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
Emil		Boy	Rival
Yaseen		Unisex	Chapter of the Quran
Nailah		Girl	Successful; Obtainer; Winner; Gracious; Charitable
Rita		Girl	Pearl; Daisy; True; Enlightened; Luminous; Righteous; Free
Deon		Boy	Of Zeus; God of Nysa; Alternate name of the Greek God Dionysius
Jamarion		Boy	Man with good looks; Beauty; Sea of bitterness; Rebelliousness; Beloved
Yasir		Boy	To be rich; To become easy
Elayna		Girl	Torch; Corposant; Moon; Shining
Lucius		Boy	Light
Tegan		Unisex	Darling; Beautiful; Poet
Amethyst-Name-Meaning-And-History:-Comprehensive-Guide		Unisex	Not intoxicated or drunk; Name of a gemstone
Emilie		Girl	Rival; Industrious; Hardworking
Lyam		Boy	A determined protector
Nikola-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-And-History:-A-Comprehensive-Guide		Boy	Victory of the people
Gray-Name-Meaning-And-Origin:-A-Comprehensive-Guide		Unisex	Grey
Keren		Unisex	Horn; Ray of light; Each of the two
Imogen-Name-Meaning:-Origin,-History,-And-Key-Insights		Girl	Maiden; Beloved child
Ezrah-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-And-Popularity-In-2025-Key-Insights		Boy	Help
Gianluca		Boy	God is gracious; From Lucania
Malka-Name-Meaning-And-Origin:-A-Comprehensive-Guide		Girl	Queen; Princess blessed by God
Rebeca		Girl	To tie; To bind
Anton		Boy	Praiseworthy
Agnes-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-And-Popularity:-Comprehensive-Guide		Girl	Chaste; Pure
Chad-Name-Meaning:-Ultimate-Guide-To-Origin,-History-&-Variants		Boy	Battle; Warlike; Lake; Large expanse of water
Yoel		Boy	Yahweh is God
Emberlynn-Name-Meaning-And-Origin:-A-Complete-Guide		Girl	Glowing ashes; Low flame; Lake
Carsen		Boy	Son of marsh-dwellers; Descendant of Ciaran
Janae		Girl	God is gracious
Izan		Unisex	Strong; Enduring; Obedient
Ruthie		Girl	Friend; Companion
Rashad		Boy	To be on the right path; Good sense; Good guidance
Eliyanah:-Meaning,-Origin,-And-Popularity---Complete-Guide		Unisex	My God has answered
Addalyn		Girl	Nobility; Noble
Alita-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-And-History:-A-Comprehensive-Guide		Girl	Noble; Honorable; Truth
Bernard		Boy	Brave bear; Strong
Ireland		Unisex	Land of the Irish; Abundant land
Steve		Unisex	Crown; Wreath; Victorious
Bryleigh		Girl	Brier clearing; Brier woodland; Thorny or prickly plants
Kelani-Name-Meaning-And-Origin:-A-Comprehensive-Guide		Unisex	Heaven; Of the sky
Cassie-Name-Origin,-Meaning,-And-7-Adorable-Nicknames		Girl	To excel; To shine; Clever; Curly-haired
Jonathon		Boy	Gift of God
Mariella		Girl	Star of the sea
Craig		Boy	Rock; Rocky; A steep rocky cliff; Crag; Outcrop
Mazie-Name-Meaning,-Origin-And-History:-A-Comprehensive-Guide		Girl	Pearl; Lady; Mistress; Beloved; Sea of bitterness
Cristopher		Boy	Bearing Christ
Darrell		Boy	One who is from Airelle
Noble		Unisex	Dignified; Honorable; Noble-minded; Notable
Truman		Unisex	Faithful man; Trustworthy man
Efrain-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-And-History:-A-Complete-Guide		Boy	Fruitful
Rylynn-Name-Meaning:-Origin,-Popularity-&-Nicknames-In-2025		Unisex	Rye land; Ó Raghailligh
Vivaan		Boy	Full of life; Twisting; Rays of the morning sun
Ayana		Girl	Beautiful flower; Color; Design; Spring water; Delicate
Vivianna		Unisex	Alive; Full of life
Brenda		Unisex	Blade of a sword; Fiery sword; Sword; Fire; Torch
Cambria-Name-Meaning-And-Origin:-A-Complete-Guide		Girl	The people; Wales
Brent		Boy	Holy one; From a steep hill; Sword; Warrior
Ziva		Girl	Radiance; Light; Brilliance; Brightness; Light of God; Lively woman; Alive; Living
Araya		Boy	Leader by example; Good; Noble; Righteous; Wild valley
Annette		Girl	Grace; Favor
Akiva		Unisex	Grasp by the heel; Protect; Supplanter
Azai		Unisex	Strength
Akeem		Boy	Wise
Ariela-Baby-Name-Meaning-And-Origin:-Your-Comprehensive-Guide		Girl	Lioness of God
Bronx		Unisex	A borough in New York City; Bronck's Farms
Khadija		Girl	Premature child
Freddy		Boy	Peaceful ruler
Karsen-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-And-Popularity:-A-Complete-Guide		Boy	Son of Carr; Thicket; Marsh
Alyvia-Name-Meaning:-Guide-To-Pronunciation,-Nicknames-&-Traits		Girl	Olive
Kallen		Girl	Mighty in battle; Ruler
Vida-Name-Meaning-And-Origin:-A-Complete-Guide		Unisex	Life; Visible; To see; Intelligent; Property; Wealth
Rayleigh		Girl	Red clearing; Roe deer meadow; Bright clearing
Oskar		Boy	God's spear; Deer's friend
Jaida		Boy	Precious stone
Riya-Name-Meaning:-Comprehensive-Guide-For-Your-Baby		Girl	Singer; Beloved
Seraphina		Girl	Burning ones; Fiery ones; An order of angels, each with six wings
Amar		Boy	Immortal; Unending; One who lives a long life
Jessiah		Unisex	Yahweh gives
Kenai		Girl	Flat meadow; Black bear; Clean water
Malikai		Boy	My messenger; My angel
Joslyn-Name-Meaning:-Origin,-History,-Pronunciation-&-Popularity		Girl	A member of the Gauts tribe; From the land of flowing water; Joyful
Beverly		Girl	Beaver stream
Kentrell		Boy	Royal chieftain; Edge; Royal town or settlement
Khai		Boy	Crowned; Royalty; Ocean
Reya		Girl	Graceful; Queen; To flow
Maisyn		Unisex	One who works with stone
Tess		Girl	Harvester; Late summer
Kymani		Boy	Adventurous traveler
Ameera		Girl	Princess; Commander
Adiel-Name-Meaning:-Comprehensive-Guide-To-Origin-&-Popularity		Boy	Ornament of God; God passes by
Ishmael-Meaning:-Comprehensive-Guide-To-Origin-And-History		Boy	God will hear
Caysen		Unisex	Calf yard
Saniyah		Girl	Second child; Splendid; Brilliant
Jaylon-Name-Meaning-And-Origin:-A-Comprehensive-Guide		Boy	One who remains calm
Emeri		Boy	Brave; Powerful; Ruler
Matheo		Boy	Gift of Yahweh
Sia-Baby-Name-Guide:-Meaning,-Origin-&-6-Insights-For-2025		Girl	Understanding; Cognizant; To perceive; Summer; Resurrection
Lazarus-Name-Guide:-Origin,-Meaning,-And-Popularity-In-2025		Boy	God's assistance
Lorena		Girl	From Laurentum; Laurel; Kingdom of Lothar; Famous army
Milton-Name-Meaning:-History,-Pronunciation-&-Popularity-(2025)		Boy	Who is from the town of mills; A mill-town
Kaycen		Unisex	Enclosure; Yard; Town; Calf

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