Meaning: Possibly from Celtic Londinium (the Roman name for London) of uncertain meaning — possibly 'wild place,' 'forest river,' or from a Celtic personal nameMedium
In 30 seconds: A place name of uncertain Celtic/Latin origin — London itself has never been satisfactorily etymologized. As a given name, London evokes the global capital of the English-speaking world, literary history, and cosmopolitan sophistication.
MeaningPossibly from Celtic Londinium (the Roman name for London) of uncertain meaning — possibly 'wild place,' 'forest river,' or from a Celtic personal name
U.S. rank (2024)#1209 ↘ Falling
2024 U.S. births167 boys (0.01% of U.S. boys)
Peak year2009
Total births (all-time)≈ 10,178
Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data
U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.
History & Origin
London's etymology remains genuinely uncertain — possibly from Celtic Londinos (a personal name meaning bold) or from a pre-Celtic root. The Romans called it Londinium. As a given name, London has been used in the U.S. since the late 20th century.
London ranked #1209 for boys in 2024. It also charts for girls.
Did you know? London's name is one of the great unsolved mysteries of etymology — scholars have proposed derivations from Celtic londo (wild, fierce) or from an ancient river name predating the Celtic period. Two thousand years of scholars have not definitively solved what London means.
Overall data confidence 73%
U.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data
Variations
Landon
Nicknames
Lon
Famous Bearers
Famous bearers coming soon.
If you like London…
Paris— world capital name used as a given name in the same tradition
Rome— ancient capital name used as a given name in the same category
Venice— world city name used as a given name in the same tradition
Milan— fashion capital name used as a given name with similar cosmopolitan feel
Austin— American city name used as a given name in the same place-name tradition
Frequently Asked
What does the name London mean?
London's etymology is genuinely uncertain — one of history's great unsolved place-name mysteries. Possible meanings include 'wild place' or 'bold one' from Celtic roots.
How do you pronounce London?
It's said LUN-dun — two syllables, stress on the first.
