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
Mishika		Girl	Love of God; A medicinal plant; Blossom; Beautiful; Fragrance; Flower
Knoah		Boy	Rest; Repose; Motion
Kori		Boy	In a cauldron or hollow; Ice; Curly-haired; Coral
Pandora-Name-Meaning:-Origin,-History-&-7-Adorable-Nicknames		Girl	All gifts
Masa		Boy	Elegant; Graceful; Prosperous; True
Laszlo-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-And-History:-Comprehensive-Guide		Boy	To rule; Glory
Renae		Girl	Born again
Sania		Girl	Brilliant; Splendid; Defending men
Naliyah		Girl	Christmas day
Shaila		Girl	Stone; Mountain
Madison-Name-Meaning-And-Origin:-Complete-2025-Guide		Boy	Son of Maud
Mazin:-Meaning,-History,-Popularity,-And-Comprehensive-Guide		Boy	Rain clouds
Remmi		Unisex	Oarsman; Rower
Kyrell		Unisex	Lord
Macen		Girl	Stoneworker; Protector
Randolph		Boy	Strong Defender; Son of the Shield; Wolf on shield rim
Simran		Unisex	Meditation
Advika-Name-Meaning,-Origin-&-Popularity:-Comprehensive-Guide		Girl	Unrivalled; Unique
Rashid		Boy	Rightly guided; Having true faith; The high one
Regan		Boy	A little regal one
Nirvan		Girl	Liberation; Extinguished; Blown out
Alaysha		Girl	Nobleness; One of a noble kind
Rider		Boy	Horse rider; Horseman; Knight; To clear out; A small stream
Zahava		Unisex	Gold
Astoria		Girl	Hawk
Rishik		Boy	Trustworthy; Ascetic; Sage; Rays of the sun
Brenley-Baby-Name:-Meaning,-History-&-Popularity-Guide		Girl	Burned clearing; Hill; Mound
Rudolph		Boy	Famous wolf
Nayel		Unisex	Brave; Winner; Share; Accomplisher
Briseida		Girl	Outrageous woman; Breeze
Britta-Name-Meaning,-Origin-&-Popularity:-A-Comprehensive-Guide		Girl	Exalted one; Mighty; Help; Strong
Russel		Boy	A little red one
Omere		Unisex	Sheaf of wheat
Sanav		Boy	Sun; Desert
Rudransh-Baby-Name:-Meaning,-Origin-&-Complete-Guide		Girl	A part of Lord Shiva; Formidable; The roarer; One who eradicates problems from the root
Remiel		Unisex	Mercy of God; God will have pity
Sufyan		Boy	Wool; Pure; Clean; Slim; Thin
Emmelyn-Name-Meaning:-Origin,-Popularity-&-Pronunciation-Guide		Girl	Peaceful home; Whole; Great
Delainey		Unisex	From the alder grove; Descendant of Dubhshláine
Devina		Unisex	Beloved; Uncle; Godlike; Divine; Eye of God; Resembling a goddess
Fayth		Girl	Trust; Confidence; Belief
Eleen		Unisex	Torch; Corposant; Moon; Desire; Hazelnut
Gisela		Girl	Pledge
Eliani-Baby-Name:-Guide-To-Meaning,-Pronunciation-&-Popularity		Unisex	God has answered
Sacha		Unisex	Defender; Helper of humankind; Defending men
Janell-Name-Guide:-Meaning,-Pronunciation,-Popularity-&-More		Girl	Lord is merciful
Shahzain		Unisex	Brave; Good adornment; Skillful; Handsome King
Fatou		Girl	To abstain
Stryder		Unisex	Someone with a combative demeanor
Vihan-Baby-Name:-Meaning,-Origin,-And-Comprehensive-Guide		Boy	Morning; Dawn
Jelena-Name-Meaning:-Complete-Guide-To-Origin-And-Popularity		Girl	Sunray; Light; Bright; Sunlight
Emri		Unisex	Great ruler; Vigorous; Brave; Home
Vinson-Name:-Meaning,-Popularity,-Pronunciation-&-More		Boy	Son of Vincent; To conquer
Adyan		Boy	Pious; Religious; Sun
Gracey		Boy	Grace; Grace of God; Divine grace
Affan		Boy	Chaste; Modest; Pure
Woodson		Boy	From the houses in the woods; Descendant of a woodcutter
Aleczander-Name-Meaning-&-History:-A-Comprehensive-Guide		Boy	Defender of mankind
Vansh		Unisex	Descendant or lineage
Katherin		Girl	Pure; Each of the two; My consecration of your name; Torture
Zaydin		Girl	Growth; Increase
Alexios		Boy	Defender; Helper
Wayland		Unisex	Battle; Brave; Small wood grove; Craft
Zidan		Boy	More; Increase; Excess; Rise; Growth
Zakhi-Baby-Name:-Comprehensive-Guide-To-Meaning-&-Pronunciation		Unisex	Smart and strong
Kaliya		Boy	Joy; Happiness; People's victory; Pure; Rejoice; A huge black serpent
Armen		Boy	From Armenia
Arsh		Boy	Truthfulness; Divine; Heavenly; Hero; Pure; Bright; Sage
Zedekiah		Unisex	Justice of Yahweh; God is my righteousness; God is mighty and just
Maha-Name-Meaning:-Origin,-Pronunciation-&-Popularity-in-2025		Girl	Beautiful Eyes; Half moon; Sun; Planet; Mirror; Shining white pearl
Art		Boy	Bear; Bear-like; Bold; Strong man; A Champion
Ascher		Boy	Happy; Blessed; Someone who lived by Ash tree
Kenzy-Name-Complete-Guide:-Meaning,-Popularity,-Numerology		Unisex	Handsome; Beautiful' Good
Malea		Girl	Flower; Rebelliousness; Wished for child; Beloved
Marcie		Girl	Dedicated to Mars; War-like; Male
Bassam		Boy	Smiling; Happy
Kim-Name-Meaning:-Origins,-History,-And-Popularity-Expert-Guide		Boy	Leader of the men; Leader of the warriors; Gold; Woodland clearing of the royal fortress
Leina		Girl	Petal; Torch; Ray of Light
Maybelle		Girl	Lovable
Bodee		Boy	Enlightenment; Command
Milagro		Girl	A miracle
Boe-Name-Meaning-&-History:-A-Comprehensive-Guide-For-2025		Boy	To live
Maevyn:-Complete-Guide-To-Pronunciation,-Popularity-&-More		Unisex	Intoxicating; Connoisseur
Brando		Boy	Sword; Fire; Torch
Nadya		Girl	Hope; Moist; Tender; Delicate
Aran		Boy	Light bringer; Mountain of strength; Peaked island; Exalted; Wild goat
Arish		Unisex	Structure that takes much effort to build; Wise; Intelligent
Myrah-Name-Guide:-Meaning,-Pronunciation-&-Popularity		Girl	Myrrh; Wished for a child; Sea of bitterness
Nyx		Girl	Night; Goddess of night
Cainan		Boy	Possession
Nadiya		Girl	Hopeful
Peri		Girl	A fairy; A fruit
Remie		Girl	A habitational name for someone from the city of Rheims
Corwin-Name-Meaning-&-Popularity:-Complete-Guide-In-2025		Boy	Leather; Residing near the white castle
Nylani		Unisex	Exotic; Unique; Beautiful
Rosabelle		Girl	As beautiful as a rose
Azel		Unisex	Reserved
Bransen		Boy	Son of Brand; Fiery torch
Samya		Girl	Elevated; Sublime; Supreme
Daveon		Boy	Beloved; Uncle

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