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
Jessey		Boy	Jehovah exists
Jeorge		Girl	Earthworker or farmer
Mallori		Girl	The unfortunate one
Jevin-Name-Meaning-And-Origin:-A-Comprehensive-Guide		Boy	Born from the yew tree; God is gracious; Well-born; Youth
Maame		Girl	Pearl; Mother
Maloree		Girl	A person who doesn't have luck
Mackie		Boy	Son of
Luxury		Unisex	Something desirable but expensive; Extravagance
Maree		Girl	Wished for child; Sea of bitterness; To swell
Margalit		Girl	Pearl
Jenner		Boy	Engineer among armed people
Maricarmen		Girl	One who has a sea of sorrow inside herself
Mariona		Girl	A dame from the sea of misery
Marita		Girl	Drop of the sea; Star of the sea
Marlynn		Girl	A girl from Magdala
Maclyn		Unisex	Son of the servant of Saint John
Maiella		Girl	Great; A patron saint of pregnancy and childbirth
Maday		Unisex	From Mada county
Marylee		Girl	Sea of bitterness; Rebelliousness; Wished-for child; Beloved; Love; Clearing
Mati		Girl	God's gift
Maudie		Girl	Strong in a battle; A war maiden
Mauricia		Girl	Moorish
Mahlet		Unisex	Praise to God
Jontae		Boy	God is gracious
Jeryl		Boy	Ruler of the spear; Light
Joram-Baby-Name-Guide:-Meaning,-Pronunciation-&-Numerology		Boy	Exalted by Yahweh
Maisel-Baby-Name:-Complete-Guide-to-Pronunciation-&-Popularity		Unisex	Representative of God
Mayme		Girl	Beloved; Love
Makara		Girl	Blessed; January; Crocodile; Capricornus constellation
Manaal		Boy	Attainment; Achievement
Makeila		Unisex	Who is like God?
Meesha		Girl	Beautiful; Pretty; Livelihood; Living
Jhan		Unisex	God is gracious
Meia		Girl	Strength; Rebelliousness; Son of Talmai
Jonell		Girl	Rejoicing; Hardworking, goal-oriented
Malila		Unisex	Salmon going up a rippling stream
Marjan-Name-Guide:-Pronunciation,-Numerology-&-More		Boy	Beloved; Drop of the sea; Wished for a child; Coral; Male
Marlea		Boy	Pleasant wood; From the meadow near the lake
Manvi		Unisex	A primal woman
Marra		Girl	Grace; Undying; Immortal; Bitter
Joc-Name:-Your-Guide-To-Pronunciation,-Meaning-&-Popularity		Unisex	God is gracious
Juke		Boy	Wicked; Disorderly; To dance
Marti		Boy	Of Mars; Warlike; Warrior; Famous counsel
Jordell		Boy	Unique thinkers; Beekeepers
Mickayla		Girl	Who is like God?
Mikala-Name-Meaning-And-Origin:-Complete-Guide-For-Parents		Girl	Who is like God
Junayd		Boy	Small army
Joji		Unisex	Hand over peace.; Farmer; Earth-worker
Mikhaela		Girl	Who is like God
Junot		Boy	Young
Jospeh		Boy	God will increase
Jonesy		Unisex	Son of John
Mikki		Girl	Who is like God; Quick; Nimble;
Marren-Name-Guide:-Popularity,-Pronunciation,-and-Numerology		Unisex	Sea; Star of the sea; Wished-for child; Beloved; Rebellious
Miloni		Girl	An achiever; A winner
Minal		Girl	A precious stone
Mirana-Name:-A-Comprehensive-Guide-To-Origin,-Meaning,-And-History		Girl	A female ruler; The one who is followed; Happiness; Peace; World; Smiling
Jozsef		Boy	God will add
Masie		Unisex	Pearl
Maymuna		Girl	Auspicious, Blessed
Josen		Unisex	Up; Hermit; Clean; Spring; Settled
Kaemon		Boy	Praise; Addition; Joy
Mizuki		Girl	Auspicious; Hope; Felicitious omen; Hope
Mehnoor		Girl	Light of the moon
Kagen		Boy	Fiery
Naama		Girl	Pleasant; Sweetness; Grace; Beauty
JP-Baby-Name:-Expert-Guide-For-2025-Trends,-Meaning-&-More		Unisex	Justice of the peace; Silver
Najla-Name-Meaning:-Guide-To-Origin,-History-&-More		Girl	Wide-eyed; One who has beautiful large eyes
Meilah-Name:-Meaning,-Popularity,-And-Numerology-Guide-2025		Unisex	Compassionate; Kind-hearted
Kadri		Girl	Pure; Value
Namia		Girl	Seafood; Wave; Asia; Second; Emerald; Ravine; Gorge
Nanami		Girl	Seven seas; Beautiful green vegetables
Millian		Girl	Greatest
Nanea		Girl	Fascinating; Interesting; Enjoyable
Miara		Unisex	Merry; Sea; Jovial
Nareh		Girl	Pomegranate; Fire
Miona		Girl	Rebelliousness; Love; To caress
Kalyan-Name:-Guide-To-Meaning,-Pronunciation-&-Popularity		Boy	Beautiful; Blessed; Auspicious
Nasia		Girl	Immortal; God's miracle; Miracle of Jehovah
Kable		Unisex	Cable; To seize; Halter; Horse
Nastasia		Girl	Resurrection
Kamau-Name-Meaning-And-Origin:-A-Comprehensive-Guide		Boy	Silent warrior
Mikella		Unisex	One who resembles God
Mikiyah-Name-Meaning-And-Origin:-Complete-Guide-For-Parents		Unisex	Who is like Yahweh; Tree trunk; Field
Natalija-Name-Guide:-Meaning,-Pronunciation,-Popularity-&-More		Girl	Day of Christmas; Born on Christmas day
Mikka		Unisex	Who resembles God; Three trees together; Fragrance; Quick and nimble
Natavia		Girl	God's pleasant gift
Natsumi		Girl	Beautiful summer; Plucking greens
Nazifa-Name-Guide-2025:-Meaning,-Popularity-&-Pronunciation		Girl	Honest; Virtuous
Nea		Girl	Twinflower; New; Snow; God's sanctuary
Kanav		Boy	Name of an ancient Hindu rishi; Compassion; Pity; Listening
Nel		Girl	God is with us; Horn; Yokel
Miriah-Baby-Name:-Meaning,-Pronunciation-&-Popularity		Unisex	Myrrh; Mirror; Good; Rebellious
Neliah		Girl	Horn
Kanelo		Boy	Enough, sufficent
Kanye		Boy	Next in line; Let's give; Only once; Only one
Miura-Name:-Origin,-Meaning,-And-Complete-Guide		Unisex	Three bays; August bays
Netta		Girl	Gate; Shrubberies; Trees; Wilds; Planting
Kaiba		Unisex	Seahorse
Nieve-Baby-Name:-Meaning,-Origin-&-Complete-Guide		Girl	Snow

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