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
Giano-Baby-Name:-Guide-To-Meaning,-Popularity-&-Variations		Unisex	Archway
Giulian		Unisex	Youthful; Downy-bearded
Huy		Boy	Glorious; Radiant as sunlight
Hanzo		Boy	Half; To hide; Yahweh is gracious
Isidore		Boy	Gift of Isis
Taj		Boy	Crown; Exalted
Iaan-Baby-Name:-Comprehensive-Guide-To-Meaning-And-Popularity		Boy	God is gracious
Jago		Boy	Yahweh may protect; Holder of Heel; Supplanter
Jahid		Boy	Diligent; Striving; Endeavour
Jamall		Boy	The handsome one
Jamiel		Boy	Beautiful; Radiant
Izack		Girl	Laughter; He will laugh
Izek-Baby-Name-Guide:-Meaning,-Popularity-&-Pronunciation		Boy	He will laugh; He will rejoice
Jaymar-Name-Meaning:-2025-Guide-To-Popularity,-Zodiac-&-More		Boy	Handsome
Jaymin		Boy	Right hand; The right hand of favor; Handsome
Jered		Boy	Descent
Jerel		Boy	Power of the spear
Jeremi		Boy	Refers to Jeremy
Jathniel-Name-Meaning:-Complete-Guide-To-Origin-&-Pronunciation		Unisex	God is my gift; God lives
Kabeer-Name-Meaning,-Origin-And-Trends---Complete-Guide		Boy	Great; Powerful; Leader
Kacper		Boy	Treasurer
Kadan		Boy	Companion
Jep		Unisex	Peace; Foreigner; Territory
Kalev		Boy	The land of Kalevi; Dog
Kazimir		Boy	Destroyer of peace
Kelechi		Boy	Glorify God
Angelin		Unisex	Messenger of God; Angel
Kesean		Boy	God is gracious
Kevyn		Boy	Handsome by birth; Gentle; Lovable; Fair; Peace
Areen		Boy	People who belong to the arid region of Persia; High mountain; Exalted
Khayri		Boy	Goodness; Charitable; Member of the warrior class
Kenta-Name:-Meaning,-Origin,-And-Popularity-Guide		Unisex	Healthy; Strong; Handsome; Coastal district
Koltin		Boy	Coal town
Krithvik		Boy	Joyful; Handsome
Kwaku-Baby-Name:-Complete-Guide-To-Meaning,-Popularity-&-More		Boy	One who is born on a Wednesday
Lafayette-Name-Meaning:-Origin,-History-&-Popularity-Guide		Boy	Faith; Beech forest
Kire		Unisex	Lord
Leonides		Boy	Who is like a lion; Lion-strength
Koben-Name-Complete-Guide:-Meaning,-Pronunciation-&-Popularity		Unisex	Shed; Hut
Linwood		Boy	Linden or lime tree valley; Stream forest
Lucus		Boy	Light; To shine; From Lucania; Sacred grove
Luken		Boy	To shine; Light
Lydell		Boy	Small hillside valley
Lamin		Unisex	Firstborn boy; Trustworthy
Ciani-Name-Meaning,-Pronunciation-&-Popularity:-Complete-Guide		Unisex	Happy; Lucky; Light; Bright; Manly
Mahmood		Boy	A man who is worth the praise; Commendable; Worthy of reverence
Lochlin		Unisex	From the land of lakes; Viking; Scandinavian
Malone-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-And-2025-Popularity-Guide		Boy	One who is devoted to St. John
Macarius		Boy	Blessed; Fortunate; Happy
Mansour		Boy	Triumphant; Victorious
Masir		Boy	Fate; Destiny; Predestination
Matthan		Boy	Gift; One who is a gift
Mattheus		Boy	He who has been given by the Lord
Madix		Unisex	Son of Madoc; Good fortune
Emara		Unisex	To visit; To tend; To construct; To enliven
Farryn		Boy	Iron grey
Milad		Boy	Gift of Mithra; Birth
Miraj-Name-Meaning,-Origin-&-Popularity:-Complete-Guide		Boy	The ascent; The inclined path to God; Place of ascent
Mirza		Boy	A nobleman with a high rank; A respected person; Prince; Commander
Mekhai		Boy	Rejoicing; Happiness
Moosa		Boy	One who is saved out of the water; The name of a prophet of Almighty
Fendi		Unisex	Lord; Master; Sir
Mikayel		Boy	Who is like God?
Gracia		Boy	Grace; Grace of God; Divine grace
Nainoa		Boy	The namesakes
Nayef		Boy	Something in surplus, or excess
Nechemia		Boy	Comforted by God
Moss		Unisex	Son; Deliver; Drew out
Nephi		Boy	Good; Fine; Fair; Beautiful
Nevaan		Boy	The one who is spiritually holy
Nikolaj		Boy	Victory; The victor among all
Nnamdi		Boy	My father is alive
Nalu		Unisex	Wave; Surf
Obie		Boy	God's servant; Worshipping; Elf ruler
Park		Boy	One who lives near park; Nobleman; Stone; Plain
Patterson		Boy	Son of Patrick
Pike		Boy	A Spear; Stone; Rock; Hill point; Sharp; Pointed; Fisherman
Pinchos		Boy	A prophecy or an oracle
Niv-Baby-Name-Meaning-And-Origin:-A-Comprehensive-Guide		Unisex	Speech; Expression; Fang; Tusk; To moisten; Foundation
Ousman		Boy	Baby bustard; Wise; Dragon cub
Nobel		Unisex	Force; Noble
Praneel		Boy	Kind; One of many names of Lord Shiva
Quillan		Boy	Cub; Son of Hugelin; Soul; Mind; Intellect
Raffi		Boy	God heals; Noble; Exalter
Rahm		Boy	High Lofty; Exalted; Supreme; Soot; Rack
Rainen		Boy	Next year; Coming year
Rance		Boy	Shield rim; Laurel
Raxton		Boy	Bracca's town
Raees-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-And-History:-Comprehensive-Guide		Boy	Leader; Chief; Master; Head; Boss
Power		Unisex	A source or means of supplying energy
Riyad		Boy	Land with beautiful grass and flowers; Meadows; Gardens
Romir-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-And-Popularity:-Complete-Guide		Boy	Constantly moving; Interesting; Pleasant
Ronel-Name-Origin,-Meaning-&-Popularity:-Complete-Guide		Boy	Joy of the Lord; God's joy; Song of God; Ruler's counselor
Ronit		Boy	Grace; Prosperity; Song; Joy; Red
Saadiq		Boy	One who is honest and trustworty
Sadiq-Name-Guide:-Meaning,-Origin,-Popularity-&-Traits		Boy	True; Sincere; Loyal
Romulo-Name-Meaning,-Popularity,-And-Fun-Facts		Boy	From Rome
Samba		Boy	Happy; Fortunate; To console
Sasuke		Boy	A helper; Assistant; Shellfish; Concern oneself with
Saulo		Boy	Asked; Prayed for

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