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 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| | Bold; Powerful; Strong | ||
| | Power; Authority | ||
| | A loyal individual; An embodiment of mercy | ||
| | God is gracious | ||
| | Weaver | ||
| | Descendant; Familiarity | ||
| | Little | ||
| | Peace | ||
| | Badge of honor; Medal; Decoration | ||
| | Gold | ||
| | Well town; Willow town; Town on the river Wylye; Tricky | ||
| | Learned; Scholar; Expert; World; Universe | ||
| | Gift from the Lord | ||
| | His servant | ||
| | Servant of the generous | ||
| | From Hadria | ||
| | Follower of the merciful | ||
| | Father of Many | ||
| | Lord of the Sun; Peak; From the beginning | ||
| | Bright; Blossom | ||
| | Ruler; Wealth | ||
| | Good fathers | ||
| | Old friend; Excellence of religion | ||
| | Father of nations; Exalted father | ||
| | Defender or helper of mankind | ||
| | Scholar; Noble protection; Little rock | ||
| | Fearless, intelligent, beautiful | ||
| | Period of time | ||
| | Little rock; Handsome | ||
| | God is with me | ||
| | Faithful; Honest; Truthful; Feel safe | ||
| | Aythe's son; Father of Jason | ||
| | Prophet Jonah's father; My truth; True | ||
| | Priceless; Praiseworthy | ||
| | Close friend | ||
| | Priceless; Inestimable; Flower | ||
| | Rightly guided; More mature; More sensible | ||
| | Stone; Bear; Bold; Strong | ||
| | White; Fair; Blessed; People's friend | ||
| | Masculine; Manly; Virile | ||
| | Honest; Honorable; Virtuous; Noble; Wise; Knowledgeable | ||
| | The sacred syllable; Essence of the cosmic world; The Supreme Absolute | ||
| | One who is strong like a boar | ||
| | My father is a light | ||
| | God the Father is peace; Cheetah | ||
| | Falcon | ||
| | Place of the cow sheds | ||
| | A famous ruler; Bold and brave | ||
| | Settlement; Foreign; Barley dwelling; Warrior; Hero | ||
| | Royal; Kingly; Brave | ||
| | The Lord builds | ||
| | My father is peace | ||
| | Red; Man; A person who lived at the gate; Street | ||
| | A settlement where broom grows; Fire | ||
| | Fair-headed; White; Blessed; Fruit; Shining; Spear | ||
| | Son of Bryce | ||
| | Tough guy; Pockmark; Boil | ||
| | To destroy; World; Peace; Proclaimer of peace | ||
| | The one who resembles God | ||
| | Visible; Conscious; Soul | ||
| | Habitational name from Briençun | ||
| | Sailor; Ropemaker | ||
| | One that follows orders | ||
| | Divine | ||
| | One who uses a cart | ||
| | A gifted ruler; Power of a tribe | ||
| | Chief secretary; Office holder | ||
| | City in East Azerbaijan; One who possesses goodness; Sea | ||
| | Cord-maker; Seller of cord; Lamb; Polite; Courteous | ||
| | Beloved; Uncle | ||
| | From the town of Dillingen | ||
| | Dark stranger; Descendant of Dubhghall | ||
| | To celebrate; To take pleasure | ||
| | Of Greece; One from Hellas | ||
| | To choose; The chosen one | ||
| | Of Vinci | ||
| | Enclosure; Ella's enclosure; A habitational name | ||
| | Friendly | ||
| | A fictional character who rides a dragon | ||
| | A tall and strong tree; Cedar | ||
| | My guardian; Blessing; Beautiful; Love; Good; Clean | ||
| | Crown; Wreath; That which surrounds | ||
| | Born of the yew tree | ||
| | From Hadria | ||
| | One with vigor | ||
| | A very brave man; Wise; Understanding | ||
| | Falconer; Birdcatcher | ||
| | Feller; Hewer | ||
| | Persecuted; Hated | ||
| | Youth | ||
| | Son of Patrick; Son of the nobleman | ||
| | Youthful; Downy-bearded | ||
| | Gravel homestead; Grain | ||
| | Will helmet; Helmet protection | ||
| | Son of Uchtre | ||
| | God is gracious | ||
| | Emperor; Ruler; Great king | ||
| | A variant of the surname Hawkins; House owner | ||
| | Enclosure | ||
| | A hunter; Wolf | ||
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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