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 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| | A dark-skinned person; A swarthy; A moor | ||
| | Who is like Yaweh? | ||
| | Unique and mysterious | ||
| | Wish; Desire | ||
| | Nephite prophet; Son of Mormon; Lord; Master; My beloved; I was beloved | ||
| | Comforter | ||
| | Great; Man with best of qualities | ||
| | Exceeding; Surpassing; Elevated; High; Towering | ||
| | Mark or crest; Courteous; Lord Vishnu | ||
| | The new King or the fresh Monarch | ||
| | Protected; Guarded | ||
| | Nobody; From the valley | ||
| | Essential; Intrinsic; Characteristic; Natural | ||
| | Winner; Conqueror; Hero; Overcomer | ||
| | Prophet Muhammad; The enshrouded one; Bundled | ||
| | Free of making sound; Quiet; Silent | ||
| | The big emperor who commands the other rulers as well | ||
| | Son of Nick | ||
| | Comfort or relaxing | ||
| | Jaguar | ||
| | God is the king | ||
| | Woad hill; Wealthy; Song | ||
| | Brother | ||
| | An adventurous voyage; A spiritual quest; Of Odysseus | ||
| | To win; To conquer; Victory | ||
| | Ancestor's descendant; Grandfather | ||
| | Holy; Blessed; Sacred | ||
| | Victory; Success; Determination | ||
| | Foreboding; Prophesy | ||
| | Medieval forerunner of chemistry | ||
| | Peace of God | ||
| | Oxen clearing; Inhabitants of Oxley | ||
| | Patrician; Nobleman | ||
| | A traveler; A pilgrim being | ||
| | Burst; Breakthrough; Rock; Son of Pero, Pedro, or Peter; Divided | ||
| | Noble; Bright; To soothe; Mountain; Bearer of light | ||
| | Wind; Style | ||
| | Rock; Stone | ||
| | A boy who inspires awe; Traveller | ||
| | Pious; Dutiful | ||
| | Son of Howell; Eminent or prominent; Prepared | ||
| | Lord of life | ||
| | First; Foremost | ||
| | One who gives love and affection to others | ||
| | One who is from the priest's farm | ||
| | Redeemed; Beloved | ||
| | Profitable; Beneficial | ||
| | Foresight; Forethought | ||
| | Deer; Stag | ||
| | An apple-like fruit; One who lives by a quince tree; Fifth | ||
| | Festival; Celebration | ||
| | Fifth | ||
| | One who departs for a journey; Traveler; Guide; Ewe | ||
| | A meadow of reeds | ||
| | Conqueror of all miseries; Able; Efficient | ||
| | Traveller | ||
| | Ringfort | ||
| | Garlic Island | ||
| | To send or dispatch; Messenger; Prophet; Apostle | ||
| | The son of a famous wolf | ||
| | A sweet-smelling flower that brings comfort | ||
| | Twin; A habitational name for someone from the city of Rheims; Oarsman | ||
| | First in importance; Slender; Rank or quality | ||
| | Contentment; Satisfaction; Acceptance | ||
| | Little poet of the king; Royal poet; Full of wisdom | ||
| | Sweet and caring | ||
| | First; Primary; Primitive; Origin | ||
| | Son of Rolfe; Counsel; Advice; Wolf | ||
| | Descendant of Rodach; Spirited; Lively; Strong | ||
| | Reddish outlying settlement | ||
| | Roe; Striped; Spotted; King; Corner; Clearing; Red-haired | ||
| | Famous spear; Request; Entreaty | ||
| | Famous land; Glorious territory; From the famous land | ||
| | Peace; Joy | ||
| | Revenge; Zealous; Devoted | ||
| | He who is a red king; Government official's road | ||
| | Descendant of Ruarc; Famous ruler | ||
| | Sandalwood; Red; Ascending; Tall | ||
| | Red-haired | ||
| | Loud stream | ||
| | Great heart; God's gift | ||
| | A soap maker or seller; Scatter | ||
| | Friend; Sincere; Loyal | ||
| | A mediating person; An ambassador | ||
| | Witness; Martyr | ||
| | Competent; Capable | ||
| | Light | ||
| | Crow; Rook | ||
| | In brief; Abstract | ||
| | Son of Ruadhagán | ||
| | Virtuous; Honest; True | ||
| | A seaman; Sea spear; Victory; Brave | ||
| | Trinity; Power of the Trinity | ||
| | Supplanter | ||
| | Mounted warrior; Messenger; Firebrand | ||
| | The severe one | ||
| | From the town of Saint Maur; North African; Moorish", | ||
| | Beloved; A loveable person; Dear friend; Good man; Lover; Sweetheart | ||
| | God is gracious; Beautiful | ||
| | Caravan; Significant; A troop | ||
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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