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
Kiel		Boy	To strengthen; God will strengthen; Church; Lily of the valley; Keel of a boat
Kimo		Boy	Holder of the heel; A supplanter
Koji		Boy	Prosperous; Happiness; Fortune
Kordae		Boy	The name means means Coal Worker, Dark Skinned
Latham		Boy	Barn
Khoa-Name-Meaning,-Pronunciation-&-Everything-You-Need-To-Know		Unisex	Science
Lestat		Boy	Estate; Status
Levar		Boy	Liver; Hill; Someone who lives near a hill
Long		Boy	Dragon; Abundant; Prosperous
Loxley-Name-Meaning-And-History:-Comprehensive-Guide		Boy	Woodland clearing
Mackinnon		Boy	Son of the fair born
Renly-Name-Meaning:-Complete-Guide-To-Origin-And-Popularity		Boy	Man; Warrior; Field; Clearing
Manav		Boy	Human Being
Manson		Boy	Son of Mangus; Great
Mansoor		Boy	Triumphant; Victorious
Sabrin		Boy	Welsh name of the river Severn
Sachi		Boy	Happiness; Good luck; Wife of Indra; Speech; Eloquence; Energy; Power; Strength; Pious act; Devotion; Friendship; Intimacy
Marquese		Boy	A man who is like Mars the God of War
Matai		Boy	Gift of God
Maciah		Unisex	Who is like Yahweh
Melvyn		Boy	Bad town
Menashe		Boy	Reason to forget; Cause for forgetfulness
Makel-Name:-Key-Insights-On-Pronunciation,-Popularity-&-More		Unisex	Who is like God; There is none like God
Mello-Baby-Name-In-2025:-Complete-Guide-To-Meaning-&-Popularity		Girl	Rival
Napoleon		Boy	Person from Naples; Sons of mist
Merrik		Boy	Dark; Dark-skinned; Moor; Fame; Power
Naveed-Baby-Name:-Meaning,-Popularity-&-Complete-Guide		Boy	Good news; Good tidings
Millan		Girl	Loving; Pleasant; Gracious; Rival; Person who lives near a mill
Nazeer		Boy	Herald; Similar; Counterpart
Matis		Unisex	Gift of Yahweh
Niels		Boy	Triumph of the nation; Horn
Nihit		Boy	Precious talent from God
Niklas		Boy	Victory of the people
Mudasir		Boy	Covered; Wrapped
Nimalan-Name:-Meaning,-Popularity-Trends-&-Numerology-Guide		Boy	Winking; The act of blinking one's eyes; Lord Murugan
Vaughn-Baby-Name-Meaning:-Your-Comprehensive-Guide		Boy	Little
Moxley		Unisex	From a place in the West Midlands
Zakari		Boy	God remembers
Nahir:-Ultimate-Name-Guide-To-Pronunciation,-Popularity-&-More		Unisex	Bright; Clear
Oneal		Boy	Victor; Winner; Fury; Passionate; Descendant of Neil
Nakari		Unisex	Man
Orville		Boy	Town or city filled with golden treasuries
Naman		Unisex	Salutation; Obeisance
Othello		Boy	Wealth
Ovidio		Boy	Like a sheep
Patrik		Boy	A noble patrician
Pernell		Boy	Little rock
Niyam		Girl	Order; Discipline; Restraint of mind; Ethical rules
Petros		Boy	One who is like a stone
Nekoda		Unisex	Marked; Rice field
Philemon		Boy	Beloved; Dear most; Loved one; Kiss; Affectionate
Prentice		Boy	A pupil; A learner of the trade
Qusay		Boy	Distant
Ramin		Boy	Peace; Joy
Obsidian		Unisex	Volcanic glass; Of Obsidius; Power; Help; Support
Rashaud		Boy	A variant of Rashad, meaning counselor
Olly		Unisex	Olive tree; Ancestor's descendant; All cautious
Rawlins		Boy	Famous wolf; Wolf's counsel
Raynard		Boy	Strong counselor; Brave advisor; Mighty and brave
Redmond		Boy	Wise protector; Counselor; Mighty advisor
Renaldo		Boy	Well-advised ruler
Rennick		Boy	A dwelling place; A village; A farm
Ahlaya		Boy	Splendor; Beauty; Abode
Revere		Boy	Someone who lives on the brow of a hill; Someone who lives near a river
Qusai		Boy	Strength, power, leader
Reynold		Boy	Wise ruler; Powerful counsel
Andria		Girl	Masculine; Manly; Courageous; Virility
Rockland		Boy	One who comes from a rocky land
Rollie		Boy	Famous land
Ronell		Boy	Ruler's advice; Ruler's counsel
Saafir		Boy	Ambassador; Handsome
Saahir		Boy	Charming; Wakeful
Robel-Baby-Name:-Comprehensive-Guide-To-Meaning-&-Popularity		Boy	Son of Jacob
Samwise		Boy	Half-wise; Simple; God has heard
Sartaj		Boy	Head; Crown; Leader; Chief
Savian		Boy	New House; Bright; Savior; A genus of daisy flower
Sayid		Boy	Master; Lord
Saim-Name-Meaning-&-Origin:-28-Unique-Insights		Girl	One who is fasting
Sebastiano		Boy	From Sebaste; Venerable; Exalted
Romani-Baby-Name:-Origin,-Meaning,-And-Complete-Guide		Unisex	Man from Rome
Serge		Boy	Servant
Salaar		Boy	Leader; Commander
Shaheed		Boy	Lion; Strength of God; A witness; A martyr
Shant		Boy	Lightning
Sharbel		Boy	God's story
Shem		Boy	Name; Renown
Shrihan-Baby-Name:-Popularity,-Pronunciation-&-More-In-2025		Boy	Lord vishnu; Gracious prosperity
Shuaib		Boy	Midianite prophet in Quran; Abundance
Silverio		Boy	One who loves trees and forest
Spenser		Boy	A provider; A dispenser
Steffan		Boy	Crowned with garland
Tage		Boy	To take or capture
Tarak		Boy	Protector; Star
Tino		Boy	Strong; Vigorous; Health
Torrence		Boy	One from the hills; Hillock; Mound
Waris		Boy	Successor; Heir; Desert flower
Vallen		Boy	Strong; Healthy; Of Valentinus
Tyrian		Unisex	Royal purple; Of tyre
Wisam-Baby-Name:-Pronunciation,-Meaning,-And-Essential-Guide		Boy	Medal; Badge; Decoration
Vidit		Girl	Perceptive; A learned man; Lord Indra

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