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
Aleem		Boy	Knowledge; Learned; Expert
Adeel		Girl	Fair; Honest; Virtuous
Arias		Boy	Superior; Lion; Eagle; Son of Ares
Arlington		Boy	A place name; Arl's settlement
Arnoldo		Boy	Eagle ruler
Asaph		Boy	Gatherer; Collector
Avigdor		Boy	Other name for Moses
Ayaz		Boy	Cool night breeze; A royal breeze
Arhum-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-And-History:-Comprehensive-Guide		Unisex	Most merciful; Compassionate; Forgiving
Azure-Name-Origin,-Meaning,-And-History:-A-Comprehensive-Guide		Boy	Sky blue
Bader		Boy	Bath attendant; Full moon
Becket		Boy	Beak; Stream; Brook
Brenner		Boy	To burn
Burton		Boy	Fortified town; Fortified settlement
Carlito		Boy	Free man; Army
Cleveland-Name-Guide:-Pronunciation,-Meaning-&-Popularity		Boy	Hilly land; Cliff land
Cort		Boy	Brave counsel; From the court
Chason		Boy	Cantor; Healer; Hunt; Chase
Dajuan		Boy	God is gracious and merciful
Daris		Boy	Very important person; Learning
Davante		Boy	Defender; Beloved; River; To fight for justice
Roman		Boy	From Rome
Dimitrios		Boy	Earth lover; Follower of Demeter
Dmitry		Boy	Earth-lover; Follower of Demeter; Devoted
Soliyana		Boy	Peaceful or calm
Erasmo		Boy	Beloved; Someone who is loved by all
Errol		Boy	Warrior; Nobleman
Findlay		Boy	Son of Fionnlagh; White warrior
Florian-Name-Meaning-And-History:-A-Comprehensive-Guide		Boy	Blond; Flowering
Garry		Boy	Spear; Spear king; Mighty
Garth		Boy	Garden; The keeper of the garden
Goku		Boy	Awakened to emptiness
Hazaiah		Boy	God Sees; God has seen; Seeing the Lord; God sees;
Winsley		Unisex	From the friend's meadow; Friend of the woods
Hyde		Boy	A unit of land; Open cultivated land; Moor
Haadi-Name-Meaning,-Pronunciation,-Popularity:-Complete-Guide		Unisex	Guide; Leader
Jeffry		Boy	Pledge of peace
Idan-Name-Meaning:-A-Comprehensive-Guide-To-Origin-And-Variants		Unisex	Era
Anzal		Unisex	God's protection; To be defined
Jovian-Name:-Comprehensive-Guide-To-Origin,-Meaning,-And-Usage		Boy	Yahweh is gracious; Jupiter
Iniko-Name:-Complete-Guide-To-Origins,-Meaning-&-Variations		Unisex	Born in a time of trouble
Kalin		Boy	Slender; Pure; Viburnum tree
Kento-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-And-Popularity:-Complete-Guide		Boy	A person who is strong and healthy; Happiness; Rising up
Kamilo		Unisex	A youth employed in religious services
Malachy		Boy	My angel; Disciple of Saint Máedóc; Second
Liangelo-Name:-Complete-Guide-To-Meaning,-Popularity-&-More		Boy	Uplifting; Light
Lio-Name-Meaning:-Guide-To-Origin,-Popularity,-And-More		Boy	Lion
Leam		Unisex	Will helmet
Naji		Boy	To survive; Survivor; Intimate or close friend; Saved
Nils		Boy	Accomplishment of the people; Victory
Murtaza		Boy	Attainer of the pleasure of God; Chosen one
Novak		Boy	New; Novice; Newcomer; Stranger
Odis		Boy	Wealth; Fortune
Petar		Boy	Rock
Priyansh		Boy	The dearest part; Part of one's beloved
Indra-Name-Meaning-And-History:-A-Comprehensive-Guide		Unisex	God of thunder and rain; Possessing drops of rain
Raghav		Boy	Descendant of Raghu or Lord Ram
Rajveer		Boy	Brave king; The hero of the land; Kingdom's hero
Rand		Boy	Shield rim; Wolf; Beach
Raynor-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-And-History:-A-Comprehensive-Guide		Boy	Wise warrior; Mighty army; Army counselor
Rehaan		Boy	One of good scent, or fragrance
Remus-Baby-Name:-Complete-Guide-To-Meaning-And-Popularity		Boy	Twin
Rickie		Boy	Brave ruler
Roark		Boy	Red hero; Red champion
Rock		Boy	Crow; Rook; Rest; Rough
Roque		Boy	Crow; Rook
Rorik		Boy	Famous ruler
Ruairi		Boy	Red king
Ramel		Unisex	Magic; Divination
Sheikh		Boy	Elder; Tribe's leader; Islamic scholar
Suleyman		Boy	He who is a man of peace
Tanay		Boy	Son; Belonging to one's family; Descendent; Steady moon
Tej-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-History-And-Popularity-Complete-Guide		Boy	Brightness; Power; Light
Ryler		Unisex	Mighty; Strong; Courageous
Terrill		Boy	The ruler of thunder
Tiernan-Name:-Meaning,-Origin,-And-History:-Comprehensive-Guide		Boy	Little lord
Trever		Boy	A large homestead; Settlement; Big village; Great victory; Superiority
Wilbur		Boy	Wild boar; Will; Desire; Fortress
Xzavian		Boy	New house
Maram		Boy	Wish; Desire; Aspire
Tremayne		Unisex	Stone town; Town surrounded by stone
Zak		Boy	Yahweh remembers
Zevi		Boy	Deer; Gazelle; Roebuck
Aadhav-Name:-Comprehensive-Guide-To-Meaning-And-Pronunciation		Boy	Ruler; One who stirs up or agitates
Zaxton		Boy	Son of Jack; Son of man
Aaryav		Boy	Noble person; Wise
Mithra-Baby-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-And-Complete-Guide		Boy	Oath; Covenant; Agreement; That which binds
Abdulmalik		Boy	King's servant
Rainn-Name-Meaning:-Complete-Guide-To-Origin-And-Popularity		Girl	Rain; Shower
Akio-Name-Meaning,-Origin-&-History:-Variants-And-Popularity		Boy	Bright man; Luminous hero
Zadkiel-Name:-Complete-Guide-To-Meaning,-Origins-&-Popularity		Unisex	God is my righteousness
Nandi		Boy	Joy; Delight; Happiness; Contentment; Sweet
Al		Boy	Noble; Bright
Alucard		Boy	Of Dracula
Amador		Boy	Lover of God
Amelio-Baby-Name:-Pronunciation,-Popularity,-And-Key-Insights		Boy	Hard working; Industrious; Unceasing; Brave; Vigorous;Bold ;Diligent
Amilcar-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-And-History:-Comprehensive-Guide		Boy	Brother of Melqart
Anand		Boy	Joy; Happiness; Bliss; Delight; Pleasure; Harmony
Anik		Boy	Army; Splendor
Arnulfo		Boy	Eagle; Wolf

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