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
Marija		Girl	Sea of bitterness; Rebelliousness; Wished for child
Mane		Boy	Manna; God is with us; Tower; Of Magdala
Malk		Unisex	Strong and powerful; King
Marylyn		Girl	A bitter girl
Marais		Boy	Marsh
Maneh-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-And-History:-A-Comprehensive-Guide		Unisex	Semolina
Manessa-Baby-Name:-Complete-Guide-To-Meaning,-Popularity-&-More		Unisex	Causing to forget
Maurine		Girl	Sea of bitterness; Rebelliousness; Wished-for child; Beloved
Manna		Girl	God is with us; A heavenly woman; Great; Bitterness
Marae-Name-Complete-Guide:-Meaning,-Origin-&-Popularity		Unisex	Cleared and free of weeds or trees; Cleared space; A Polynesian sacred altar or enclosure
Marleah		Girl	Woman from Magdala
Maye		Girl	The fifth month
Maysam		Girl	A beautiful girl
Marium		Unisex	Of the sea; Bitter; Beloved; Rebelliousness
Mealla		Girl	Mild; Pleasant
Meghana		Girl	Cloud; Rain clouds
Marysol		Girl	Mary of solitude
Megyn		Girl	A great and mighty person
Mehrish		Girl	Fragrant; Full of kindness
Marry		Unisex	Of the sea; Bitter; Beloved; Rebelliousness
Meiling		Girl	Beautiful years; Beautiful tinkling of jade; Beautiful soul
Meleni		Girl	Blackness; Dark
Meriam		Girl	Star of the ocean
Micaella		Girl	Who is like God?
Michella		Girl	Who is like God?
Micki		Girl	Who is like God
Mieko-Name-Meaning:-Complete-Guide-To-Origin,-Trends-&-More		Girl	Child of beauty and favor
Miesha-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-And-History:-Comprehensive-Guide		Girl	Life; Strawberry; Gauze; Thin silk; Sand; Livelihood; Living
Mikasa		Girl	Three bamboo hats
Mikhaila		Girl	Who is like God
Mayu-Name:-Meaning,-History,-And-Comprehensive-Guide		Unisex	Real; Genuine; Excellence; Superiority
Meital		Girl	Dewdrop
Mckenley		Unisex	White meadow; Fair meadow
Melat-Name:-Pronunciation,-Popularity-&-Complete-Guide		Girl	Gift of God; Fine linen; Sweet
Mehana		Unisex	Abundantly; In streams; Sun; Warmth
Merideth		Boy	Lord of greatness; Lord of magnificence
Mellow-Baby-Name:-Comprehensive-Guide-To-Meaning-&-Personality		Unisex	Pleasantly agreeable; Free from tension
Mishaal		Girl	Torch; Beacon
Miyu		Girl	Beautiful; Fruit; Good result; Truth; Excellence; Superiority; Gentleness; Evening; Bind
Milira		Girl	Spirited; Creative; Passionate
Millah		Girl	Religion; Faith
Morena		Girl	Brown-haired; Brown; Dark-skinned; King; Chief
Minori		Girl	Abundant
Mirelle-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-And-Popularity:-Complete-Guide		Girl	To admire
Mishelle		Girl	Who is like God
Minnow		Unisex	A small fish
Miyako		Girl	Beautiful night child
Mirae		Unisex	Future
Nabilah		Girl	Noble
Mirrah		Unisex	Peaceful, serene
Nadalyn		Girl	From the prosperous man's peak
Naeemah		Girl	Gladness and joy
Naeva		Girl	To breathe; To live; Ingenue; Someone born at dawn or sunset; Birthmark; Bright
Nahida		Girl	Immaculate; Undefiled
Muska		Boy	Smile
Najat		Girl	Deliverance; Salvation; Rescue; Savior
Nalini		Girl	Lotus; Sweet lotus; Sweet nectar; Goddess Gayatri; Mother of Vedas; Lily
Narissa-Name-Meaning-And-Origin:-Complete-Baby-Name-Guide		Girl	A sea sprite; Nymph
Mylia-Name-Meaning,-Popularity,-Nicknames-&-More:-A-2025-Guide		Unisex	Rival
Nasirah		Girl	Ocean's caretaker
Mystery:-Complete-Guide-To-Meaning,-History,-And-Popularity		Unisex	Mystery; Secret; A secret rite
Mystique		Unisex	Mystic; Mystical; Secret
Nasreen		Girl	Wild rose
Natia		Girl	Light; Bright
Naveena		Girl	New; Fresh; Creative; Young; Bright; Regenerated
Nazeli		Girl	A pretty or a beautiful girl
Nazia		Girl	Sweet; Coy
Nali		Unisex	Good; Beautiful
Neeka		Girl	Upright; Good; Thoughtful; Talented
Naria-Baby-Name:-Complete-Guide-To-Meaning,-Popularity-And-More		Unisex	Goddess of good luck and blessings; Formation; Love; Woman with big eyes
Neera		Girl	New rising; Capable of great destruction
Nasara		Unisex	Victory; Triumph
Nejla		Girl	Wide-eyed; Attainer
Nelinha		Girl	The gem in the ocean
Nerea		Girl	Mine; Water
Nereida-Name-Meaning-Guide:-Origin,-Pronunciation-&-Popularity		Girl	Nymphs; Sea sprites
Netanya:-Origin,-Meaning-&-5-Adorable-Nicknames		Girl	God has given
Nevena		Girl	Marigold
Nhu-Pronunciation,-Popularity,-And-Numerology:-Complete-Guide		Girl	Like roots; As vegetables
Nazara		Boy	To look or see; Happiness; Glow
Nilaya-Baby-Name-Insights:-Meaning,-Popularity-&-Numerology		Girl	House; Habitation
Nilsa		Girl	Victory of people; Son of Neil
Nimrat		Girl	The one who carries God's message; Humble
Nishtha		Girl	Devotion; Dedication; Faithfulness; Steadfastness
Nivi		Girl	Maiden; Young girl; Speech; Expression; Fang; Tusk
Neenah		Unisex	Pretty eyes; Little girl; Great-granddaughter
Nneka		Girl	Mother is greater
Neima		Unisex	Melody
Nelsy		Unisex	Victorious; Determined; Leader
Nicte		Boy	Flower; Plumeria flower
Nikitha		Girl	House; Habitation
Nusaibah		Girl	Nurturing; Fate
Nhyira-Name:-Meaning,-Pronunciation,-And-Complete-Guide		Unisex	Blessing
Niala-Baby-Name:-25-Essential-Insights-And-Variations		Unisex	Violet
Nyesha-Name-Meaning,-Pronunciation-&-Popularity:-Ultimate-Guide		Girl	Living; Alive
Nivia:-A-Comprehensive-Guide-To-Origin,-Meaning,-And-Popularity		Girl	Snow-white
Niela		Unisex	Champion; Passionate
Niema		Unisex	Blessings
Oceane-Name-Meaning,-Origin-&-History:-3-Key-Facts		Girl	Ocean; From the ocean
Nollie-Name-Origin-&-Meaning:-A-Comprehensive-Guide		Boy	Eagle power

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