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
Hrihaan-Baby-Name-Guide:-Popularity,-Pronunciation-&-Numerology		Boy	God's chosen one; Lord Vishnu
Izik		Boy	He will laugh; He will rejoice
Hiyan		Unisex	Heart
Hucksley		Unisex	Hugh's meadow
Hussam		Unisex	Sword
Imir		Boy	Lord; Prince; Commander-in-chief
Idrissa-Name-Meaning-And-Origin:-A-Comprehensive-Guide		Unisex	Ardent lord; Interpreter
Ilai		Unisex	To ascend
Ishank		Boy	Piece of God
Jakin		Boy	Name of the pillar in front of Solomon's Temple; To establish; He establishes
Jamahl		Boy	The handsome one
Jaser		Boy	To be rich
Jawon		Boy	God is gracious
Jayshon		Boy	A Native American Origin Name whose meaning is not known and unclear
Jazon		Boy	One who gives medication in order to get well soon
Madani		Boy	City dweller; Civilian; Citizen
Jedaiah		Boy	Beloved of Jah; Praise of Yahweh
Jeremey		Boy	Yahweh will exalt
Jassim		Unisex	Strong; Great; Famous
Jerin		Boy	Peace
Jeromy		Boy	Bearer of a holy name; Yahweh will exalt
Jerron		Boy	Cry of rejoicing; Sacred name
Jedson:-Complete-Guide-To-Meaning,-Pronunciation-&-Popularity		Boy	God is gracious
Jaze		Unisex	Healer
Joakim		Boy	Raised by God; Yahweh will establish
Maylea-Name-Guide:-Meaning,-Pronunciation,-Popularity-&-More		Boy	Graceful; Imaginative
Joash		Boy	Fire of Yahweh
Jorey		Boy	Down-flowing; Farmer
Mishal		Girl	Torch; Beacon; Light
Jori-Name-Meaning:-Origins,-History,-And-Pronunciation-Guide		Boy	Descending; Going down; Farmer; Earth worker; World serpent
Jepson		Unisex	Son of Jep; Geoffrey's son
Jeramie		Unisex	Yahweh will exalt
Jeramy		Unisex	Yahweh will exalt
Junius		Boy	Dedicated to Juno; Younger; Young child
Jurgen		Boy	Farmer; Earthworker
Jiyansh		Boy	Knowledge; Life
Justino		Boy	Upright
Mushtaq-Name-Meaning-&-Origin:-Expert-Insights-And-History		Boy	Desirous; Longing
Milian		Unisex	Greatest; Rival
Kaamil		Boy	Complete; Perfect
Kaelo		Boy	The sound; The voice
Jonan		Unisex	God is gracious; Biblical prophet
Kail		Boy	Slender; Free; Wild rosemary
Kailum-Baby-Name:-Meaning,-Origin,-Popularity---Complete-Guide		Boy	Heaven; Sky
Kamsiyochukwu		Boy	God gave me exactly as I asked
Kaniel		Boy	Lord supports me
Karanveer		Boy	Brave and kind as the warrior; Clever; Skillful; Hero; Man; Brave
Kartikeya		Boy	Son of Lord Shiva; The constellation of the Pleiades; To cut or divide
Kassim		Boy	One who divides goods among his people
Kaii-Baby-Name:-A-Comprehensive-Guide-For-Parents		Unisex	Chief; Leader; An ancient tribe in southwest China; East Asian foreigner
Nimo		Boy	A person with wisdom
Kayvan		Boy	The universe; Saturn
Kairan		Unisex	A beam of light; Ray of hope
Kamai-Baby-Name:-Complete-Guide-To-Meaning,-Popularity-&-More		Unisex	Honeysuckle; Well; Pit
Keiji		Boy	Good history; Beautiful history; Respect; Blessed; Govern with discretion
Kenney		Boy	Flame born; Handsome
Kennith		Boy	Handsome; Beautiful; Good; Comely
Keiser		Boy	Emperor; Ruler
Keean-Baby-Name:-Complete-Guide-To-Pronunciation-And-Popularity		Unisex	Being; Existence; Essence
Khalifah		Boy	Steward; Leader
Ramaya		Unisex	Lord Rama; Beautiful; Pleasing; Delightful; Beloved
Kidd		Boy	Young deer or goat; Kid
Kervin		Girl	Little dark one
Renny-Name-Origin-&-Meaning:-A-Comprehensive-Guide		Boy	Powerful counsel; To rise again; Prosperity
Kiyoshi		Boy	Pure
Koba		Boy	Holder of the heel; Supplanter; May God protect
Kojo		Boy	Born on Monday
Khubaib		Boy	Beloved; Dear
Kovid		Boy	Wise; Astute; Intelligent; Expert
Krishan-Name-Meaning:-Origin,-Variations-&-Popularity-Guide		Boy	A variant name of Lord Krishna;
Krzysztof		Boy	Bearing Christ
Kunal-Name-Meaning-And-Origin:-A-Comprehensive-Guide-For-2025		Boy	Lotus
Kwasi		Boy	Born on a Sunday
Lanny		Boy	The Lands that are Legendary and Famous
Latif		Boy	Gentle and kind one; One of the names of Allah
Lavin-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-And-History:-Comprehensive-Guide		Boy	White
Konan		Unisex	Born on Wednesday; Little wolf; Little hound
Len		Boy	Brave lion; Hard; Brave; Hardy
Levan		Boy	Lion
Leyland		Boy	Fallow land; Woodland
Lofton		Boy	Enclosed farm; Habitational name
Lonnell		Boy	A young lion; A lion cub
Maccabee		Boy	Hammer
Maddoc		Boy	Son of Madoc; Fortunate; Good; Beneficent
Mahan		Boy	Great; Big; Eminent; Nobility; Moon; Head of secret organization
Manfred		Boy	A man of peace
Manvith		Boy	One who is human
Loay		Boy	Wild ox; To be slow
Levie		Unisex	Joined; Attached
Marten-Name-Meaning:-Essential-Insights,-Popularity-&-Zodiac		Boy	The god of war; Mars; Dedicated to Mars; Warlike; Male
Lochlainn		Unisex	Viking, Scandinavian; Land of the lakes
Masson		Boy	He who is a stoneworker
Mateusz		Boy	Gift of Yahweh
Matija		Boy	Gift of God
Mattson		Boy	Son of Matthew
Loui-Name-Meaning,-Origin-&-History:-9-Cultural-Variations		Unisex	Famous in battle
Matvei		Boy	Gift of God
Maxence		Boy	Greatest; Supreme; Maximum; Eldest
Mayank-Name-Meaning:-Complete-Guide-For-Expectant-Parents		Boy	Moon; Beautiful
Mayor		Boy	Greater; Bigger; Bright; Leader

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