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
Lamiya		Girl	Shining; Radiant; Throat
Jairon		Boy	He shines; To sing
Jayron		Boy	Refers to the person who is expert in singing
Jamerson		Boy	Son of James
Leighann		Girl	Clearing; Favor; Grace
Jayston		Boy	The son of Jason
Janssen		Boy	Son of Jan; God is gracious
Kiarra-Name-Guide:-Meaning,-Popularity,-Nicknames-&-More		Girl	Bright; Famous; Clear; Black
Kemora		Unisex	Unique; Modern
Lesli		Girl	A garden where the holly tree grows
Lida		Girl	Loved by people; Grace; Nobleness; Delicate
Kendi-Name-Meaning:-Everything-You-Need-To-Know		Unisex	The loved one; Clever; Skillful
Liliya		Girl	Lily; Purity
Lona		Girl	Torch; Strength; Father light; Tower; Moon goddess; Lioness; Oak tree; Canvas
Macarena		Girl	The blessed one; Happy
Kida-Name-Meaning:-Origin,-Popularity-&-Key-Insights		Unisex	Rice paddy near a tree
Madysen		Girl	Son of Maud
Maheen		Girl	Earth-ruler; King; Prince
Josafat		Boy	God has judged
Kinzey		Unisex	Handsome; Beautiful; Good; Royal; Victory
Lamiah-Name-Guide:-Pronunciation,-Popularity-&-Key-Insights		Girl	Shining; Radiant
Kiri		Girl	Skin of a tree or fruit; Mountain summit; Princess tree
Joshuah		Boy	Yahweh is salvation
Malai-Baby-Name-Meaning-&-Popularity:-Comprehensive-Guide		Girl	A garland of flowers
Jovin		Boy	Devoted to Jove; Devoted to the father of the sky; God is gracious
Krithi-Name-Comprehensive-Guide-To-Meaning,-Origin-&-Popularity		Unisex	A creative person
Jujhar		Boy	Firefly; Radiant personality
Margie-Name-Meaning,-History,-Variants:-A-Comprehensive-Guide		Girl	Pearl
Justo		Boy	Fair; Just
Jayvyn		Unisex	Greece
Jedrek		Unisex	Strong; Manly
Marsha		Girl	The god of war; Mars; Dedicated to Mars; Warlike; Male
Laraya-Name-Meaning:-Pronunciation,-Numerology-&-Key-Insights		Unisex	Strong; Unique; Confident
Matilyn		Girl	One who is from Magdala
Maude		Girl	Mighty in battle
Kaleel		Boy	Friend of God; Good friend
Juniel-Name:-Complete-Guide-To-Meaning,-Pronunciation-&-More		Girl	Youthful; Young
Kaleem		Boy	Speaker
Joriel		Unisex	God is my light; Lord is my light
Karan		Boy	Clever; Skillful; One who helps; Smart
Mirah		Girl	An aristocratic lady; A princess; Sea; Ocean
Kartik		Boy	One who bestows power and pleasure; A name of the Hindu calendar month; The constellation of the Pleiades
Kashif-Name-Meaning:-Your-Complete-Guide-To-Origin-&-Popularity		Boy	Revealing; Discoverer
Maileen-Baby-Name:-Comprehensive-Guide-To-Meaning-&-Popularity		Unisex	Good mother; Torch
Kasir		Boy	Plenty; Abounding
Nainika		Girl	Eyes; Beautiful eyes; Eye-catcher
Kaidon		Unisex	Mac Cadáin; Warrior; Spirit of war; Son of Cadán
Mana-Name:-Complete-Guide-To-Meaning,-Pronunciation-&-Trends		Unisex	Rare harmony; Hopeful peace; Genuine love; Eternal; Everlasting
Kavir		Boy	The Sun; Fire; Bright and radiant light; Desert
Kailand-Name:-Complete-Guide-To-Meaning,-Trends-&-Variations		Unisex	From the narrow land; Channel; Strait
Natalina-Name-Meaning-And-Origin:-A-Comprehensive-Guide		Girl	Christmas Day; Birthday
Marsai		Unisex	Spring; Further
Kairen		Unisex	Sea; Ocean; Lotus
Nayana		Girl	Eyes; Winner
Nazli		Girl	Delicate; Coy; Coquetry
Keithan-Baby-Name-Meaning,-Variations-&-Popularity-in-2025		Boy	Wind
Nela		Girl	Praiseworthy; Horn
Mavi		Unisex	Beloved; Victory
Kenrick		Boy	Royal power; Bold power; Chief hero; Son of Henry
Mayela		Unisex	Intelligent
Nidia-Name-Meaning:-Comprehensive-Guide-To-Origin-&-Popularity		Girl	Nest
Mykayla		Girl	Who is like God?
Mikelle-Name:-Origin,-Meaning,-Pronunciation-&-Complete-Guide		Unisex	Who is like God?
Nishka		Girl	Gold vessel; Gold coin; Necklace
Khalifa-Name-Meaning:-Origins,-History,-And-Popularity-Insights		Boy	Successor; Ruler; Leader; Caliphs who succeeded Prophet Muhammad
Myrna-Name-Meaning:-Complete-Guide-To-Origin-&-History		Girl	Affection; Festivity; Beautiful neck
Keir-Name-Origin,-Meaning,-And-Popularity:-A-Comprehensive-Guide		Girl	Dark; Thicket
Nitara		Girl	One who has deep roots; Standing firm
Khamani		Boy	Son of king; First born; Great king
Mililani		Unisex	Heavenly caress; A gentle touch from heaven
Mirian-Name-Meaning:-Origins,-Popularity-&-Complete-Guide		Unisex	Rebelliousness; Sea of bitterness; Wished for child; Love; Kindness; Sun
Kastiel-Baby-Name-Guide:-Meaning,-Pronunciation-&-Popularity		Unisex	Shield of God
Nusaiba		Girl	Nurturing; Fate
Myiah:-Complete-Guide-To-Meaning,-Pronunciation,-Popularity		Unisex	Unique; Mysterious; Feminine
Kayhan		Unisex	Morning star; Ruler
Oni		Girl	Today; Demon; Born on a holy ground; Shelter
Keshon		Girl	Woman who has beautiful hair
Kayon		Unisex	Unique; Strong; Captivating
Kiel		Boy	To strengthen; God will strengthen; Church; Lily of the valley; Keel of a boat
Kimo		Boy	Holder of the heel; A supplanter
Nazly		Girl	Delicate; Beautiful; Coy
Koji		Boy	Prosperous; Happiness; Fortune
Nariya-Name:-Guide-To-Meaning,-Popularity-&-Numerology		Unisex	Luck
Perrie		Girl	Pear tree; Son of Herry; Home ruler
Nidhi-Name-Meaning-And-History:-What-You-Need-To-Know		Boy	Treasury; Reservoir; Storehouse
Pheobe		Girl	An attentive, bright, and pure person
Kordae		Boy	The name means means Coal Worker, Dark Skinned
Navayah-Name-Meaning,-Popularity-&-Insights:-Complete-Guide		Unisex	New; Fresh
Pola-Baby-Name-Meaning:-A-Comprehensive-Guide		Girl	Belonging to Apollo: Small and humble; Steel
Poppie		Girl	Poppy flower
Latham		Boy	Barn
Nethra		Unisex	Vision; Eyes; Leader
Raisa		Girl	Rose; Hero; Period; Leader
Ramya-Name-Meaning-&-Origin:-A-Comprehensive-Guide		Girl	Delightful; Happy; Pleasing; Charming
Nyrah		Girl	Rose; Beauty of Goddess Saraswati; Wetland
Khoa-Name-Meaning,-Pronunciation-&-Everything-You-Need-To-Know		Unisex	Science
Rayann		Girl	Watered; Plentiful; Heaven's flower; Luxuriant
Reilynn:-Origin,-Meaning,-Popularity-&-Nicknames-Guide		Girl	A courageous, valiant woman; Waterfall; Lake
Lemar-Name-Meaning-And-Origin:-A-Comprehensive-Guide		Boy	Sea; Land famous
Padme		Boy	Lotus

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