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London

♂ Boy

Pronounced LUN-dun /ˈlʌn.dən/High

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.

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Origin MediumCeltic, Latin

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 (2025)#1335 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births144 boys (0.01% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2009

Total births (all-time)≈ 10,322

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

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

★London Fletcher (1975-)
American NFL linebacker and four-time Pro Bowler

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

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

Explore names like London

By themelatin unisex two-syllable place-name celtic british

By meaningSea / Water Earth / Nature

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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.

Is London a boy or girl name?

London is used for both sexes.

How popular is London?

London ranked #1209 for U.S. boys in 2024.