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
Vivienne		Girl	Alive; Life
Cash-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-And-Popularity:-Complete-Guide		Boy	Money; Money box
Nicole		Girl	Victory of the people
Tobias		Boy	Yahweh is good
Catherine		Girl	Pure
Emerson		Boy	Son of Emery; Great ruler; Brave; Vigorous; Unceasing
Miriam-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-Variants-&-Popularity-Guide		Girl	Sea of bitterness; Rebelliousness; Beloved; Star of the sea
Cayden		Boy	War; Fighter; Son of Cadáin
Jocelyn		Girl	Member of a Gauts tribe; Joyful
Ronan		Boy	Little seal; A pledge; An oath
Dallas		Boy	From valley meadows; Valley house
Julianna-Name-Meaning:-Comprehensive-Guide-To-Origin-&-History		Girl	Downy-bearded; Devoted to Jove; Youthful; Juvenile
Brian		Boy	High; Power; Hill
Lena-Baby-Name-Guide:-Origin,-Meaning-And-Popularity		Girl	Torch; Bright shining light; Of Magdala; Tower
Mariana		Girl	Star of the sea; Grace
Lucille		Girl	Light; To shine
Walter-Name-Meaning-And-Origin:-A-Comprehensive-Guide		Boy	Army ruler; Power of the army
Bradley-Name-Meaning:-Everything-You-Need-To-Know		Boy	A broad clearing or field
Jorge		Boy	Farmer; Earthworker
Adelaide		Girl	Noble natured; Noble; Kind
Paige-Name-Meaning:-A-Complete-Guide-To-History-&-Popularity		Unisex	Little page; Helper; Little boy
Khalil		Boy	Friend; Companion; Trustworthy
Josue-Name-Meaning:-A-Comprehensive-Guide-To-Origin-And-History		Boy	God is my salvation
Myla		Girl	Soldier; Merciful; Grace
Damien-Name-Meaning,-Origin-And-Popularity-Ultimate-Guide		Boy	Master; To tame; Divine power
Mckenna		Girl	Son of Cionnaith; Born of fire; Beautiful
Mckenzie		Girl	Son of Coinneach (handsome, beautiful, good)
Jett		Boy	Jet aircraft; Intense black color
Charlee-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-And-History:-Complete-Guide		Girl	Free person
Kairo		Boy	Victorious; Attractive; Summer color
Tessa-Name-Meaning-Origin-And-Popularity:-A-Comprehensive-Guide		Unisex	Harvester; Summer
Andre		Boy	Strong; Manly
Kailani		Girl	Sea; Sky; Heaven; The royal one
Zander-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-And-History:-Comprehensive-Guide		Boy	Defender of men
Alayah		Girl	Highborn; Lofty; Sublime
Oakley-Name-Meaning-And-History:-A-Complete-2025-Guide		Unisex	From the oak meadow; Meadow of oak trees
Hendrix		Boy	Home ruler
Amira		Girl	Princess; Treetop; Commander
Crew		Unisex	A band or force of armed men; Weir
Adaline		Girl	Noble; Kind
Chance		Boy	The one who has good fortune; Lucky
Colin-Name-Meaning:-Complete-Guide-To-History-And-Popularity		Boy	Victory of the people; Whelp; Young dog
Cohen		Boy	One who performs sacred rituals; Priest
Harley		Boy	Hare's meadow
Malakai-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-And-Popularity-In-2025:-Complete-Guide		Boy	My messenger; My angel
Milani		Girl	Middle of the plain; Black; Dark
Clayton-Name-Meaning-and-History:-Comprehensive-Guide		Boy	Clay settlement
Annie		Girl	Grace; Favor
Daxton		Boy	Name of a town in France; Leader
Angelina		Girl	Messenger of God; Angelic
Malcolm		Boy	A devotee of St. Columba
Lia-Name-Meaning:-Origins,-Variations-&-Popularity		Girl	Weary; Cow; Rose; Downy bearded; Bearer of good news
Lennox		Boy	Place of elms
Fiona-Name-Meaning-And-Origin:-The-Complete-Guide		Boy	White; Fair; Blessed
Jaden-Name-Meaning-And-Origin:-What-You-Need-To-Know		Boy	God has heard; Thankful; He will judge
Martin-Name-Origin,-Meaning,-And-History:-Expert-Insights		Boy	The god of war; Mars; Dedicated to Mars; Warlike; Male
Cali		Girl	Affectionate; Calm; Fair; Ocean; Pure; Good; Beautiful; Best; Cup; Chalice
Kayson		Boy	Enclosure; Yard; Town
Leia		Girl	Weary; Heavenly child
Bodhi		Boy	One who is awakened and enlightened
Maggie		Girl	Pearl
Francisco		Boy	Frenchman; Franks; Someone who is free
Briella		Girl	God is my strength
Cody		Boy	The son of Oda; Descendant of the helpful one
Erick-Name-Meaning:-Origin,-History,-Variations,-And-Popularity		Boy	Eternal ruler; Powerful ruler
Lennon-Name-Meaning:-Essential-Guide-To-Origins-&-Popularity		Unisex	Cloak; Lover
Jayla		Unisex	God will protect; Victory
Atticus		Boy	From Attica; Athenian; Rugged coast
Kameron-Name-Meaning-&-Origin:-Comprehensive-Guide		Boy	Crooked nose
Dante		Boy	Steadfast; Enduring
Kaia		Girl	From the Earth; Sea; Rejoice; Pure; Each of the two
Saylor		Unisex	Acrobat; Dancer; Boatman; Seafarer; Mariner; Ropemaker
Jensen-Name:-Complete-Guide-To-Meaning,-Origin,-And-Popularity		Boy	Son of Jens; God is merciful; God is Gracious
Thea-Name-Meaning-And-History:-Origins,-Popularity-&-More		Girl	Divine; Greek Goddess Theia
Cruz		Boy	Cross; Crucifix
Mariah		Girl	The Lord is my teacher; Bitter; From the sea
Brady		Boy	Spirited; Descendant of Brádach
Adriana		Unisex	From Hadria; Woman from Hadria; The dark one
Juliet		Girl	Young; Youthful; Jove's child; Devoted to Jove; Downy-bearded
Anderson		Boy	Son of Andrew
Oaklynn-Name-Meaning:-Ultimate-2025-Guide-For-New-Parents		Girl	Oak clearing
Joaquin		Boy	Raised by Yahweh; Yahweh will establish
Kiara-Name-Meaning,-Origins,-Variations-&-Popularity-Guide		Girl	Dark; Bright; Shining; Peaceful; A lady with dusk hair; First ray of the sun
Gunner		Boy	Army warrior
Aniyah		Girl	God is gracious
Muhammad-Name-Meaning-And-History:-A-Comprehensive-Guide		Boy	Praiseworthy; Praised one; Praise; Commendable
Alexis		Girl	Defender; Helper
Derek		Boy	The people's ruler
Zayn		Boy	Beauty; Grace; Handsome; Excellent; Adornment
Haven-Baby-Name-Meaning:-Complete-Guide-To-Origin-&-Popularity		Boy	Harbor; Safe place
Raymond		Boy	Counseling protector; Advice; Decision
Gracelynn		Girl	Kindness; Goodwill; Lake
Delaney		Boy	Black; Challenge; Alder tree
Kyle-Name-Meaning:-Guide-To-Origin-&-Popularity-In-2025		Boy	Narrows; Channel; Strait
Kendall		Girl	Kent river valley; Valley of kings
Angelo		Boy	Messenger; Angel
Reid		Boy	Red-haired
Winter		Girl	Winter season; Water; Wet
Lilith		Girl	Of the night
Spencer		Unisex	Dispenser of provisions

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