The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has released its annual data on the most popular baby names in England and Wales for 2025, with borough-level breakdowns revealing significant trends across London. Muhammad retained its position as the top boys' name nationally and in 12 London boroughs, while Olivia led for girls overall. However, Sofia emerged as the most popular girls' name across the capital, topping the list in ten boroughs, a sharp increase from just two in 2024.
Top names by borough
In Barking & Dagenham, Ayah or Maryam were the most popular for girls, with Muhammad for boys. Barnet saw Sofia and Noah as favourites, while Bexley favoured Elsie and Luca. Brent parents chose Maryam or Sofia for girls and Adam for boys. Bromley's top names were Sienna and Leo, and Camden opted for Sophia and Leo. Croydon selected Sienna and Muhammad, Ealing chose Ayla and Muhammad, and Enfield picked Ayla and Leo. Greenwich also favoured Ayla and Leo.
Hackney's top names were Miriam and Moshe, while Hammersmith & Fulham chose Isabella and Noah. Haringey parents liked Esther or Sofia for girls and Noah for boys. Harrow's favourites were Sofia and Muhammad, Havering chose Sophia and Muhammad, and Hillingdon selected Rehmat and Muhammad. Hounslow favoured Sofia and Muhammad, Islington chose Isla and Oscar, and Kensington & Chelsea picked Sofia and Leo. Kingston saw Amelia, Poppy, or Ruby for girls and Oscar for boys.
Lambeth's top names were Isla or Sophia for girls and Leo for boys. Lewisham chose Olivia and Leo, Merton favoured Olivia and Muhammad, and Newham picked Maryam and Muhammad. Redbridge selected Maryam and Muhammad, Richmond chose Lily and William, Southwark favoured Amelia and Noah, Sutton picked Charlotte and Noah, and Tower Hamlets chose Maryam and Mohammed. Waltham Forest's top names were Sophia and Muhammad, Wandsworth favoured Sienna and Leo or Oliver, and Westminster chose Maya and Noah.
Rising and falling trends
Leo was the biggest climber among boys' names, rising from being the top choice in just one borough in 2024 to eight in 2025. For girls, Sophia and Sofia together saw a dramatic increase, becoming the most popular across ten boroughs, up from two the previous year. Conversely, Amelia experienced a steep decline: it was the favourite in 14 boroughs in 2024 but only two in 2025. According to the ONS, these shifts reflect changing parental preferences across the capital.
National context
Nationally, Muhammad and Olivia retained their top spots for 2025, consistent with the previous year. The data, collected from birth registrations, provides a detailed snapshot of naming trends. The ONS notes that cultural and religious influences continue to shape choices, with names like Muhammad, Maryam, and Sofia reflecting diverse communities in London.
