix “son” (son) or “dottir” (daughter), for example: Björk Guðmundsdóttir, literally: Björk, daughter of Guðmundur (Guðmundur).

If we talk about England and the USA, then they often use middle name(middle name) - this is the main feature of the names in these countries.

Middle name (Middle Name) in England and the USA

The middle or middle name (middle name) can be given in honor of a saint, relative, family friend, famous person, in fact - in honor of anyone, but more often in honor of a relative, ancestor or saint (in Catholic families). A person may have more than one middle name (Hillary Diane Rodham Clinton) or none at all (James Bond) is an optional name element.

In the USA, the middle name means that part of the name that is between the personal name (first name) and the surname (last name), even if it is actually not a middle name, but, for example, a patronymic (Igor Petrovich Belov).

The middle name in the United States is usually abbreviated in writing (middle initial), for example: Mary Lee Bianchi - Mary L. Bianchi. In the UK, it is customary to write either without a middle name (Mary Bianchi), or abbreviate everything except the surname (M. L. Bianchi), or write in full (Mary Lee Bianchi).

Sometimes there are cases when a person prefers to use the middle name as the main one. In the United States, in this case, the first name is abbreviated. For example, Edgar Hoover's real name was John, and Edgar is his middle name. His full name sounds like John Edgar Hoover, and abbreviated as J. Edgar Hoover. Sometimes the first name is simply omitted, not used, as in the case of the writer Harper Lee. Harper is her middle name, and her personal name is Nell: Nelle Harper Lee.

In rare cases, a person does not have a full middle name, but only an initial that cannot be deciphered in any way. An example is Harry Truman. His full name is spelled Harry S. Truman, while the "S" is not deciphered. On one occasion, Truman even told reporters that for this reason, "S" should be written without a dot, since it is essentially a full name, not an abbreviation.

There can be two middle names. Such long names are more common among the privileged strata of society, especially in England, such as John Ronald Reuel Tolkien. If the first middle name is usually someone's personal name, such as Leslie William Nielsen (William is obviously someone's first name), then the second middle name is often someone's last name. Men can lengthen their middle name with their mother's maiden name, and women with their maiden name. For example, Hillary Clinton was Hillary Diane Rodham before marriage, after marriage she left her maiden name as part of her middle name and became Hillary Diane Rodham Clinton.

What does Junior or Senior mean after the name

If the son's name is exactly the same as the father's name, the word "Junior" (younger) may be added to the son's name, and "Senior" to the father's name to make it easier to distinguish between them. "Junior \ Senior" can be used both officially, in documents, and informally. In the US, these words are abbreviated as Jr. and Sr. (Jnr., Snr. in the UK), for example: Walter White Jr., Walter White Sr.

If the White family had three full namesakes father, son and grandson, instead of Jr. and Sr. Roman numerals would be used: Walter White I (first), Walter White II (second), Walter White III (third).

English names in everyday life

In English-speaking countries, it is par for the course for the full name, including the middle name, to be used only on documents or official occasions. That is, if a person's name is Allen William Jones, then many acquaintances may not be aware of the middle name William, because he will be presented everywhere as Allen Jones.

Personal names (first name) are often used in an abbreviated form, and at the official level. For example, everyone knew the former Prime Minister of Great Britain as Tony Blair, but Tony is a shortened (in fact, even diminutive) form of the name Anthony.

Popular American Names: What have boys and girls been called in the US for a century?

The popularity of the name Nancy throughout the century in the United States. A vivid example of how the fashion for names comes and goes.

Russian names have experienced ups and downs, either rapidly becoming popular, or receding into the background. Usually, the fashion for names was associated with events in the country, the world, with the appearance of popular fictional characters, with the popularity of individuals. A vivid example is the popularity of the name Yuri after Gagarin's flight into space.

Fashion for names exists in English-speaking countries. For example, the popularity of the Harry Potter books and films influenced the popularity of the name Harry, and after the release of the TV series “Game of Thrones”, the name Arya (Arya) entered the top 100 popular names in the UK. Because of this variability in the fashion for names, it is difficult to say which English names are the most popular right now. Popular among whom? Born in the 1960s? In the 1990s? Last year?

For comparison, I will give a table of male and female names that are popular in different years in USA.

American male names

The popularity of the name Logan in the United States is clearly associated with comics and films about Wolverine

This table shows that the idea of ​​the name John, as very popular in America, is outdated. It was No. 1 in the 1910s, dropped to No. 3 in the 1960s, No. 9 in the 1980s, and occupies a modest No. 26 in 2015, even behind Logan, which was not in the top 100 of earlier periods. . Apparently, the popularity of Logan (Wolverine) from the films based on Marvel comics influenced.

The name Daniel, which was not very popular at the beginning of the century (52nd place), fell to the 18th line of the rating in 2015, and the Roberts completely went out of fashion. This name was in the top 10 in the 1910s, 1960s and 1980s, but dropped to 63rd in 2015.

Of the “old”, popular names in the past, James, William, David are still relevant.

2015 1980s 1960s 1910s
1. noah Michael Michael John
2. Liam Christopher David William
3. mason Matthew John James
4. Jacob Joshua James Robert
5. William David Robert Joseph
6. Ethan James Mark George
7. James Daniel William Charles
8. Alexander Robert Richard Edward
9. Michael John Thomas Frank
10. Benjamin Joseph Jeffrey Thomas
11. Elijah Jason Steven Walter
12. Daniel Justin Joseph Harold
13. Aiden Andrew Timothy Henry
14. Logan Ryan Kevin Paul
15. Matthew William Scott Richard
16. Lucas Brian Brian Raymond
17. Jackson Brandon Charles Albert
18. David Jonathan Paul Arthur
19. Oliver Nicholas Daniel Harry
20. Jayden Anthony Christopher Donald
21. Joseph Eric Kenneth Ralph
22. Gabriel Adam Anthony Louis
23. Samuel Kevin Gregory Jack
24. carter Thomas Ronald Clarence
25. Anthony Steven Donald Carl
26. John Timothy Gary Willie
27. Dylan Richard Stephen Howard
28. Luke Jeremy Eric Fred
29. Henry Jeffrey Edward David
30. Andrew Kyle Douglas Kenneth
31. Isaac Benjamin Todd Francis
32. Christopher Aaron Patrick Roy
33. Joshua Charles George Earl
34. Wyatt Mark Keith Joe
35. Sebastian Jacob Larry Ernest
36. Owen Stephen Matthew Lawrence
37. Caleb Patrick Terry Stanley
38. Nathan Scott Andrew Anthony
39. Ryan Nathan Dennis Eugene
40. Jack Paul Randy Samuel
41. Hunter Sean Jerry Herbert
42. Levi Travis Peter Alfred
43. Christian Zachary Frank Leonard
44. Jaxon Dustin Craig Michael
45. Julian Gregory Raymond Elmer
46. Landon Kenneth Jeffery Andrew
47. Grayson Jose bruce Leo
48. Jonathan Tyler Rodney Bernard
49. Isaiah Jesse Mike Norman
50. Charles Alexander Roger Peter
51. Thomas Bryan Tony Russell
52. Aaron Samuel Ricky Daniel
53. Eli Derek Steve Edwin
54. Connor Bradley Jeff Frederick
55. Jeremiah Chad Troy Chester
56. Cameron Shawn Alan Herman
57. Josiah Edward Carl Melvin
58. Adrian Jared Danny Lloyd
59. Colton Cody Russell Lester
60. Jordan Jordan Chris Floyd
61. Brayden Peter Bryan Leroy
62. Nicholas Corey Gerald Theodore
63. Robert Keith Wayne Clifford
64. Angel Marcus Joe Clyde
65. Hudson Juan Randall Charlie
66. Lincoln Donald Lawrence Sam
67. Evan Ronald Dale Woodrow
68. Dominic Phillip Phillip Vincent
69. Austin George Johnny Philip
70. Gavin Cory Vincent Marvin
71. Nolan Joel Martin Ray
72. Parker Shane Bradley Lewis
73. Adam Douglas Billy Milton
74. Chase Antonio Glenn Benjamin
75. Jace Raymond Shawn Victor
76. Ian Carlos Jonathan Vernon
77. Cooper Brett Jimmy Gerald
78. easton Gary Sean Jesse
79. Kevin Alex Curtis Martin
80. Jose Nathaniel Barry Cecil
81. Tyler Craig Bobby Alvin
82. Brandon Ian Walter Lee
83. Asher Louis John Willard
84. Jaxson Derrick Philip Leon
85. mateo Erik Samuel Oscar
86. Jason Casey Jay Glenn
87. Ayden Philip Jason Edgar
88. Zachary Frank Dean Gordon
89. carson Evan Jose Stephen
90. Xavier Gabriel Tim Harvey
91. Leo Victor Roy Claude
92. Ezra Vincent Willie Sydney
93. Bentley Larry Arthur Everett
94. Sawyer Austin Darryl Arnold
95. Kayden Brent Henry Morris
96. Blake Seth Darrell Wilbur
97. Nathaniel Wesley Allen Warren
98. Ryder Dennis Victor Wayne
99. Theodore Todd Harold Allen
100. Elias Christian Greg Homer

American female names

Emma popularity chart in the US

Fashion for women's names is even more changeable than for men's. Most popular name in 2015, Emma was completely out of demand in the 80s and 60s, and at the beginning of the century ranked 41st in the ranking. The fashion for Emma returned in the 2000s, perhaps Emma Watson helped? The name Mary was very popular at the beginning of the century, but already in the 30s a decline began, and since the 80s this name has become quite rare.

If you take the first 20 names, it turns out that only the name Elizabeth (Elizabeth) was in the top 20 in all four time periods.

2015 1980s 1960s 1910s
1. Emma Jessica Lisa Mary
2. Olivia Jennifer Mary Helen
3. Sophia Amanda Susan Dorothy
4. Ava Ashley Karen Margaret
5. Isabella Sarah Kimberly Ruth
6. Mia Stephanie Patricia Mildred
7. Abigail Melissa Linda Anna
8. Emily Nicole Donna Elizabeth
9. Charlotte Elizabeth Michelle Frances
10. Harper Heather Cynthia Virginia
11. Madison Tiffany Sandra Marie
12. Amelia Michelle Deborah Evelyn
13. Elizabeth Amber Tammy Alice
14. Sofia Megan Pamela Florence
15. Evelyn Amy Lori Lillian
16. Avery Rachel Laura Rose
17. Chloe Kimberly Elizabeth Irene
18. Ella Christina Julie Louise
19. grace Lauren Brenda Edna
20. Victoria Crystal Jennifer Catherine
21. Aubrey Brittany Barbara Gladys
22. scarlett Rebecca Angela Ethel
23. Zoey Laura Sharon Josephine
24. Addison Danielle Debra ruby
25. Lily Emily Teresa Martha
26. Lillian Samantha Nancy grace
27. Natalie Angela Christine Hazel
28. Hannah Erin Cheryl Thelma
29. Aria Kelly Denise Lucille
30. Layla Sara Kelly Edith
31. Brooklyn Lisa Tina Eleanor
32. Alexa Katherine Kathleen Doris
33. Zoe Andrea Melissa Annie
34. Penelope Jamie Robin Pauline
35. Riley Mary Amy Gertrude
36. Leah Erica Diane Esther
37. Audrey Courtney Dawn Betty
38. Savannah Kristen carol Beatrice
39. Allison Shannon Tracy Marjorie
40. Samantha April Kathy Clara
41. Nora Katie Rebecca Emma
42. Skylar Lindsey Theresa Bernice
43. Camila Kristin Kim Bertha
44. Anna Lindsay Rhonda Ann
45. Paisley Christine Stephanie Jean
46. Ariana Alicia Cindy Elsie
47. Ellie Vanessa Janet Julia
48. Aaliyah Maria Wendy Agnes
49. Claire Kathryn Maria Lois
50. violet Allison Michele Sarah
51. Stella Julie Jacqueline Marion
52. Sadie Anna Debbie Katherine
53. Mila Tara Margaret Eva
54. Gabriella Kayla Paula Ida
55. Lucy Natalie Sherry Bessie
56. Arianna Victoria Catherine Pearl
57. Kennedy Monica carolyn Anna
58. Sarah Jacqueline Laurie Viola
59. Madelyn Holly Sheila Myrtle
60. Eleanor Kristina Ann Nellie
61. Kaylee Patricia jill Mabel
62. Caroline Cassandra Connie Laura
63. Hazel Brandy Diana Kathryn
64. Hailey Whitney Terri Stella
65. Genesis Chelsea Suzanne Vera
66. Kylie Brandi Beth Willie
67. Autumn Catherine Andrea Jessie
68. Piper Cynthia Janice Jane
69. Maya Kathleen Valerie Alma
70. Nevaeh Veronica Renee Minnie
71. Serenity Leslie Leslie Sylvia
72. Peyton Natasha Christina Ella
73. Mackenzie Crystal Gina Lilly
74. Bella Stacy Lynn Rita
75. Eva Diana Annette Leona
76. Taylor Erika Cathy Barbara
77. Naomi Dana Katherine Vivian
78. Aubree Jenna Judy Lena
79. Aurora Meghan Carla violet
80. Melanie carrie Anna Lucy
81. Lydia Leah Wanda Jennie
82. Brianna Melanie Dana Genevieve
83. ruby Brooke Joyce Marguerite
84. Katherine Karen Regina Charlotte
85. Ashley Alexandra Beverly Mattie
86. Alexis Valerie Monica Marian
86. Alice Caitlin Bonnie blanche
88. Cora Julia Kathryn Mae
89. Julia Alyssa Anita Ellen
90. Madeline Jasmine Sarah Wilma
91. Faith Hannah Darlene Juanita
92. Annabelle Stacey Jane Opal
93. Alyssa Brittney Sherri June
94. Isabelle Susan Martha Geraldine
95. Vivian Margaret Anna Beulah
96. Gianna Sandra Colleen Velma
97. Quinn candice Vicki Theresa
98. Clara Latoya Tracey carrie
99. Reagan Bethany Judith Phyllis
100. Khloe misty Tamara Maxine

Popular English names: what were the names of children in England for a century?

In England, statistics on birth names are not kept separately for England, but for England and Wales together, because these two parts of the United Kingdom belong to the same jurisdiction. England and Wales are treated as a single entity for many lawmaking and enforcement purposes. Data taken from the National Statistics archive.

There are a lot of common names in England and the USA, but the statistics on their popularity are somewhat different. It is interesting that by now there are quite a lot of names that are equally popular both in the USA and in England, especially female ones. If you take the names for 2015 in England and the US, there is a lot of overlap.

English male names

As in the US, in the UK, the hackneyed name John is completely unpopular in 2015, not even in the top 100, although just 100 years earlier it was ranked first.

It is curious that if you take the first 20 lines, it turns out that in 2015 in England and Wales names that were not included in the top 20 of previous periods are popular. But there are matches with the top 20 names popular in the same year in the United States. The names Oliver, Jacob, Noah, William, James, Ethan are as popular in England as they are in the United States.

2015 1984 1964 1914
1. Oliver Christopher David John
2. Jack James Paul William
3. Harry David Andrew George
4. George Daniel Mark Thomas
5. Jacob Michael John James
6. Charlie Matthew Michael Arthur
7. noah Andrew Stephen Frederick
8. William Richard Ian Albert
9. Thomas Paul Robert Charles
10. Oscar Mark Richard Robert
11. James Thomas Christopher Edward
12. Muhammad Adam Peter Joseph
13. Henry Robert Simon Ernest
14. Alfie John Anthony Alfred
15. Leo Lee Kevin Frank
16. Joshua Benjamin Gary Henry
17. freddie Steven Steven Leslie
18. Ethan Jonathan Martin Harold
19. Archie Craig James Harry
20. Isaac Stephen Philip Leonard
21. Joseph Simon Alan Ronald
22. Alexander Nicholas Neil Stanley
23. Samuel Peter Nigel Walter
24. Daniel Anthony Timothy Reginald
25. Logan Alexander Colin Herbert
26. Edward Gary Graham Richard
27. Lucas Ian Jonathan Eric
28. Max Ryan Nicholas Norman
29. Mohammed Luke William Cyril
30. Benjamin Jamie Adrian Jack
31. mason Stuart Brian Sydney
32. Harrison Philip Stuart David
33. Theo Darren Keith Kenneth
34. Jake William Thomas Francis
35. Sebastian Gareth Patrick Wilfred
36. Finley Martin Sean Samuel
37. Arthur Kevin Carl Sydney
38. Adam Scott Trevor Patrick
38. Dylan Dean Wayne Michael
40. Riley Joseph Shaun Bernard
41. Zachary Jason Kenneth Donald
42. Teddy Neil Barry Peter
43. David Samuel Derek Horace
44. Toby Carl Dean Percy
45. Theodore Ben Raymond Clifford
46. Elijah Sean Anthony Cecil
47. Matthew Timothy Jeremy Fred
48. Jenson Oliver Joseph Maurice
49. Jayden Ashley Edward Victor
50. Harvey Wayne Lee Edwin
51. Reuben Edward Terence Raymond
52. Harley Shaun Matthew Philip
53. Luca Aaron Daniel Alexander
54. Michael Mohammed George Gordon
55. Hugo Gavin Russell Geoffrey
56. Lewis Liam Charles Dennis
57. Frankie Nathan Jeffrey Douglas
58. Luke Alan Clive Alan
59. Stanley Graham Phillip Daniel
60. Tommy Ross Craig Ralph
61. Jude Karl Roger Hugh
62. Blake Marc Julian Lawrence
63. Louie Adrian Geoffrey Benjamin
64. Nathan Phillip Karl Roy
65. Gabriel Patrick Malcolm Edgar
66. Charles Lewis Darren Christopher
67. Bobby Colin Tony Andrew
68. Mohammed Russell Adam Stephen
69. Ryan Charles Robin Denis
70. Tyler Shane Garry Gerald
71. Elliott George Roy Hubert
72. Albert Sam Vincent Gilbert
73. Elliot Mathew Mohammed Ivor
74. Rory Jack Gordon Tom
75. Alex Ricky Duncan Arnold
76. Frederick Dale Leslie Anthony
77. Ollie Tony Alexander Bertram
78. Louis Joshua Gregory Lewis
79. Dexter Alex Gareth Louis
80. Jaxon Dominic Ronald Edmund
81. Liam Barry Douglas Lionel
82. Jackson Leon Francis Colin
83. callum Mohammad Stewart Roland
83. Ronnie Terry Graeme Alec
85. Leon Gregory guy Matthew
86. Kai Danny Terry Martin
87. Aaron Brian Martyn Laurence
88. Roman Keith Eric Archibald
89. Austin Anthony Allan Allan
90. Ellis Kieran Gerard Clarence
91. Jamie Justin Gerald Vincent
91. Reggie Bradley Howard Basil
93. Seth Jordan Jason Paul
94. carter Martyn Iain Percival
95. Felix Leigh Glenn Howard
96. Ibrahim Abdul Dennis Evan
97. Sonny Damien Gavin Claude
98. Kian Stewart bruce Owen
99. Caleb Robin Donald Phillip
100. Connor Iain Dominic Trevor

English female names

As in the United States, in England the fashion for women's names was very fickle. Mary was number one in 1914, dropped to 37th in 1964, 98th in 1984, and didn't even make the top 100 in 2015. The name Isabella was in 81st place in 1914, was not in the top 100 in 1964 and 1984, and now it is already in the top ten most popular female names in 2015.

As with male names in England and Wales, there is a trend with female names: if you take the top 20 names of 2015, then among them there will be none of the top 20 last years (presented in the table), but there will be significant intersections with the top 20 names popular in the US in the same 2015. The names Olivia, Sophia, Ava, Isabella, Emily, Ella, Chloe, Grace, Amelia, Mia are equally popular both in England and in the USA.

2015 1984 1964 1914
1 Amelia Sarah Susan Mary
2 Olivia Laura Julie Margaret
3 Emily Gemma Karen Doris
4 Isla Emma Jacqueline Dorothy
5 Ava Rebecca Deborah Kathleen
6 Ella Claire Tracey Florence
7 Jessica Victoria Jane Elsie
8 Isabella Samantha Helen Edith
9 Mia Rachel Diane Elizabeth
10 Poppy Amy Sharon Winifred
11 Sophie Jennifer Tracy Gladys
12 Sophia Nicola Angela Annie
13 Lily Katie Sarah Alice
14 grace Lisa Alison Phyllis
15 Evie Kelly Caroline hilda
16 scarlett Natalie Amanda Lilian
17 ruby Louise Sandra Ivy
18 Chloe Michelle Linda Marjorie
19 Isabelle Hayley Catherine Ethel
20 Daisy Hannah Elizabeth violet
21 Freya Helen carol Irene
22 Phoebe Charlotte Joanne Edna
23 Florence Joanne Wendy Vera
24 Alice Lucy Janet Ellen
25 Charlotte Elizabeth Dawn Lily
26 Sienna Leanne Christine Olive
27 Matilda Danielle Nicola Eileen
28 Evelyn Donna Gillian Evelyn
29 Eva Katherine Sally Joan
30 Millie Clare Maria Rose
31 Sofia Stephanie Michelle Sarah
32 Lucy Stacey Debra Nellie
33 Elsie Lauren Paula Beatrice
34 Imogen Joanna Anna Mabel
35 Layla Kerry Lorraine May
36 Rosie Emily Patricia Catherine
37 Maya Catherine Mary Frances
38 Esme Sophie Denise Emily
39 Elizabeth Anna Margaret Ada
40 Lola Jessica Ann Jessie
41 Willow Zoe Beverley Muriel
42 Ivy Kirsty Donna grace
43 Erin Kimberley Elaine Agnes
44 Holly Kate Fiona Constance
45 Emilia Jenna Jennifer Gwendoline
46 Molly Caroline Lesley Gertrude
47 Ellie Natasha Louise Nora
48 Jasmine Rachael Mandy Eva
49 Eliza Amanda Tina Joyce
50 Lilly Kathryn Jayne Nancy
51 Abigail Karen Suzanne Jane
52 Georgia Alexandra Andrea freda
53 Maisie Jodie Pauline Barbara
54 Eleanor Alison Lisa Daisy
55 Hannah Sara Claire Anna
56 Harriet Jemma Kim norah
57 Amber Carly Julia Amy
58 Bella Heather Teresa iris
59 Thea Holly Heather Dora
60 Annabelle Ruth Kathryn Helen
61 Emma Fiona Lynn Lucy
62 Amelie Melissa Ruth Ruth
63 Harper Angela Yvonne Marion
64 Gracie Suzanne Judith maud
65 Rose Katy Melanie Betty
66 Summer Marie Marie Minnie
67 Martha Naomi Pamela Eleanor
68 violet Cheryl carole ruby
69 Penelope Melanie Barbara Ida
70 Anna Sally Gail Hannah
71 Nancy Julie Lynne Lillian
72 Zara Charlene Clare Ann
73 Maria Jade Janice Louisa
74 Darcie Sian Rachel Bessie
75 Maryam Tracey jill Jean
76 Megan Eleanor Katherine Clara
77 Darcey Deborah Kathleen Marie
78 Lottie Maria Shirley Doreen
79 Mila Lindsey Annette Emma
80 Heidi Abigail carolyn Mildred
81 Lexi Lindsay Anna Isabella
82 Lacey Susan Sara Sylvia
83 Francesca Alice Valerie Esther
84 Robyn Georgina Cheryl Martha
85 Bethany Aimee Jeanette Bertha
86 Julia Jane Kay Audrey
87 Sara Kim Anita Laura
88 Aisha Carla Maxine Margery
89 Darcy Christine Frances Rosina
90 Zoe Dawn Joanna Maria
91 Clara Tanya Theresa Janet
92 Victoria Jenny Debbie Bridget
93 Beatrice Andrea Lynda Beryl
94 Hollie Lyndsey Maureen Enid
95 Arabella Jacqueline Rosemary Josephine
96 Sarah Lynsey Michele Charlotte
97 Maddison Chloe Laura Kate
98 Leah Mary Rebecca Amelia
99 Katie Leah Sheila Patricia
100 Aria Tony Stephanie Millicent

Common English given names and surnames

Unlike names, surnames do not change so much over time, since in most cases they are not invented, but inherited. There is no big difference between British and American surnames, there are many common ones among them. The main difference is that in the USA there are many common Latin American surnames (Garcia, Martinez, etc.)

The history of American names and surnames has evolved over several centuries. They can trace the traditions of many countries and peoples who moved to these places. Due to the large flow of immigrants, for a long time there was a common culture countries and changed names, surnames, acquiring new forms of sound.

Many common American names come from Greek, Italian, Latin, even Old Germanic origins. In the modern world, rare names are becoming very popular in America, which are obtained by reducing historical places, the names of famous people, there are even combinations of several names into one big one.

The origin of American names can be divided into the following groups:

  1. the main popularity was gained by names, the meanings of which are associated with the outlines of a person's character (cheerful, courageous, brave);
  2. names related to the name of animals, flowers, trees, natural phenomena;
  3. names meaning various professions;
  4. names of a religious nature taken from the Bible.

List of the most popular male American names

America is a colonial country, depending on the state, the general popularity of names differs significantly from each other. In the Spanish villages of Federico (Federico), in the Irish regions - Patrick (Patrick), in Italian - Paulo (Paulo).

When choosing a name for a newborn, Americans give great importance two main principles in their choice:

  • the name should sound beautiful with the surname, as one whole;
  • another main point secret meaning name and origin.

Respect for your ancestors and family traditions Many families name their children after their fathers, grandfathers and great-grandfathers. If several family members have the same name, for a particular person, the prefix “senior”, “junior” is placed at the beginning of the name.

Currently, Americans are trying to give a special uniqueness (originality) to the names of their children, choosing their favorite brand of car, favorite political figure, favorite city for the name. In such a situation, the choice falls on the most unexpected objects. You can meet children named Lexus (Lexus), Madison (Madison), Infinity (Infiniti).

Americans have an old tradition associated with names - giving a child a double name. For example: Anna-Maria (Anna-Maria), John-Robert (John-Robert), Matthew - William (Matthew-William). Explaining this by the fact that growing up, the child himself will be able to choose a name for himself.

Most Popular American Names Today

  • Ethan (Ethan) - from English, "durable."
  • Kevin (Kevin) - from Irish., "beautiful", "cute."
  • Justin (Justin) - from English., "Fair".
  • Matthew (Matthew) - from English, "gift of God", "God's man."
  • William (William) - from English, "desired."
  • Christopher (Christopher) - from English, "follower of Christ."
  • Anthony (Anthony) - from English, "invaluable", "competing".
  • Ryan (Ryan) - from Arabic., "little king."
  • Nicholas (Nicholas) - from the French, "winner of the peoples."
  • David (David) - Hebrew, "beloved", "beloved".
  • Alex (Alex) - from Greek, "protector".
  • James (James) - from English, "invader".
  • Josh (Josh) - Hebrew, "god, salvation."
  • Dillon (Dillon) - Welsh origin, "big sea".
  • Brandon (Brandon) - from German, "prince".
  • Philip (Philip) - from Greek, "lover of horses."
  • Fred (Fred) - from English, "peaceful ruler."
  • Tyler (Tyler) - from English., "stylish."
  • Caleb (Caleb) - from Hebrew, "devoted, brave."
  • Thomas (Thomas) - Polish, "twin".

List of common American surnames

Acquired your modern look many years. Over time, they have changed significantly. American cities have always had a large influx of refugees and settlers.

To be different from local residents, not to attract special attention to themselves, the settlers deliberately modified and abbreviated their surnames in the local American way. The main feature of the surnames of US residents is the regular mixing of different nations and peoples.

List of the most famous families in America open Smith (Smith), Williams (Williams), Jones (Jones), Wilson (Wilson). According to the statistics of the owners of such surnames, far more than a million are registered.

Less well-known American surnames, but popular:

  • Johnson (Johnson).
  • Brown (Brown).
  • Walker (Walker).
  • Hall (Hall).
  • White (White).
  • Wilson (Wilson).
  • Thompson (Thompson).
  • Moore (Moore).
  • Taylor (Taylor).
  • Anderson (Anderson).
  • Thomas (Thomas).
  • Jackson (Jackson).
  • Harris (Harris).
  • Martin (Martin).
  • Young (Young).
  • Hernandez (Hernandez).
  • Garcia (Garcia).
  • Davis (Davis).
  • Miller (Miller).
  • Martinez (Martinez).
  • Robinson (Robinson).
  • Clark (Clark).
  • Rodrigues (Rodriguez).
  • Lewis (Lewis).
  • Lee (Lee).
  • Allen (Allen).
  • King (King).

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 impact 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)

Male name Female name

And here are the most common British names. For convenience, they are divided into parts of the country, because in every corner some of the most popular individual names. 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 (female form) male name Emil - 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

It is very common in English names to have pet and diminutive forms 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 by giving him pet name as first or second. 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 hasn't gone 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 during adult life I chose to call myself just Pixie. 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.

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 the 18th century in Britain, the most popular female 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 mankind

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

Shevone - 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

OTHER COUNTRIES (select from list) Australia Austria England Armenia Belgium Bulgaria Hungary Germany Netherlands Denmark Ireland Iceland Spain Italy Canada Latvia Lithuania New Zealand Norway Poland Russia (Belgorod region) Russia (Moscow) Russia (summary by region) Northern Ireland Serbia Slovenia USA Turkey Ukraine Wales Finland France Czech Republic Switzerland Sweden Scotland Estonia

select a country and click on it - a page with lists of popular names will open

England is the largest historical and administrative part of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. It occupies the southeastern part of the island of Great Britain, two thirds of its territory. It borders Scotland to the north and Wales to the west. Capital London. Population - 50 million 762 thousand 900 people (2006). The official language is English. The state religion is Anglicanism. England consists of 39 counties, 6 metropolitan counties and Greater London.


Annual releases on naming statistics are prepared by the ONS. The releases contain a condensed analysis of naming during the past year. The first ten names are given, indicating how their place in the frequency list has changed compared to the previous one, then brief analysis the first hundred names - which new ones entered the hundred, which ones left it. The number of names given during the year is also reported.


Starting from 1997, all naming releases are supplemented during the next year by an Exell document containing six tables: top 100 names (England + Wales), top 100 names (England), top 100 names (Wales) , top 10 names by region of mother's origin, top 10 by month of the year, all names with a frequency greater than 2 (England + Wales). The last table is perhaps the most interesting. In 2013, it contains 4685 different male and 5742 different female names. In total, in 2013, 698,512 children were born in England and Wales, with more than 27,000 different male and more than 35,000 different female names.


Here I want to show only the 25 most common names in 2013. In order to see the trends in the development of the popularity of names, data for 2012 is also given. Each visitor to this page can find a more complete picture on the Office for National Statistics website (link - at the end of the page) .


Since 2012, statistics on naming in England and Wales have been presented separately on my website (that is, on separate pages).

Boys names


Place 2013 2012
1 Oliver Harry

Girls names


Place 2013 2012
1 Amelia Amelia

Top