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
Lycan-Name-Meaning:-Origin,-Popularity,-Nicknames-&-More		Boy	A werewolf; Wolf
Lyman		Boy	From the meadow; Beloved man; Living by River Leine
Macklyn-Name:-Complete-Guide-To-Meaning,-Origins,-And-Popularity		Boy	The son of Flann
Maikel		Boy	Who is like God
Manvik		Boy	Conscious progression
Levent-Name-Meaning:-Origin,-Popularity,-And-Complete-Guide		Unisex	A person from the eastern Mediterranean; Tall; Handsome; Roguish
Berklie		Boy	Place Name; Where Birches Grow
Martino		Boy	The god of war; Mars; Dedicated to Mars; Warlike; Male
Louka-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-And-History:-Complete-Guide		Unisex	From Lucania; Forest wood; Sacred wood; Light
Maximilien		Boy	Greatest; Supreme; Maximum; Eldest
Merik		Boy	Bright sea; Ruler of the sea
Michaiah		Boy	Who is like Yahweh?
Mihran		Boy	Kindness; Love; Sun
Mikeal		Boy	Who is like God
Marsel		Boy	Male
Marson		Boy	Son of the sea
Mohan		Boy	Charming; Infatuating; Bewitching
Mckinnon		Girl	Fair born; Fair son
Nahshon		Boy	One who foretells the future; Serpent; Bronze; Oracle
Najeeb		Boy	Noble; Generous; Distinguished
Nelvin-Name-Meaning-In-2025:-Origin,-Pronunciation,-&-Trends		Boy	Narrow water
Neon		Boy	New
Nissim		Boy	Miracle
Nitin		Boy	Guidance; Moral conduct
Meshach-Name-Meaning:-Biblical-Origin,-History-&-Popularity		Unisex	Who is what Aku is?
Danyelle		Boy	A true ruler; judge
Nooh-Name-Meaning:-Complete-Guide-To-Origin-And-Pronunciation		Boy	Rest; Repose
Norvin		Boy	From the north; Northern friend
Miransh		Unisex	Small part of an ocean
Monti		Unisex	Mountain; Ruler; King
Olivander		Boy	The one who shelters the olive tree
Deylin		Boy	Name of a historical blacksmith with supernatural powers; Angel from god
Omni-Name-Meaning:-Origin,-History,-Popularity-Explained		Boy	All; Universal
Osmond		Boy	God's protection
Ottis		Boy	Wealth; Son of Ode
Owin		Boy	Noble born
Ozymandias		Boy	Ancient Egyptian regnal name or title of Pharaoh Ramesses II
Oday		Boy	Runner; Rising
Parish		Boy	From Paris; From the Parisii tribe; Nobleman
Peterson		Boy	The son of Peter; Stone
Pharrell-Baby-Name-Guide:-Meaning,-Pronunciation-&-Popularity		Boy	A man of valor
Phil		Boy	A lover or friend of horses; Friend; Beloved
Noar-Baby-Name:-Guide-To-Meaning,-Trends-&-Pronunciation		Unisex	Narrows; Small river; Light; Radiance
Platon		Boy	A broad-shouldered person
Porfirio		Boy	Purple coloring; Purple dye
Race		Boy	Competition; Ardor
Radek		Boy	Happy; Willing; Glory
Fletcher-Name-Meaning:-A-Comprehensive-Guide-In-2025		Girl	Arrow-maker; People's army
Rahsaan		Boy	Compassionate; Vigilant
Rajan		Boy	King; Ruler; Monarch
Ramadan-Name:-Pronunciation,-Popularity,-Meaning-&-Insights		Boy	Ninth month in muslim calendar; Parchedness; Scorching heat; Glowing
Eloni:-Baby-Name-Meaning,-Pronunciation-&-Popularity-Guide		Unisex	High mountain; Exalted
Randon		Boy	Wolf shield
Raza-Name-Meaning-&-Origin:-Variations,-History,-&-Popularity		Boy	Contentment; Satisfaction
Rees		Boy	Enthusiasm; Ardour
Reiner		Boy	Army advisor; Army counsel
Rivan		Boy	Silver; Musical; Star; Basil
Rockford		Boy	Strong rock; Rocky ford
Rollo		Boy	A notable, acclaimed wolf
Quay		Unisex	Wharf; Structure on the shore of a harbor
Graci		Boy	Grace; Grace of God; Divine grace; In a state of grace
Ruthvik		Boy	Saint; Truth
Radin-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-And-Pronunciation:-Complete-Guide		Unisex	Chivalrous man; Gentleman
Saatvik		Boy	Virtuous; Pure; Good
Sabri		Boy	Patient
Sadler		Boy	An occupational name; Harness maker
Sahmir		Boy	An evening companion; Air
Samaj-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-And-Popularity:-Comprehensive-Guide		Boy	To bring or collect together; To subdue; To animate
Sanchez-Name-Meaning:-Origin,-History,-A-Complete-Guide		Boy	Son of Sancho; Holy; Saintly
Sandor		Boy	To defend or to help mankind
Shaquan-Name-Meaning,-Origin-&-Pronunciation:-Complete-Guide		Boy	Truthful
Shedrick		Boy	Aku's command
Ryer		Unisex	Heron; Someone who lived by a river or an island
Skanda		Boy	Hopping; Spurting; Spilling; Hindu god of war
Slayden		Boy	To be from the field, valley
Sevan		Boy	Lake
Shakeem		Girl	Wise; Intelligent
Sonnie-Name-Meaning:-3-Essential-Facts-On-Origin-&-History		Boy	Son; Wisdom
Shriyansh		Boy	Part of prosperity; Welfare; Happiness; Wealth
Suhaib		Boy	A boy with red hair and complexion
Suhail-Name:-Comprehensive-Guide-To-Meaning-&-Popularity		Boy	Level; Even; A bright star
Suren		Boy	Lord Indra; Strong; Warrior
Taahir		Boy	Chaste; Modest
Shazain-Name:-25-Essential-Details-Every-Parent-Should-Know		Unisex	Brave; Skillful
Tahmid		Boy	Praising
Taimoor		Boy	Lion; Self-respecting; Self-reliant; Strong
Talal		Boy	Nice; Beautiful in form or appearance; Admirable; Pleasant
Tarun-Name-Meaning-&-Pronunciation:-A-Complete-Guide		Boy	Young; Fresh
Suliman		Boy	Peace; Man of peace
Tayshaun		Boy	God's gift of hope
Thanos-Name-Meaning-&-History:-A-Comprehensive-Guide		Boy	Immortal
Thurman		Boy	Thunder; Protection
Tiller		Boy	One who cultivates
Tiziano		Boy	Title of honor
Takumi-Name-Meaning:-Expert-Guide-To-Origin-&-Pronunciation		Unisex	Artisan; Skillful; Expand; Open; Support; Sea; Ocean; Fruit; Good result; Truth
Trevian		Boy	One who is from a town of good people
Juri		Boy	Farmer; Earthworker; Timber; Wood; Pear tree; Longevity; Jasmine
Tulio		Boy	The one who leads; Destined for glory
Tavius-Name:-Complete-Guide-To-Meaning,-Popularity,-And-More		Boy	Eighth
Taden		Unisex	To cut

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