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
Tadhg-Name:-Guide-To-Origin,-Meaning,-And-Popularity		Boy	Poet; Philosopher
Ted-Name-Meaning:-Origin,-History,-and-Popularity-Guide		Boy	Wealth; Fortune; Guard
Tennyson		Boy	A form of Dennison; Son of Dennis
Tillman		Boy	Farmer; Plowman
Torian		Boy	Chief; Head; Leader
Talen		Unisex	Claw; Talon; Anklebone
Waseem		Boy	Handsome
Akshar		Boy	Imperishable; Indestructible; Immortal being; A letter of the alphabet or a syllable
Vinny		Unisex	To conquer
Ashar		Boy	Alarm; Notify; Advise; Observe; Brave
Auston		Boy	Exalted; Venerable; Increase; Renowned
Yamir		Unisex	Moon
Yeshaya		Unisex	God is salvation
Yuvin		Unisex	Youth; A young adult; Excellent; Healthy; Strong
Cato-Name-Meaning-And-History:-Comprehensive-Guide		Boy	Wise
Zakary		Unisex	God remembers
Ashad		Unisex	Lion; Invincible
Corben		Boy	A raven
Cutter		Boy	Someone who cuts or carves; Gem cutter; Cloth cutter or tailor
Chief		Boy	Chief; Leader
Damarcus		Boy	The Lord of war; Male
Daxten		Boy	Dax's town
Didier		Boy	Desire or longing
Dequan		Boy	Spring
Drayton		Boy	Farmstead near a portage or slope used for dragging downloads
Frederic		Boy	Peaceful ruler
Gabino		Boy	The ancient city of Gabii
Halen-Name-Meaning-And-Origin:-A-Comprehensive-Guide		Boy	Hero; From the hall; Stony
Dexton		Unisex	One who dyes; Right-handed; Skilled
Horacio		Boy	Timekeeper; Hour; Time
Essa		Unisex	Star; Yahweh is salvation; Myrtle
Hutson		Boy	Son of Hudde; Ruler; Mind
Jonny		Boy	God is gracious
Ioannis		Boy	God is gracious
Jabriel-Baby-Name:-Meaning,-Popularity-&-Key-Insights-In-2025		Unisex	Angel
Landin		Boy	Long hill
Macallan		Boy	Son of Allan; A son of a handsome man; Little rock
Khyler:-Guide-To-Name-Meaning,-Pronunciation-&-Popularity		Unisex	Narrow strait; Channel; Tiler of roofs
Maher		Boy	Skilled; Talented
Kru		Unisex	Weir; Group of people
Kruze		Unisex	Cross
Mihir		Boy	Sun; Moon; Wind; King of all; One who belongs to the Sun family
Mikey		Boy	Who is like God
Matix		Unisex	Good; Fortunate
Oz-Name-Meaning:-Comprehensive-Guide-To-Origin-And-Popularity		Boy	God; Strength
Nahom-Name-Guide:-Meaning,-Popularity-&-Pronunciation		Boy	Comforter
Pearce		Boy	Son of Peter; Rock; Stone
Perrin		Boy	Rock
Phinehas		Boy	Nubian; Serpent's mouth
Rainier-Baby-Name-Origin-&-Meaning:-A-Comprehensive-Guide		Boy	Counsel; Advice; Army; Warrior
Seeley-Name-Meaning:-A-Complete-Guide		Boy	Blessed; Fortunate; Prosperous; Happy; Pious, Innocent; Harmless
Sherman		Boy	Sheep shearer; Tailor
Sione-Name-Meaning-And-History:-What-You-Need-To-Know		Boy	God is gracious
Stoney		Boy	Stone
Xavior		Boy	The new house
Tavon		Unisex	Strong; Healthy; Spring rain
Abhinav		Boy	New; Modern; Fresh; Young; Innovative
Adhrit		Boy	One who does not need any support, but supports others
Zubair		Girl	Iron; Brave; Strong
Zael		Unisex	Nobleness; Nobility
Alarik		Boy	Ruler of all; Noble ruler
Aadvik-Name:-Complete-Guide-To-Meaning,-Popularity-&-Nicknames		Boy	Unique
Anwar		Boy	Radiance; More luminous
Bayne		Boy	Fair; White; Fair-headed; Friendly; Pale bridge
Celso		Boy	Tall; High; Sky
Aldair		Boy	The flyer
Coltin		Boy	A coal town
Dawud-Name-Meaning-And-Origin:-Complete-Guide		Boy	Beloved; Uncle
Auron		Boy	High mountain; Exalted; Gold
Dex		Boy	Dyer; Agility; Skilled; Right-handed
Emin		Boy	Truthful; Loyal; One who believes in God
Enos		Boy	Man; Person
Faizan-Baby-Name:-Complete-Guide-To-Meaning,-Origin-&-More		Boy	Successful; Ruler; Benefit; Generous
Hal		Boy	Home leader
Domonic:-Complete-Guide-To-Pronunciation,-Popularity-&-Nicknames		Unisex	Belonging to God; Of the Lord
Harland-Name-Meaning-And-History:-Origin-&-Popularity-Trends		Boy	Hare land
Holdyn		Boy	From the hollow valley
Eyden		Unisex	Strength; Hands; Power; Aega's hill
Jakeem		Boy	Raised up
Kegan		Boy	Fire
Kepler		Boy	Hooded cloak
Keyan		Boy	King; Ancient
Jardani		Unisex	God is gracious
Lander		Boy	Lion; Man; Poor; Pilgrim; Ruler
Layth		Boy	A wildcat; Lion
Mick		Boy	Who is like God?
Nicco		Boy	People of victory
Ridwan		Boy	Grace; Pleasure; Satisfaction
Ritchie		Boy	Brave ruler
Robinson		Boy	Son of Robin; Bright fame
Rich		Boy	Brave ruler; Brave king
Rylin		Boy	Flexible; Brave; Rye clearing
Riyansh-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-And-Popularity:-Complete-Guide		Boy	Part of the divine
Samael		Boy	Venom of God
Samual		Boy	Name of God; God has heard
Shraga		Boy	Candle; Light
Siah		Unisex	Yahweh supports
Welles		Unisex	Well; Spring; Water hole
Zaviyar		Boy	Visitor; Pilgrim; The new house
Younes		Unisex	Dove

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