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
Browse Top Baby Names by Year
| Name | Gender | Meaning | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |  Boy | Conquering | |
| | Boy | To hunt; Capture; Huntsmen; Chase | |
| | Boy | Peaceful; Gracious; Soldier; Mill | |
| | Boy | Gift of God; God has given | |
| | Boy | Teacher; Saint; Supplanter | |
| | Boy | Dove; Peaceful | |
| | Boy | The tile maker | |
| | Boy | Bracca's settlement | |
| | Boy | Charcoal; Victory of the people | |
| | Boy | Farmer; Earth worker | |
| | Boy | Yahweh has remembered; To remember | |
| | Boy | Famous in battle | |
| | Boy | Flock of God | |
| |  Unisex | Son of the smith; White hawk; Hawk field | |
| | Boy | Bent grass clearing; Bent grass woodland | |
| | Boy | Bald | |
| | Boy | God is gracious; God is merciful; Yahweh is gracious | |
| | Boy | Dweller by the great stream | |
| | Boy | The greatest | |
| | Boy | Rich; Wealthy; Ruler | |
| | Boy | Free man; Army | |
| | Boy | God is with us | |
| | Boy | From Laurentum; Laurel | |
| | Boy | My angel; Messenger of God | |
| | Boy | Handsome by birth; Gentle; Lovable; Fair; Peace | |
| | Boy | The Lord is my God | |
| | Girl | Rye clearing | |
| | Boy | Advice; Counsel; Ardent; Fiery | |
| | Boy | Bowman | |
| | Boy | Transporter of goods by carts; One who uses a cart | |
| | Boy | From Lucania; Light | |
| | Boy | Bear king; Bear | |
| | Boy | Enclosed valley | |
| | Boy | Prince; Chieftain; Gorse hill; Hill covered with broom | |
| | Boy | Supplanter | |
| | Boy | Fair; Just | |
| | Boy | The Christian God; To save; Yahweh is salvation | |
| | Boy | Son of Madoc; Fortunate | |
| | Boy | Monarch; Ruler | |
| | Boy | Gift of God; God; Folk; People | |
| | Boy | God's gift | |
| | Boy | Ruler of an estate or a house; Victorious | |
| | Boy | Rival; Industrious | |
| | Boy | Valley; Leader | |
| | Boy | White; Blessed; Sámi people from Finland | |
| | Boy | Broad eye; Broad island; Ditch; Fort; Fortification; Muddy area | |
| | Boy | Priceless | |
| | Boy | Breath; Vapor; Son; Noble; Strength; Fortitude | |
| | Boy | Praise; To be praised; Thanksgiving | |
| | Boy | Gravelly homestead | |
| | Boy | God; Divinity; Growth | |
| | Boy | Defender of people | |
| | Boy | To endure; Bearer of the heavens | |
| | Boy | Who is like God | |
| | Boy | Savior; Anointed | |
| | Boy | A cloth fuller; Torment | |
| | Boy | Honoring God | |
| | Boy | Handsome; Little rock | |
| | Boy | Rich guard | |
| | Boy | Lion | |
| | Boy | Son of David; Beloved; Uncle | |
| | Boy | Eternal ruler | |
| | Unisex | Highest rank; One; Defending men | |
| | Boy | Winner or conqueror | |
| | Boy | Father of multitudes; Father of nations; High father; Crossing; Passage | |
| | Boy | Victory of the people | |
| | Boy | God exists; Gift | |
| | Boy | Nobleman | |
| | Boy | Yahweh is god | |
| | Boy | Brave ruler; Mighty king; Firm ruler | |
| | Boy | Beehive; Stream | |
| | Boy | Defender of mankind | |
| | Boy | Large; Tall; Big; Great | |
| | Boy | God's spear; Friend of deer | |
| | Boy | Rock; Stone | |
| | Boy | Gift of Yahweh | |
| | Boy | Illumination; Light | |
| | Boy | Manly; Valiant | |
| | Boy | Young male horse; Horsekeeper | |
| | Unisex | Crown; Wreath; Renowned | |
| | Unisex | Lord; Master; Beautiful young man | |
| | Boy | Blessed with good fortune; Succesful | |
| | Boy | Warlike; Dedicated to Mars | |
| | Boy | One who is from the priest's settlement or town | |
| | Boy | Rival; Eager | |
| | Boy | Devotion to God; Faithfulness; Bold; Whole; Heart | |
| | Boy | Exalted by the Lord | |
| | Boy | Fire; Steep meadow | |
| | Boy | Mars; God of war; Male; Warlike; Hammer; Defender | |
| | Boy | God contends | |
| | Boy | Round hill; A hillock; Hump | |
| | Boy | At the ash tree; Cliff | |
| | Boy | Lord; Prince | |
| | Boy | Son or descendant of Cadán; Strength; Battle spirit; Warrior | |
| | Boy | Handsome; Comely; Respect | |
| | Boy | Archer; Narrows; Channel; Strait; Victory of the people; Hole | |
| | Boy | Son of Jack; God has been gracious | |
| | Boy | God has healed | |
| | Boy | Becca's homestead | |
| | Boy | The new house | |
Popular baby boy names of 2021 reflect parents’ dreams and aspirations for their sons. By exploring the list above, you can find names that carry historical significance and meaningful qualities you would want your son to inherit. Since the name you choose will stay with your son for his entire life, selecting one that aligns with your family values and heritage is important. Choose a name that your son will be proud to carry and that reflects the qualities you admire.
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
References
- Popular Names in 2020.
https://www.ssa.gov/oact/babynames/
Look Up For Many More Names
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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