Top Baby Names For 2021
A fusion of tradition and innovation.
Illustration: MomJunction Design Team
For generations, naming conventions stuck to traditional and familial names. However, the popular baby names of 2021 proved that parents are now looking for names that combine a rich historical background with contemporary relevance. Parents prefer names that honor their heritage while also reflecting modern values and individuality. This growing interest in distinctive and unique names has given rise to unconventional choices that are lovable and memorable.
For girls, the classic favorites Olivia (peace) and Emma (universal) maintained their timeless charm at the top of the charts, while also making room for the celestial allure of names like Luna (moon) and Nova (new). Likewise, the baby boy names Liam (protector) and Noah (to rest) remained popular due to their strong, classic roots. However, the rise of names like Asher (blessing) and Kai (sea) highlighted the growing acceptance of names that have a contemporary flair. If you too are looking for a wide range of trendy baby names, then this list is for you. Derived from official SSA data (1), these are the most popular choices in the US, offering a blend of modern flair and timeless appeal.
In This Article
Browse Top Baby Names by Gender
Browse Top Baby Names by Year
| Name | Gender | Meaning | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |  Boy | Strong-willed warrior; Protector; Guardian; My nation; My people | |
| | Girl | Peace; Olive tree | |
| | Girl | Whole; Universal | |
| |  Unisex | Rest; Comfort | |
| | Boy | Olive; Olive tree planter; Ancestor's descendant; All cautious | |
| | Girl | Desire; Life; Bird-like; Voice; Sound | |
| | Boy | Yahweh is my God | |
| | Girl | Free person; Petite | |
| | Girl | She who possesses great knowledge and wisdom | |
| | Boy | Will; Protector | |
| | Boy | Supplanter | |
| | Girl | Hard working; Industrious | |
| | Boy | Son of the right hand; Son of the south | |
| | Girl | God is my oath | |
| | Girl | Mine; Dear; Darling; Wished-for child; Sea of bitterness; Beloved; Rebelliousness | |
| | Boy | Bringer of light; From Lucania; Light | |
| | Girl | Life; Hazelnut; Lake; Beauty | |
| | Boy | Home ruler | |
| | Unisex | Someone who plays the harp | |
| | Boy | Defender of mankind | |
| | Girl | Religious attendant; Priest's helper | |
| | Boy | Stone worker | |
| | Girl | My father is joy; Cause of joy | |
| | Boy | Who is like God? | |
| | Girl | God is gracious | |
| | Boy | Enduring; Firm; Strong | |
| | Girl | Moon | |
| | Boy | God is my judge | |
| | Girl | Beautiful; Goddess; Other | |
| | Boy | May God protect; Holder of the heel; Supplanter | |
| | Girl | My God is an oath | |
| | Boy | Little hollow | |
| | Girl | Wisdom | |
| | Boy | Son of Jack | |
| | Girl | To strive; To excel; Hardworking; Rival | |
| | Boy | Joined; Attached; He will join | |
| | Unisex | Ruler of elves; Elf counsel | |
| | Boy | From Sebaste; Venerable; Exalted | |
| | Girl | Gracious; Dear; Soldier; Miracles | |
| | Boy | God's gift | |
| | Girl | The color scarlet; Bright red; A person who sold or made clothes made of scarlet | |
| | Boy | God is gracious; Healthy; Supplanter | |
| | Girl | The other Aenor; Shining light; Riches; Fame | |
| | Boy | Well-born; Noble birth; Born from the yew tree | |
| | Unisex | God's gift | |
| | Unisex | Little fire | |
| | Girl | Night; Dark | |
| | Girl | Weaver; Duck | |
| | Boy | Name of God; God has heard | |
| | Girl | Fresh blooming; Ripe green shoot; Yellow | |
| | Boy | He will add; Praise | |
| | Girl | Song; Air; Melody | |
| | Boy | God is gracious | |
| | Girl | Goodness; Generosity | |
| | Boy | Beloved; Uncle | |
| | Girl | God is my light; My God is an oath; Torch | |
| | Boy | Brave at war; War strength | |
| | Girl | Light; Bright; Honor; Dignity; Victorious | |
| | Boy | God's gift | |
| | Girl | The hazel tree | |
| | Boy | Bringer of light; From Lucania; Light | |
| | Girl | Eternal Life; Life; To breathe; Alive; To live | |
| | Boy | Happy; Blessed; Someone who lived by an ash tree or ash grove | |
| | Boy | Tourist; Sojourner; Son of Carter; One who uses a cart | |
| | Girl | Victory; Roman goddess of victory | |
| | Boy | Youthful; Bright; Juvenile; Downy-bearded | |
| | Girl | Name of a flower; Purity; Innocence | |
| | Boy | Son of a gray-haired person | |
| | Girl | Dawn | |
| | Boy | Lion | |
| | Girl | Purple; Purple flower | |
| | Unisex | God will judge; Thankful | |
| | Unisex | God is my strength | |
| | Girl | New; New star | |
| | Boy | He will laugh; He will rejoice; Laughter | |
| | Girl | Grace; Favor; God has favored me | |
| | Girl | Life | |
| | Boy | Pool or lake colony | |
| | Girl | Rival; Laborious; Eager | |
| | Boy | Flower | |
| | Unisex | Star; Pillar | |
| | Boy | To tide; To flow | |
| | Girl | Boar meadow; Boar clearing | |
| | Boy | Son of Hudde; Mind; Thought; Spirit | |
| | Boy | Help | |
| | Girl | Island | |
| | Boy | Twin | |
| | Girl | Weary; Tired; Cow | |
| | Boy | Free man | |
| | Girl | My god is an oath; Lily flower; Purity | |
| | Boy | Bearer of Christ; One who carries Christ | |
| | Boy | Son of Adam; Son of Addie | |
| | Girl | Willow tree; Freedom | |
| | Boy | Son of Jack; God is gracious | |
| | Girl | Light | |
| | Boy | Jehovah supports | |
| | Girl | Church | |
| | Boy | Independent person who avoids conformity | |
| | Girl | Birthday; Birthday of the God; Christmas; Festival of the nativity | |
| | Boy | Yahweh is salvation; God saves | |
Reflecting a dynamic shift in parental preferences, the popular baby names of 2021 highlight the increasing interest in versatile names. These names may be derived from different languages and cultures but are loved by parents in the US. While some parents continue to favor traditional choices, others are embracing more unconventional and adventurous names. This trend reveals a growing willingness among parents to select names that are not only meaningful but also reflect their values and aspirations for their children.
Infographic: Popular Trendy Long Names Of 2021
There is a sense of grandeur and elegance attached to long names. These names often reflect cultural heritage and family values. In 2021, their regal and timeless appeal continued to captivate parents. Have a look at the infographic below to pick a meaningful and popular long name for your little one.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
References
- Popular Names in 2020.
https://www.ssa.gov/oact/babynames/
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Do you have a name in mind and want to know more about it? Or want to find names belonging to a particular origin, religion, or having a specific meaning? Use our search tool below to explore more baby names with different combinations.
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