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
Trip		Boy	Traveler
Shivaan		Unisex	Divine; Lord Shiva
Torrance		Unisex	Hillock; Mound
Uziah		Girl	The Lord is my strength
Vincente		Boy	To conquer; Prevailing
Wake		Boy	Vigilant
Yanni-Name-Meaning:-Expert-Guide-To-Popularity-&-Pronunciation		Boy	God is gracious
Vergil		Unisex	Maiden; Flourishing; Vigorous
Yazeed		Boy	He who makes progress; Increasing; Adding
Yago-Name-Guide:-Meaning,-Popularity,-Pronunciation-&-More		Boy	Supplanter; Holder of the heel; May God protect; Universally
Waylin		Unisex	Crafty; Cunning
Yoan		Boy	Yahweh is gracious
Aanav-Name-Meaning,-Popularity-&-Nicknames:-Complete-Guide		Boy	Humane; Fine; Minute
Abdelrahman		Boy	Servant of the merciful; Servant of the most gracious
Abdulahad		Boy	Servant of the one
Zeeshan		Boy	Possessor of; Owner of
Abrahm-Baby-Name-Meaning:-Origin,-Pronunciation-&-Nicknames		Boy	Father of multitudes; Father of nations; High father; Crossing; Passage
Zay		Unisex	To increase
Ahyan		Boy	Moments; Times; Era
Antonino		Boy	Priceless; Inestimable; Flower
Arhan		Boy	Worship; Homage; Respect; Ruler
Anden-Name-Meaning-&-Popularity:-Complete-Guide-For-2025		Boy	Andes mountain range
Ariston-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-And-History:-Comprehensive-Guide		Boy	The best
Aliyan		Unisex	Exalted; Sublime
Armond		Boy	Army man; Palace; Castle
Arno		Boy	Eagle ruler; Eagle power; Strong as eagle
Arsenio		Boy	Virile; Masculine; Strong
Arush-Name-Meaning-And-Origin:-Guide-To-Popularity-&-Variations		Boy	Dawn; Red; Rising sun; Good-tempered; Calm
Arye		Boy	Lion; Greatest achievement
Askari-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-&-Pronunciation:-Complete-Guide		Boy	Soldier; Military
Azim		Boy	Great; Magnificent; Perseverance
Beauregard		Boy	Beautiful outlook
Awab		Unisex	Repentant; Penitent; One who returns to God
Beren		Boy	Strong; Smart
Azhar		Unisex	A shining and luminous being; Brilliant; Bright
Bret		Boy	A Breton
Baer		Unisex	Bright; Bear
Breyson		Boy	Son of Bryce
Brion-Baby-Name-Guide:-Meaning,-Trends-&-Nicknames		Boy	Height; Hill; Ruler
Carlitos		Boy	Manly
Carnell		Boy	Crossbow man; Archer; Defender of the castle
Caspar		Boy	Treasurer
Ceasar		Boy	Hair; Hairy
Cecilio		Boy	He who is blind
Charlton		Boy	Settlement of free man
Cordero		Boy	A lamb; A little sheep
Cristo		Boy	Bearing Christ; A Christian
Cashus		Unisex	Empty; Vain
Czar		Boy	Hairy; Long-haired
Daud-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-And-Popularity:-Comprehensive-Guide		Boy	Beloved; Uncle
Davidson		Boy	Son of David
Cyprian-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-And-History:-Complete-Guide		Unisex	From Cyprus; Of Cyprus
Damarius		Boy	Calf; Girl
Denny		Boy	Greek God Dionysus
Dijon-Name-Origin,-Meaning,-And-History:-A-Complete-Guide		Boy	Godly; Divine
Demar		Unisex	Marsh
Elior		Boy	My God is my light
Elroy		Boy	The king
Draxton		Unisex	Slipway or Sledge; Enclosure or settlement
Ericson:-A-Comprehensive-Guide-To-Name-Meaning-And-Popularity		Boy	Son of Eric; Ever ruler
Fahd		Boy	Panther
Fenton		Boy	Marsh town; Descendant of Fiachna
Gabriele		Boy	God is my strong man; Messenger of God
Elohim		Unisex	God; God of Israel
Hanif		Boy	True; Upright; Honorable
Hari		Boy	Brown; Yellow; Tawny; Hindu god Vishnu; Lion; Horse; Monkey; To shine; Ruler of the home; High
Finian		Girl	White; Blessed
Harmon		Boy	Army man; High place
Haroun		Boy	Mountain of strength; Exalted
Hridhaan		Boy	Donated from the heart; Compassionate towards all
Gatsby		Unisex	Spike settlement; From Gaddesby
Jak		Boy	God is gracious; Holder of the heel
Jaaziel		Boy	God Strengthens; God allocates
Ilian		Unisex	My God is Yahweh
Jackston		Girl	Son of Jack
Jerrick		Boy	Strong; Gifted ruler
Josian-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-And-Popularity:-Complete-Guide		Boy	God will add
Kaan		Boy	King; Ruler
Jedi		Unisex	Beloved of Yahweh
Jezreel		Unisex	God sows; Planted by God
Kannen		Boy	Lord Krishna; Black; Dark; Church official; Large reed
Kaven-Name-Meaning-And-Origin:-Complete-Guide		Boy	Intend; Courage; Strength and bravery
Juda-Name-Meaning-And-Origin:-A-Complete-Guide-For-2025		Unisex	Excellence; Praised
Keane-Name:-Origin,-Meaning,-And-History---Comprehensive-Guide		Boy	Battle; Very old
Kennan		Boy	Ancient; White; Little Ken; The clear water
Kaedon-Name:-Complete-Guide-To-Meaning,-Popularity,-Variations		Unisex	Mac Cadáin; Warrior; Strength; Gentle; Loyalty; Spirit of war; Son of Cadán
Keyaan		Boy	Essence; Being; King; Leader; High status
Khaliq-Name-Meaning:-Pronunciation,-Popularity-&-Numerology		Boy	Creator
Kijani		Boy	Warrior
Louden		Boy	Fort of Lugus
Macarthur		Boy	Son of Arthur
Madhav		Boy	Vernal; Of the springtime; Krishna; Descendant of Madhu; Honey
Matthieu		Boy	God's gift
Mattia		Boy	God's gift
Maurizio		Boy	Moorish
Maynard		Boy	One who is powerful and strong
Meer		Boy	Mayor; Leader; Elite; King; Chief
Ilhan		Unisex	Subordinate Khan
Mubashir		Boy	The bringer of good news
Ned-Name-Meaning-And-History:-A-Comprehensive-Guide		Boy	Protector of riches; Wealthy guardian

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