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
Arcadius:-Complete-Guide-To-Pronunciation,-Popularity,-And-More		Boy	Of Arcadia
Benjiman		Boy	Son of the right hand; Son of the south
Brandan		Boy	King; Prince; Hill covered with broom
Brantly		Boy	Proud; Gratified; Firebrand
Alekai		Unisex	Leader
Callaghan		Boy	Descendant of Ceallachán; Bright-headed; Church; War
Chanse		Boy	A great fortune holder
Christ		Boy	The anointed; Blessed by God himself
Cord		Boy	Brave counsel
Arkan		Unisex	Pillars; Rope; Tether
Dedrick		Boy	Ruler of the people
Delton		Boy	From Dalton; Valley Town
Deontay-Name-Guide:-Meaning,-Pronunciation,-Popularity-&-More		Boy	Greek God Dionysios; Of Zeus; Lasting
Emlyn		Boy	Around the valley; Rival; To strive
Dheeran		Boy	Achiever; Winner; Victorious
Dierks		Boy	Ruler of the people; Son of Dirk
Divit		Boy	To shine; Heaven; Reaching for the sky; Immortal
Brazen		Unisex	Bold; Shameless; Obvious; Made of brass; Of brass color
Deakon		Boy	Cleric in the Christian church; Servant of God
Edmundo		Boy	Rich protection
Elihu		Boy	My God is he
Emad		Boy	Support; Pillar; Firmness; Steadiness; Strength
Ephram		Boy	Fruitful
Eber		Boy	To pass over; Region beyond
Galvin-Name-Guide:-Pronunciation,-Popularity,-And-Numerology		Boy	Glowing; Descendant of the bright, fair one; Hawk field
Garen		Boy	Pure; Each of the two; My consecration of your name
Gennaro		Boy	January; Roman God Janus; Archway
Giani-Name-Meaning:-Origin,-Variants-&-Popularity-Guide		Boy	God is gracious; God is kind; God is courteous
Giles		Boy	Young goat
Emrick		Boy	Powerful; Ruler; Whole; Great
Haruki-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-And-Popularity-In-2025		Boy	Bright clear weather; Spring child
Haytham		Boy	Young eagle
Esias		Boy	God is salvation
Elnathan-Baby-Name-Guide:-Meaning,-Popularity-&-Unique-Insights		Unisex	God has given
Hermes		Boy	Cairn; Pile of stones; Boundary marker
Heron-Name-Meaning-And-Origin:-Complete-Guide		Boy	Long-legged bird; Heron; Simple; Hero
Hewitt		Boy	Mind; Thought; Spirit
Horace-Name-Meaning:-Origins,-Variants-&-Famous-Namesakes		Boy	Time; Season; Time keeper
Jabir:-Meaning,-History,-And-Popularity---A-Complete-Guide		Boy	One who comforts; One who consoles; Consoler
Jafari		Boy	Creek; Rivulet; Stream
Jahi		Boy	Dignity; Worthy
Jamell		Boy	Arabic name describing beauty
Jarren-Name:-Complete-Guide-To-Meaning,-Popularity,-And-Traits		Boy	A cry of happiness; To sing; To shout
Jedd		Boy	One who is loved by god
Jaidon		Boy	Thankful; He will judge
Jorel:-Complete-Guide-To-Pronunciation,-Popularity,-And-Meaning		Boy	God will uplift
Jory-Name-Meaning-And-Origin:-A-Comprehensive-Guide		Boy	Farmer; Jehovah is exalted; Flow down
Jotham		Boy	God is perfect
Juanito		Boy	God is gracious; Yahweh is gracious
Orli		Boy	Light for me
Karlo		Boy	Man with armor; Free man; Army
Karthikeya		Boy	Name of a hindu month; Lord Murugan; God of war
Kasim		Boy	One who distributes; One who shares goods among his people
Kaio		Boy	Cheerful; Comfortable; World; Boundary; Open; Ravine; Gorge; Man; Hero; Lively
Rowynn		Boy	One of ruby red hair
Kiyansh		Boy	A person with all good qualities; One blessed with all good qualities
Leib		Boy	An animal; A lion
Kenner		Boy	Energetic; Determined; Leader
Leonid		Boy	Lion
Malick		Boy	A variant of the name Malik; God; The King; Above all earthy rulers
Manning		Boy	A brave or valiant man; descendant of Mainnín (Monk)
Kayn		Unisex	Battle
Marston		Boy	From a marsh settlement; From the marsh or swamp
Mayan		Boy	Pure One; Spring of water; Magic
Mir		Boy	A prince; World; Universe; Peace; Dragon; Commander; Elite
Miron-Name:-Meaning,-Pronunciation-&-Popularity-Guide		Boy	Sweet oil; Perfume; Mount Meron
Yani		Unisex	Peace; Yahweh is gracious
Mithran		Boy	Sun; The God of light and truth
Mostafa		Boy	The one chosen among all
Mourad		Boy	Wish; Desire
Malikye		Unisex	My messenger; My angel
Nabeel		Boy	Noble
Nason		Boy	Person from from Nailstone
Nazario		Boy	From Nazareth
Oberon		Boy	Elf ruler; King of elves; Royal bear
Paulino		Boy	A small and humble human being
Anahita		Boy	Immaculate; Undefiled; Mighty; Of the waters; Not dirty
Philippe		Boy	Horse lover
Qadir		Boy	A powerful and capable person; One of the 99 names of Allah
Rashard		Boy	Powerful ruler; Brave ruler; Good sense; Good guidance
Rayhan		Boy	Favored by God
Reeves		Boy	Local official; Prefect; Sheriff
Rishabh		Boy	Superior; Excellent; A musical note; Bull; Lord Vishnu
Nivan		Unisex	Steersman
Rocko		Boy	Roaring; Battle cry; Crow; Rook; Shouting; Roar
Rollin		Boy	Renowned land; Famous throughout the land
Rowland		Boy	Fame; Land; Brave
Saber		Boy	Steadfast; Enduring
Sarim		Boy	Sharp sword; Brave; To cut; Courageous; He who is wise
Sheamus-Name-Meaning,-History-&-Popularity:-Comprehensive-Guide		Boy	Holder of the heel; Supplanter; May God protect
Sohum		Boy	Hornbeam; Fortress; I am He; I am the Supreme Soul
Stirling		Boy	Excellent; Little star
Ryaan-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-And-What-You-Need-To-Know		Boy	Little king
Syler		Boy	Scholar; Ropemaker
Diora		Boy	Golden
Tavares		Boy	Descendent of the hermit
Thorsten		Boy	Stone of Thor
Ryot-Name-Meaning-And-Origin:-Essential-Guide-For-Parents		Unisex	Cool; Clear; Good; Thick; Great
Tito		Boy	Title of honor
Tobiah		Boy	Yahweh is good

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