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
Yuriy		Boy	Earthworker; Farmer
Zaafir		Girl	Triumphant one; Victor; Successful one;
Yukon		Unisex	Big river
Yusuke		Unisex	Shellfish; Help; Courage; Friend; Possessing; Reason
Zarrar		Boy	Brave; Courageous; Clever; Subtle; Great Muslim warrior; Attractive
Zeo		Boy	Unique; Powerful; Mysterious
Hananiah		Girl	Yahweh is gracious
Hanifah		Girl	True; Upright
Zeik-Baby-Name:-A-Complete-Guide-To-Meaning,-Trends-&-More		Unisex	God will strengthen
Zell		Unisex	A person from Zell; Small room; Hermit's cell
Zeph		Unisex	Yahweh has hidden
Zeref-Name-Guide:-Pronunciation,-Meaning,-Popularity-&-More		Unisex	Eloquent; Intelligent; Creative; Elegant
Zig-Name-2025:-Meaning,-Pronunciation-&-Popularity-Guide		Unisex	Peaceful victory; Yahweh remembers
Hayaat		Boy	Life; Existence
Hatley		Unisex	Woodland clearing
Heilyn-Name-Guide:-Pronunciation,-Meaning-&-Variations		Boy	Wine bearer; Dispenser
Kirat		Girl	Lighting; Scattering; An ancient Indian tribe
Linleigh		Boy	The fields where flax flowers grow
Lojain:-Complete-Guide-To-Pronunciation,-Popularity-&-More		Boy	Silver; Enchanting
Mabrey		Boy	Mud hill
Madinah		Boy	One who is happy and delighted; Glad; Joyful and Cheerful
Madai		Unisex	Medes
Mane		Boy	Manna; God is with us; Tower; Of Magdala
Marais		Boy	Marsh
Muska		Boy	Smile
Nicte		Boy	Flower; Plumeria flower
Samika		Unisex	War; Battle; Pike; Dart
Seraphim		Boy	Burning ones; Fiery ones; An order of angels, each with six wings
Simar		Boy	Night conversation; Light covering; A Scarf
Simrit		Boy	Meditate; Remembered
Thomasin-Name-Meaning-And-History:-6-Variations-To-Explore		Boy	Twin
Zakariah-Baby-Name-Meaning-And-History:-A-Complete-Guide		Boy	God remembers; God has remembered
Zeyah-Baby-Name:-Comprehensive-Guide-To-Meaning-&-Popularity		Unisex	Victory
Aaisha		Boy	Living; Alive
Aby-Name-Guide:-Pronunciation,-Meaning,-Popularity-&-More		Boy	Father of multitudes; Father of nations; High father; Exalted
Adey		Boy	Of the earth
Adree		Boy	Majesty of God; Rock
Anami		Boy	A name of Lord Buddha; From Awa in Japan; Unbending
Aniaya		Boy	Oppression; Injustice
Anshu		Boy	The Sun; Sunbeam; Ray of light; Sunray
Arah		Boy	Guest
Attie-Baby-Name:-Comprehensive-Guide-To-Meaning,-Traits-&-More		Boy	Bear; Man; King
Avett-Name-Guide:-Meaning,-Pronunciation-&-Popularity		Girl	Good news
Aviel		Girl	God is my father
Avreet		Boy	Unique; Exotic; Strong
Ayu		Boy	Beautiful; Pretty; Love cause; Age
Aymar		Unisex	Famous home
Azarya		Unisex	God has helped
Azrin		Boy	Happy; Reward
Azu		Unisex	Fish
Bari		Boy	Magical being; Healthy; The creator
Brin		Girl	Juniper; Brown
Brinly		Boy	Burnt meadow
Chamberlain		Boy	One who looked after the inner rooms of a mansion
Chayil		Unisex	Strength; Valor; Power
Daniele-Name-Meaning:-Comprehensive-Guide-To-Origin-And-History		Girl	God is my judge
Darien-Name-Meaning-And-Origin:-What-You-Need-To-Know		Girl	Oaktree; One from Airelle in France; Possessing goodness
Danyell		Boy	The God who is a judge
Darrah		Boy	Nugget of wisdom; Oak
Delaine		Boy	From the alder grove; Dress fabric of wool and cotton
Dharma		Unisex	Established by law; Duty; Virtue
Dira		Unisex	Sprout
Estibaliz		Boy	Something which occurs in the summer
Etana		Boy	Solid; Enduring; Firm
Evangelin		Unisex	Messenger of good news
Finnegan-Name-Meaning:-Everything-You-Need-To-Know		Girl	Fair-haired; Little white one
Hadarah		Boy	A stunning or spectacular ornament
Hadly		Boy	variations of the name Hadley
Haydin-Name:-Complete-Guide-To-Pronunciation,-Popularity-&-More		Unisex	Strong; Independent; Loving
Heli		Boy	Ascending; Climbing up; Shining; Moon; Sound
Hyacinth		Boy	Blue larkspur flower; Precious stone
Iry		Unisex	Watchful
Japnoor		Boy	Worshipper of Eternal Light; One who meditates on the divine light
Jem		Boy	Yahweh will exalt
Jionni-Name-Meaning:-Complete-Guide-To-Origin-&-History		Girl	Yahweh is gracious
Jorah		Girl	He teaches; Rain
Karmani		Boy	Benefactor
Kassius		Boy	Vain; Empty
Kasiya-Name:-Complete-Guide-To-Pronunciation,-Popularity-&-More		Unisex	Departs
Kava		Boy	Pepper; Intoxicating
Keerat		Boy	Fame; Distinction; Recognition; Eminence; Sing God's praises or glory
Khary-Baby-Name-Meaning,-Origin-&-Popularity:-Complete-Guide		Boy	Strong, noble, leader
Koya		Boy	An elder brother; Older relatives; Tree
Kudrat		Boy	Power; Force
Lais		Boy	People
Lamani		Boy	Lemon
Lema		Unisex	Lion
Llewelyn		Boy	Leader; Lion-like
Lonni		Boy	A warrior who is noble and always battle-ready
Loveen		Boy	A person consumed by love and adoration
Lyn		Boy	Lake; Tender; Pretty
Madyn		Boy	A small dog
Mckinney		Boy	The one that obeys
Melona		Boy	Sweet; Exotic; Unique
Misbah		Boy	A lamp to provide light to others; Lamp; Light; Luminary
Nariman		Boy	Brightness; Faith; Manly mind; Heroic minded
Nickole		Boy	The fighter who is fighting on behalf of people
Nye		Boy	Esteem; Dignity; Honor; At the river
Nzinga-Name-Meaning:-History,-Pronunciation-&-Nicknames		Boy	To twist; To wrap
Pearson-Baby-Name:-Guide-To-Meaning,-History-&-2025-Popularity		Girl	Son of Peter; Rock; Stone; Son of Pierce

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