Top boy Names For 2021

Names that reflect values and heritage.

Most parents select baby names that stand for some admirable human qualities. The popular boy names of 2021 represent qualities such as strength, bravery, and nobility. These popular names blend traditional and modern influences, each representing admirable traits parents hope their sons will embrace. Many of these names come with a rich history, which adds to their charm. These names offer a sense of heritage and convey meaningful qualities that keep them relevant even after centuries.

Two of the top favorites, Liam (protector) and William (protector) signify protection and are also associated with bravery or fearlessness. Similarly, names like Ethan (strong) and Bryan (strong) convey strength, a highly valued trait in boys. On the modern side, names like Ryder (mounted warrior) and Xander (defender of people) bring to mind warriors with meanings that highlight their roles as defenders and protectors of their people. If you’re looking for popular and meaningful boy names in the US, check out the list below, compiled from official SSA data (1).

In This Article

Browse Top Baby Names by Gender

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Browse Top Baby Names by Year

Name		Gender	Meaning
Maxon		Boy	Greatest; Supreme; Maximum; Eldest
Mordecai		Boy	Warrior; Follower; Worshiper of Marduk; Servant of Marduk
Masiah		Unisex	Savior; Anointed one
Ronaldo		Boy	Ruler's counsel; Ruler's advice
Xaiden-Baby-Name:-Meaning,-Popularity,-And-Pronunciation-Guide		Unisex	Little fire; Salmon
Dwight-Name-Meaning-And-Origin:-A-Comprehensive-Guide-For-2025		Boy	Tree of Zeus
Jamel		Boy	To be beautiful; He who possesses great looks
Jayven		Boy	Ancient Greek inhabitants of Attica
Irvin-Name-Meaning:-A-Comprehensive-Guide-to-Origin-and-History		Boy	Green water; Boar friend
Jahseh		Boy	God speaks; God gives
Leyton-Name-Meaning:-Comprehensive-Guide-For-Parents		Boy	A town with a leek garden
Slater		Boy	Slate maker; Slate hewer; Shard
Ahad		Boy	One; Unique; Matchless
Wolf		Unisex	Wolf; Path of the wolf
Estevan		Boy	Crown; Wreath; That which surrounds
Fidel		Boy	Faithful
Hendrick-Name-Meaning-And-Origin:-Comprehensive-Guide		Boy	Rules his household
Yuvaan		Unisex	Young person; Strong; Healthy; Excellent
Malcom		Boy	A disciple of Saint Columba
Markel		Boy	Mars; The god of war; Warlike; Male
Mayer		Boy	Mayor; Leader; Giving light
Gryffin		Unisex	Mythical Greek creature Griffin; Strong prince
Nael		Boy	God has given; Blessed and generous
Rigoberto-Name:-Meaning,-Popularity-&-What-You-Need-To-Know		Boy	Powerful king; Mighty king; Bright
Saif		Boy	Sword; The protector of something
Townes-Name-Origin,-Meaning,-And-History:-Complete-Guide		Boy	One who is from the end of the town
Yunus-Name-Meaning-And-Origin:-A-Comprehensive-Guide		Boy	Dove; Peaceful being; God's gift; Accomplishment
Domingo-Name-Meaning-And-History:-Comprehensive-Guide-For-2025		Boy	Belonging to God
Fitz		Girl	The son of
Fischer		Unisex	Fisherman; One who catches fish
Maksim		Boy	The greatest
Marko-Name-Origin-And-Meaning:-A-Comprehensive-Guide		Boy	Mars; The god of war; Warlike; Male
Ignatius		Unisex	Fire; Fiery
Meyer		Boy	Bringing Light; Leader; Mayor; Farmer; Landlord
Oden		Boy	Inspiration; Frenzy; Rage
Roscoe		Boy	Forest of the roebuck; Deer forest; Doe wood
Said-Name-Meaning:-Origin,-Variations-&-Popularity-Guide		Boy	Happy; Lucky
Vernon		Boy	Land of alder trees
Avian-Name-Meaning:-Origins,-History-&-2025-Popularity-Trends		Boy	Bird-like; Lively
Azaan		Boy	Announcement; Call to prayer
Branden-Name-Meaning,-Origin-&-Pronunciation:-Complete-Guide		Boy	Hill covered with broom
Yariel		Unisex	Lion of God
Diesel		Boy	People; Gift of God
Duane-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-And-History:-Comprehensive-Guide		Boy	Dark; Swarthy; Little dark one
Esai		Boy	God is my salvation; Yahweh is salvation
Braven-Name-Meaning-And-Popularity:-Comprehensive-Guide		Unisex	Show-off; Fine; Courageous; Raven
Hernan-Name-Meaning:-Complete-Guide-To-Origin-And-History		Boy	Spiritual pilgrim; Peace; Journey; Boldness; Daring
Ivar		Boy	Bow warrior; Army; Yew tree
Maceo-Name-Meaning,-Origin-&-Pronunciation:-Complete-Guide		Boy	Gift of God
Nate		Boy	God has given; He gave
Nigel		Boy	Hero; Dark-haired; Black; Cloud; Fury; Passion
Pranav-Name:-Complete-Guide-To-Meaning,-Origin-&-Popularity		Boy	Phonic sound for sacred syllable Om
Sol		Boy	Peace; Sun
Theodor-Baby-Name-Guide:-Pronunciation,-Origin-&-Popularity		Boy	A gift of god
Uziel-Name-Meaning:-Comprehensive-Origin,-History-&-Variations		Boy	My power is God
Abdulrahman		Boy	Servant of the merciful; Servant of the most gracious
Efren		Boy	Fruitful
Everette-Name-Meaning:-Comprehensive-Guide-To-Origin-&-History		Boy	Brave boar
Jakoby		Boy	Son of Jacob; Supplanter
Darell		Unisex	Person from Airelle in France
Kelton		Boy	Town of the Celts; Calf town; Spring village
Fitzgerald		Girl	Son of Gerald; Power of the spear
Ishan-Name:-Meaning,-History,-Pronunciation-&-Popularity		Boy	Master; Lord; Shiva
Marlo		Boy	Remnants of a lake;Seahill front; Drop of the sea; Sea of bitterness; Rebelliousness; Wished-for child; Beloved; Love;
Reggie-Name-Meaning,-History,-And-Popularity:-Complete-Guide		Boy	Powerful advisor; Wise ruler
Lucah-Baby-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-And-Popularity-Insights		Unisex	From Lucania; Light
Yehoshua		Boy	Yahweh is salvation
Yuvan		Boy	Youthful; God is gracious
Oziel-Name:-Complete-Guide-To-Meaning,-History-&-Pronunciation		Unisex	My power is Yahweh; Strength; Power; Salvation
Quest		Unisex	Search; Journey; Adventure; Mission; Pursuit
Aedan-Name-Meaning-And-History:-A-Comprehensive-Guide		Boy	Fire; Little fire
Aharon		Boy	Exalted; High mountain
Aj		Boy	The inventor; Moon; A Pharoah's name
Brewer-Name-Guide:-Meaning,-Popularity-&-Adorable-Nicknames		Boy	One who brews; Maker of ale
Isaak		Boy	He will laugh; He will rejoice
Om		Boy	Sacred syllable; Primordial sound
Raziel		Boy	Secrets of God; My secret is God
Yazan		Boy	A determined man; A Himyarite king
Abdirahman		Boy	Servant of the merciful
Asad		Boy	Lion; God's strength
Branch		Boy	Paw; Extension
Chaz		Boy	Free man; Army
Eitan		Boy	Enduring; Firm
Finnigan		Boy	Son of fair-haired one
Joao		Boy	Yahweh is gracious
Konrad		Boy	Bold counselor
Laya		Boy	Sweetly speaking; Rest; Dissolution; Extinction; Tempo; Rhythm; Supreme being
Triton-Name-Meaning-And-Origin:-A-Comprehensive-Guide		Boy	The sea; Three; Son of Poseidon
Kemari-Name:-Meaning,-Pronunciation-&-Popularity-Guide		Unisex	Moonlight; Kickball
Wilmer-Name-Meaning:-Origin,-Popularity-&-5-Charming-Nicknames		Boy	Famous; Strong desire
Adnan		Boy	Settler
Armon		Boy	Army man; A castle; High place
Atharva		Boy	One of names of Lord Ganesha; Knower of the Vedas; Knowledgeable one
Colsen		Boy	Coal; A form of carbon; Victory of the people
Domenic		Boy	Belonging to God
Advaith		Boy	One who has no duplicate; Non-duality; Unity
Reyan		Unisex	Fame; Basil
Aeson-Name-Meaning:-Complete-Guide-To-Origin,-History-And-More		Boy	Nimble; Swift
Stephon		Unisex	Crown; Wreath
Ayub		Boy	Other name of Job; Persecuted; Hated

Infographic: Popular Boy Names Symbolizing Faith In God

For centuries, parents have chosen names for their children that reflect their faith in the Almighty. And despite the ever-changing trends, many parents still opt for baby names with deep spiritual meanings. The infographic below offers a look at the most trending boy names with spiritual meanings.

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team