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
Jaydyn		Boy	Grateful; Appreciative; God will judge
Isak		Boy	He will laugh; He will rejoice
Jediah		Boy	God knows everything in this world; Praise of Yahweh
Joab		Boy	Yahweh is father
Joesph		Boy	God will increase; He will add
Josemaria-Name-Meaning-And-History:-A-Comprehensive-Guide		Boy	Raised; He who pardons; He will add; Beloved; Wished for child
Jovon		Boy	Yahweh is gracious; Yahweh is merciful
Kavish		Boy	King of poets; Lord Ganesha
Kendry:-Complete-Guide-To-Meaning,-Pronunciation-&-Popularity		Boy	A man who is wise
Jaleigh		Boy	Jaybird; Source of joy
Kaspian:-Complete-2025-Name-Guide-To-Meaning-And-Popularity		Girl	White
Laquan		Boy	A quiet, shy person
Mehdi-Name-Meaning:-Complete-Guide-To-Origins-And-Variations		Boy	The guided one
Mikaeel		Boy	Who is like God
Laker		Unisex	One who lives by the stream
Moksh		Boy	Salvation; Emancipation; One who has self-realization and self-knowledge
Malakhai		Boy	Messenger of God
Nazar-Name-Meaning,-History-&-Variations:-Complete-Guide		Boy	From Nazareth; Vision; To look
Nyles		Boy	Champion or hero; Fury or passion; Cloud
Othman		Boy	A brave person and the chosen one
Qais		Boy	Lover; Firm; Measurement
Marz		Unisex	March
Ranveer		Boy	Hero of the battle; Brave warrior
Rupert		Boy	Bright fame; Glory
Ruslan-Name-Meaning-And-Origin:-A-Comprehensive-Guide		Boy	One who is like a Lion
Otoniel		Boy	Lion of God; Strength of God
Ryken-Baby-Name-Origin,-Meaning-&-3-Adorable-Nicknames		Boy	Brave or powerful ruler
Sahaj-Name-Meaning-And-Origin:-A-Complete-Guide		Boy	Natural; Innate
Sahas-Name:-Meaning,-Origin,-Pronunciation,-&-Popularity		Boy	Bravery; Adventure
Rolan		Boy	Famous land; Renowned land
Roran-Baby-Name-Guide:-Meaning,-Popularity,-Variations-&-More		Boy	The Red King
Sandro-Name-Meaning:-A-Comprehensive-Guide		Boy	Defender of mankind
Raider		Unisex	From the village Rait; Taking control; Attacker of enemies
Sanjay		Boy	Completely victorious; Triumphant
Shaul		Boy	Asked for; Prayed for
Stefon		Boy	He wears the crown
Tafari-Name:-Meaning,-Origin-And-Popularity-Guide-For-2025		Boy	He who inspires awe
Thierry		Boy	Ruler of the people
Adithya		Boy	Sun God; Son of Aditi
Adonias-Name-Meaning:-Origin,-Popularity-And-Nickname-Guide		Boy	The Lord is my Yahweh
Urban		Girl	City dweller
Vittorio		Boy	Victorious; Conqueror
Tyrique		Unisex	land of Eoghan; Visitor or knocker at the door
Advit		Boy	Unique; Matchless
Alphonso		Boy	Ready for battle; Noble
Amaury		Boy	Unceasing; Brave; Vigorous
Zakir		Boy	To memorize; To study; To remember
Yannis		Unisex	God is gracious
Aras		Boy	Eagle; Equal; Balanced
Arron-Meaning-&-Origin:-Guide-To-Variations-&-History		Boy	Bringer of light; Enlightened; Exalted; Mountain of strength
Adrain		Boy	From Hadria
Alesso		Boy	Helper; Defender
Azan		Boy	A call for prayer
Behr		Boy	Bear; Bore
Anias		Unisex	Son of Apollo and Rhoeo
Braedon		Boy	Broad hill; Salmon
Calin-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-And-History:-Expert-Guide		Boy	Victorious; Guelder rose; Battle rule
Havilah		Girl	Twist; Dance; Circle
Azekiel		Boy	God strengthens
Cassiel		Boy	Leap of God; God is my wrath
Carlyle		Girl	From a walled city; Fort; From a place name
Daniyal		Boy	God is a judge
Delmar		Boy	From the pond
Eero		Boy	Eternal ruler
Damario		Boy	Male
Ehan-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-And-Popularity:-A-Complete-Guide		Boy	Full moon; Something expected
Eyan		Boy	God is gracious
Fionn:-Comprehensive-Guide-To-Meaning,-History,-And-Popularity		Boy	White; Fair-headed; Blessed
Gamaliel		Boy	God is my reward
Everitt		Boy	Brave boar
Gavino-Name:-A-Guide-To-Meaning,-Pronunciation-&-Popularity		Boy	From the ancient city of Gabii
Gil		Boy	Joy; Happiness; Young goat; Bright pledge
Gunther-Name-Meaning:-Complete-Guide-To-Origins-&-Variants		Boy	Battle; Warrior
Finan		Unisex	Descendant of Fionnán; Fair; White; Blessed
Hammad		Boy	Praiseworthy
Haydn		Boy	Heathen; Hedged-valley
Heber		Boy	Enclave; Uncertain
Henrique		Boy	Home leader
Jaheem		Boy	Dignified; Abyss
Jalal-Baby-Name:-Meaning,-History-&-Popularity-Guide		Boy	Greatness
Ismaeel		Boy	God has heard
Itzael:-Complete-Guide-To-Pronunciation,-Meaning,-Popularity		Boy	Gift of God
Jencarlos		Boy	Kind, charming, and good-looking person
Jens		Boy	God is gracious
Jerick		Boy	Strong and gifted ruler
Joachim		Boy	Raised by God; Yahweh will establish
Jerson		Boy	Exile; A stranger
Judas		Boy	Praise; To be praised; Thanksgiving
Kadir-Baby-Name-Guide:-Meaning,-Origin-&-Popularity		Boy	Capable; Mighty; Powerful
Khoi		Boy	First; Chief; Leader; Precious; Funny; Strange
Kirin		Boy	Praiser; Poet; Light beam; One who praises; Sacred creature representing beauty, grace, and knowledge
Kingson		Boy	Son of a king
Lamonte		Boy	One who practices law and justice; A man of law
Larenzo		Boy	From Laurentium
Lavi		Boy	The king of animals; A lion
Lion		Boy	Lion; My strength
Lysander		Boy	A man who releases others
Mads		Boy	A gift of God
Aiya		Unisex	Bird; Falcon; Verse; Evidence
Maksymilian		Boy	The greatest man

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