"great river, wide flowing water"
Origin: Celtic/Latin
Language: English
London
Pronunciation: [ l-UHND-uhn ]
Boy Name
#1,208 Most Popular
Hidden Gem
2 Syllables
The world's most iconic city as a bold given name
English
American
Sophisticated
Modern
Bold
Unique
Meaning & Origin
"bold place, wild settlement"
Origin: Proto-Celtic
Language: English
The Story of London
London's etymology is debated among historians and linguists. The most accepted theory derives the name from the Romano-British 'Londinium,' possibly from a Celtic root related to the proto-Celtic 'londo' meaning 'wild' or 'bold,' or from 'Plowonida,' a pre-Celtic name meaning 'wide or navigable river.' Roman soldiers established Londinium around 43 AD on the Thames, and it grew into the largest city in the Roman Empire north of the Alps. The city's name has been virtually unchanged for nearly 2,000 years.
London as a given name began gaining traction in the early 2000s as place names became fashionable (Brooklyn, Paris, Cairo). Taylor Swift's hit song 'London Boy' (2019) gave the name additional cultural cachet, particularly for boys. The name is gender-neutral but trends slightly male.
London is one of the world's most iconic cities, carrying associations with history, literature, fashion, and royalty. As a given name, it projects a sophisticated, worldly quality. The name also carries the prestige of the British capital's cultural influence — from Shakespeare to the Rolling Stones to the BBC.
Fun Facts
- London has been continuously inhabited for over 2,000 years, making 'London' one of the oldest surviving place names in the British Isles
- Taylor Swift's 2019 song 'London Boy' sparked a measurable spike in baby name interest for London in the US
London in Other Languages
French
Londres
German
London
Italian
Londra
Spanish
Londres
Japanese
ロンドン
Famous People Named London
J
Jack London
Writer
1876
American author of The Call of the Wild and White Fang, one of the first American writers to achieve international celeb...
American author of The Call of the Wild and White Fang, one of the first American writers to achieve international celebrity
L
London Tipton Fictional
Other
Fictional socialite character on Disney's The Suite Life of Zack & Cody (2005-2008), played by Brenda Song
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #1,208
- Total SSA Count
- 167
- Cultural Origins
- English American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Lon
Lonny
Pairs Well With
London James
London Reid
London Blake
London Grey
London Chase
London Stone
Sibling Names
Also a Girl Name
London is also used as a girl name, ranked #355.
View London as a girl name →Similar Names
Playground Safety
Kid-Friendly
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Frequently Asked Questions About London
What does the name London mean?
"great river, wide flowing water" (from Celtic/Latin). "bold place, wild settlement" (from Proto-Celtic). London's etymology is debated among historians and linguists. The most accepted theory derives the name from the Romano-British 'Londinium,' possibly from a Celtic root related to the proto-Celtic 'londo' meaning 'wild' or 'bold,' or from 'Plowonida,' a pre-Celtic name meaning 'wide or navigable river.' Roman soldiers established Londinium around 43 AD on the Thames, and it grew into the largest city in the Roman Empire north of the Alps. The city's name has been virtually unchanged for nearly 2,000 years.
What is the origin of the name London?
London has Celtic/Latin, Proto-Celtic, English, and American origins. In Celtic/Latin, it means "great river, wide flowing water". In Proto-Celtic, it means "bold place, wild settlement".
Is London a boy or girl name?
London is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #1208. As a girl name, it is ranked #355. London is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce London?
London is pronounced l-UHND-uhn.
How popular is the name London?
London is currently ranked #1208 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for London?
Common nicknames for London include Lon and Lonny.
What are good middle names for London?
Popular middle name pairings include London James, London Reid, London Blake, London Grey, London Chase, and London Stone.
What are good sibling names for London?
Names that pair well with London as siblings include Paris, Brooklyn, Camden, Bristol, Beckham, and Dublin.
How many syllables does London have?
London has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is London a common or rare name?
London is an uncommon name, ranked #1208 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name London
London is a boy name with English and American origins . The name means "great river, wide flowing water" in Celtic/Latin .
Is London a boy or girl name? London is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #1,208 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #355. London is more commonly used as a girl name.
London is currently ranked #1,208 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name London has 2 syllables and is pronounced l-UHND-uhn, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for London include Lon and Lonny. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of London include Londyn . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.