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 | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |  Boy | Hearing; Listening; Flat-nosed | |
| | Boy | Greatest; Supreme; Maximum; Eldest | |
| | Boy | One who is humble and small | |
| | Boy | Fighter; Battler | |
| | Boy | Flourishing; Long-lived; Wealthy; Famous; Eloquent; Gifted | |
| | Boy | Box-maker; Wealth | |
| | Boy | Strong; Noble; High; Hill | |
| | Boy | Famous warrior | |
| |  Unisex | Little fire | |
| | Boy | Greatest; Supreme; Maximum; Eldest | |
| | Boy | Money; Money box | |
| | Boy | Yahweh is good | |
| | Boy | Son of Emery; Great ruler; Brave; Vigorous; Unceasing | |
| | Boy | War; Fighter; Son of Cadáin | |
| | Boy | Little seal; A pledge; An oath | |
| | Boy | High; Power; Hill | |
| | Boy | Army ruler; Power of the army | |
| | Boy | Farmer; Earthworker | |
| | Boy | Friend; Companion; Trustworthy | |
| | Boy | God is my salvation | |
| | Boy | Master; To tame; Divine power | |
| | Boy | Jet aircraft; Intense black color | |
| | Boy | Victorious; Attractive; Summer color | |
| | Boy | Strong; Manly | |
| | Boy | Defender of men | |
| | Boy | Home ruler | |
| | Unisex | A band or force of armed men; Weir | |
| | Boy | The one who has good fortune; Lucky | |
| | Boy | Victory of the people; Whelp; Young dog | |
| | Boy | My messenger; My angel | |
| | Boy | Clay settlement | |
| | Boy | Name of a town in France; Leader | |
| | Boy | A devotee of St. Columba | |
| | Boy | God has heard; Thankful; He will judge | |
| | Boy | The god of war; Mars; Dedicated to Mars; Warlike; Male | |
| | Boy | Enclosure; Yard; Town | |
| | Boy | One who is awakened and enlightened | |
| | Boy | Frenchman; Franks; Someone who is free | |
| | Boy | Eternal ruler; Powerful ruler | |
| | Boy | From Attica; Athenian; Rugged coast | |
| | Boy | Steadfast; Enduring | |
| | Boy | Son of Jens; God is merciful; God is Gracious | |
| | Boy | Spirited; Descendant of Brádach | |
| | Boy | Son of Andrew | |
| | Boy | Raised by Yahweh; Yahweh will establish | |
| | Boy | Army warrior | |
| | Boy | Praiseworthy; Praised one; Praise; Commendable | |
| | Boy | The people's ruler | |
| | Boy | Beauty; Grace; Handsome; Excellent; Adornment | |
| | Boy | Counseling protector; Advice; Decision | |
| | Boy | Narrows; Channel; Strait | |
| | Boy | Messenger; Angel | |
| | Boy | Red-haired | |
| | Boy | Royal descendant | |
| | Boy | Holder of the heel; Supplanter; Yahweh is gracious | |
| | Boy | Great warrior; feller; hewer | |
| | Boy | Crown; Wreath; Fame; Honor; Reward | |
| | Boy | God is with us | |
| | Boy | Elevated; High; Superior; Noble; Champion | |
| | Unisex | Light of the heavens; Boundary; Dawn | |
| | Boy | My God is Yahweh | |
| | Boy | Rich guard | |
| | Boy | Warlike; Mars; Male | |
| | Boy | Inspiration; Frenzy; Rage | |
| | Boy | Christian; Followers of Christ | |
| | Boy | To tan; Prepare leather by tanning; Fir tree; Pine tree | |
| | Boy | Dove | |
| | Boy | Downy-bearded; Jove's child; Devoted to Jove | |
| | Boy | Yahweh is gracious | |
| | Boy | Powerful ruler | |
| | Boy | Son of Cathán; Warrior; Battle; Barnacle goose | |
| | Unisex | To cross over | |
| | Boy | Adventurous; Bold journey | |
| | Boy | Protector; Guard; Animal enclosure | |
| | Boy | Lion | |
| | Boy | Rich friend | |
| | Boy | Raven; Person with dark hair | |
| | Boy | God hears | |
| | Boy | Council spear | |
| | Boy | Victory of the people; Swarthy; Son of Col | |
| | Boy | Little church; War; Strife; Bright-headed; Little warrior; Monk's cell; Fiery; Strife | |
| | Boy | God is gracious | |
| | Boy | Son of Lawrence | |
| | Boy | Helper; Protector of religion; Defender of the faith; Friend; The one who gives victory | |
| | Boy | God will strengthen | |
| | Boy | From the wetlands; Round; Sturdy | |
| | Boy | One from South Munster | |
| | Boy | To check; To have; To hold; To restrain; Brown horse | |
| | Boy | Spear; Little spear; Strength of the spear; Warrior | |
| | Boy | Horse-keeper; Master of horses; Stable boy; Keeper; Servant; Military chief commander | |
| | Boy | An enclosure for calves; Calf town; Fruit; Village; Mist | |
| | Boy | He who descended; Rose; One who rules | |
| | Boy | A little red one; Red-haired | |
| | Boy | Sun; Lord; Young; Hero | |
| | Boy | Long-haired; Head of hair; Emperor | |
| | Boy | High spirited; Firebrand; Son of Tyson | |
| | Boy | King; Wave; Sea | |
| | Boy | Brown-haired chieftain; Dark | |
| | Boy | Son of Jack; God is gracious | |
| | Boy | Battle; Spirit of the battle; Sturdy; Round | |
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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