Top Baby Names For 2021

A fusion of tradition and innovation.

For generations, naming conventions stuck to traditional and familial names. However, the popular baby names of 2021 proved that parents are now looking for names that combine a rich historical background with contemporary relevance. Parents prefer names that honor their heritage while also reflecting modern values and individuality. This growing interest in distinctive and unique names has given rise to unconventional choices that are lovable and memorable.

For girls, the classic favorites Olivia (peace) and Emma (universal) maintained their timeless charm at the top of the charts, while also making room for the celestial allure of names like Luna (moon) and Nova (new). Likewise, the baby boy names Liam (protector) and Noah (to rest) remained popular due to their strong, classic roots. However, the rise of names like Asher (blessing) and Kai (sea) highlighted the growing acceptance of names that have a contemporary flair. If you too are looking for a wide range of trendy baby names, then this list is for you. Derived from official SSA data (1), these are the most popular choices in the US, offering a blend of modern flair and timeless appeal.

In This Article

Browse Top Baby Names by Gender

Girl Boy

Browse Top Baby Names by Year

Name		Gender	Meaning
Meadow		Girl	Grassy field; Meadow; A mown field
Charleigh-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-And-Popularity:-Complete-Guide		Girl	Little strong and free woman
Matilda-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-Popularity:-Complete-Guide-2025		Girl	Strength in battle
Holly		Unisex	Holly tree
Kamden		Boy	Enclosed valley; One from the crooked valley
Marcos-Name-Origin,-Meaning-And-History:-Comprehensive-Guide		Boy	Warlike; Little warrior; Man; Dedicated to Mars
Madelynn		Girl	Woman who was born in Magdala; Tower
Jamison		Boy	Son of James; Supplanter
Leona		Girl	Brave lioness
Francis		Boy	Frenchman; Freeman; Frank
Azalea		Girl	Dry
Hank		Boy	Home ruler; God is gracious
Tripp		Boy	Three; Third; To Stumble; To dance; A journey
Katie-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-And-Popularity-Guide-For-2025		Girl	Pure; Clear; Innocent; Flawless
Jonas		Boy	Dove; God is gracious
Frederick		Boy	Peaceful ruler
Mira:-Baby-Name-Guide-For-2025,-Meaning,-Origin-&-Popularity		Girl	A wonderous beauty; Peace; Sea; Ocean; Glory; Merry; Kindness; Behold
Stetson		Boy	Stithweard's town; Fighter; Boxer
Danna		Girl	God is a judge
Cassius		Boy	Empty; Vain; Hollow
Kaitlyn		Girl	Pure; Each of the two; Clear; Innocent
Izaiah-Name:-Complete-Guide-In-2025		Boy	Yahweh is salvation
Maximilian		Boy	Greatest; Supreme; Maximum; Eldest
Kyla		Girl	Narrows; Channel; Strait; Victorious
Rocco		Boy	Rest; Repose; Rook; Crow; Battle cry; Roar
Kora		Girl	Maiden; Heart; Horn; Of the Lord; Fuel; Fire
Keegan		Boy	Son of Aodhagán; Son of Fire
Nia		Girl	Goal; Determination; Purpose; Bright; Female champion; Priceless; Luck
Aziel		Boy	God is my strength; God is my power
Bruce		Boy	From the woods; The willowlands
Lewis-Name-Meaning:-Ultimate-Origin,-History-&-Popularity-Guide		Boy	Famous in battle
Malani-Name-Origin,-Meaning,-And-History:-Complete-Guide		Girl	She who is from the sky; Garland
Moses-Name-Meaning-And-Origin:-A-Comprehensive-Guide		Boy	Draw out of water; Savior; Deliver
Maia		Girl	Mother; Greater; Dame; Foster mother
Augustus		Boy	Exalted; Venerable; Majestic
Dior-Name-Meaning-And-History:-A-Complete-Guide		Unisex	Golden
Braylen-Name:-Ultimate-Guide-To-Meaning,-Origin-&-Popularity		Boy	Broad valley; Salmon; Marsh
Legacy		Unisex	Heritage; Inherited from a predecessor; Bequest
Omari		Boy	Populous; Flourishing; Full of life
Shelby		Unisex	From the willow farm
Pierce		Boy	Rock; Stone; Son of Piers
Alessia		Girl	Helper; Defender
Enrique		Boy	Ruler of an estate; Home ruler
Lorelei-Name-Meaning:-Origin,-History-&-Popularity-Guide		Girl	Murmuring rock; Alluring temptress
Mack-Name-Meaning,-History,-And-Popularity:-Complete-Guide		Boy	Son; Great
Maryam-Name-Meaning,-Origin-&-Popularity:-2025-Guide		Girl	Beloved
Armando		Boy	Soldier; Army man
Sylvia-Name-Meaning:-Origin,-History,-And-5-Essential-Facts		Girl	A lady of the woods or forest
Yaretzi		Girl	You will always be loved; Friend; Helper
Asa-Name-Meaning:-A-Comprehensive-Guide-For-New-Parents		Boy	Physician; Healer; Goddess; Morning; Child of light
Moises-Name-Meaning:-Origin,-Variants,-And-2025-Popularity		Boy	Savior; To pull out of water
Madilynn		Girl	One who is from Magdala; Tower
Abby		Girl	My father's joy; My father is cheerful; He rejoices
Shane		Unisex	God is gracious
Soren-Name-Meaning-In-2025:-Origin,-Popularity-&-Variations		Boy	Stern; Severe
Elisa		Girl	My God is an oath; My God is fullness
Raphael		Boy	God heals
Renata		Girl	Born again; Rebirth; Brave lion
Emmitt		Boy	Whole; Great; Universal
Helena		Girl	Torch; Shining light
Zaiden		Boy	God; Divinity; Growth
Jimena-Name-Meaning:-Origin,-History,-Pronunciation-&-Popularity		Girl	To hear; To listen; Flat-nosed
Dorian		Boy	Gift; Of Doris; Child of the sea
Amber		Girl	Like a jewel; yellow-orange gemstone
Keanu		Unisex	Cool breeze over the mountains
Keiran		Boy	Black; Black-haired; Army's edge
Aviana		Girl	Family; Bird; To breathe
Abdiel		Boy	Servant of God; One who serves God
Emmy		Girl	Whole; Universal; Rival
Deacon-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-And-Popularity:-A-Complete-Guide		Boy	Servant; Messenger
Haley		Girl	Hay clearing; Clearing in the woods
Moshe		Boy	Savior; Draw out of water; Son; Deliver
Alondra		Girl	Lark; Helper; Defender of mankind
Phillip-Name-Meaning,-History,-And-Variations:-Complete-Guide		Boy	Horse lover
April-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-And-Popularity:-Complete-Guide		Girl	To open
Casey		Boy	Vigilant; Watchful
Ryland		Boy	Land of rye
Elaine		Girl	Torch; Light; Moon; My God has answered me
Zachariah		Boy	God remembers; Yahweh remembers
Kennedi		Girl	Helmeted chieftain
Albert-Name-Meaning-And-Origin:-A-Complete-Popularity-Guide		Boy	Noble; Bright
Imani		Girl	Faith; Belief
Emely		Girl	Rival; Eager
Zaire		Boy	River that swallows other rivers
Lorelai-Name-Meaning:-Complete-Guide-To-Origin-And-Popularity		Girl	Murmuring rock; Alluring temptress
Denver-Name-Meaning:-A-Comprehensive-Guide-To-Origin-&-History		Boy	From Anvers; Green valley; Dane Ford
Hanna		Girl	Favor; Grace; God has favored me
Gunnar-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-And-History:-Key-Insights		Boy	Bold warrior
Aurelia-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-And-10-Adorable-Nicknames		Girl	Golden; Gilded; The golden one
Kylan		Boy	Narrows; Channel; Strait
Colette		Girl	Victory of the people
Jayson		Unisex	Healer
Kelsey		Boy	Ship's victory; Fierce island
Kathryn		Girl	Pure; Clear; Innocent
Corey		Boy	Cauldron; Curly-haired; Maiden
Drew		Boy	Manly; Masculine; Virile
Jaliyah		Girl	Sublime; Exalted; Ascending
Jasiah-Name-Origin,-Meaning,-And-History:-A-Complete-Guide		Boy	Yahweh supports
Macie		Girl	Of Massy; Weapon; Gift of God
Kylee		Girl	Boomerang; Narrows; Channel; Strait

Infographic: Popular Trendy Long Names Of 2021

There is a sense of grandeur and elegance attached to long names. These names often reflect cultural heritage and family values. In 2021, their regal and timeless appeal continued to captivate parents. Have a look at the infographic below to pick a meaningful and popular long name for your little one.

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team