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

Girl Boy

Browse Top Baby Names by Year

Name		Gender	Meaning
Caine		Boy	To get; Acquired; Spear; Son of warrior
Jaxsen		Boy	Son of Jack; God is gracious
Flint		Girl	Flintstone; Hard quartz stone; Stream
Isidro		Boy	Gift of Isis
Muhammed		Boy	Praised; Praiseworthy; Commendable
Jaire		Unisex	He shines; Congo River
Suleiman-Name-Guide:-Pronunciation,-Meaning-&-Popularity		Boy	Peace
Adryan		Boy	From Hadria
Antwan		Boy	Priceless; Inestimable; Flower
Arion		Boy	Boundary; Light of the heavens; Melodious
Eoin		Boy	God is gracious; Young; God's gift
Ezriel-Name-Meaning-And-History:-A-Comprehensive-Guide-For-2025		Boy	My help is God
Hoyt		Boy	Someone who lives high or on a hill; Stick
Devansh-Name-Meaning-And-Origin:-A-Comprehensive-Guide		Girl	Part of God
Jovanny		Boy	God is gracious
Omarion		Boy	Populous; Flourishing
Klayton		Boy	Clay settlement
Penn-Name-Meaning:-Popularity,-Pronunciation-&-Nicknames		Boy	Head; Top; Hill
Richie-Name-Meaning-&-Origin:-Variations,-History,-Pop-Culture		Boy	Brave ruler
Shiv		Boy	Lord Shiva; Auspicious; Lucky
Antony-Baby-Name-Meaning:-Origin,-History-&-Popularity		Boy	Praiseworthy
Aram-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-History:-A-Comprehensive-Guide		Boy	Calm; Fortress; Elevated place; Glittering; Lustrous; Splendid
Aurelius		Boy	The golden one; Gilded
Austen		Boy	Exalted; Venerable; Increase; Renowned
Dave-Name-Origin-And-Meaning-In-2025:-Comprehensive-Guide		Boy	Beloved; Uncle
Holt		Boy	Forest; A small wood or grove of trees; Forested land
Kailo-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-And-Popularity:-Complete-Guide		Unisex	Narrow spit of land
Keshawn		Girl	God is gracious
Pryce		Boy	Son of the ardent one; Enthusiasm
Ravi-Name-Meaning:-A-Comprehensive-Guide-For-New-Parents		Boy	Sun
Ryu		Boy	Dragon; Noble; Prosperous
Salman		Boy	To be safe
Taha		Boy	Name of a Quranic verse
Akram		Boy	Generous; Noble
Aarin		Girl	Exalted; Elevated; Enlightened; Light bringer; Strong
Alakai-Baby-Name-Guide:-Pronunciation,-Popularity-&-Meaning		Unisex	The leader
Conway		Boy	Holy water
Emile		Boy	Rival; Eager; Emulating
Caison		Unisex	Calf
Jennings		Boy	God is gracious
Kael		Boy	Slender; Narrow
Ike-Name-Meaning:-Key-Insights-Into-History-And-Popularity		Boy	He will laugh; He will rejoice
Elyjah		Unisex	My God is Yahweh
Mael		Boy	Chief; Prince
Naim		Boy	Calm; Happy; Tranquil; At ease; To be contented
Treyson-Baby-Name-Meaning-&-History:-Comprehensive-Guide		Boy	A third-born son or child
Riyan		Unisex	Little king
Xavian		Boy	The new house
Yohan		Boy	God is gracious; Shine; Sparkle; Sunlight
Abbas		Boy	Austere; Lion
Alexandro-Name-Meaning-&-Origin:-Complete-Guide		Boy	Defender of men
Aris		Boy	Best purpose; Ruin; Man; From Hadria; Best; Rainbow; Straightforward
Aslan		Boy	Lion
Zade-Baby-Name-Guide:-Meaning,-Popularity,-Numerology-&-More		Unisex	Son of; To increase
Bayron-Name-Meaning,-Pronunciation,-Popularity-&-More		Boy	Place of the cow sheds
Eyad		Boy	To support or reinforce
Floyd		Boy	Gray-haired
Jaidyn		Boy	Thankful; He will judge; Green stone
Nikhil		Boy	Perfect; Complete; Whole; All-inclusive; Intact
Niles		Boy	Fury; Passion; Cloud; Hero
Nyle		Boy	Champion or hero; Fury or passion; Cloud
Nakoa-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-And-Popularity:-A-Complete-Guide		Unisex	Warrior; Brave
Quadir		Boy	Capable; Mighty; Powerful; One of the 99 names of Allah
Rafe		Boy	Council of the wolf; Wise wolf; God heals
Osiel		Unisex	My power is God
Angus		Boy	One force; One strength
Ciaran-Name-Meaning:-Complete-Guide-To-Origin-And-Pronunciation		Boy	Dark-haired; Dark-complexioned; Black; Mountain range; Bright; Famous
Edrick-Name-Meaning,-Origin-&-Popularity:-A-Comprehensive-Guide		Boy	Wealthy ruler
Fulton-Name-Meaning-&-Origin:-A-Comprehensive-Guide		Boy	Bird hill; Settlement of the fowl (a bird); Affirmation; Testament
Azlan		Unisex	Lion
Hashim		Boy	Crusher of evil; Breaker of bread
Maddex		Boy	Son of Madoc; Fortunate; Good
Nolen		Boy	Famous; Loud; Champion
Percy-Name-Origin-And-Meaning:-A-Comprehensive-Guide		Boy	One who pierces the valley
Ragnar		Boy	Army; Counsel; Judgement
Riker		Boy	Brave ruler
Shamar		Boy	Ready for battle; Fennel; The pool; Beauty; To watch; To guard
Adonai		Boy	My lord; My master
Aleister-Name-Meaning:-A-Comprehensive-Guide-For-2025		Boy	Defender or helper of mankind
Arley		Boy	Bowman; Hunter; Hare meadow
Brendon		Boy	Prince; King
Earl		Boy	Nobleman; Warrior
Giorgio:-Complete-Guide-To-Meaning,-Popularity-&-Nicknames		Boy	Farmer; Earthworker
Heriberto		Boy	Army bright; Shining fighter; Warrior
Jacques		Boy	May God protect; Holder of the heel; Supplanter
Knight		Boy	A knight; Serving lad
Jariel		Unisex	God's strength; God sees
Marlin-Name-Meaning-And-History:-Complete-Guide		Boy	Sea fort
Jettson		Unisex	Son of Jett; Descend
Mohamad		Boy	A special loved one, always loving others
Kaeson-Baby-Name:-Meaning,-Popularity,-And-Numerology-Guide		Unisex	Enclosure; Yard; Town
Paris-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-And-History:-Key-Insights		Boy	Lover; Capital city of France
Obed		Girl	Servant of God; Worshipper
Shaan		Boy	Dignity; Dignified; Pride; Honor; Rank; Purpose
Theron		Boy	Hunt; Height
Abdullahi		Boy	Servant of Allah
Braulio		Boy	Bright; Radiant; Sword
Darion		Girl	Gift; Possessing goodness; One from Airelle in France; Oak tree
Deshaun		Boy	God is gracious
Giovonni		Boy	God is gracious

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