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
Delbert		Boy	Noble; Bright
Dietrich		Boy	Ruler of the people; Keeper of the keys
Esmay		Boy	Esteemed; Loved
Dillion		Boy	A loyal or faithful one
Dirk		Boy	Ruler of the people
Dontay		Boy	Lasting; Enduring; One who has spiritual leadership
Edvin		Boy	Rich friend
Breland		Unisex	Watery meadow
Derik		Boy	Ruler of the people; Peaceful ruler
Faustino		Boy	A little lucky man
Gaetano		Boy	From Caieta; From Southern Italy
Eliyas-Name-Guide:-Meaning,-Popularity,-Nicknames-And-More		Boy	Yahweh is my God
Hagan-Name-Meaning,-Origin-&-History:-Complete-Guide		Boy	Noble; Youthful; Exalted son; Shelter
Hamdan		Boy	The praised one
Hashem		Boy	Crusher; Breaker; The name
Ezreal		Boy	Energetic; Visionary
Heinrich-Name-Meaning,-Origin-&-Popularity:-Complete-Guide		Boy	Ruler of the home
Evaan		Unisex	God is gracious
Jeziah-Name:-Meaning,-Origin-&-Popularity-Guide		Boy	Yahweh gives
Joaquim		Boy	Raised by Yahweh; Yahweh will establish
Iam		Unisex	God is gracious
Juliano		Boy	Downy-bearded; Youth; Youthful
Jayvien-Baby-Name-Meaning,-Popularity-&-Insights		Boy	Unique; Modern; Charismatic
Kalil		Boy	Good friend; Perfection
Kayan		Boy	King; Leader; High status
Zailee		Boy	Sea strength; Berry wood
Kimoni		Boy	Great man
Kordell		Boy	Maker or seller of cord
Lando		Boy	Land; Lance
Laron		Boy	A thief
Kais		Unisex	Measurement; Learned; Steadfast
Karver		Unisex	Wood carver
Lovell		Boy	Young wolf
Lowen		Boy	Joyful; Lions
Majid		Boy	Magnificent; Glorious
Maysen		Boy	Stone worker
Momin		Boy	A person who is pious; Faithful; Believer; One who believes in God
Mousa		Boy	Drawn from the water; Son; Deliver
Legion		Unisex	Choose; Levy; Regiment; Brigade; To collect
Narek		Boy	Name of an Armenian saint; A city in Ancient Armenia
Menelik-Name-Guide:-Meaning,-Pronunciation-&-Popularity		Boy	Son of the wise man
Nicholai		Boy	People's victory
Nicklaus		Boy	The overcoming man of the nation
Ramy-Name-Meaning-In-2025:-Origin,-Nicknames-&-Popularity		Boy	Archer; Shooter; Thrower; Counsel's protection; High father
Rexford		Boy	King's ford; King's crossing
Rolland		Boy	Famous land
Sakari		Boy	Yahweh remembers
Siraj		Boy	Lamp; Light; Lantern
Rayansh		Boy	A part of the sun; Ray of light
Taven-Name-Meaning-And-History:-Comprehensive-Guide		Boy	Spring rain; Healthy; Strong
Trapper		Boy	One who sets traps
Trevin		Boy	Fair town
Siddhant		Boy	Principle; Theory; Rule
Kobie-Name:-Complete-Guide-To-Meaning,-Popularity,-Nicknames		Unisex	Holder of the heel; Supplanter; May God protect
Adham		Boy	Black; Dark; Formed of Earth; Son of the red earth
Vadhir-Baby-Name-Guide:-Meaning,-Origin-&-Popularity		Boy	Unpredictable; Unique
Ahmaud		Boy	Most commendable; Most praiseworthy
Ajax-Name-Meaning-And-Origin:-Comprehensive-Guide-For-2025		Boy	Mourner; Earth; Land; Eagle
Zaidan		Boy	To increase
Anav		Boy	Humble; Kind
Asael		Boy	Created by God; Made by God
Aadhvik		Boy	Unique; Divine; Spiritual
Asani		Boy	Rebellious
Asriel-Name-Meaning-And-Origin:-Complete-Guide-For-2025		Boy	God is my help; Helped by God; God is joined; Upright
Xane		Unisex	God is gracious
Barret		Boy	Quarrelsome; Deceptive
Bodin		Boy	He who defends life
Alastor		Boy	Avenger or vengeful spirit
Breckin		Boy	Speckled; Freckled
Bryon		Boy	Power; Nobility; Strength; Hill; High; Might
Ausar		Boy	Egyptian god of the afterlife
Buddy-Name-Meaning:-Complete-History,-Popularity,-And-More		Boy	Buddy; Brother; Companion
Caio		Boy	Rejoice; Joyful
Conall-Name-Meaning:-Complete-Guide-To-Origin-And-Variations		Boy	Hound ruler; Wolf ruler
Dashel-Name:-Origin,-Meaning,-Pronunciation-&-Popularity-Guide		Boy	Sky; Heaven
Bastion		Unisex	Venerable; Revered
Dodge		Boy	Famous spear
Christiano		Boy	Follower of Christ
Donatello		Boy	Gift of God; Given
Dyllan		Boy	To tide; To flow
Eamonn		Boy	Rich protector
Vail		Unisex	Valley
Elija		Boy	Yahweh is my God
Castle		Unisex	Castle; A person who lived near a castle
Favian		Boy	A very brave man; Wise; Understanding
Freeman		Boy	Free; Freeman
Garrick		Boy	Oak tree grove; Spear king; Rough place
Gaven		Boy	Hawk; God-send; Hawk field
Dashaun		Unisex	Yahweh is gracious
Geo		Boy	Earth; Farmer
Gershon		Boy	Exile; A stranger there
Giuliano		Boy	Youthful; Downy-bearded
Alizee-Name-Meaning:-Everything-You-Need-To-Know		Boy	Trade wind
Greg		Boy	Vigilant; Watchful
Habib-Name-Origin,-Meaning,-And-History:-Ultimate-Guide		Boy	Beloved; Darling
Hadrian-Name-Meaning,-History-&-Popularity:-Comprehensive-Guide		Boy	From Hadria
Elim		Unisex	Someone who lived in a muddy place; Slender; Skinny; Place of palm trees
Arha		Boy	Worship; Worth; Obliged; Fit; Gold; Respectable; Powerful
Jamarius-Name-Meaning:-Origin,-History,-Comprehensive-Guide		Boy	Beauty
Jaquez		Boy	To replace

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