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
Meer		Boy	Mayor; Leader; Elite; King; Chief
Jameela		Girl	Beautiful; A good-looking woman
Haset		Unisex	Joy; Delight; Happiness
Illyana		Girl	My God is Yahweh
Ianna-Name-Meaning:-History,-Popularity,-And-Key-Insights		Unisex	God is gracious
Jasmina-Name-Origin-And-Meaning:-Complete-Guide		Girl	Jasmine flower
Ilhan		Unisex	Subordinate Khan
Mubashir		Boy	The bringer of good news
Jazlin		Girl	The forest of olive tree; Blue planet; Jasmine blossom
Imaan		Unisex	Faith; To be faithful
Jalyssa		Girl	Invented name
Ned-Name-Meaning-And-History:-A-Comprehensive-Guide		Boy	Protector of riches; Wealthy guardian
Nikolay		Boy	Victory; The triumph of the public
Josefine		Girl	God will add
Julisa		Girl	Jupiter's child; Downy-bearded
Osbaldo-Name-Meaning:-Comprehensive-Guide-To-Origin-&-History		Boy	Mighty God
Owais		Boy	A wolf
Mattix		Unisex	Son of Madoc
Jannatul-Name:-A-Complete-Guide-To-Meaning,-Origin-&-Popularity		Unisex	Gardens of the
Kamelia-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-And-Popularity:-A-Complete-Guide		Girl	Shurb
Raekwon-Baby-Name-Guide:-Meaning,-Pronunciation,-And-Popularity		Boy	Great army
Jizelle		Girl	To owe; Pledge
Kamyra:-Meaning,-Pronunciation-&-Popularity-Definitive-Guide		Girl	Surrounded by sunlight
Rajah		Boy	Prince
Redford		Boy	An English habitational name; To ride; Ford that can be crossed on horseback
Reuel-Name-Meaning:-A-Comprehensive-Guide-For-Parents		Boy	God's friend
Quan		Boy	Spring; Fountain; Power; Whole; Fine cloth; Army
Rigel-Name-Meaning-And-Origin:-A-Comprehensive-Guide-In-2025		Boy	Foot
Kailana		Unisex	Sea and sky
Kimberley-Name-Meaning:-Complete-Origin,-History-&-Facts		Girl	Woodland clearing of the royal fortress
Rodger		Boy	Renowned warrior; Spear; Glory; Launches; Fame
Kimiko-Name:-Complete-Guide-To-Meaning,-Origin-And-Popularity		Girl	Noble child; Valuable and beautiful child; Senior; Empress
Russ		Boy	A little red one
Kierstyn		Girl	Follower of Christ; A christian
Sachin-Name-Meaning:-Ultimate-Guide-To-Origin-&-History		Boy	True; Real
Rishiv		Boy	Knowledgeable; Saintly
Keylee		Unisex	Pure; Wharf; Key; Meadow; Slender
Sanford		Boy	From sand ford
Saud-Name-Meaning:-Guide-To-Origin,-Variations-&-Popularity		Boy	Fortunate; Good luck
Raiyan		Unisex	Watered; Luxuriant; Heaven's gate
Rawlings-Name:-Pronunciation,-Popularity-&-Key-Insights		Unisex	Fame; Wolf
Seneca		Boy	An old man; Place of stones
Lainie		Girl	Torch; Corposant
Simba-Name-Origin,-Meaning-&-History:-What-You-Need-To-Know		Boy	Power; Strength; Lion
Swayze-Name-Meaning:-Origin,-History-&-2025-Popularity		Boy	To burn; Swiss
Luanna-Name-Meaning-And-Popularity-Trends:-A-Complete-Guide		Girl	Happiness; Famous warrior; Grace
Sekou		Boy	Leader of a tribe; An elderly man; Islamic scholar
Lyndsey-Name-Guide:-Meaning,-Variants-&-Popularity		Girl	Island of Lind; Lincoln island; The pool colony
Leidy		Girl	Bread kneader
Tennessee		Boy	A meeting place; Where the waters meet
Terron		Boy	Man of the earth
Mahala		Girl	Weak; Sick; Lyre
Shon		Girl	God is gracious
Timofey		Boy	Honoring God
Larkyn		Unisex	From Laurentum; Of Lorcan; Little fierce one; Songbird
Maile		Girl	A vine or a shrub
Tommaso		Boy	Twin
Leira-Baby-Name-Guide:-Pronunciation,-Meaning-&-Popularity		Unisex	Pertaining to a legion
Malu		Girl	One who brings peace
Lillee-Baby-Name-Guide:-Meaning,-Popularity-&-Pronunciation		Unisex	Lily; Purity
Manal		Girl	One who achieved great
Mahayla-Baby-Name:-Meaning,-Pronunciation-&-Complete-Guide		Girl	Weak; Sick; Iyre
Taika		Girl	Thunder
Maryanna		Girl	Sea of bitterness; Rebelliousness; Wished-for child; Beloved; Love; Favor; Grace
Meenakshi		Girl	A girl with beautiful, fish-like eyes
Maleyah		Girl	Love; Beloved; Rebelliousness; Sea of bitterness
Syris		Unisex	Sun
Yordan		Boy	Descent; Flow down
Uhtred		Boy	Pre-dawn; Advice; Earl
Natalyn-Name-Meaning:-Origin,-History-&-Expert-Insights		Girl	Christmas day; I am born; Native; Lake
Umair		Boy	Long-lived; Prosperous; Populous
Valerio		Boy	To be strong
Meryem-Name-Meaning-&-Origin:-Comprehensive-Guide		Girl	Beloved; Wished for child; Sea of bitterness
Zayed		Boy	To grow; To increase; Abundance; Progress
Neeva		Girl	Sacred; Holy; Connection; Bright
Neha-Name-Meaning:-All-You-Need-To-Know-For-Parents		Girl	Love; Tenderness; Rain; Wisdom
Zoran		Boy	Dawn; Aurora
Noreen		Girl	Esteem; Honor; Dignity; Luminous
Tully		Unisex	Peaceful
Yohannes:-Complete-Guide-To-Pronunciation,-Meaning-&-Popularity		Boy	Yahweh is gracious
Mehr-Name-Meaning-&-History:-Persian-Origin,-Popularity-Guide		Unisex	Love; Friendship; Kindness
Nyssa		Girl	To test; Goal; Tree: New beginning
Abdulahi		Boy	God's servant
Zaheer		Boy	Helper; Supporter; Shining; Brilliant; Radiant; Booming
Merary		Unisex	Bitter
Oliviana-Name-Meaning,-Popularity,-&-Complete-Guide-for-2025		Girl	Olive; Olive tree; Gracious olive tree
Abran-Baby-Name-Guide:-Meaning,-Pronunciation-&-Popularity		Boy	High father
Vishruth-Name:-Guide-To-Pronunciation,-Meaning-&-Trends		Unisex	Famous; Renowned; Well-known; Widespread
Parnika		Girl	A small leaf; Goddess Parvati
Achilleus		Boy	Pain
Wheeler		Unisex	Someone who makes or repairs wheels; Wheels
Rainbow		Girl	Arc of multicoloured light; Brave; Counsel
Zorian-Baby-Name-Guide:-Pronunciation,-Popularity-&-Meaning		Boy	Star; Dawn
Adrik		Boy	One who is from Hadria; Dark; Small mountain
Rima-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-And-History:-Comprehensive-Guide		Girl	White antelope; Advantage; Flax; To calm down; To quieten; Beloved; Goddess Durga
Aleck		Boy	Defender of mankind
Alric		Boy	Ruler of all; Noble ruler
Zhane-Baby-Name-Complete-Guide:-Meaning,-Popularity-&-More		Unisex	God is gracious
Noriah		Unisex	Light
Novi		Unisex	New

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