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
Zeb-Name-Meaning,-Origin-&-Key-Insights		Boy	God has given; Exalted house; Honor; Dwell with; Rock; Stone
Adom		Boy	Made from earth; Red; Man
Zebedee		Boy	Yahweh has bestowed
Zahair		Unisex	Rosy; Bright; Glowing; Flowery
Agasthya		Boy	The Canopus star
Akshaj		Boy	Born with knowledge; Direct knowledge; Thunder-bolt; Diamond
Aleksey		Boy	Defender or helper of the people
Zylo		Unisex	From the woods
Alexandru		Boy	Defender of men
Alexey		Boy	Collaborator; Helper
Alik		Boy	Defender of men; Protector of mankind; Noble
Alejo		Girl	Man's defender; Protector of mankind
Ahmar		Unisex	Red
Amirr		Boy	A born prince who gives orders and is prosperous
Andon		Boy	Form of Antonius
Antonios		Boy	Worthy of praise
Arland		Boy	Pledge; Oath
Arsen		Boy	Masculine; Virile; Brave
Arvid-Name-Meaning:-Comprehensive-Guide-To-Origin-&-Popularity		Boy	Eagle tree
Zamani-Baby-Name:-Complete-Guide-To-Meaning,-Popularity-&-More		Unisex	Time; Eternity
Anfernee:-Complete-Baby-Name-Guide-With-Meaning,-Trends-&-More		Boy	From Antium
Ashwath		Boy	Sacred fig tree; Pipal tree; Banyan tree; Tree of knowledge
Ata		Boy	Gift; One of the twins; Ancestor; Predecessor; You
Avish		Boy	Ocean; One whose emotions are deep like the ocean; God's follower
Avon		Boy	River
Aws-Name:-Complete-Guide-To-Meaning,-Pronunciation-&-Popularity		Boy	Gift
Baz		Boy	Falcon
Atlan		Unisex	Into the water; Under the water
Benedetto		Boy	Blessed
Braison		Boy	Son of Brice
Aydon		Unisex	Little fire; The fiery one; Born of fire
Brandin		Boy	Broom hill
Azair		Unisex	God has helped
Broc		Boy	Badger; Badger-like
Caedyn		Boy	Round man
Caelen		Boy	Slender; Narrow; Fine; Victorious people
Brodrick		Boy	Descendent of Bruadar
Camar		Boy	He who is a teacher
Cane		Boy	Battle; Reed
Cas-Name-Meaning:-Origin,-History,-And-Popularity-Explained		Boy	Treasurer; Curly haired
Cipriano		Boy	From Cyprus
Aviya		Boy	My father is Yahweh
Crockett		Boy	A large curl
Calel-Baby-Name-In-2025:-Meaning,-Numerology-&-Popularity		Unisex	Friend
Daevon		Boy	Descendant of Damhan; Divine; Fortune teller
Dallen		Boy	Blind one; From the valley
Crixus		Boy	One with curly hair
Damond		Boy	To tame
Devesh		Boy	Lord of the Devas; Lord of the Lords
Dmitriy		Boy	Follower of Demeter
Delfino		Boy	Of Delphi; Womb
Eames		Boy	Friendly; Welcome; Pleasing
Elazar		Boy	God is my helper; God has helped
Chidera		Unisex	God is here
Esben		Boy	God's bear; Divine bear
Eston		Boy	East town; From the Eastern town
Edriel		Unisex	Flock of god
Fergus-Name-Origin,-Meaning-&-History:-Comprehensive-2025-Guide		Boy	Man of strength
Fishel		Boy	Little fish
Fraser-Name-Meaning:-Complete-Guide-To-Origin-And-History		Boy	Strawberry; Name of a place in Scotland
Garren		Boy	Guards; Guardian
General		Boy	High-ranked; A rank in the military
Giancarlos		Boy	God is gracious; Man; Army
Gautham-Name:-Meaning,-Origin,-And-Ultimate-Guide		Boy	Enlightened; Wise; The best of cattle
Grantley		Boy	Big; Tall; Large fields
Gurfateh		Boy	Victory of the Guru
Gustave		Boy	Staff of the Geats
Haakon		Boy	High battle; Combat
Hannibal		Boy	Grace of the God Ba'al
Haseeb		Boy	Noble; Respected; Reckoner; A variant of Hasib
Hiroshi		Boy	Generous; Tolerant
Husam		Boy	Sword; Sharp blade
Ihan		Boy	God is gracious; Full moon
Falon		Boy	Leader
Hanzel-Name-Guide:-Pronunciation,-Popularity,-and-Nicknames		Unisex	God is gracious
Jachin		Boy	He establishes
Jager		Boy	To chase; To hunt; Hunter
Heir		Unisex	A person who inherits or is entitled to inherit property or title
Jarett		Boy	Power of the spear
Iyan		Unisex	God is gracious; Downy-bearded
Jebediah-Name-Meaning-And-Origin:-Complete-Guide		Boy	Beloved of Yahweh
Jeremie		Boy	Same as Jeremy
Jentzen		Girl	Jehovah has favored
Imrie		Unisex	Ruler of the home
Justyn		Boy	Just
Kadon		Boy	From the wetlands
Kailash		Boy	A mountain in the Himalayas; Abode of Lord Siva; Crystal
Kaisan		Boy	Wise; Mountain opener
Jimi		Unisex	Holder of the heel; Supplanter
Keian		Boy	Acquired
Keimoni		Boy	The ocean of uniqueness or knowledge
Johnna		Boy	God is gracious
Kaikoa		Unisex	Sea warrior or fighter
Kevan		Boy	Beloved birth; Comely beloved
Kazmir		Girl	To destroy peace
Kairon		Unisex	Black
Jrue-Name-Meaning-And-Origin:-2025-Popularity-Key-Insights		Boy	Manly
Khadir		Boy	Verdant; Green; To be present; Lurking lion
Kratos-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-And-History:-A-Comprehensive-Guide		Boy	Strength, power, authority
Law		Boy	From Laurentum

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