UK top 50 popular & funny House Names

Popular UK house names

50 Popular UK House Names

Looking for inspiration for your house name? From traditional favourites such as Rose Cottage and The Old Rectory to names inspired by gardens, wildlife and the surrounding countryside, British homes have a long tradition of being given individual names.

The list below is based on house-name data published by Royal Mail in 2015 and shows some of the most widely used house names and name elements in the UK at that time.


Top 50 Popular House Names

2015 Royal Mail house-name figures

1. Orchard — 11,894
2. Meadow — 11,473
3. Rose Cottage — 11,308
4. Holly — 8,131
5. Oak — 8,032
6. Willow — 7,913
7. School House — 4,323
8. The Willows — 4,107
9. Sunnyside — 3,982
10. Springfield — 3,958
11. Corner — 3,902
12. Highfield — 3,873
13. Old School — 3,012
14. Primrose — 2,598
15. Mill House — 2,526
16. The Old Rectory — 2,500
17. Yew Tree Cottage — 2,359
18. The Old Vicarage — 2,216
19. Oaklands — 2,077
20. The Old Post Office — 2,060
21. Lilac — 1,973
22. Honeysuckle — 1,911
23. Hillside — 1,779
24. Treetops — 1,676
25. Woodside — 1,515
26. The Old School House — 1,482
27. Ivy House — 1,249
28. Woodlands — 1,158
29. Red House — 1,037
30. White House — 743
31. Wayside — 741
32. Granary — 700
33. Lakeside — 549
34. Stables — 549
35. Toad Hall — 496
36. Haven — 483
37. Vicarage — 461
38. Fairview — 407
39. Laurels — 341
40. Thornfield — 311
41. Hillcrest — 310
42. The Barn — 298
43. Firs — 292
44. The Cottage — 260
45. Nook — 238
46. Coach House — 233
47. Clarence — 230
48. Beeches — 195
49. Highclere — 188
50. Gables — 172

Where Do House Names Come From?

Nature & Gardens

Names such as Orchard, Meadow, Willow, Holly and Rose Cottage are often inspired by plants, gardens and the surrounding landscape.

The History of the Building

Names such as The Old School House, The Old Rectory, Mill House and The Old Post Office can reflect how a property was once used.

The Location or View

Hillside, Lakeside, Fairview and Meadow View are examples of names inspired by a property's setting or outlook.

Something Personal

Family names, favourite places, humour and words with a personal meaning can all inspire a completely individual house name.


Some of the Most Unusual House Names We've Made

Not every house name is traditional. Over the years we've made signs for plenty of homes with unusual, funny and completely personal names.

One of the most unusual was ZINKYBONKYBOO. When we asked the customers where the name came from, they told us that was how they both felt when their offer on the house was accepted.

We've also made names such as COSTA PLENTY, COSTA FORTUNA and LLAMEDOS — which makes more sense when you read it backwards.

The shortest house name we've made is PI, while one of the longest was THE OLD PUMPING STATION HOUSE.


Choosing a Name for Your Own Home

A house name can be historic, sentimental, descriptive, humorous or completely original. The best choice is usually one that has some connection with the property or means something to the people who live there.

If you're planning to add or officially change a house name, you can also read our UK house naming guide for information about numbered properties and local council requirements.


Turn Your House Name Into a Sign

Once you've chosen a name, browse our house signs to find a style, material and size to suit your home.