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 | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |  Boy | God is my light; My light is Yahweh | |
| | Boy | Lion-like; Brave man | |
| | Boy | Peaceful melody; A calm noise | |
| | Boy | Praised; Commendable | |
| | Boy | The one who gives a lot; Generous; Noble; Dignity | |
| | Boy | Light; Illumination | |
| | Boy | Warlike; A young warrior; Dedicated to Mars | |
| | Boy | Clay worker; Made of clay; Clay settlement | |
| | Boy | Priest | |
| | Boy | Lion-like person | |
| | Boy | Danish; The Dane; Greek God Dionysus | |
| | Boy | Yahweh will exalt | |
| | Boy | Wealth; Son of Ode | |
| | Boy | Companion in evening talk; Wind; Air | |
| | Boy | Prince; Commander; Immortal | |
| | Boy | Son of Nick | |
| | Boy | Rock; Sharp; Silk | |
| | Boy | Will helmet; Son of Will | |
| | Boy | Thor's stone | |
| | Boy | High; Hill; Might; Power; Honorable; Virtuous | |
| |  Unisex | Blood-red; Ruddy; Crimson | |
| | Boy | Strong; Steadfast | |
| | Boy | Young lion | |
| | Boy | He who is handsome; Beautiful; The pool | |
| | Boy | Rejoice | |
| | Boy | Praised; Commendable | |
| | Boy | Little fire; Son of red earth; Formed of Earth; Pleasure; Delight | |
| | Boy | Son of the marsh dwellers | |
| | Boy | A loyal or faithful one | |
| | Boy | Increase; Growth | |
| | Boy | An old friend | |
| | Boy | Life | |
| | Boy | To love; Dark; Beloved | |
| | Boy | Son of Neil; The son of Nell; Cloud; Champion | |
| | Boy | Giant gods; A person with enormous size or ability | |
| | Boy | God strengthens; To strengthen | |
| | Boy | God shall add | |
| | Boy | Noble; Bright; Famous | |
| | Boy | King | |
| | Boy | Friend of the elves; Noble friend; Old friend | |
| | Boy | Famous spear | |
| | Boy | Fifth; Queen's town | |
| | Boy | Badger; Badger-like | |
| | Boy | Belonging to Mars; Roman god of war; Male | |
| | Boy | Slender; Son of Alan; Beautiful; Little rock; Son of Colin; Young one | |
| | Boy | Colony; Whelp; Pup; Young hound; Holly; Handsome | |
| | Boy | Hare's land; Flax | |
| | Boy | Place of hawks | |
| | Boy | Born of the sea; Sea chief | |
| | Boy | Long stone | |
| | Boy | Brave ruler; Famous ruler; Peaceful ruler; Ruler of the people; Home ruler; Nobleman | |
| | Boy | Carried by God; Love; Affection; Friend | |
| | Boy | Three | |
| | Boy | Savior | |
| | Boy | Heart; Gift of God | |
| | Boy | Warrior | |
| | Boy | Courteous; Polite; Well-bred | |
| | Boy | Land of the lakes; Warlike | |
| | Boy | Twin | |
| | Boy | Son of Jeffrey; Peaceful territory | |
| | Boy | Weir; Group of people | |
| | Boy | Raven; Dark-haired person | |
| | Girl | Woodland; Point of land; Heel; Land | |
| | Boy | Armor; Protection; Burnished; Polished; Brown | |
| | Boy | Enclosure; Settlement | |
| | Boy | To increase; Venerable; Great | |
| | Boy | God's gift | |
| | Boy | Warm; Friendly; From the River Clyde | |
| | Boy | Dawn; Morning | |
| | Boy | Gift of God; God has given | |
| | Boy | Garden; God's vineyard; Plantation; Mountain | |
| | Boy | Carter; Peddler | |
| | Boy | Exalted; High mountain; Teaching; Singing | |
| | Boy | Fiery hill; Prince; King | |
| | Boy | Ruler of the household | |
| | Boy | Beloved; Friend; Beloved of Yahweh; Praise of Yahweh | |
| | Boy | Pleasant wood; Boundary wood; Marten wood; Exalted; From the Meadow | |
| | Boy | Wise; Counsel; Decision; Beam of light | |
| | Girl | Who is like God? | |
| | Boy | Holder of the heel; Supplanter; May God protect | |
| | Boy | From the land of lakes; Vikings; Scandinavian | |
| | Boy | God will add | |
| | Boy | Dark river; Dark water | |
| | Boy | Hugh's town | |
| | Boy | Ray of light; Advice; Counselor; Wise protector; Little fire; Thunder | |
| | Boy | Stony woodland or clearing | |
| | Boy | To conquer | |
| | Boy | Son of the vigilant one; Observant | |
| | Boy | Yahweh supports | |
| | Boy | Dedicated to Mars; Roman God of war | |
| | Boy | Fearless | |
| | Boy | Muse; Son; Deliver | |
| | Boy | Elf counsel; Sage; Wise | |
| | Boy | Twin | |
| | Boy | Mind; Thought; Soul; Spirit | |
| | Boy | Champion; Cloud; Passion; VIctory | |
| | Boy | West woodland; West clearing | |
| | Boy | My God is God | |
| | Boy | Young; Child; Younger | |
| | Boy | Bad town | |
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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