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 | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |  Girl | Prickly, thorny bush | |
| | Boy | Hymns; Vedic chant | |
| | Boy | Crown | |
| | Boy | Newborn; Just born | |
| | Boy | Hill near a spring | |
| | Boy | Wild boar; Bright; Willful | |
| | Boy | Defender of mankind; Protector of mankind | |
| | Boy | Defender of mankind | |
| | Boy | Little rock; Handsome | |
| | Boy | Elf stone; One who lives near the old manor or the hillside | |
| | Girl | Sailor; Adventurous | |
| | Boy | God is with us | |
| | Boy | God is gracious | |
| | Boy | Fascinating; Captivator; Honored; Chosen | |
| | Boy | Charcoal valley; Coal hill; Coal valley; Cow hill | |
| |  Unisex | Father of peace | |
| | Boy | A charcoal burner; Coal seller | |
| | Boy | Loyal; Godlike; Provider; Guardian spirit | |
| | Girl | Brave; Manly; Man | |
| | Unisex | Belonging to the meadow; Valley-born | |
| | Boy | Rich guard | |
| | Boy | My God has helped | |
| | Boy | Ruler; Great; Brave; Home | |
| | Boy | Wise; Prudent; Judicious; Ruler | |
| | Boy | Yahweh will exalt | |
| | Unisex | My God is Yahweh | |
| | Unisex | He will add; God is my judge; God is my strong man | |
| | Boy | Bearing Christ | |
| | Boy | Dog; The homeland | |
| | Boy | My light | |
| | Boy | Defender of man; Variation of Alexander | |
| | Boy | Who is like God | |
| | Boy | Who is like God | |
| | Unisex | Son of the servant of John | |
| | Boy | Victory of the people | |
| | Boy | Woodland; Clearing; Meadow; Hermitage; Solitary | |
| | Boy | Wolf; Thicket; Copse | |
| | Girl | Lord Krishna | |
| | Boy | Brave; Realm power; Home | |
| | Boy | Of my own body; An ornament; Son of Vali | |
| | Boy | Worship; Homage; Respect; Ruler | |
| | Unisex | A ford; To go | |
| | Unisex | Growth; Increase | |
| | Boy | From Denton; Valley town | |
| | Boy | Prosperous spear | |
| | Boy | Enduring; Firm; Strong | |
| | Unisex | Bright-headed; War strife; Church | |
| | Boy | Nobility; Well born | |
| | Unisex | A pebbly place; Place with pebbles and stones | |
| | Unisex | Descendant of Damháin; Uncle; Beloved | |
| | Boy | Descendant of Angus | |
| | Boy | Brave; Heroic; Daring | |
| | Boy | Strong; Brave; Stag; Romantic; Giving | |
| | Boy | Deer | |
| | Boy | Deer; Hart | |
| | Boy | To be; To become | |
| | Boy | To sing loud | |
| | Boy | God is salvation | |
| | Boy | God's gift | |
| | Unisex | My God is Yahweh; Great; Glorious | |
| | Boy | To acquire; Possession | |
| | Boy | Rare; Scarce; Precious | |
| | Boy | Genuine; Heartfelt; Pure; Whole | |
| | Boy | Royal; Kingship | |
| | Boy | God's power; Mighty god | |
| | Boy | Well-advised protector; Guards Wisely | |
| | Boy | Spiritual; Kindhearted | |
| | Boy | Saint; Saint James | |
| | Boy | Living; Alive | |
| | Boy | Iron; Strong | |
| | Boy | Splendor; Mountain goat; Female ibex; Gracefulness and beauty; Satisfied; Fresh | |
| | Boy | Of the forest | |
| | Boy | God will strengthen | |
| | Boy | Servant of God; Servant of Allah | |
| | Unisex | Resolute protector; Will helmet | |
| | Boy | Sincere; Fair; Honest; Just | |
| | Boy | Oath; A pledge; A promise; Hare land | |
| | Boy | On top of a hill; Descendants of Buadan | |
| | Boy | Hunt; Chase | |
| | Boy | God is my judge | |
| | Boy | Pond; Stream; Pool; Lake-like | |
| | Boy | Yahweh is gracious; Heart; Ethics; Beautiful | |
| | Boy | One who is from the mountains | |
| | Boy | Ella's hill; Sacred hill; Old friend; Light; Ray | |
| | Boy | Ruler; King; Unceasing; Brave; Home | |
| | Boy | Hairy | |
| | Boy | Staff of the Geats | |
| | Unisex | Little fire | |
| | Boy | Taught by God | |
| | Boy | Master; Lord; Obedient | |
| | Boy | Dove; God | |
| | Boy | Companion | |
| | Unisex | Born of yew; Gift of God; Youth; Greece | |
| | Boy | God's assistance | |
| | Boy | Little wolf | |
| | Unisex | Dog; Faithful; Wholehearted | |
| | Boy | Renowned warrior | |
| | Boy | A sickly; Frail man; Weak | |
| | Boy | Symbol of peace; Bird | |
| | Boy | God's gift | |
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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