Top Trending Baby Names of 2020 and 2021 with Meanings

Coming from a person with a very unique name, naming your child should be fun, but also definitely take time to do your research so you have a story to tell your baby when they get older about what their name and all the fun backstories that got you to finally select that name for them.  After all, the name that you give your child will be a permanent part of your child’s identity for their entire life. Naming your child is one of the most important decisions you will make as a parent.  I’ve gathered the top 20 baby names for girls and boys for 2020 and 2021 to help you decide on your new baby’s name. I’ve also included the meaning for each one to make it easier for you. Let the journey begin!

Top Baby Girl Names for 2020-2021

1. Amelia (work)
2. Charlotte (free)
3. Olivia (ancestor’s descendant)
4. Luna (the moon)
5. Ava (like a bird)
6. Sophia (wisdom) Often spelled Sofia.
7. Chloe (verdant and blooming)
8. Riley (from the eye, clearing)
9. Emma (universal)
10. Aurora (dawn)
11. Maeve (intoxicating)
12. Aria (solo melody)
13. Aaliyah (high, sublime)
14. Layla (night or black)
15. Zoe (life)
16. Camilla (perfect)
17. Eliana (God has answered)
18. Mila (people’s favor)
19. Everly (from the board meadow)
20. Avery (elf king)

Top Baby Boy Names for 2020-2021 

1. Oliver (descendant of the ancestor)
2. Ethan (firm, strong)
3. Liam (with gilded helmet)
4. Theodore (divine gift)
5. Aiden (little fire)
6. Elijah (my God is Yahweh)
7. Noah (rest or peace)
8. Jackson (son of Jack/John)
9. Grayson (of the grey-haired one)
10. Lucas (from Lucania, Italy)
11. Caden (fighter)
12. Mateo (gift of God)
13. Muhammed (worthy of praise)
14. Mason (stone worker, brick layer)
15. Carter (driver of a cart)
16. Sebastian (venerable)
17. James (supplanter)
18. Michael (who is like God?)
19. Benjamin (son of my right hand)
20. Logan (little hollow)

Name definitions are from BabyNames.com.

Trends in Baby Names

 Do you ever wonder what influences current baby names? Pop culture is a popular influencer. Some draw inspiration from favorite celebrities, characters from favorite books, and favorite musical artists. I can definitely foresee Taylor, Selena, Billie and Ariana as potential name ideas in the future. Another influence comes from popular political candidates. One of my favorite names that I foresee becoming popular would be Alexandria, as in AOC. Many of the names we see rise in popularity are enjoyed for a period of time and then drop down on the baby name list for that particular year for a variety of reasons. But don’t let trends or popularity drive your decision. Explore the many potential names out there and trust that you’ll know when you’ve landed on the right one(s).

4 Tips for Picking a Baby Name

1. Research the meaning behind the names you have selected. My husband and I eliminated a lot of the names we liked once we found out their meanings. I didn’t want any of those associations to the names we had originally picked, so this helped us eliminate a lot of names on both sides of our lists. Fewer names makes it easier to narrow down the perfect name for your child.
2. Stay away from funny names. Just know that they can easily be a target for teasing as they grow up. Trust me, as a person with a unique name, kids can get really creative when it comes to teasing. Who knew they could derive Greasy Drisy from Dris (my nickname)?
3. Brainstorm with your partner. When selecting a baby name, try to sit down with your partner and write a list of baby names that you each like and go from there. Ask for the reasoning behind the name choices. Really focus on hearing both sides as to why they like or dislike a name on the lists you both provide each other. Listening and sharing will really help.
4. My most favorite tip would be: it’s okay to change your mind about the name you picked at the time you give birth. There is no rule on changing it even after you might have had a baby shower with the name on all of the decorations. It’s okay. It’s your baby and you can do whatever you want. If your gut is telling you that you want another name after seeing their sweet face, then name your baby whatever you feel in your heart. Don’t let anyone pressure you into a name, including the nurse or doctor who delivered your baby or your family members. They will try, trust me!

The top 2021 baby names that we might see for the coming year are Olivia, Emma, Ava and Sophia for girls and Liam, Oliver, William, Noah and Elijah for boys. 

I can’t stress enough that this is supposed to be a happy time in your life while you prepare yourself for a new bundle of joy. Picking a name should be fun and don’t let the outsider information let you get too stressed out. Do your research on meanings, most popular names, and perhaps family history, but know that each baby deserves to have their own identity. You got this!

 Choose the name that the most to you and your partner. I wish you the best luck on the most beautiful journey of parenthood. I’m sure whatever name you choose for your baby will be perfect. I hope this list of top 20 baby names for 2020 and 2021 helped you on your search for choosing a baby name.