A new UK polar research ship worth almost $400 million will not be named Boaty McBoatface - despite a public vote revealing the unusual moniker as the ship’s preferred name.

Science Minister Jo Johnson confirmed the vessel would instead be named the RRS Sir David Attenborough, after the legendary naturalist and journalist, the BBC reported.

The 89-year-old broadcaster said he was “truly honoured” by the decision.

Mr Johnson said “more suitable names” were considered, before the final name was decided.

But it’s not all bad news - a sub-sea vehicle attached to the ship will be dubbed ‘Boaty’ in permanent acknowledgment of the popularly suggested name, which emerged in response to the UK’s Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) competition, Name Our Ship.