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
Rigo		Boy	Famous ruler; Thrush; Blackbird; Powerful king
Romario		Boy	Famous wedge; Famous law
Milano		Unisex	A person who came from Milan; Middle of the plain
Rusty		Boy	Red-haired
Sammuel		Boy	God has heard; Name of God
Saxton		Boy	Saxon's town; Enclosure; Settlement
Shriyan		Boy	Lord Vishnu
Tavian		Boy	Eighth
Noriel		Unisex	Light of God; Fire of God
Ousmane		Unisex	Baby bustard; Wise; Dragon cub; Powerful
Timmy-Name-Meaning-And-History:-Complete-Guide		Boy	To honor God
Paden		Unisex	Nobleman
Romel-Baby-Name:-Meaning,-Popularity,-Nicknames-&-More		Boy	To make noise; To move impetuously; From Rome; Roman
Timoteo		Boy	Honoring God
Torben		Boy	Thor's bear; Thunder bear
Torsten		Boy	Thor's stone; Enclosure; Settlement
Tyriq		Boy	Kingly; Royal
Varun		Boy	To surround; God of water and the oceans
Adalberto		Boy	Bright and noble
Whittaker		Boy	White field
Wilbert-Name-Meaning,-Origin-&-Popularity:-Complete-Guide		Boy	Bright will or desire
Alp		Boy	Hero; Brave
Anirudh		Boy	Uncontrolled; Unrestrained; Without Obstacles; Ungovernable; Grandson of Lord Krishna
Arav-Baby-Name-Meaning:-Comprehensive-Guide-For-2025		Boy	Calm; Peaceful; Wisdom; Radiance Beautiful; Sound; Thundering
Aaiden		Boy	Fiery or little fire
Arsalan		Boy	Lion; King of jungle; Lion hunter; Fearless; Brave; Gladiator
Wilfred		Unisex	Desiring peace
Atley		Boy	From the meadow; By the clearing or meadow
Avik		Boy	Brave; Might; Powerful; One with Strength of a Diamond; Good news
Zaylon		Unisex	Dry
Ayham		Boy	Strong-willed; Brave
Brison		Boy	Son of Brice; Speckled
Broden-Name-Meaning:-Origin,-History-&-Complete-Guide		Boy	Bridge
Augie		Unisex	Respected; Venerable
Braeleigh		Girl	Briar woodland; Briar clearing
Corvin-Name-Meaning:-Complete-Guide-To-Origin-And-History		Boy	Raven
Aysen		Unisex	Aythe's son; Grandson
Burhanuddin:-Meaning,-Pronunciation,-Popularity-&-More		Boy	Proof of the religion
Dre-Name-Meaning:-Origin,-History,-and-Complete-Guide		Boy	Manly; Masculine
Emran		Boy	Exalted nation
Erickson		Boy	Son of Erik; Ever ruler
Etienne:-Meaning,-Origin,-And-Popularity-In-2025		Boy	Crown; Wreath; Fame
Brylen		Unisex	Salmon; Thief
Godric-Name-Meaning:-Ultimate-Guide-To-Origin,-History-&-More		Boy	Power of God; God's rule
Griffen		Boy	Lord; Prince
Creek		Unisex	Stream smaller than a river
Harden-Name-Complete-Guide:-Meaning,-Popularity-&-Nicknames		Boy	Valley of the hare
Jasen		Boy	One who heals; Ash tree; Serene
Jaymes		Boy	Supplanter; Holder of the heel
Juwan		Boy	God is gracious
Kanen-Name-Meaning:-Origins,-History,-And-Popularity-Guide		Boy	Guide; A friend
Jhase		Boy	Healer
Kemper-Name-Meaning:-Ultimate-Guide-To-History-&-Popularity		Boy	Peasant farmer; Serf; Someone who grows hemp
Jassiah		Unisex	God supports
Kullen		Boy	Handsome; Colony; Holly
Keiran		Girl	Dark-haired; Dark-complexioned; Black; Dark; Descendant of Ciarán
Lucious		Boy	Light; Shining bright
Lynx		Boy	Cat; Light; Brightness
Malique		Boy	A king; A master
Maxime-Name-Meaning-And-Popularity:-A-Comprehensive-Guide		Boy	Greatest; Supreme; Maximum; Eldest
Michel		Boy	Who is like God?
Nasser		Boy	Victory-maker; Granter of victory; Helper; Protector; Supporter
Kyre-Baby-Name-Guide:-Meaning,-Pronunciation-&-Popularity		Unisex	Black; Young; Lord; Humiliator of the enemy
Lavell		Unisex	Valley; Fond of movement
Leelan-Baby-Name:-Everything-You-Need-To-Know		Unisex	Hostage
Parsa		Boy	A pious and chaste individual
Poseidon		Boy	Lord of the Earth; Master of water
Rafi		Boy	God heals; Noble; High; Sublime
Rahman		Boy	Gracious; Merciful; Lord
Rosendo		Boy	Time of fame
Rufus		Boy	Red haired; Tawny
Naod		Unisex	He will be crowned; King
Ryne-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-And-Popularity:-Complete-Guide		Boy	Little king
Samari		Unisex	Under God's rule; Companion in night conversation; Battle
Reyaansh-Name-Meaning:-Pronunciation,-Nicknames-&-Popularity		Boy	First ray of sunlight; Lord Vishnu
Salah		Boy	Righteousness; Dart; Spear; Plant shoot
Tavin		Boy	Hillside; Twin
Tomi		Unisex	Twin; Wealth; Abundance; Capital; Beautiful
Valente		Boy	Valiant; Strong
Vidal		Boy	Life; Vitality
Zaeem		Boy	Leader; Chief
Wilhelm		Girl	Will helmet; Resolute protector
Zebulon-Name-Meaning:-Guide-To-Origin,-Variations,-Popularity		Boy	Exalted; Honored
Zadok		Boy	Right; Righteous; Just
Shivaay		Unisex	Auspicious; Gracious; Kind; Friendly
Akhil		Boy	World; Whole; Perfect; Entire; Complete
Akim		Boy	God will establish; Raised by Yahweh
Wilde		Unisex	Wild; Untamed; Uncontrolled
Adhvik		Girl	Divine; Eternal
Arshan		Boy	Hero; Brave; Courageous
Yeray		Unisex	Big; Grand
Asaya-Name-Meaning-And-Origin:-A-Comprehensive-Guide		Boy	Created by God; God has created
Yulian		Unisex	Downy-bearded
Aviraj		Boy	King of Kings; Great King
Beaumont		Boy	Beautiful mountain
Adian		Unisex	Religious; Devout
Avir		Girl	Treetop; Brave; Strong
Cannan		Boy	Clergyman; Wolf cub; Descendant of Cane
Deagan-Name:-Origin,-Meaning,-And-History---Full-Guide		Boy	One with dark black hair; Grain of corn
Breccan		Boy	Freckled; Speckled

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