Top Baby Names For 2021
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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
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 | |
| | Girl | Desire; Life; Bird-like; Voice; Sound | |
| | Boy | Olive; Olive tree planter; Ancestor's descendant; All cautious | |
| | Girl | Free person; Petite | |
| | Boy | Yahweh is my God | |
| | Girl | She who possesses great knowledge and wisdom | |
| | Boy | Will; Protector | |
| | Girl | Hard working; Industrious | |
| | Boy | Supplanter | |
| | Girl | God is my oath | |
| | Boy | Son of the right hand; Son of the south | |
| | 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 | |
| | Boy | Defender of mankind | |
| | Unisex | Someone who plays the harp | |
| | Girl | Religious attendant; Priest's helper | |
| | Boy | Stone worker | |
| | Boy | Who is like God? | |
| | Girl | My father is joy; Cause of joy | |
| | Boy | Enduring; Firm; Strong | |
| | Girl | God is gracious | |
| | Boy | God is my judge | |
| | Girl | Moon | |
| | Boy | May God protect; Holder of the heel; Supplanter | |
| | Girl | Beautiful; Goddess; Other | |
| | Boy | Little hollow | |
| | Girl | My God is an oath | |
| | Boy | Son of Jack | |
| | Girl | Wisdom | |
| | Boy | Joined; Attached; He will join | |
| | Girl | To strive; To excel; Hardworking; Rival | |
| | Boy | From Sebaste; Venerable; Exalted | |
| | Unisex | Ruler of elves; Elf counsel | |
| | Boy | God's gift | |
| | Girl | Gracious; Dear; Soldier; Miracles | |
| | Boy | God is gracious; Healthy; Supplanter | |
| | Girl | The color scarlet; Bright red; A person who sold or made clothes made of scarlet | |
| | Boy | Well-born; Noble birth; Born from the yew tree | |
| | Girl | The other Aenor; Shining light; Riches; Fame | |
| | Unisex | God's gift | |
| | Girl | Night; Dark | |
| | Unisex | Little fire | |
| | Boy | Name of God; God has heard | |
| | Girl | Weaver; Duck | |
| | Boy | He will add; Praise | |
| | Girl | Fresh blooming; Ripe green shoot; Yellow | |
| | Girl | Song; Air; Melody | |
| | Boy | God is gracious | |
| | Girl | Goodness; Generosity | |
| | Boy | Beloved; Uncle | |
| | Boy | Brave at war; War strength | |
| | Girl | God is my light; My God is an oath; Torch | |
| | Girl | Light; Bright; Honor; Dignity; Victorious | |
| | Boy | God's gift | |
| | Boy | Bringer of light; From Lucania; Light | |
| | Girl | The hazel tree | |
| | Boy | Happy; Blessed; Someone who lived by an ash tree or ash grove | |
| | Girl | Eternal Life; Life; To breathe; Alive; To live | |
| | Boy | Tourist; Sojourner; Son of Carter; One who uses a cart | |
| | Boy | Youthful; Bright; Juvenile; Downy-bearded | |
| | Girl | Victory; Roman goddess of victory | |
| | Boy | Son of a gray-haired person | |
| | Girl | Name of a flower; Purity; Innocence | |
| | Boy | Lion | |
| | Girl | Dawn | |
| | Girl | Purple; Purple flower | |
| | Unisex | God will judge; Thankful | |
| | Unisex | God is my strength | |
| | Girl | New; New star | |
| | Girl | Grace; Favor; God has favored me | |
| | Boy | He will laugh; He will rejoice; Laughter | |
| | Girl | Life | |
| | Boy | Pool or lake colony | |
| | Girl | Rival; Laborious; Eager | |
| | Boy | Flower | |
| | Unisex | Star; Pillar | |
| | Boy | To tide; To flow | |
| | Boy | Son of Hudde; Mind; Thought; Spirit | |
| | Girl | Boar meadow; Boar clearing | |
| | Boy | Help | |
| | Girl | Island | |
| | Boy | Twin | |
| | Girl | Weary; Tired; Cow | |
| | Boy | Free man | |
| | Girl | My god is an oath; Lily flower; Purity | |
| | Boy | Son of Adam; Son of Addie | |
| | Boy | Bearer of Christ; One who carries Christ | |
| | Boy | Son of Jack; God is gracious | |
| | Girl | Willow tree; Freedom | |
| | Boy | Jehovah supports | |
| | Girl | Light | |
| | Boy | Independent person who avoids conformity | |
| | Girl | Church | |
| | Boy | Yahweh is salvation; God saves | |
| | Girl | Birthday; Birthday of the God; Christmas; Festival of the nativity | |
Reflecting a dynamic shift in parental preferences, the popular baby names of 2021 highlight the increasing interest in versatile names. These names may be derived from different languages and cultures but are loved by parents in the US. While some parents continue to favor traditional choices, others are embracing more unconventional and adventurous names. This trend reveals a growing willingness among parents to select names that are not only meaningful but also reflect their values and aspirations for their children.
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
References
- Popular Names in 2020.
https://www.ssa.gov/oact/babynames/
Look Up For Many More Names
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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