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
Rock		Boy	Crow; Rook; Rest; Rough
Laurynn		Girl	Laurel tree; Symbols of glory and fame
Roque		Boy	Crow; Rook
Lavina		Girl	A woman of ancient Rome
Rorik		Boy	Famous ruler
Leeba		Girl	Beloved one
Ruairi		Boy	Red king
Kaleyah		Unisex	Pure; Clean; Boomerang; Graceful; Beautiful
Leianna		Girl	A bright and beautiful woman
Ramel		Unisex	Magic; Divination
Ryo		Boy	Cool; Refreshing; Distant reality; Dragon
Sammie		Boy	God has heard; Name of God; Flower
Leta-Name-Meaning-And-History:-A-Complete-Guide		Girl	Glad; Violet flower; Joy
Sheikh		Boy	Elder; Tribe's leader; Islamic scholar
Liesl		Girl	My God is an oath; God's promise
Suleyman		Boy	He who is a man of peace
Lilianne		Girl	Pure; Lily; Innocence
Kiora		Girl	Hello or goodbye; Little and dark; Hollyhock; Rare; Harmony
Lanaya		Girl	Special; Wonderful
Livy-Name:-Comprehensive-Guide-To-Meaning,-Popularity,-And-More		Girl	Olive; Envious; Blue
Tanay		Boy	Son; Belonging to one's family; Descendent; Steady moon
Maddalena		Girl	A woman who comes from the tower; Of Magdala
Mahina		Girl	Moon; Month; Light; Genuine; Male; Dance; Full; Queen; Apple tree
Tej-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-History-And-Popularity-Complete-Guide		Boy	Brightness; Power; Light
Terrill		Boy	The ruler of thunder
Ryler		Unisex	Mighty; Strong; Courageous
Tiernan-Name:-Meaning,-Origin,-And-History:-Comprehensive-Guide		Boy	Little lord
Tobi		Boy	Yahweh is good
Mariely		Girl	One who is bright as a sea
Trever		Boy	A large homestead; Settlement; Big village; Great victory; Superiority
Metztli		Girl	Moon
Talyn-Baby-Name-Guide:-Pronunciation,-Popularity-&-Variations		Unisex	Talon; Claw
Wilbur		Boy	Wild boar; Will; Desire; Fortress
Mirella		Girl	To admire; Respect
Tavaris		Unisex	Son of the hermit
Mahlia		Girl	Lady; Woman
Vishnu-Name-Meaning-And-History:-Comprehensive-Guide		Girl	All-pervasive; Hindu god of preservation and protection
Xzavian		Boy	New house
Maisley-Baby-Name:-Complete-Guide-To-Meaning-&-Trends		Unisex	Modern; Unique; Feminine
Maram		Boy	Wish; Desire; Aspire
Maizee-Name-Guide-With-Pronunciation,-Popularity-&-Numerology		Unisex	Unique; Adventurous; Free-spirited
Tremayne		Unisex	Stone town; Town surrounded by stone
Zak		Boy	Yahweh remembers
Zevi		Boy	Deer; Gazelle; Roebuck
Nataliya		Girl	Christmas day
Tylon		Unisex	A gift
Mesa-Name-Meaning-&-Pronunciation:-Guide-To-Popularity-&-Traits		Girl	April; Goat; Ram; Table
Aadhav-Name:-Comprehensive-Guide-To-Meaning-And-Pronunciation		Boy	Ruler; One who stirs up or agitates
Zaxton		Boy	Son of Jack; Son of man
Aaryav		Boy	Noble person; Wise
Mithra-Baby-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-And-Complete-Guide		Boy	Oath; Covenant; Agreement; That which binds
Abdulmalik		Boy	King's servant
Oceana		Girl	Ocean; From the ocean
Mylie		Girl	Gracious; Dear; Soldier
Akio-Name-Meaning,-Origin-&-History:-Variants-And-Popularity		Boy	Bright man; Luminous hero
Rainn-Name-Meaning:-Complete-Guide-To-Origin-And-Popularity		Girl	Rain; Shower
Yahel-Name:-Comprehensive-Guide-To-Meaning-&-Popularity-In-2025		Unisex	To shine; To make a halo; Fertile upland
Nandi		Boy	Joy; Delight; Happiness; Contentment; Sweet
Al		Boy	Noble; Bright
Zadkiel-Name:-Complete-Guide-To-Meaning,-Origins-&-Popularity		Unisex	God is my righteousness
Alucard		Boy	Of Dracula
Naylah		Girl	Achiever; Attainer; Gracious
Zarion		Unisex	Sorrowful; Full of sadness
Amador		Boy	Lover of God
Amelio-Baby-Name:-Pronunciation,-Popularity,-And-Key-Insights		Boy	Hard working; Industrious; Unceasing; Brave; Vigorous;Bold ;Diligent
Rozlynn		Girl	Rose; Flexible horse
Nayra		Unisex	Eye; Early; Black; Dark; To guide; Bright; Radiant
Amilcar-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-And-History:-Comprehensive-Guide		Boy	Brother of Melqart
Safiyah		Girl	Pure
Anand		Boy	Joy; Happiness; Bliss; Delight; Pleasure; Harmony
Rehmat		Boy	Pity; Grace; Forgiveness; Mercy
Saya		Girl	Shelter; Shadow
Anik		Boy	Army; Splendor
Suzette-Name-Meaning,-Popularity,-And-History:-Complete-Guide		Girl	Graceful lily; Lotus; Rose
Retal		Unisex	Confrontational; Vengeful
Rozalyn		Girl	Flexible horse; Tender horse; Beautiful rose
Svetlana		Girl	Light; World
Rida		Unisex	Contentment; Satisfaction; God-fearing
Arnulfo		Boy	Eagle; Wolf
Ashrith		Boy	Follower; Supported; Dependent; Protected
Sedra		Girl	Order; Sequence; Lote tree
Bensen		Boy	Son of Ben
Azarius		Boy	God has helped
Zehra-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-And-Popularity:-Complete-Guide		Girl	Blooming flower; To shine; Bright; Brilliant
Tayler		Unisex	Tailor; To cut
Caedmon-Name-Meaning:-Origin,-History-&-Musical-Legacy		Boy	Battle; Battler
Zina		Girl	Sky; Shine
Calahan		Boy	Bright-headed; Strife
Zivah		Girl	One who is bright; Radiant
Thelma		Unisex	Will; Desire; Volition
Yanet:-Complete-Guide-To-Name-Meaning,-Popularity-&-More		Girl	God is gracious
Tommi		Unisex	Twin
Carrick		Boy	Name of a town; Rocky place; Hound of the rock
Vidalia		Unisex	Wonderful life
Adaliah		Girl	Noble one; Kind; God is my refuge; Yahweh is my refuge
Conlan		Boy	Hero; Valor; Strong wolf
Aeryn		Girl	Ireland
Aisla		Girl	Hailing from Ailsa Craig; Dream; Vision
Braxley		Unisex	Field of Brock
Daelan		Boy	From the Daelan; Toward tide or flow

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