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
Shammah		Boy	Is there; Appalling desolation
Leoric-Name-Meaning-And-Origin:-Complete-Guide-For-Parents		Boy	He is like a lion; Beloved king
Leron		Boy	My song, my joy
Shari		Boy	Plain; Darling; From the plain of Sharon
Lathen		Boy	Someone who lives near the barn; From Lathen
Lewie		Boy	Famous in battle
Lexon		Boy	A name for a fortified place; sensitive
Linton		Boy	Flax town; Linden tree town or enclosure
Loha		Boy	Iron; Strong as iron
Lohith		Boy	Red; Mars; Blood; Copper; Battle; Saffron
Lonny		Boy	A noble and ready person
Shiah		Unisex	Gift from God; Followers
Ludo-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-And-History:-A-Comprehensive-Guide		Boy	Famous warrior; Famous wolf
Luv		Boy	Particle; Sparrow
Librado		Boy	Freed; Delivered
Lydon		Boy	One from the linden tree hill; Descendant of Loideán
Lynwood		Boy	A beautiful wood
Maanav		Boy	A scholar; Human being; A young man; A male student
Livan		Boy	Lion
Macallister		Boy	Son of Alistair; Son of the defender of mankind; Defending men
Levelle		Unisex	Cleansed
Levis		Unisex	Joined; Attached; Beloved warrior
Lorik:-Comprehensive-2025-Baby-Name-Guide-With-Meaning-&-Trends		Boy	Brave; Warrior
Maiwand		Boy	Afghan place name; A famous place near Qandhar
Liham-Name-Comprehensive-Guide:-Meaning,-Popularity-&-More		Unisex	Will helmet
Makalo		Boy	A person considered a wonder; A surprise
Sumer-Name-Meaning-And-Origin:-A-Comprehensive-Guide		Boy	Gold mountain; Country of noble lords; Good friend
Manases		Boy	To forget
Manish-Baby-Name-Complete-Guide:-Meaning,-History-&-Popularity		Boy	Thought; Wisdom
Maitland		Boy	Inhospitable; Bad-tempered
Marat-Name-Meaning:-Guide-To-Pronunciation-&-Popularity		Boy	A desired man; Wish
Marcin		Boy	A servant of Mars, Roman God of war
Markian		Boy	Mars; The god of war; Warlike; Male
Marland		Boy	A land near the lake
Maes		Unisex	Twin
Martins		Boy	Of Mars; Warlike; Warrior; Famous counsel
Martyn		Boy	The god of war; Mars; Dedicated to Mars; Warlike; Male
Marwin		Boy	Famous friend; Sea lover; Eminent
Masato		Boy	Right; Proper; Elegant; Graceful; Real; Genuine; True; Person
Temitope		Boy	One who is worthy for praise
Massey		Boy	Gift of God; Habitational
Matheson		Boy	Son of Matthew
Matteus		Boy	God's gift
Thaliana		Boy	Elegant and enchanting
Matviy		Boy	Given by God
Mawuli		Boy	There Is A God
Maxden		Boy	The greatest man from Denmark
Maxfield		Boy	A field that belongs to Mac; A field that belongs to Max
Maximos		Boy	Greatest
Mayon		Boy	The black God; A person of black complexion; Beloved; Sea of bitterness
Mayukh-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-Pronunciation-And-Popularity-Guide		Boy	A ray of light
Masaki		Girl	Right tree; Proper
Melchor		Boy	God is king; City of the king
Merrit		Boy	The one with good qualities in a high degree
Mihit		Boy	Another name for Lord Sun
Mayhem-Baby-Name:-Complete-Guide-To-Meaning-&-Popularity		Girl	Chaos; Disorder
Millard		Boy	A guardian or care-taker of the mill
Mohanad		Boy	India; Type of iron sword from India
Mokshagna-Name-Meaning:-Ultimate-Guide-To-Popularity-&-Traits		Boy	Rescue; Liberation; Savior; Emancipation; Freedom
Mounir		Boy	A bright, shining person
Mowgli-Name-Meaning:-Origin,-History,-And-Popularity-Guide		Boy	Frog; Protagonist of The Jungle Book
Mehrab		Unisex	Sun; Friendship; Water
Mudassir		Boy	Clothed or enveloped in garments; Covered; Enveloped
Moad		Boy	Protected; Delivered; Festive season
Mursalin		Boy	Messenger
Mohib		Boy	Beloved; Affectionate; Friendly
Moisha		Boy	Drew out
Mico		Unisex	Gracious; Dear
Monico		Girl	Advisor; Single
Naaman		Boy	Pleasantness; Pleasant; Beautiful; Agreeable; Delightful
Muizz		Girl	Giver of honor; Empowerer; Comforter; Name of Allah
Murdoch		Boy	Sea warrior; Lord; Master
Murilo		Girl	Small wall
Najib		Boy	Noble; Distinguished; Intelligent
Musaab		Boy	Hard to be defeated; Brave
Nandan		Boy	Delighting or one who delights; Pleasing; Rejoicing
Nathanel		Boy	Gift of God; God has given
Navarro		Boy	Basque-speaking person; Person from Navarre; Plain next to mountains
Murdoc		Unisex	Lord; Master; Sea
Ziza-Baby-Name-Meaning,-Popularity-&-Complete-Guide		Unisex	Abundance; Wild beast
Neelan		Boy	Lord Krishna who is in blue color image
Nethan		Boy	Special talent from God
Myrick		Unisex	Dark-skinned; Moorish
Nguyen-Name-Meaning:-A-Comprehensive-Guide-To-Origin-&-Legacy		Boy	Original; First
Aaris		Unisex	The brave character who stands up for his faith and belief
Nafis:-Origin,-Meaning,-Variations,-And-Nicknames		Unisex	Precious; Valuable; Exquisite
Nicko		Boy	Victory of the people
Nidhaan		Boy	Money; Paragon; Money; Ideal
Nived		Boy	Offering; Presenting
Nameer		Unisex	Leopard
Nivedh		Boy	Something that is offered to God
Nehan		Girl	Hidden; Secret; Beautiful; Ridge or peak
Nayeem		Unisex	Happiness; Tranquil; Comfort; Pleasant
Neco		Unisex	God is with us
Octaviano		Boy	Eight or eighth
Olle		Boy	Olive tree; Ancestor's descendant; All cautious
Omeir		Boy	The one who is eternal, everlasting or unchanged
Norlan		Boy	Strong and honorable
Ailie		Boy	God; Blessed; Holy
Onni		Boy	Luck; Cheerfulness; Pleasure

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