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

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Browse Top Baby Names by Year

Name		Gender	Meaning
Maleficent		Girl	Productive of harm or evil
Malini-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-And-History:-A-Comprehensive-Guide		Girl	Fragrant; Aromatic; Sweet Fragrance; Nice smelling
Manahil		Girl	A girl who is like a spring of fresh water
Marcelline		Girl	Dedicated to Mars; Mars; Male
Marchesa		Girl	A European title; A wife of Marchese
Margarete		Girl	One who loves pearls
Marika-Name-Meaning-And-History:-Comprehensive-Guide		Girl	Sea of bitterness; Rebelliousness; Wished for child
Mariko		Girl	Genuine village child; Ball child; Truth child; Long-distance child; Jasmine child
Marilee		Girl	Sea of bitterness; Rebelliousness; Wished for child; Meadow; Clearing
Makia-Baby-Name-Guide:-Meaning,-Origin-&-Pronunciation		Unisex	Who is like Yahweh
Marisha-Name-Meaning-&-Origin:-A-Comprehensive-Guide		Girl	Bitter; Of the sea; Respectable lady; Venerable woman
Marlise		Girl	Sea of bitterness; Rebelliousness; Wished-for child; Beloved; Love; My God is an oath
Marlys		Girl	A woman from Magdala; Tower
Marriah		Girl	Sea of bitterness; Rebelliousness; Wished-for child; Beloved; Love;
Marva		Girl	Famous friend; Sea friend; Bone marrow; Eminent; Noble; Wish; Desire; Young goat or kid
Marvina		Girl	Famous friend; Sea friend; Bone marrow; Eminent; Noble; Wish; Desire; Young goat or kid
Maryse:-Complete-Baby-Name-Guide-To-Meaning-&-Popularity		Girl	Wished-for child; Sea of bitterness; Beloved
Maxi		Girl	Greatest; Supreme; Maximum; Eldest
Mareya		Unisex	Sea of bitterness; Rebelliousness; Wished for child; Beloved
Mehak		Girl	Aura; Fragrance; Sweet smell
Meika		Girl	A short form of Maria or Mary
Melaney		Girl	Black or dark
Melba-Name-Meaning,-Origin-And-History:-A-Comprehensive-Guide		Girl	Derived from the name of the city of Melbourne
Melita		Girl	Honey
Meliza		Girl	A bee; Honey
Melora		Girl	Better; Laurel tree; Honeybee
Melyna		Girl	The one who is pleasant and appealing; Sweetheart; Dear
Menaal		Girl	Special flower of heaven
Maryland		Unisex	Land of Mary or Land dedicated to Mary
Massie		Unisex	Clan Matheson in Scotland; Son of Matthew; Gift of God
Mckinney		Boy	The one that obeys
Merjem		Girl	A form of Mary, meaning bitterness
Meryam		Girl	A dearly loved person; Loved by all
Meta		Girl	Pearl; Beyond;
Maymun		Unisex	Thriving; Prosperous
Michayla		Girl	Who is like God?
Mikaelah		Girl	An angel or messenger of Allah
Melona		Boy	Sweet; Exotic; Unique
Milenka		Girl	Black
Meriah-Name:-Comprehensive-Guide-To-Meaning,-Popularity-&-More		Girl	Sea of bitterness; Rebelliousness; Wished for child; Beloved
Mima		Girl	Dove; Daytime; Beautiful, Horse; Eighth sign of the zodiac, Flax
Minah-Baby-Name-Guide:-Meaning,-Origins-And-Popularity		Girl	Will; Helmet; Protection; Security
Minami		Girl	The one who lived in the south region; One who is from South; Beautiful wave or ocean
Minette		Girl	A faithful guard; One who defends; Will helmet; A desire to protect; Home ruler; Female kitten
Menorah		Unisex	Candlestick
Miren-Name-Meaning-Guide:-Origin,-Pronunciation-&-Popularity		Girl	Sea of bitterness; Rebelliousness; Wished for child; Beloved; Love; Beautiful lotus
Miriana		Girl	Sea of bitterness; Rebelliousness; Wished for child; Love; Beloved
Mical		Boy	Brook; Who is like God?
Misaki-Name-Origin,-Meaning,-And-History:-Complete-Guide		Girl	Beautiful; Blossom; Sand chronicle; Ocean blossom
Merica		Unisex	Home ruler
Meva:-Ultimate-Baby-Name-Guide-To-Meaning,-Popularity,-And-More		Unisex	Fruits; Sweets; Candy
Meyers		Unisex	An officer in charge of illegal matters; Physician; Marsh
Moanna		Girl	Ocean; Vast expanse of water
Miabelle-Baby-Name-Guide:-Complete-Insights-For-2025		Unisex	My beauty
Moria		Girl	Sacred olive tree; Fate; Destiny; Beloved; Second; Love; Affection; Seen by God
Milca		Girl	Queen
Moriya		Girl	A Japanese God; Protector of the forest; Defender of the valley; Keeper of the dwelling
Mikela:-Ultimate-Guide-To-Meaning,-Pronunciation-&-Popularity		Unisex	Who is like God?; Big; Large
Mirakel-Baby-Name-Guide:-Meaning,-Origin-&-Popularity		Boy	Miracle; Wonder; Marvel; An extraordinary event
Misbah		Boy	A lamp to provide light to others; Lamp; Light; Luminary
Naamah		Girl	Pleasant; Sweetness; Grace; Beauty
Miori-Name:-Complete-Guide-To-Pronunciation,-Popularity-&-More		Unisex	Beautiful beginning; Village; Beauty; Cloth; Weaving
Nabeeha		Girl	Noble; Righteous; Intelligent; Clever; Sharp-eyed
Moremi-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-&-Popularity:-Complete-Guide-2025		Girl	The child attracts my attention; A legendary Yoruba queen
Nahid		Girl	Planet Venus; Immaculate; Undefiled
Naika		Girl	Born of Nila; Bold and invincible; Principal; Chief; Flower
Nakya		Girl	Chaste or a pure girl
Naledi		Girl	Star; A bright star in the open sky
Mishri		Unisex	Sweet; Sweet like sugar
Miyoko-Name-Meaning,-Origin-&-Pronunciation:-Complete-Guide		Unisex	Beautiful generation; Beautiful child
Monday		Unisex	The one born on the first day of the week; Moon day; Protection
Narjis-Name:-Guide-To-Meaning,-Popularity-&-Numerology		Girl	Narcissus
Nasri		Girl	Victory; Supporter; To help; To assist
Mosley		Unisex	Peat bog clearing
Mylena-Name:-Meaning,-Pronunciation,-And-Popularity-Guide		Girl	Gracious; Dear
Mukta		Unisex	Liberated; Freedom
Myranda		Girl	Admirable; Wonderful
Nausicaa-Baby-Name-Guide:-Meaning,-Pronunciation,-Popularity		Girl	Burner of ships
Nazira-Name-Meaning:-Guide-To-Origin,-Pronunciation,-Popularity		Girl	Similar; Alike; Counterpart
Nehir		Girl	River
Nariman		Boy	Brightness; Faith; Manly mind; Heroic minded
Nelida		Girl	Of Eleanor; Shining one; Bright one
Narjes		Boy	Daffodil; Narcissus; Sleep; Numbness
Nemesis		Girl	Distribution of what is due; Righteous anger; Vengeance
Nera		Girl	Candle; Lamp; Strong; Black
Nahira		Unisex	Luminous; Radiant
Neshama		Girl	Life force or inner self
Netra		Girl	The one who has shining eyes
Natori		Boy	Victory; Conqueror
Namaya-Baby-Name:-Meaning,-Pronunciation,-Popularity-&-More		Unisex	Using many artifices or stratagems; Repeatedly; Often
Naviya		Girl	New; Young; Praiseworthy
Nashad		Unisex	Unhappy person
Nieva		Girl	Snow
Naylet		Girl	Forgiven
Nijah-Name-Meaning-And-Origin:-Complete-Guide		Girl	A beautiful rose; One who succeeds; Challenging
Nikolette		Girl	Victory of the people
Naturi-Name-Guide:-Pronunciation,-Popularity-&-Numerology		Unisex	Nature; Strength; Unique
Naydeen		Unisex	Hope; Large; Lord of rivers
Nissa		Girl	Woman; Sign; Friendly elf; Goblin
Neiva		Unisex	Snowy; Snow-covered; Bright; Shine; Beauty

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