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
Burak		Boy	Lightning
Calixto-Name-Meaning:-Guide-To-Origin,-History,-And-Popularity		Boy	Most beautiful; Chalice
Calvert		Boy	Calf herder
Can		Boy	Soul; Life; Darling
Caz-Name-Meaning:-Origin,-Popularity-And-Cute-Nicknames		Boy	To destroy; Peace; World; Vigilant
Chavez		Boy	Golden; Yellow-haired
Cheveyo-Name-Guide:-Pronunciation,-Meaning-&-Popularity		Boy	A warrior
Christoph:-Comprehensive-Guide-To-Origin,-Meaning-&-History		Boy	Bearer of Christ
Atiya		Boy	Gift; Sky
Aubriel		Boy	Elf ruler
Corvus		Boy	Raven
Cosimo		Boy	Order; Decency; Universe
Calcifer:-Origin,-Meaning,-And-Unique-Baby-Name-Insights		Unisex	To calcify; Limestone; To bring
Cowen		Boy	Twins; Hillside indent; Born from the yew tree; Born lucky
Canelo		Unisex	Cinnamon tree
Dagen		Boy	Small sword; Dagger; Someone who made rapiers; Warrior
Cope		Unisex	Cape; Cloak
Dhven-Baby-Name:-Pronunciation,-Meaning-&-What-You-Need-To-Know		Boy	Devotional; Spiritual; Religious; Pious; Sacred
Cyris:-Complete-Guide-To-Meaning,-Pronunciation-&-Popularity		Unisex	Lord; Young; Humiliator of the enemy
Darriel-Name-Meaning-And-Origin:-Comprehensive-Guide		Unisex	Beloved; Little darling; Royalty
Drayce		Boy	Dragon
Draycen		Boy	Gift
Devaansh-Baby-Name:-Meaning,-Pronunciation-&-Complete-Guide		Girl	Part of God
Diezel		Girl	Gift of Yahweh
Dylen		Boy	To tide; To flow
Eeshan-Name-Meaning:-A-Complete-Guide-To-Origins-&-Popularity		Boy	God; Supreme Being; Creator and Protector of this universe; One of the many names of Lord Shiva
Ehsan		Boy	Powerful; Kindness; Graciousness; Generosity; Charity
Elham-Baby-Name-Meaning-And-Origin:-Comprehensive-Guide		Boy	A beautiful inspiration
Dominion		Unisex	Supreme authority; Sovereignty
Eliu		Boy	He is my God; Sun
Donis		Unisex	Of Zeus; Sky; Shine
Ellias		Boy	My God is Yahweh
Dupree		Unisex	From the meadow
Evaristo		Boy	Well-pleasing
Eyal-Name-Meaning-And-History:-A-Comprehensive-Guide		Boy	Might; Strength
Ezequias		Boy	Yahweh strengthens
Eirik		Unisex	Ever ruler
Fitzwilliam		Boy	Son of William; Desire; Protection
Eissa		Unisex	God is salvation; To save or to deliver
Eizen		Unisex	Glory; Prosperity; Eternity; Wisdom; Goodness; Virtue; Whole; Complete
Fyodor-Name-Meaning:-Guide-To-Origin,-Variants-And-History		Boy	God's gift; God-given
Gaith		Boy	One who is pure like rain; excellence
Enok-Name-Meaning-And-Origin:-25-Essential-Insights		Boy	Dedicated
Ellian-Name-Meaning:-Popularity-&-Pronunciation-In-2025		Unisex	Strength; Vigor; Bravery
Evelio		Boy	Desired; Wished for
Elroi		Unisex	God is my shepherd; God who sees me; King
Haaris		Boy	Plowman; Cultivator
Haleem		Boy	Forbearing; Gentle; Mild-mannered
Enso-Baby-Name:-Meaning,-Popularity,-Pronunciation-Guide		Unisex	Circle; Circular form
Gurnoor		Boy	'Pleasant face of God; Teacher; Light
Hektor		Boy	To hold; To possess
Helio		Boy	Sun
Huston		Boy	Settlement of houses
Ezeriah-Name-Meaning-Guide:-Trends-&-Pronunciation-In-2025		Unisex	Helped by God; God has helped
Georges		Girl	Farmer; Earthworker
Igor		Boy	Warrior; Army of the Germanic god Yngvi
Imad		Boy	Pillar; Support; Mainstay
Firas		Unisex	Skilled rider; Skilled horseman; Fierce as a lion; Perceptive
Gleb:-Comprehensive-Guide-To-Name-Meaning-And-Popularity		Boy	God's inheritance; God's legacy
Harvie-Name-Meaning:-Complete-Guide-To-Popularity-&-Fun-Facts		Unisex	Battle worthy
Jaan		Boy	God is gracious; Life; From Hadria
Jabal		Boy	Stream; Mountain
Jacek		Boy	Hyacinth plant
Imre		Boy	King; Great; Brave; Home; Vigorous ruler
Jaece		Boy	Healer
Isaia		Boy	God is salvation
Jaiveer		Boy	One who is victorious
Ithan		Boy	Solid; Enduring; Strong
Jalin		Boy	One who is calm
Izac		Boy	He will laugh; He will rejoice
Johanny		Boy	God is gracious
Jasraj		Boy	King of fame
Ithiel-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-Popularity:-Comprehensive-Guide		Unisex	God is with me
Izyan		Unisex	Wise
Kawthar-Name:-Complete-Guide-To-Pronunciation-&-Numerology		Boy	Much; Abundant; Copious; Name of a river in Paradise
Jessup		Boy	Jehovah increases
Jathan		Boy	Yahweh has given
Kayani		Unisex	Royal; Princely
Judiah-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-And-History:-Complete-Guide		Boy	Praised; Thanksgiving
Kaeleb		Boy	Wholehearted; Dog
Kayode		Boy	He has brought us joy
Jomari		Unisex	He will add; Male; Sea of bitterness; Rebelliousness; Wished for child
Kempton		Boy	Cempa's town; Warrior town
Kenaz-Name:-Origin,-Meaning,-And-History-A-Complete-Guide		Boy	Hunter
Kenric-Name-Meaning-And-Origin:-A-Comprehensive-Guide		Boy	Royal power; Bold power; Chief hero; Son of Henry
Kaihan		Unisex	Inspiring leader or warrior
Khair		Boy	Good; Best; Wealth and prosperity
Khizar		Boy	Moist; Green
Kaylum-Name:-Guide-To-Pronunciation,-Meaning-&-Popularity		Boy	Dove
Kiefer-Name-Meaning:-Origin,-History,-And-Top-Nicknames		Boy	Pine tree; Cooper; Jaw bone; Barrel maker
Kartel		Unisex	A written agreement between belligerent nations; Poster; Card
Matti		Girl	God's gift
Kipling		Boy	Cyppel's people; From Kiplin in Bolton, North Yorkshire
Kirkland		Boy	Church land; Small wood grove
Kishan		Boy	Black; Dark
Kaylem:-Comprehensive-Guide-To-Meaning,-Pronunciation,-And-More		Unisex	Dove
Konstantine		Boy	Constant; Steadfast
Khalel		Boy	Friend
Kwan		Boy	Strong
Keyansh		Unisex	Knowledgeable

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