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
Browse Top Baby Names by Year
| Name | Gender | Meaning | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |  Unisex | One who is in charge; Master of a household; Friend; Hunchback | |
| |  Boy | Skilled with the hands | |
| | Boy | Steadfast; Constant | |
| | Boy | Clear; Bright; Fighter; Battle | |
| | Unisex | Treasurer; Ancient Caspi tribe | |
| | Boy | Seeing; Observing; Understanding | |
| | Boy | Respected leader; Islamic leader | |
| | Boy | Son of the dairyman or dairywoman | |
| | Boy | Brave lion; Hard; Brave; Hardy | |
| | Boy | Godly friend; Bright friend; Proud friend | |
| | Girl | God is a judge | |
| | Boy | Earth mother | |
| | Boy | One of Zeus | |
| | Unisex | NA | |
| | Boy | Someone's son | |
| | Boy | One from Zeus; Manly; Masculine | |
| | Boy | Man of prayer; Full of goodness | |
| | Boy | Manly; Masculine | |
| | Boy | God rises | |
| | Boy | Elf; Ruler; King; Noble | |
| | Boy | Great; Whole | |
| | Boy | Ever ruler | |
| | Boy | Pious; Devout | |
| | Boy | Name of a mythical monster; Fenrir-wolf; Marsh; Fen | |
| | Boy | White fire; White ancient | |
| | Boy | Flourishing; Prosperous | |
| | Boy | Peaceful ruler | |
| | Boy | Peaceful ruler | |
| | Unisex | Sun | |
| | Boy | A heroic person; A warrior; A conqueror | |
| | Boy | Gray hill | |
| | Boy | Lion; Warrior | |
| | Boy | Bright; Shining one | |
| | Unisex | The strength of God | |
| | Boy | Noble friend; Noble warrior; Grey land; Army land; Hare land | |
| | Unisex | Fair-skinned; Fair hair | |
| | Boy | Yew; Archer | |
| | Unisex | The flock of God | |
| | Girl | Hare land | |
| | Boy | Stream; River | |
| | Girl | Hawk; Predatory bird | |
| | Boy | Dedicated | |
| | Girl | The distant one | |
| | Boy | Supplanter; Holder of the heel; May God protect | |
| | Boy | Lawful, just | |
| | Boy | Priest; King; Ruler | |
| | Boy | Perfect; Complete; Perfection | |
| | Boy | Treasurer; Bearer of treasure | |
| | Boy | Warrior; Gold; Metal; Money; Fanatic | |
| | Girl | Life; Life-giving | |
| | Boy | One who is very wise; Smart; Clever | |
| | Boy | Battle | |
| | Boy | The brave chief; The brave ruler | |
| | Boy | Coastal district; Centaur; Bright one | |
| | Boy | One who is a coppersmith by profession | |
| | Unisex | Emperor; Ruler | |
| | Boy | People's victory; Charcoal; Cabbage | |
| | Boy | Humble; Modest; Trust; Believe | |
| | Boy | Dark or black and auspicious; Plougher | |
| | Boy | Bearing Christ | |
| | Boy | Name of Shiva's son Murugan | |
| | Boy | Born on a Tuesday | |
| | Boy | Daring and experienced counsel | |
| | Boy | Young man; Manservant | |
| | Boy | One who loves hounds or wolves | |
| | Boy | Hare; Brown-haired one | |
| | Boy | Bearing Christ; To anoint | |
| | Boy | From the city of Lucania; To close | |
| | Boy | Illumination; Light | |
| | Boy | Light; Luxury | |
| | Boy | The greatest | |
| | Boy | Of the sea; Male; Warlike | |
| | Boy | Minute Particle; Beautiful | |
| | Boy | The greatest one | |
| | Boy | My messenger; My angel | |
| | Boy | Ruler of the heart | |
| | Boy | Sprout child; Bright child; Bud child | |
| | Girl | Yellow | |
| | Boy | The messenger of God; Who is like God? | |
| | Boy | Son; Deliver; Drew out; Drawn out of water | |
| | Boy | A land that belongs to God; An African country | |
| | Boy | The chosen one | |
| | Boy | Imaginative and content individual | |
| | Unisex | Son of Magge | |
| | Boy | Shining from the north | |
| | Boy | Noble; Distinguished | |
| | Boy | Reeds | |
| | Boy | Great; Magnificent; Exalted; Venerable | |
| | Boy | A servant of God | |
| | Unisex | One who brings good things | |
| | Boy | Rock; Stone | |
| | Boy | Flood tide; Prosperity wielder | |
| | Boy | Trust; Lightning; Thunder; King | |
| | Boy | Strong defender; Wolf on a shield rim | |
| | Boy | A person who guides others wisely | |
| | Boy | Famous ruler; Mighty; Kingly; Champion | |
| | Boy | One who is from the ridge | |
| | Unisex | Son of Ray; Reason; Intelligence | |
| | Boy | A patient person | |
| | Boy | Happy; Joyful | |
Popular baby boy names of 2021 reflect parents’ dreams and aspirations for their sons. By exploring the list above, you can find names that carry historical significance and meaningful qualities you would want your son to inherit. Since the name you choose will stay with your son for his entire life, selecting one that aligns with your family values and heritage is important. Choose a name that your son will be proud to carry and that reflects the qualities you admire.
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
References
- Popular Names in 2020.
https://www.ssa.gov/oact/babynames/
Look Up For Many More Names
Do you have a name in mind and want to know more about it? Or want to find names belonging to a particular origin, religion, or having a specific meaning? Use our search tool below to explore more baby names with different combinations.
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