UK girl's name
Spirit
An English word meaning the vital force or principle.
For 2026, the newest official UK baby-name figures on this page are from 2008. That release is the current official benchmark rather than a forecast.
Spirit is a girl's name in the UK records. People looking for Spirit popularity in 2026 should use the latest official release, which is 2008 in this profile. In that release it ranked #5545, with 3 babies registered with the name. Its strongest year in the published records was 2005, with 3 births.
This profile covers 6 England and Wales registrations across 2 recorded years from 2005 to 2008. The figures come from ONS England and Wales, 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 100% of the recorded peak, which gives a quick read on how the name has moved since its high point.
We estimate that about 6 living people in the UK are called Spirit. 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 2009 or 2026.
Key insights
- • Spirit ranked #5545 for girls in England and Wales in 2008, with 3 registrations.
- • The name peaked in 2005, when 3 girls were registered as Spirit.
- • About 6 living people in the UK are estimated to have Spirit as a first name, after adjusting past birth registrations with ONS life tables.
Latest rank (E&W)
#5545
2008
Births in 2008
3
Latest year
Peak year
2005
3 births
Estimated living
6
2026
Meaning
What does Spirit mean?
The given name Spirit has its roots in the Latin word "spiritus," which means "breath" or "soul." This name first emerged during the Christian era, reflecting the religious and spiritual connotations associated with it.
In early Christian writings, the term "spirit" was often used to refer to the Holy Spirit or the divine force that guides and sustains life. The name Spirit was likely intended to evoke a sense of connection with the divine or a spiritual essence.
One of the earliest recorded individuals with the name Spirit was Spirit Truthfinder, a 12th-century English monk and philosopher known for his writings on the nature of the soul and spirituality. His work influenced the development of Christian mysticism during the Middle Ages.
Several centuries later, Spirit Waterhawk, a Native American chief and spiritual leader of the Lenape tribe, gained recognition for his efforts to preserve the traditional beliefs and practices of his people in the face of European colonization in the 17th century.
In the 19th century, Spirit Morningstar was a prominent figure in the Transcendentalist movement, advocating for a closer connection with nature and the spiritual realm. Her writings and teachings inspired many to embrace a more holistic and introspective approach to life.
During the 20th century, Spirit Fireheart, a Lakota Sioux activist, played a pivotal role in advocating for Native American rights and cultural preservation. Her unwavering spirit and commitment to her people's traditions earned her widespread respect and admiration.
More recently, Spirit Starlighter, a contemporary artist and spiritual teacher, has gained recognition for her work exploring the connection between art, spirituality, and personal growth. Her vibrant paintings and workshops have inspired many individuals to embrace their creative and spiritual selves.
While the name Spirit has not been as common as some other given names throughout history, it has carried a profound significance for those who have borne it, reflecting a deep connection with the spiritual realm and a commitment to exploring the depths of the human experience.
Sourced from namecensus.com.
Popularity
Spirit over time
The chart below shows babies named Spirit registered in England and Wales in the years where the name appears in the published records, from 2005 to 2008. Empty years are left out so rare names are not stretched across long periods where the published files do not show any registrations.
For Spirit, the clearest high point is 2005. The latest England and Wales figure is 3 births in 2008, compared with 3 at the peak.
Babies born per year
Decades
Spirit by decade
Decade totals smooth out the yearly jumps and make it easier to see whether Spirit 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000s | #5172 | 6 | 2 |
Related
Names similar to Spirit
- 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
Spirit: questions and answers
How popular is the name Spirit in the UK right now?
In 2008, Spirit was ranked #5545 for girls in England and Wales, with 3 births registered.
When was Spirit most popular?
The peak year on record was 2005, with 3 babies registered as Spirit in England and Wales.
What is the meaning and origin of Spirit?
An English word meaning the vital force or principle.
How many people are called Spirit in the UK?
A total of 6 babies have been registered as Spirit across the 2 years of ONS England & Wales records shown here.
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.