Top Baby Names at a Glance: Most Popular Names of 2021

Looking for the top baby names of 2021? Every year, the Social Security Administration shares the top baby names, as compiled from the last year's birth certificates. But who wants last year's name? Keep your baby's name in the now by looking at this list of the top 20 trending baby names for girls and boys. Some are similar to last year, but a few new names are on the rise.

According to recent naming trends and Google searches, the name Liam holds the top spot for boys. And, it topped the list last year too. Liam was the most popular name for boys across the board. Looking at the Irish origins, Liams are "strong-willed warriors." This is also a shortened version of the name Uilliam or William. A few famous Liams have included actor Liam Neeson, athlete Liam Tancock, and author Liam O'Flaherty.

Taking the top spot for girls is Olivia. With origins that date back to Shakespeare's Twelfth Night, it's no surprise that Olivia comes in first. This strong name, which is of Greek origin and means "olive tree," has several famous examples like actresses Olivia Newton-John, Olivia Munn, Olivia Wilde and singer Olivia Rodrigo. You might also find the variation Alivia!

Oftentimes a trendy name can be unisex. Such is the case with the name Noah. Noah is derived from a Hebrew name meaning "rest or comfort." This strong name was also featured in the Bible as the moniker for the creator of the famous Ark. TikTok star Noah Beck and singer Noah Cyrus both carry this biblical name.

Emma is a Germanic name that means "universal or whole." Not only will your child bear the name of some great historical figures like Emma of Normandy, a queen of England, but also famous Emmas like Emma Watson, Emma Stone and Emma Thompson, all actresses, and Emma Green Tregaro, an Olympic athlete.

Are you looking for a top baby name with historical roots? Look no further than the name Oliver. This classic name has various interpretations. If you look at its Latin roots, it's the male version of Olivia, meaning "olive tree." However, this name is linked to Old Norse as well. In this sense, Oliver means "ancestor's descendants." Regardless of the variation you choose, this name is associated with peace, beauty, and dignity, making it the perfect choice for your little one. And when you are looking for fame in a name, think about Oliver Hudson, Oliver Stone and Oliver Cromwell.

This popular name can hold dual meanings depending on its origin. In Latin origins, Ava means "like a bird." However, it could also be a shortened form of Chava, which means "life or living." Whatever the case, this is a sweet name for your baby girl. And if you want a name with accolades, Ava of Melk was the first known Germanic woman poet.

Elijah is a trendy name in the U.S. this year. Elijah is a Hebrew name that skyrocketed to popularity in the 90s and still maintains a solid place among popular baby names in 2021. Meaning "my God is Yahweh," this name can be found in the Old Testament and among famous Hollywood stars like Elijah Wood.

With timeless classic tales like Charlotte's Web, and the author Charlotte Bronte, it's no wonder that Charlotte is a popular French name. If you think your little girl is a princess, you may be interested to know that this is a common name for royalty as well, such as Prince William's daughter, Princess Charlotte.

Is your precious baby boy the light of your life? Try the name Lucas on for size. This name is a variation of the name Luke from the Bible and has Latin roots meaning "light or illumination."

Enlighten your child with the ever-popular name Sophia. Popular in the Middle Ages, Sophia is making a comeback in the U.S. Not only is it a sophisticated name for your bundle of joy, but it also has the Greek meaning "wisdom or divine wisdom." Made popular by famous faces like Sophia Loren, you'll also find this name on the likes of Sofia Vergara. Don't forget those famous Sophies either!

You'll find the roots to the name Levi in the Old Testament of the Bible. Levi is derived from the word Levites and holds the meaning of "united or joined." It's also been known to mean "joined in harmony." A couple famous Levis you might find floating around the internet include actor Levi Miller, and TikTok star Levi Underhill.

Another popular girl's name in 2021 is Amelia. This Latin name translates to "industrious or striving," but it can also mean "defender." You'll see the name as the popular title character in the children's book series, Amelia Bedelia; and it's also the name of world famous aviator Amelia Earhart.

The name James is the moniker for individuals including James Madison, King James, and James D. Watson, a famous scientist. It has also been made famous through the book and subsequent film, James and the Giant Peach. This name is of Hebrew origin and means "supplanter" or "he who supplants."

Mia is the perfect choice for that baby girl you adore. This is a powerful name linked to soccer legend Mia Hamm and actress Mia Wasikowska. Mia is a Latin name that means "wished for" or "mine." With countless children wished for daily, it makes sense that the name Mia is a hit.

Asher is a name that's been trending for a few years. Some famous Ashers include actors Asher Angel and Asher Sheets. A versatile name, Asher isn't just for boys, as evidenced by actress Asher Keddie's first name. Derived from Hebrew, this name holds the beautiful meaning of "blessed" and "happy." This is sure to describe the little one joining your family.

Isabella also held a top spot for leading name among various sources in 2021. This ancient name of Hebrew origin means "devoted to God," and can be found in royalty, such as Isabella of Portugal, throughout history. If you are searching for more recent Isabellas, look no further than Isabella Rossellini, a model and actress.

The name Benjamin has been linked to several industrious people in history such as Benjamin Banneker and Benjamin Franklin. More recent Benjamins you might find include actor Benjamin Bratt or Benjamin (Ben) Affleck. The origins of this name are Hebrew and mean "son of the South," "son of the right hand," or "son of my old age."

When you think of the name Luna, there is a reason you think of Lunar. That's because Luna has the Latin meaning "moon." However, Luna was also a Roman goddess of, you guessed it, the moon. You might recognize the name Luna Lovegood from the Harry Potter series. This celestial name is whimsical and elegant.

Mateo is a version of the Hebrew Matteo, which means "gift of God." However, you'll also find the Italian version of Matteo or Mattia, which stands for Matthew. Both Matteo and Matthew are two spellings of the same meaningful name. But, Mateo feels a bit more trendy than the classic Matthew. When it comes to fame and fortune associated with this name, look no further than Mateo Arias.

Rounding out the trendiest names for girls is Harper. Harper has English and Irish roots and means "harp player" or "player of the harp." Well-known Harpers of the world include Harper Lee, the author of To Kill a Mockingbird.

While the popularity of names shifts slightly, you can be sure any of the names on this list will still be popular baby names throughout this year. Now that you have more clarity on baby names, you are sure to land on the perfect fit for your child.