Top Baby Names In USA For 2021
Discover the most trendy and classy names of 2021.
Illustration: MomJunction Design Team
Naming trends in the US show slight changes every year. Top US baby names in 2021 showed that parents prefer names that are not just meaningful and traditional but relevant in modern times. They preferred names with a rich background but also a contemporary sound. Owing to this change in preference, unconventional names saw a pique in interest and rose in the popularity charts.
The classic favorites Olivia (peace) and Emma (universal) stayed at the top of the list as parents continued to shower love on these timeless names. Alongside them, the popularity list also highlighted unique and trendy choices like Nora (light) and Scarlett (the color scarlet), which also gained significant attention. For boys, Liam (protector) and Noah (to rest) stayed right up at the top of the list, while more unconventional choices like Grayson (son of a gray-haired person) and Connor (lover of wolves) also won the affection of parents. Below is a list of the most popular names in the US, based on the official SSA data (1). Look for a stylish and trendy name for your little one.
In This Article
Browse Top Baby Names by Gender
Browse Top Baby Names by Year
| Name | Gender | Meaning | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |  Boy | Strong-willed warrior; Protector; Guardian; My nation; My people | |
| | Girl | Peace; Olive tree | |
| | Girl | Whole; Universal | |
| |  Unisex | Rest; Comfort | |
| | Boy | Olive; Olive tree planter; Ancestor's descendant; All cautious | |
| | Girl | Desire; Life; Bird-like; Voice; Sound | |
| | Boy | Yahweh is my God | |
| | Girl | Free person; Petite | |
| | Girl | She who possesses great knowledge and wisdom | |
| | Boy | Will; Protector | |
| | Boy | Supplanter | |
| | Girl | Hard working; Industrious | |
| | Boy | Son of the right hand; Son of the south | |
| | Girl | God is my oath | |
| | Girl | Mine; Dear; Darling; Wished-for child; Sea of bitterness; Beloved; Rebelliousness | |
| | Boy | Bringer of light; From Lucania; Light | |
| | Girl | Life; Hazelnut; Lake; Beauty | |
| | Boy | Home ruler | |
| | Unisex | Someone who plays the harp | |
| | Boy | Defender of mankind | |
| | Girl | Religious attendant; Priest's helper | |
| | Boy | Stone worker | |
| | Girl | My father is joy; Cause of joy | |
| | Boy | Who is like God? | |
| | Girl | God is gracious | |
| | Boy | Enduring; Firm; Strong | |
| | Girl | Moon | |
| | Boy | God is my judge | |
| | Girl | Beautiful; Goddess; Other | |
| | Boy | May God protect; Holder of the heel; Supplanter | |
| | Girl | My God is an oath | |
| | Boy | Little hollow | |
| | Girl | Wisdom | |
| | Boy | Son of Jack | |
| | Girl | To strive; To excel; Hardworking; Rival | |
| | Boy | Joined; Attached; He will join | |
| | Unisex | Ruler of elves; Elf counsel | |
| | Boy | From Sebaste; Venerable; Exalted | |
| | Girl | Gracious; Dear; Soldier; Miracles | |
| | Boy | God's gift | |
| | Girl | The color scarlet; Bright red; A person who sold or made clothes made of scarlet | |
| | Boy | God is gracious; Healthy; Supplanter | |
| | Girl | The other Aenor; Shining light; Riches; Fame | |
| | Boy | Well-born; Noble birth; Born from the yew tree | |
| | Unisex | God's gift | |
| | Unisex | Little fire | |
| | Girl | Night; Dark | |
| | Girl | Weaver; Duck | |
| | Boy | Name of God; God has heard | |
| | Girl | Fresh blooming; Ripe green shoot; Yellow | |
| | Boy | He will add; Praise | |
| | Girl | Song; Air; Melody | |
| | Boy | God is gracious | |
| | Girl | Goodness; Generosity | |
| | Boy | Beloved; Uncle | |
| | Girl | God is my light; My God is an oath; Torch | |
| | Boy | Brave at war; War strength | |
| | Girl | Light; Bright; Honor; Dignity; Victorious | |
| | Boy | God's gift | |
| | Girl | The hazel tree | |
| | Boy | Bringer of light; From Lucania; Light | |
| | Girl | Eternal Life; Life; To breathe; Alive; To live | |
| | Boy | Happy; Blessed; Someone who lived by an ash tree or ash grove | |
| | Boy | Tourist; Sojourner; Son of Carter; One who uses a cart | |
| | Girl | Victory; Roman goddess of victory | |
| | Boy | Youthful; Bright; Juvenile; Downy-bearded | |
| | Girl | Name of a flower; Purity; Innocence | |
| | Boy | Son of a gray-haired person | |
| | Girl | Dawn | |
| | Boy | Lion | |
| | Girl | Purple; Purple flower | |
| | Unisex | God will judge; Thankful | |
| | Unisex | God is my strength | |
| | Girl | New; New star | |
| | Boy | He will laugh; He will rejoice; Laughter | |
| | Girl | Grace; Favor; God has favored me | |
| | Girl | Life | |
| | Boy | Pool or lake colony | |
| | Girl | Rival; Laborious; Eager | |
| | Boy | Flower | |
| | Unisex | Star; Pillar | |
| | Boy | To tide; To flow | |
| | Girl | Boar meadow; Boar clearing | |
| | Boy | Son of Hudde; Mind; Thought; Spirit | |
| | Boy | Help | |
| | Girl | Island | |
| | Boy | Twin | |
| | Girl | Weary; Tired; Cow | |
| | Boy | Free man | |
| | Girl | My god is an oath; Lily flower; Purity | |
| | Boy | Bearer of Christ; One who carries Christ | |
| | Boy | Son of Adam; Son of Addie | |
| | Girl | Willow tree; Freedom | |
| | Boy | Son of Jack; God is gracious | |
| | Girl | Light | |
| | Boy | Jehovah supports | |
| | Girl | Church | |
| | Boy | Independent person who avoids conformity | |
| | Girl | Birthday; Birthday of the God; Christmas; Festival of the nativity | |
| | Boy | Yahweh is salvation; God saves | |
This list of top US baby names in 2021 offers several name choices. It includes everything from well-loved classics and trendy modern names to unique imports. Explore the list to discover a potential gem for your little one that might perfectly align with your desired qualities. While it’s tempting to choose a name just because it’s popular, aim for a name that resonates with you and would make your child stand out for a unique name.
Infographic: Nature-related Names Popular In 2021
Nature-inspired names carry a refreshing simplicity that ties individuals to the natural world, evoking a sense of peace and calm. These names often symbolize growth and strength. The infographic below highlights some of the most popular nature-related names that parents in the US have cherished over the years.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
References
- Popular Names in 2020.
https://www.ssa.gov/oact/babynames/
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Do you have a name in mind and want to know more about it? Or want to find names belonging to a particular origin, religion, or having a specific meaning? Use our search tool below to explore more baby names with different combinations.
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