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
Harlem		Boy	A vibrant neighborhood in New York city; Home on a forested dune
Fisher		Boy	Fisherman
Kenji		Boy	Second son; Strong; Healthy
Cara		Girl	Friend; Beloved
Leif-Name-Meaning,-History,-And-Pronunciation:-Complete-Guide		Boy	A descendant; Heir
Iyla		Girl	Moonlight; Terebinth tree; Earth; Speech; Island
Cory-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-And-History:-A-Comprehensive-Guide		Boy	In a cauldron; In a hollow; Maiden
Clarissa		Girl	Bright; Clear
Nathalie		Girl	Christmas day; Born on Christmas day
Lexie		Girl	Defender of men; Defender; Helper
Jacoby-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-And-Popularity:-A-Complete-Guide		Boy	Son of Jacob
Della		Girl	Noble; Delicate
Jamal-Name-Meaning:-Origin,-History-&-All-You-Need-To-Know		Boy	Beauty
Kaylie		Girl	Pure; Forest clearing
Maison		Boy	Stoneworker; Home
Avi		Boy	Father; My God; Sun; Air
Osiris-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-And-11-Adorable-Nicknames		Boy	Mighty eye; God of fertility, agriculture, and the afterlife
Elsa:-A-Comprehensive-Guide-To-Meaning,-Origin,-And-Popularity		Girl	God is my oath
Reuben		Boy	Behold a son
Zoya-Baby-Name:-A-Comprehensive-Guide-To-Meaning-And-Popularity		Girl	Life; To breath; To live
Wallace-Name-Meaning-And-Origin:-A-Comprehensive-Guide		Unisex	A Welshman; A Celt
Fox-Name-Meaning:-Complete-Guide-To-Origin,-History-&-Traits		Unisex	Fox-catcher; Brave people
Addilynn		Girl	Noble or nobility
Jovie		Girl	Joyful; Merry; Cheerful; God is gracious; Day of Jupiter
Santos		Unisex	Saints; Holy
Veda		Girl	Knowledge; Wisdom
Shepard		Boy	Herder of sheep; Shepherd
Jaylee-Name-Meaning-And-Origin:-A-Comprehensive-Guide		Girl	Blue jay meadow
Adler		Boy	Eagle
Kenia		Girl	White mountain; Handsome; Fair; Respect; Esteem
Brett		Boy	A Breton or a person from Brittany
Etta		Girl	Home ruler
Zechariah		Boy	The Lord has remembered
Calum-Name-Meaning,-Origin-&-Popularity-In-2025:-Key-Insights		Boy	Dove
Kelvin		Boy	From the narrow river
Marlowe		Boy	Remnants of a lake
Seven		Unisex	Perfection; Seven
Mccoy		Boy	Son of Aodh (Fire)
Flora		Boy	Flower; Bloom
Samira		Girl	Companion in evening talk; Wind; Air
Azrael-Baby-Name:-Meaning,-History,-Nicknames-&-Variations		Unisex	Name of an angel; My help is God
Egypt		Girl	The house of the soul of Ptah
Bridger		Boy	Someone living or working near a bridge
Jenesis		Girl	Birth; Origin
Leroy-Name-Meaning-And-Origin:-A-Complete-Guide		Boy	The king
Raquel		Girl	Female sheep; Ewe
Harold-Name-Meaning-And-Origin:-Ultimate-Guide		Boy	Army king; Commander; Powerful; Mighty
Amayah		Girl	The end; Mother city; Heavenly valley; Close to God; Night rain
Mac		Boy	Son of; Great; Horse; Border; Guard; Screen; Curtain
Terry		Boy	Ruler of the people Rich people
Avayah		Unisex	To breathe; To live; Heaven
Ahmir-Name-Meaning:-Origins,-History-&-Popularity-Guide		Boy	Commander; Prince; Immortal; Boss; Leader; Crown; A sheaf of grain, barley, wheat
Zola		Girl	Calm; Peaceful; Lump or mound of earth
Giavanna		Girl	God is gracious
Raya-Name-Meaning-And-Origin:-A-Comprehensive-Guide-For-New-Moms		Boy	Warrior; Happy; Queen; Fragrance; Night orchid; Wife or beloved; Celebration
Cal-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-And-History:-Complete-Guide		Unisex	Bald
Halo		Girl	Luminous ring; Divine aura; Disc of the Sun or Moon
Coen		Boy	Brave counsel; Advice
Paloma:-Meaning,-Origin,-Nicknames-&-Popularity		Girl	Dove
Franco:-Complete-Guide-To-Origin,-Meaning-&-Popularity		Boy	Frank; Frenchman; Spear
Nataly		Girl	Christmas day; Birth of the lord
Jeremias		Boy	Yahweh will exalt
Trent		Unisex	One residing near the river Trent
Whitney-Name-Meaning:-Origin,-History-&-What-You-Need-To-Know		Unisex	By the white island
Whitley		Girl	From the white field
Carolyn		Girl	Free man; Man; Army
Davion-Name-Meaning,-Origin-&-History:-Complete-Guide-For-2025		Boy	Beloved; Uncle
Dalary		Girl	Dahlia flower
Dominik-Name-Meaning:-Comprehensive-Guide-To-Origin-&-History		Boy	Belonging to the Lord; Our Lord
Malayah-Baby-Name-Guide:-Popularity-And-Unique-Name-Variations		Unisex	Free; Independent
Kamari		Girl	Moon; The adversary of desire; Gambling; Shiva
Canaan		Boy	Low; Humble
Loretta-Name-Meaning:-Origin,-History-&-Key-Insights		Girl	Laurel grove
Riggs-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-And-Popularity:-A-2025-Guide		Boy	A person living on the ridge
Natasha-Name-Meaning-And-Origin:-Comprehensive-Guide-For-2025		Girl	Christmas day; Born on Christmas day
Damir-Name-Meaning,-Origin-&-History:-A-Complete-Guide		Boy	Peace giver; Steel; Iron; Conscience
Emerald		Girl	Gemstone
Esperanza		Boy	Hope; Expectations
Dion-Name-Meaning,-Origin-And-Variations:-Complete-Guide		Boy	Sky; Shine; Greek God of wine
Jabari		Boy	Almighty; Powerful; Brave one
Freyja		Girl	Lady
Will-Name-Meaning-And-Origin:-Complete-Guide-For-2025		Boy	Determined guardian; Resolute protector
Guadalupe-Name:-Origin,-Meaning,-Pronunciation,-And-Popularity		Girl	Our Lady of Guadalupe
Paola		Girl	Small; Humble
Ansley-Name-Meaning-And-Origin:-A-Comprehensive-Guide		Boy	Solitary; Hermitage; Woodland; Clearing
Dangelo		Boy	Divine messenger
Kody-Name:-Complete-Guide-To-Meaning,-Origin-&-Popularity		Boy	Descendant of the helpful one; Son of Odo; Helpful
Stormi		Girl	Storm; Wild; Turbulent
Gerald:-Complete-Guide-To-Meaning,-Origin-&-Nicknames		Unisex	Ruler of the spear; Power of the spear
Salvatore		Boy	Savior; Rescuer; Deliverer
Truett		Boy	Dry resinous wood; River bend
Cillian		Boy	Church; Monastery; Little warrior
Jillian		Girl	Youthful; Sky father; Downy-bearded
Artemis-Name-Meaning:-Your-Comprehensive-Guide		Girl	Safe; Butcher; Greek goddess of the wild and chastity
Hakeem		Boy	Wise; Ruler
Aislinn-Name-Guide:-Meaning,-Origin,-Pronunciation-&-Popularity		Girl	Dream; Vision
Alistair		Boy	Defender of the people
Corinne		Girl	Beautiful maiden; Greek goddess of the underworld
Brittany-Name-Meaning:-Origin,-History,-And-Key-Insights		Girl	From Britain; From the land of Britons
Zyair-Name-Meaning-And-Origin:-A-Comprehensive-Guide		Unisex	River swallowing rivers

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