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
Renato:-Complete-Guide-To-Origin,-Meaning,-And-History		Boy	Born Again; Reborn; Rebirth
Saeed-Name:-Ultimate-Guide-To-Meaning,-Popularity,-And-More		Boy	Happy; Lucky; Fortunate; Felicity
Saleem		Boy	Safe; Sound; Intact
Munir-Name-Meaning-&-History:-Everything-You-Need-To-Know		Unisex	Bright; Illuminating
Saxon		Boy	Swordsman
Shreyas		Boy	Superior; Best
Wellington-Name-Meaning:-Full-Guide-To-Origin-And-Popularity		Boy	Holy settlement; Sacred town
Adem		Boy	Man; To be red; Made from
Wilfredo-Name-Guide:-Meaning,-Popularity-&-Pronunciation		Boy	Desiring peace
Amaan		Boy	Protection; Trustworthy; Most loveable; Peace of mind
Anish		Boy	Supreme; Ultimate; Greatest authority; Without a ruler; Lord Shiva
Zaki		Boy	Pure; Chaste; Sinless; Lion
Ashwin		Boy	Possessed of horses; A cavalier; Light
Ayush-Name-Complete-Guide:-Meaning,-Pronunciation-&-Popularity		Boy	Long Life; One who is blessed to live long
Asiel-Name-Meaning,-History-&-Popularity:-Complete-Guide-2025		Boy	Created by God
Alessi		Unisex	Defender of mankind
Eian		Boy	God is gracious
Elwood		Boy	Elder tree forest; Elf; Rule
Haider-Name-Meaning-And-History:-A-Comprehensive-Guide		Boy	Lion; Warrior
Idrees-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-And-History:-Comprehensive-Guide		Boy	Interpreter; Studious; Smart; Ardent lord
Jadyn		Boy	Thankful; God has heard; He will judge; A green gemstone
Japheth-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-And-History:-Complete-Guide		Boy	May He extend; Beautiful; Son of Noah
Javi		Boy	The new house
Jayveon		Boy	Eternal
Javien		Unisex	Eternal
Keshav		Boy	Lord Vishnu; One who has beautiful long hair; Slayer of Kesi demon
Khalif		Boy	Successor; Caliph; Leader; Ruler
Macario		Boy	Blessed; Happy
Odysseus		Boy	To hate or lament
Pascual		Boy	Of Easter; Pass over
Nation		Unisex	People; Human group of the same origin
Theoden-Name-Origin,-Meaning,-Popularity-Guide-in-2025		Boy	Leader of the people; King; Ruler
Theophilus		Boy	A friend of god
Thane-Name-Origin,-Meaning-And-History:-Complete-Guide		Boy	Landowner; Warrior
Walt		Boy	Power of the army; Powerful warrior; Dweller by the wall; Forest
Younis-Name-Meaning,-Origin-And-Popularity:-Ultimate-Guide		Girl	Dove
Walton		Unisex	Stream town; Wood town; Wall town
Ziad		Boy	To increase; Growth; Abundance
Zahmir-Name-Meaning-&-Popularity:-Your-Comprehensive-Guide		Boy	Nightingale; Song; Heart; Mind; Good voice; Conscience
Alexei		Boy	Defender of mankind
Antwon		Boy	Worthy of praise
Brad-Name-Meaning:-A-Comprehensive-Guide-To-Origin-&-Popularity		Boy	Wide; Broad
Calan		Boy	Victorious; Descendant of Cathalán
Daksh-Name-Meaning-And-Popularity:-Complete-Guide		Boy	Son of Brahma
Deontae		Boy	Greek God Dionysios; Of Zeus; Lasting
Dmitri		Boy	Earth lover; Follower of Demeter
Dyson		Boy	Son of Dye
Efraim		Boy	Fruitful
Fares		Boy	A knight; Horseman;
Gibran		Boy	To restore; To repair; Reward of God to His parents
Jaice		Boy	Healer; My salvation is in the Lord
Kavon		Boy	Handsome; Beloved
Kaz		Boy	Beloved; Empty
Macon		Boy	Strength; Power; Shield; One who makes things; Mason
Mateus		Boy	God's gift
Omri		Boy	Package of several things tied together; Life; Servant
Rakeem		Boy	Kind; Compassionate
Romero		Boy	Pilgrim to Rome
Slate		Boy	A slater
Selvin		Boy	Battle opportunity; Of the woods
Shreyan		Girl	Fame; Good fortune; Auspicious
Viggo		Boy	Warlike; Fighter; One who lies in a cradle
Advait		Boy	Unique; Not dual
Akash		Boy	Open space; Sky
Yasser-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-And-History:-Complete-Guide		Girl	To be rich; To become easy
Baylen		Boy	Auburn-haired
Binyamin		Boy	Son of the right hand
Blayne		Boy	Yellow
Abiel		Unisex	God is my father
Caeden		Boy	Strength; Son of Cadán; Battle; Warrior; Companion
Amil		Boy	One who hopes; Invaluable
Cale		Boy	Whole heart; Dog; Faithful
Cyril		Boy	Lord; Master
Darrin		Boy	Great; Oaktree
Daxx		Boy	Name of a town in France; Leader
Ayson-Baby-Name-Guide:-Meaning,-Origin-And-Popularity		Unisex	Aythe's son
Delano		Boy	Wetland; Swamp
Ebenezer		Boy	Stone of help
Ara		Unisex	Adorning, decoration; Opinion; Prayer; Vow; Curse
Eliyah		Boy	My God is Yahweh; High; Lofty; Sublime
Janai		Girl	God has given an answer
Erin		Boy	Ireland; Green water; From the island
Geronimo		Boy	Holy name
Graydon		Boy	Gray hill
Hatcher		Boy	Gatekeeper
Hubert		Boy	Bright heart; Mind-bright; Shining intellect
Deven		Unisex	Descendant of Damhán; Calf; Fawn; Little dark one; Lord of gods
Gohan		Girl	Cooked rice
Javen-Name-Meaning:-Comprehensive-Guide-For-Your-Baby		Boy	Greece; He will understand
Iroh		Boy	Fire; Wise; Mentor
Jim		Boy	Holder of the heel; Supplanter; May God protect
Kage		Boy	Shadow; Enclosed space
Jahkai		Unisex	Gift of God
Kam		Boy	Love; Desire; Wish; Long; Crave; Crooked nose
Miko		Boy	Who is like God
Mosiah		Boy	Saviour
Nuri-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-And-History:-Complete-Guide		Boy	My light; Brilliant
Lochlann		Boy	Viking, Scandinavian; Land of the lakes
Riggin		Boy	Little king; Impulsive
Shamir		Boy	Guardian; Protector; Battle warrior; Flint

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