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 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| | Hour; Time; Season | ||
| | One who is without defect or blemish | ||
| | Eagle; High mountain; Exalted | ||
| | One with a preserving and detailed nature | ||
| | Well-built; Stable | ||
| | Tranquil; Bliss | ||
| | A God's friend | ||
| | Dun-colored; Greyish brown; Tan | ||
| | Heritage; Wealth | ||
| | Well-born; Born of Sheep | ||
| | Noble born; Son of Owen | ||
| | November; Mystical person | ||
| | One who belongs to patrician class | ||
| | Son of Peter; Stone | ||
| | The person who is like a rock or stone | ||
| | A person who has a solid personality | ||
| | One who is fond of horses | ||
| | Blessing; Luck; Fortune; Happiness | ||
| | Small and humble person | ||
| | Flame; Powerful; Arrogant; Disaster; Carry | ||
| | A very mighty person | ||
| | Love; Affection; Leader; Guidance | ||
| | Purification; Breeze | ||
| | Pecan | ||
| | From the Latin quantus; How much | ||
| | Fifth | ||
| | Emir of India; Commander; Prince; Ruler; Second; Asia; Beauty; Child; Sign of the rat; Loving child; Beautiful child | ||
| | One who is compassionate; Kind | ||
| | Core of a city; Heart of a city; Essence of a city | ||
| | My hearing | ||
| | Friend; Gentle; Companion; Good-mannered | ||
| | Strong; Unique; Charismatic | ||
| | A protector; Another name of Lord Vishnu | ||
| | Fifth | ||
| | Beloved | ||
| | Opener; Creator | ||
| | Counsel's protection; Yahweh is gracious | ||
| | From the name Regan, meaning little king | ||
| | Red; Clearing | ||
| | To counsel; To advice someone; Decision | ||
| | A person who is very watchful and careful | ||
| | Cloud of the Lord; Protected by God | ||
| | Wolf counsel | ||
| | Kind; Gentle; Compassionate; Soft-hearted | ||
| | Leader; Prosperous | ||
| | Wasted land | ||
| | Army advice; Army counsel; Army decision | ||
| | To go the right way; To be pious; To be virtuous; Right; Duly; Properly; Expressly | ||
| | Meadows; Gardens; Training; Practice | ||
| | Bright fame; Bright glory; Bright in counsel | ||
| | Bright fame; Bright in counsel; Shining glory | ||
| | Bear prince | ||
| | Famous spear | ||
| | Daydream; To dream; To rave | ||
| | A glowing and shining light | ||
| | Raven; A bird | ||
| | Yahweh has made; Made by God | ||
| | Surname derived from a Scottish place name | ||
| | Courageous and ambitious | ||
| | Friend of God; Someone who lived in a narrow street | ||
| | Firmly in place; Unshakeable; Constant; Stable | ||
| | A lucky person; Singer | ||
| | Magnet; Salt | ||
| | Success; Fruitful; Victorious | ||
| | Sea spear; Ocean | ||
| | Join; Unite; Endurance; Tolerance; Royal | ||
| | Sword of Allah | ||
| | Adequate for the want or need; Sufficient for the purpose or satisfy | ||
| | Seed; Fire; Precious coin; Likeness; Similarity | ||
| | Ancient; One that will last forever | ||
| | Falcon | ||
| | Wheel; Wheelwright | ||
| | Sword of Religion | ||
| | Son of Swati; Father of Chitraratha; A variant of Rusanka | ||
| | Lord; Master | ||
| | To listen to God | ||
| | Yahweh is ruler | ||
| | Servant | ||
| | He who is stern | ||
| | Shooting star; Meteor | ||
| | Wise; Old man; Grandfather | ||
| | A person who is quiet and peaceful with a calm personality | ||
| | Decent; Modest; Praiseworthy; Possessing; Well-behaved | ||
| | Of Samuel; God has heard; Name of God | ||
| | Gift of God | ||
| | To think; Reverberating | ||
| | King; Beauty; Loyalty | ||
| | Prince; Son of a king | ||
| | Sun | ||
| | Eternal; Since the beginning of time | ||
| | Superior; Best | ||
| | King | ||
| | He who is a man from the forest | ||
| | Great intellect; Affectionate; Beloved | ||
| | Egyptian god of chaos and the desert | ||
| | He who is a scholar | ||
| | A shooting star; Flames of fire | ||
| | Large and elegant; Magnificent | ||
| | Whole power | ||
| | Lion | ||
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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