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 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| | Friend; White; Fair | ||
| | My people are alive | ||
| | Brave | ||
| | Senior; Older | ||
| | God is gracious | ||
| | Snow shoe; Rival; Enemy; Male; Manly; Home ruler | ||
| | Masculine; Manly; Courageous; Virility | ||
| | Brilliant; Radiant; Sunbeam | ||
| | Defender of mankind | ||
| | Lord of the Bull | ||
| | Dark kind of sandalwood; A dark snake living in Yamuna river; Exceeding | ||
| | Noble valor; Kingly | ||
| | Trustworthy | ||
| | Eagle | ||
| | Genuinely bold; Truly brave | ||
| | One belonging to the Illyrian tribe; Land; Earth | ||
| | Destructor of enemies; Protector | ||
| | Forthright; Honest; Sincere; Straight; Outspoken; Open-hearted | ||
| | Offering to the Lord; Worship; Submission; Surrender | ||
| | Brave; Manly; Virile | ||
| | Stone; Cloud | ||
| | Praiseworthy; From Antium | ||
| | Compassionate and merciful | ||
| | Handsome; Respect | ||
| | From Albania | ||
| | Wise; Knowledgeable; King of wisdom | ||
| | A noble friend | ||
| | Rain; Rain-bearing cloud | ||
| | Heard; Laurel; Mountain of strength | ||
| | Master of the Earth; Lord of the whole world; God's gift | ||
| | Best | ||
| | Exalted; High mountain | ||
| | Part of a noble | ||
| | Noble; Noble-born | ||
| | Angel of paradise; Valuable; King | ||
| | Long-lived | ||
| | Powerful; Respected; Beloved; Noble; Dear one | ||
| | Bold and brave friend | ||
| | Completion; Totality | ||
| | One who brings good news | ||
| | One of the ninety-nine names of Allah; Wise | ||
| | Bay-colored | ||
| | Beautiful | ||
| | Beautiful fortress; River crossing | ||
| | Lord of the Earth; Ruler of the world | ||
| | Bear | ||
| | Noble; Bright; Bright fame; Blessed | ||
| | One who is expressive | ||
| | Fruiting body of a grain plant; Ash-colored; To acquire knowledge | ||
| | Hero | ||
| | Habitational name from Bingham | ||
| | Palace; Veranda; Balcony; Portico; Yahweh is gracious | ||
| | One who lives in an enclosure; Settlement within a dwelling | ||
| | Powerful; Determination | ||
| | From a broad meadow; Salmon | ||
| | Protection | ||
| | Freckled; Spotted face | ||
| | Elevated; Tall; Lofty | ||
| | Good fellow | ||
| | Badger | ||
| | Barley farm | ||
| | Leaf of a plant; Cutting edge; Sword; To rule; Glory | ||
| | Son of Brooke | ||
| | High; Hill; Might; Power; Rye land | ||
| | The son who has a handsome father | ||
| | Battle place; Brook; Stream | ||
| | Sturgeon; Linden tree; Ethnic group in Eritrea | ||
| | Dove | ||
| | A little Bree; Salmon; | ||
| | Candlemas | ||
| | Hill | ||
| | Very bright; Radiant | ||
| | Slender | ||
| | Settlement of free men | ||
| | Battle man | ||
| | A lively person who is filled with joy; Flavored tea; Man; Victory; Ornamental hairpin | ||
| | Dove | ||
| | Educated; Dedicated | ||
| | Feet; Structure for locomotion | ||
| | Champion; Winner | ||
| | Free man; Army | ||
| | Son of Kenneth | ||
| | Crooked mouth | ||
| | God is great | ||
| | Carriage maker; Associated with woodworking or construction | ||
| | One who hails from a land of cliffs; One who lives in hilly area | ||
| | Dove | ||
| | Whelp; Young dog | ||
| | Steadfast; Constant | ||
| | Majestic; Appealing; Beautiful | ||
| | Cord maker | ||
| | Goat; Goatherd | ||
| | Little spear; Spear-bearer | ||
| | Cofa's settlement | ||
| | Descendant of Comhraidhe; Descendant of Corra | ||
| | Son of David | ||
| | Big group | ||
| | Charcoal | ||
| | Blind individual | ||
| | Steadfast; Unchanging | ||
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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