UK name, mostly girls
Seren
A Welsh name meaning "star" or "bright one".
For 2026, the newest official UK baby-name figures on this page are from 2024. That release is the current official benchmark rather than a forecast.
Seren is mostly registered for girls in the UK records. People looking for Seren popularity in 2026 should use the latest official release, which is 2024 in this profile. In that release it ranked #260, with 185 babies registered with the name. Its strongest year in the published records was 2012, with 550 births.
This profile covers 7,809 England and Wales registrations across 29 recorded years from 1996 to 2024. The figures come from ONS England and Wales, NRS Scotland and NISRA Northern Ireland, so the page is a view of published baby-name registrations rather than a forecast or a live count of people using the name today.
The latest count is about 34% of the recorded peak, which gives a quick read on how the name has moved since its high point.
We estimate that about 7,992 living people in the UK are called Seren. This uses published birth registrations from England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, then applies ONS national life tables to estimate how many are likely still alive. It does not forecast extra births for 2025 or 2026.
Key insights
- • Seren ranked #260 for girls in England and Wales in 2024, with 185 registrations.
- • The name peaked in 2012, when 550 girls were registered as Seren.
- • Seren ranks best in Wales in the latest published regional snapshot for that area, where it placed #5 in 2012.
- • About 7,992 living people in the UK are estimated to have Seren as a first name, after adjusting past birth registrations with ONS life tables.
- • Across the England and Wales records shown here, 99.7% of Seren registrations are for girls.
Latest rank (E&W)
#260
2024
Births in 2024
185
Latest year
Peak year
2012
550 births
Estimated living
7,992
2026
Gender
Boy and girl registrations for Seren
In England and Wales birth records, Seren has been registered for both boys and girls. Across the years shown here, 0.3% of registrations are for boys and 99.7% are for girls.
These figures use the sex categories in the published baby-name files. They are useful for spotting how the name is used at registration, but they are not a live measure of gender identity or everyone living with the name today.
Seren registered for boys
- Ranked #4,608 in 2020
- 3 boys registered in 2020
- Peak: 2001 (6 births)
Seren registered for girls
- Ranked #260 in 2024
- 185 girls registered in 2024
- Peak: 2012 (550 births)
Meaning
What does Seren mean?
The given name Seren originates from the Welsh language and culture, with its roots traced back to the Middle Ages. The name is derived from the Welsh word "seren," which translates to "star" or "celestial body." This celestial connection has imbued the name with a sense of radiance, beauty, and celestial wonder.
In Welsh mythology, Seren is associated with the goddess of the same name, who was revered as the protector of travelers and those who ventured into the unknown. Her name was invoked to guide individuals through treacherous journeys and to ensure their safe return. This mythological figure has undoubtedly contributed to the name's enduring significance within Welsh culture.
One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Seren can be found in the Mabinogion, a collection of medieval Welsh folk tales and myths dating back to the 12th and 13th centuries. In these tales, Seren is often portrayed as a symbol of guidance, wisdom, and virtue, reflecting the profound respect and admiration held for those bearing this name.
Throughout history, several notable individuals have carried the name Seren, leaving their mark on various fields. One such figure is Seren Cymru (1491-1562), a renowned Welsh poet and scholar who played a pivotal role in preserving and promoting Welsh literature during the Renaissance period. Her works continue to be celebrated as exemplars of Welsh literary heritage.
Another prominent figure is Seren Llwyd (1753-1822), a Welsh author and minister who wrote extensively on theology and philosophy. Her influential writings contributed significantly to the intellectual discourse of her time and helped shape the religious landscape of Wales.
In more recent times, Seren Bethell (1914-1998), a Welsh artist and sculptor, gained recognition for her remarkable works that captured the essence of Welsh culture and landscapes. Her sculptures can be found adorning public spaces throughout Wales, serving as enduring tributes to her artistic prowess.
Seren Camara (born 1986) is a contemporary Welsh actress and model who has graced both the stage and screen with her talents. Her versatile performances have garnered critical acclaim, solidifying her position as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.
The name Seren has also gained popularity beyond its Welsh roots, transcending cultural boundaries and resonating with individuals from diverse backgrounds. Its celestial connotations and historical significance have made it an enduring choice for parents seeking a name that embodies radiance, guidance, and a connection to the natural world.
Sourced from namecensus.com.
Popularity
Seren over time
The chart below compares boys and girls registered as Seren in England and Wales, from 1996 to 2024. Empty years are left out so rare names are not stretched across long periods where the published files do not show any registrations.
For Seren, the clearest high point is 2012. The latest England and Wales figure is 185 births in 2024, compared with 550 at the peak.
Babies born per year
Decades
Seren by decade
Decade totals smooth out the yearly jumps and make it easier to see whether Seren was a short-lived spike or a name that stayed in regular use. Average rank is calculated only from years where a published rank exists.
| Decade | Average rank | Total births | Years covered |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020s | #237 | 1,017 | 5 |
| 2010s | #142 | 4,067 | 10 |
| 2000s | #216 | 2,486 | 10 |
| 1990s | #489 | 239 | 4 |
Geography
Where Seren is most common
The bars show the latest published local birth counts for Seren. They are useful for spotting where the name is showing up in real numbers, while the rank beside each bar shows how strongly it performs inside that region.
Seren ranks best in Wales in the latest published regional snapshot for that area, where it placed #5 in 2012.
Across the UK
Seren in Scotland and Northern Ireland
Scotland (NRS)
#541 in 2024
21 years of NRS records, 187 total registered
Northern Ireland (NISRA)
#336 in 2019
10 years of NISRA records, 36 total registered
Notable bearers
Famous people named Seren
-
Seren Gibson
model
British model
1988-
Related
Names similar to Seren
- Sophie 103,803
- Sophia 46,936
- Scarlett 34,261
- Sienna 32,418
- Sofia 29,136
- Sarah 27,961
- Shannon 25,510
- Summer 24,167
- Sara 14,205
- Skye 13,654
- Samantha 12,697
- Stephanie 9,309
FAQ
Seren: questions and answers
How popular is the name Seren in the UK right now?
In 2024, Seren was ranked #260 for girls in England and Wales, with 185 births registered.
When was Seren most popular?
The peak year on record was 2012, with 550 babies registered as Seren in England and Wales.
What is the meaning and origin of Seren?
A Welsh name meaning "star" or "bright one".
How many people are called Seren in the UK?
A total of 7,809 babies have been registered as Seren across the 29 years of ONS England & Wales records shown here, plus 187 more in Scotland and 36 in Northern Ireland.
Where is Seren most common?
In the latest published local rankings, Seren ranks best in Wales, where it placed #5 in 2012. The regional bars on this page use birth counts, so they also reflect the size of each region.
Which records is this page based on?
The England and Wales timeline uses ONS baby-name records. Scotland figures come from NRS and Northern Ireland figures come from NISRA. Counts are registrations in published baby-name files. The living estimate uses those birth registrations with ONS national life tables.