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
Cavan		Boy	Handsome; Hollow; Descendant of Caomhán; Beloved
Darron		Boy	Great; Oaktree
Darvin		Boy	Dear friend
Dasan:-Complete-Guide-To-Meaning,-Popularity-&-Nicknames		Boy	Chief; High god ancestor
Dayson		Boy	Son of the dairyman or dairywoman; Son of Dawe; Son of David
Franklyn-Name-Meaning-And-Origin:-Complete-Guide		Boy	Freeman
Deckard		Unisex	Roofer; Day strong
Giacomo		Boy	Supplanter; May God protect
Ezren		Boy	Helper
Jamin-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-History,-&-5-Adorable-Nicknames		Boy	Right hand
Korah		Boy	Frost; To make oneself bald
Jarod		Boy	Descent
Isac		Boy	He will laugh; He will rejoice
Izak		Unisex	Laughter; He will laugh
Janiel-Name-Meaning-And-Origin:-Complete-Guide-In-2025		Girl	God is gracious; God is my judge; The Greek tribe Ionian
Kadin-Baby-Name-Guide:-Meaning,-Pronunciation-&-Popularity		Boy	Friend; Companion
Jayvin-Baby-Name-Guide:-Meaning,-Pronunciation-&-Popularity		Boy	Quick; Fleeting; Victorious
Kalum		Boy	Dove; Disciple of Saint Columba
Knoah		Boy	Rest; Repose; Motion
Kori		Boy	In a cauldron or hollow; Ice; Curly-haired; Coral
Laszlo-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-And-History:-Comprehensive-Guide		Boy	To rule; Glory
Mazin:-Meaning,-History,-Popularity,-And-Comprehensive-Guide		Boy	Rain clouds
Kyrell		Unisex	Lord
Randolph		Boy	Strong Defender; Son of the Shield; Wolf on shield rim
Rashid		Boy	Rightly guided; Having true faith; The high one
Regan		Boy	A little regal one
Nirvan		Girl	Liberation; Extinguished; Blown out
Rider		Boy	Horse rider; Horseman; Knight; To clear out; A small stream
Rishik		Boy	Trustworthy; Ascetic; Sage; Rays of the sun
Rudolph		Boy	Famous wolf
Nayel		Unisex	Brave; Winner; Share; Accomplisher
Russel		Boy	A little red one
Sanav		Boy	Sun; Desert
Remiel		Unisex	Mercy of God; God will have pity
Sufyan		Boy	Wool; Pure; Clean; Slim; Thin
Shahzain		Unisex	Brave; Good adornment; Skillful; Handsome King
Stryder		Unisex	Someone with a combative demeanor
Vihan-Baby-Name:-Meaning,-Origin,-And-Comprehensive-Guide		Boy	Morning; Dawn
Vinson-Name:-Meaning,-Popularity,-Pronunciation-&-More		Boy	Son of Vincent; To conquer
Adyan		Boy	Pious; Religious; Sun
Gracey		Boy	Grace; Grace of God; Divine grace
Affan		Boy	Chaste; Modest; Pure
Woodson		Boy	From the houses in the woods; Descendant of a woodcutter
Aleczander-Name-Meaning-&-History:-A-Comprehensive-Guide		Boy	Defender of mankind
Vansh		Unisex	Descendant or lineage
Zaydin		Girl	Growth; Increase
Alexios		Boy	Defender; Helper
Wayland		Unisex	Battle; Brave; Small wood grove; Craft
Zidan		Boy	More; Increase; Excess; Rise; Growth
Armen		Boy	From Armenia
Kaliya		Boy	Joy; Happiness; People's victory; Pure; Rejoice; A huge black serpent
Arsh		Boy	Truthfulness; Divine; Heavenly; Hero; Pure; Bright; Sage
Zedekiah		Unisex	Justice of Yahweh; God is my righteousness; God is mighty and just
Art		Boy	Bear; Bear-like; Bold; Strong man; A Champion
Ascher		Boy	Happy; Blessed; Someone who lived by Ash tree
Bassam		Boy	Smiling; Happy
Bodee		Boy	Enlightenment; Command
Boe-Name-Meaning-&-History:-A-Comprehensive-Guide-For-2025		Boy	To live
Brando		Boy	Sword; Fire; Torch
Arish		Unisex	Structure that takes much effort to build; Wise; Intelligent
Cainan		Boy	Possession
Corwin-Name-Meaning-&-Popularity:-Complete-Guide-In-2025		Boy	Leather; Residing near the white castle
Azel		Unisex	Reserved
Bransen		Boy	Son of Brand; Fiery torch
Daveon		Boy	Beloved; Uncle
Demond		Boy	Of man
Bodey		Unisex	Enlightenment
Diyan		Boy	Divine light; To do; Action
Donato-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-History,-And-Popularity-Guide		Boy	Given by God
Donny		Boy	One who rules the world
Dutton:-Meaning,-Pronunciation,-Popularity-&-Numerology-Guide		Boy	Hill settlement
Earnest		Boy	Serious; Earnest; Grave in speech or action
Donavin		Boy	Brown and dark
Garret		Boy	Spear; Power of spear; Warrior; Strong spear
Haden-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-And-History:-Comprehensive-Guide		Boy	From the hedged valley; Victorious
Hansen-Name-Meaning-And-History:-A-Comprehensive-Guide		Boy	The son of Hans; Yahweh is gracious
Atara		Boy	Crowned
Hashir		Boy	Collector; One who assembles
Domani-Name-Complete-Guide:-Meaning,-Pronunciation-&-Popularity		Unisex	Of the Lord; Child born on Sunday
Henrick		Boy	Home ruler
Flavio-Name-Meaning:-Complete-Guide-To-Pronunciation-&-Origins		Girl	Blond or light-haired; Golden-haired
Huzaifa		Boy	The companion of Prophet Muhammad; Sheep; Little sheep
Jerrell		Boy	Ruler of the spear
Ishaq		Boy	To laugh
Karsten		Boy	A man of Christian faith; A Christian; Anointed
Kavi		Boy	Wise man; Sage; Poet
Kolin		Boy	Victory of the people
Laksh		Boy	Aim; Goal; Observe; Target; Sign; Mark; Quality; Goal
Joyner		Unisex	A name for a carpenter
Lazar		Boy	God will help
Kairee		Unisex	Free man
Midas-Baby-Name:-Meaning,-Origin,-and-Popularity-Guide		Boy	Golden touch
Khalan		Unisex	Strong warrior
Kingslee		Unisex	King's wood
Nadav		Boy	Generous
Mahad		Boy	Baby's cradle; Soft land; Bringer of peace; Thanks
Newton		Boy	Newly established urban
Matan		Boy	Gift; To give
Pavel		Boy	Small; Humble
Rayvon		Boy	Ray of hope

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