After 20 years, Olivia is no longer the UK's favourite baby girl's name. Here's the new number 1

Eliana has overtaken Olivia as the UK's most popular baby girl's name, according to BabyCentre's latest rankings.

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Published: June 30, 2026 at 12:54 PM

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After 20 years at the top, Olivia has officially lost its place as the UK's favourite baby girl's name.

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New figures from pregnancy and parenting platform BabyCentre reveal that Eliana is now the UK's most popular baby girl's name for 2026, marking one of the biggest shake-ups in the baby name charts for years.

Pronounced Ellie-ah-nah, the name climbed four places to take the top spot, reflecting changing tastes among parents who are increasingly choosing names that feel distinctive, elegant and timeless.

Eliana ends Olivia's two-decade reign

According to BabyCentre's latest rankings, Eliana has overtaken Olivia, which drops to second place after holding the No.1 position for 20 years.

BabyCentre says Eliana's rise reflects several of this year's biggest naming trends, with parents drawn to names that have meaningful origins, an elegant sound and international appeal.

SJ Strum, BabyCentre's naming expert, says parents are increasingly looking for names that feel distinctive without being tied to passing trends, choosing names that can grow with their children throughout every stage of life.

About the name Eliana

Eliana either has Italian, French, or Hebrew origins.

It could be an Italian version of the Latin name Aeliana, which possibly comes from the Greek word helios, meaning 'sun.'

Or, it could come from the French name Alienor - which could come from the Greek Helene, meaning 'light'.

It could also be linked to the Hebrew for "God has answered," since it is made up of the root words 'el,' meaning 'God' and 'anah,' meaning 'answered.' Or it could be a version of the Hebrew name Elioenai or Eliohenai, meaning "unto God are my eyes."

The name has appeared in the top 1000 girl's names in the US since the late 1980s, but became popular in the early 2000s before jumping four places in BabyCentre's rankings to number one this year.

Why are parents choosing different baby names?

BabyCentre says wider lifestyle and pop culture influences are playing an increasingly important role in the names families choose.

One of the biggest trends this year is what it calls "Riviera Chic", inspired by Mediterranean living, understated luxury and classic elegance. Alongside Eliana, several names with a similar feel have climbed the rankings, including:

Vintage-inspired names are also continuing their comeback, with the growing popularity of the "Grandmillennial" aesthetic helping names such as Hazel, Daphne, Winnie and Penelope rise up the charts.

TV is helping shape baby name trends

Television is also influencing parents' choices.

According to BabyCentre, the TV adaptation of Rivals has helped boost several names, including Freddie, Rupert, Sarah and Valerie.

SJ Strum believes today's baby names increasingly reflect the culture parents are immersed in, from the programmes they watch to the styles they love and the trends shaping everyday life.

Parents are increasingly looking for names that feel distinctive but timeless, choosing names that will suit their children throughout their lives rather than following short-lived fashions.

SJ Strum, BabyCentre naming expert

The biggest movers in the 2026 baby name charts

The girls' top 10 has seen some significant movement.

Eliana climbs four places to claim the No.1 spot, while Isabella makes the biggest leap into the top 10, rising eight places to No.5. Sophia also gains momentum, climbing five places to No.6. Meanwhile, Ivy records the biggest fall, dropping six places to No.10.

The boys' rankings remain much more stable.

Muhammad retains its place as the UK's most popular baby boy's name, followed by Noah in second place. Freddie makes the biggest move, climbing five places to enter the top 10 at No.9, while Oscar rises to No.10. Leo and Luca also edge up the rankings, swapping places with Theo and Oliver.

Baby name trends never stand still

Baby name fashions have always evolved, and while Olivia's two-decade reign has come to an end, there's every chance the charts will continue to change as new cultural influences emerge.

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Whether inspired by timeless elegance, favourite TV characters or vintage charm, today's parents are putting their own stamp on the next generation of classic names.

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