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
Malhar		Boy	Giver of Rain; One of the Ragas; A Raga Used in Indian Music
Keyara		Girl	The small one with dark hair; Clear; Bright; Famous
Koven-Name-Complete-Guide:-Meaning,-Popularity,-Traits-&-More		Unisex	A group or gathering of witches
Martel		Boy	Hammer; Warlike; Dedicated to Mars
Martell		Boy	Mallet; Hammer
Masih		Boy	Anointed; Messiah
Keilana-Name:-Pronunciation,-Meaning,-Popularity-&-Variations		Girl	Glory; Calmness
Mateen		Boy	Sturdy; Firm; Solid
Kimberli		Girl	One from the royal meadow
Kimberlin		Girl	Cyneburg's field
Matvey		Boy	Given by God
Maui		Boy	Name of a demigod; Trickster god
Lain-Name-Meaning:-Origin,-History-And-Variations		Unisex	Son of the servant of St Fillan; Wool; Lane
Mehran		Boy	A kind and affectionate person; Sun
Makani		Boy	Wind; Ghost
Mikell		Boy	Who is like God; Son of Cathmhaol; Chief of battle
Mikkel		Boy	Who is like God; Enormous
Mitch		Boy	Who is like God
Mega-Baby-Name:-Meaning,-History,-And-Complete-Guide		Girl	Cloud; Mist; Fog
Mohsen		Boy	Beneficient
Levana-Name-Meaning,-History,-And-Symbolism:-A-Complete-Guide		Girl	To raise up; To lift; White
Montel		Boy	Little mountain; Royal Mountain
Moti		Boy	Pearl; Teardrop; Leader
Messi		Boy	Messenger
Lorene-Name-Meaning-Guide:-Origin,-History-&-Popularity		Girl	From Laurentum; Laurel
Mouhamadou		Boy	The most praised one
Lorenza		Girl	A female who came from Italian city Laurentum
Lovey		Girl	Love
Mccrae		Unisex	Prosperity; Grace
Laikynn		Unisex	Lake; An inland body of water
Naasir		Boy	A person who assists and takes care of others
Maahi		Girl	A river; Surface of the Earth; Number one
Naseer		Boy	Helper; Supporter; Victorious; Protector; Victory-maker
Mekai:-Ultimate-Baby-Name-Guide,-Meaning,-Pronunciation-&-More		Unisex	The well on the other side
Nawaf		Boy	One at a high place or a lofty person
Nazaire		Boy	From Nazareth
Leyana-Baby-Name:-Guide-To-Pronunciation,-Meaning,-&-More		Girl	Bright; Radiant
Leani-Name-Popularity,-Variations-&-Nicknames:-Complete-Guide		Unisex	To incline; Soft; Laziness; To continue; Royal child; Heavenly garland of flowers
Leiya		Unisex	Weary; Languid; Buds; Elegant; Graceful
Nicklas		Boy	The winning person of the people
Manar-Name-Meaning,-Popularity-&-Pronunciation:-Complete-Guide		Girl	One whose light is the guide to others; Beacon
Nickson		Boy	Victory of the people
Nicky-Name-Meaning,-History,-And-Popularity:-Complete-Guide		Boy	The victory of mankind
Nikoli		Boy	Victory of the people
Marni		Girl	Of the sea; Mars; The god of war; Warlike; Male; Rejoice
Nikos		Boy	Victory of the people
Lucila		Boy	Light
Motley-Name:-A-Complete-Guide-To-Meaning,-Popularity,-And-More		Unisex	Speck; Having many colours
Maryrose		Girl	Sea of bitterness; Rebelliousness; Wished-for child; Beloved; Love; Famous type
Lunabella-Baby-Name:-Complete-Guide-To-Meaning-&-Popularity		Girl	The moon; Beautiful; My God is an oath
Mathilde		Girl	Mighty in battle; Warrior
Mckinsley		Girl	Son of the fair warrior
Meagan		Girl	Pearl
Meeka		Girl	Sea of bitterness; Beloved; Who is like God?
Osmin		Boy	The one under God's protection
Meleah		Girl	Ash tree; Beloved
Padraig		Boy	Nobleman
Maleiah		Girl	Sea of bitterness; Rebelliousness; Wished for child; Love; Beloved
Philipp		Boy	Lover of horses; Friend of horses; Horse lover
Makaya		Unisex	Eagle hunter; God's gift; Truthful
Raad		Boy	A scout; A pioneer; Return; Oppose; Fight
Malaina-Baby-Name-Meaning:-Complete-Guide-&-Insights		Unisex	Black; Dark
Rad		Boy	Thunder; Honest; Bounteous; Wheel; Advice
Mica-Name-Meaning:-Origin,-Pronunciation,-And-Popularity-Guide		Girl	Who is like God?
Mitzi		Girl	Sea of bitterness; Rebelliousness; Wished for child; Beloved; Love
Rafay		Boy	Exalter; Glorifier; Raiser
Maranatha-Baby-Name:-Complete-Guide-To-Meaning-&-Pronunciation		Unisex	Lord, come quickly
Molli		Girl	Sea of bitterness; Rebelliousness; Wished for child; Beloved; Love
Raja		Boy	King; Ruler; Hope
Nabila		Girl	Noble; Excellent
Nolawi		Unisex	Shepherd
Naeema-Baby-Name:-Guide-To-Popularity,-Variations,-And-More		Girl	Tranquil; Happy; At ease; Pleasantness
Reynolds		Boy	Well Advised Ruler
Nolin		Unisex	Famous; Loud
Rishan		Boy	A good human being; Strong; Lord Shiva
Meylin		Girl	Faint; Brewer or seller of mead
Rithvik		Boy	Priest; Saint; Desire; One destined to become a priest; Seasonal sacrificer
Rashed		Boy	Rightly guided
Onix		Unisex	Claw; Nail; Gemstone
Nautica-Baby-Name-Guide:-Meaning,-Pronunciation-&-Popularity		Girl	Of the sea
Morticia		Boy	Undertaker; Funeral director
Nazanin		Girl	Sweetheart; Darling
Myanna		Girl	Gracious; Merciful
Salih		Boy	Virtuous
Mylene		Girl	Gracious; Dear; Beloved; Torch; Moon
Nira		Girl	Plowed field; Near; Lightweight fabric; Golden eye; Grebe; Juice
Santonio		Boy	Priceless
Sarkis		Boy	A shepherd; Servant
Raudel		Unisex	Rapid; Tide
Noni		Girl	Ninth
Seif		Boy	Sword
Novia		Girl	New; Fresh; Young; Girlfriend
Naimal		Unisex	Happiness; Comfort; Pleasant
Reda		Unisex	Contentment; Satisfaction
Servando		Boy	One who is in service of others
Nakia-Name-Meaning-And-Origin:-What-You-Need-To-Know		Unisex	Pure
Olena-Name-Meaning-And-Origin:-Ultimate-Guide		Girl	Torch; Corposant; Moon; Ancestor's descendant
Nakiyah-Baby-Name:-Meaning,-Popularity,-And-Nicknames		Unisex	Pure; Faithful
Shah-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-And-History:-A-Comprehensive-Guide		Boy	Monarch; King; Sovereign of Iran; Gentleman; Merchant
Naleah-Name-Profile:-Pronunciation,-Popularity,-And-More		Unisex	One who avoids troubles

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