Baby name trends: Names rising and falling in 2021

Baby name trends are as unpredictable as they are fluid. In a year when Harry and Meghan named their baby girl Lilibet, we also find classics such as Walter, Raymond, Ruth, and Bonnie on the list of top rising names, alongside modern choices like Legacy, New, and Onyx. The data from 2021 shows fascinating patterns emerging, with vintage names making strong comebacks while unique, meaning-rich names gain popularity among new parents. Cultural influences, celebrity choices, and shifts in societal values all play significant roles in determining which names climb the charts and which ones fall out of favor. One thing we can predict is that some names will always rise and fall like ocean tides: New names will appear, and old names will recede, only to turn up again in another century.

In the spirit of digging into baby-naming trends, we've scrutinized Momcozy's top 500 baby names for boys and girls in 2021 and compared them with their 2020 rankings to see which names have risen the most and which have fallen. 2021 is not over, but as parents search for that elusive, perfect name, we're seeing fascinating patterns emerge: They've mined the Earth for ancient gemstones like Jade and Amber, searched the forests for catchy tree names such as Willow and Aspen, sifted through popular culture – from Pixar characters to TikTok influencers – embraced gender-neutral options like Riley and Jordan, discovered meaningful word names including Journey and Nova, and paid homage to Greek gods, cherished ancestors, and recently deceased contemporary heroes who've left lasting impressions on our collective consciousness.

Girls' names on the rise in 2021

Top trending female names gaining popularity

Stevie leads the pack as 2021's fastest-rising girl's name, jumping an impressive 122 spots since 2020. This gender-neutral name's surge can be attributed to cultural influences like Stevie Nicks, Fleetwood Mac's iconic vocalist who enjoyed renewed popularity when her song Dreams went viral on TikTok in 2020. The lovable character Stevie from the award-winning series Schitt's Creek may have also contributed to the name's appeal. Other names gaining significant traction include Maeve, likely boosted by the compelling character in Netflix's Sex Education, and Billie, as singer Billie Eilish continues to dominate pop culture. Nature-inspired names like Willow and Ivy reflect growing environmental consciousness, while vintage choices such as Florence and Margot demonstrate the cyclical nature of naming trends. These rising names showcase a blend of cultural influences, celebrity inspiration, and a continued preference for names that are both distinctive and meaningful.

A notable pattern has emerged in 2021's rising baby girl names, with seven of the top ten trending names ending with the 'ee' sound. Names like Bonnie, Kilani, Lainey, Mallory, and Rory are leading this phonetic trend. This melodic ending creates a playful yet timeless quality that parents are increasingly drawn to. Interestingly, while these 'ee' ending names gain momentum, traditional favorites such as Emily and Mackenzie are declining in popularity. Experts predict this shift toward softer, more melodious name endings will continue to dominate naming trends in the coming years, reflecting parents' desire for names that are both distinctive and pleasant to the ear.

Nature-inspired naming trends have gained significant momentum in 2021, with oak-derived names showing particular growth. Names like Oaklee, Oaklynn, and Oakley all appear among the top 25 fastest-rising names for girls. This botanical theme extends beyond oak varieties, with other nature-inspired names such as Willow, Aspen, Ivy, and Juniper also seeing substantial popularity increases. These choices reflect growing parental interest in names that evoke natural beauty, sustainability, and a connection to the outdoors. The trend appears to be part of a broader movement toward unique names with meaningful origins that still maintain a modern, distinctive sound.

2021 has been notably marked by the surge in popularity of names beginning with 'L'. Names like Lainey, Leighton, Lyra, Legacy, Lennon, and Lorelei have all secured positions in our top 25 risers list. The 'L' trend continues beyond the top rankings, with names such as Liana, Lucille, Lilith, Little, and Lyric showing significant incremental growth. This phenomenon raises curiosity about the future trajectory of the royal-inspired name Lilibet. Meanwhile, nature-inspired names and vintage classics are making comebacks, reflecting parents' increasing desire for uniqueness balanced with traditional resonance.

Names ending with an 'a' continue to dominate the charts in 2021, with several climbing rapidly in popularity. Nadia, Melissa, and Ophelia all show significant gains this year, reflecting parents' ongoing preference for melodic feminine endings. Nature-inspired choices like Magnolia are gaining momentum, alongside more unique options such as Octavia and Cataleya. Cultural diversity is also evident in trending names, with Haya making notable strides. These rising names offer a blend of traditional charm and contemporary appeal, perfect for parents seeking something both recognizable and distinctive for their daughters.

Giving newborns the name of a lost loved one has always been a way to honor a missed hero, mentor, or family member, and as predicted last year, Ruth emerged as a strong riser following the death of Supreme Court Judge Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who spent her life fighting for gender equality. Other classic names gaining momentum include Iris, Willa, and Florence, reflecting parents' return to vintage elegance. Modern favorites like Luna, Maeve, and Nova continue their upward trajectory, while nature-inspired names such as Willow and Ivy resonate with environmentally-conscious millennials. Cultural influences have also boosted names like Aria and Eloise, popularized through media and literary references.

Not surprisingly, popular culture continues to heavily influence baby naming trends in 2021. TV shows remain particularly powerful naming inspirations, as evidenced by the significant rise of names like Rory and Lorelei from the beloved series Gilmore Girls. Other trending female names include Wanda, likely boosted by the Marvel series WandaVision, and Luna, which continues its astronomical rise in popularity. Nature-inspired names like Willow, Sage, and Ivy also show remarkable growth, reflecting parents' increasing preference for names with organic connections. Vintage names making comebacks include Florence, Maeve, and Margot, demonstrating the cyclical nature of naming trends as new generations rediscover classic appellations.

Boys' names on the rise in 2021

Most popular male names climbing the charts

Rising names for boys in 2021 almost all share one distinctive characteristic: they embrace uniqueness and individuality. Names like Archie, Arlo, and Atlas have seen significant jumps in popularity, while traditional classics with modern twists such as Theodore (often shortened to Theo) continue their upward trajectory. Many parents are also drawing inspiration from nature with names like River, Phoenix, and Ocean gaining momentum. Interestingly, none of the fastest-rising boy names appear in the top 25 most common names overall, suggesting parents are increasingly prioritizing distinctiveness over convention when naming their sons.

Onyx tops the boy's name risers list – with kudos to singer Iggy Azalea (born Amethyst Amelia, another type of quartz) for possibly getting the ancient gemstone-themed name for boys rolling upon the birth of her son in 2020. Other notable climbers include Khai, which saw a significant boost after model Gigi Hadid and singer Zayn Malik chose it for their daughter, inspiring parents of boys as well. Traditional names with modern appeal like Otto, Wells, and Arlo continue their steady ascent, while nature-inspired names such as River and Forest reflect growing environmental consciousness among new parents. Cultural influences from television and streaming platforms have also propelled names like Luca and Kai into the spotlight, demonstrating how entertainment continues to shape naming trends across the country.

In 2021, several distinctive boys' names gained significant popularity. Onyx led the charge, showing remarkable growth alongside names like Koda, Sterling, and Otto. Other names climbing the charts included Aziel, Cyrus, Tatum, and Royce - most representing modern, strong choices rather than traditional options. That said, a few vintage classics like Raymond, Frankie, and Warren made surprising comebacks, suggesting parents are balancing contemporary trends with nostalgic throwbacks when selecting names for their sons.

Several traditionally strong male names have surged in popularity during 2021, with names like Theo, Atlas, and Mateo seeing significant gains. The -on ending trend continues to dominate with names such as Hudson, Mason, and Jackson maintaining their appeal. Shorter, nature-inspired names like River, Kai, and Rowan have also climbed several positions on the charts. Vintage comebacks are evident too, with Theodore, Oliver, and Silas gaining renewed interest among parents seeking timeless elegance for their baby boys.

In 2021, brief and impactful four-letter boys' names dominated the rising trends. Leading the charge were Onyx and Koda, which claimed the top two positions among fastest-climbing names. The appeal of concise names continued with others gaining significant popularity, including Noel, Jett, Otto, and Tate. Parents appear drawn to names that are both succinct and distinctive, with many featuring doubled letters that add visual interest. These shorter names offer simplicity while maintaining a strong, memorable presence – a combination proving irresistible to modern parents seeking something simultaneously unique and approachable.

The data for 2021 shows several boys' names making significant leaps in popularity. Archie continues its upward trajectory, likely influenced by the royal connection. Theodore and Leo are showing strong momentum, reflecting the ongoing trend toward classic names with historical roots. Meanwhile, contemporary favorites Maverick and Mateo demonstrate the growing influence of multicultural naming practices. Media continues to shape naming preferences, with characters from popular streaming series driving interest in names like Otis and Maeve. For parents seeking distinctive yet familiar options, rising names such as Atlas, Arlo, and Luca offer appealing alternatives to traditional top-ten selections.

Several boy names have seen remarkable jumps in popularity this year. Chadwick made an impressive leap of over 4,000 positions, likely in tribute to actor Chadwick Boseman following his passing in 2020. Other notable climbers include Luca, which gained popularity following the release of the animated film, and Theo, continuing its upward trend as a modern alternative to Theodore. Traditional names with strong meanings like Ezra, Silas, and Atlas have also captured parents' attention, reflecting a growing preference for names with historical depth and distinctive character.

Strong, traditional names are making a comeback for boys in 2021, with names like Theodore, Leo, and Arthur seeing significant jumps in popularity. Nature-inspired names such as River, Rowan, and Oak are trending upward as parents embrace earthy elements. Biblical names continue to hold their ground with Ezra, Elijah, and Micah climbing the charts. Additionally, pop culture influences are evident in rising names like Luca from the Pixar film and Otis from popular streaming shows. Short, punchy names with vintage appeal such as Max, Felix, and Hugo are also seeing a resurgence among parents seeking both classic and distinctive options for their sons.

Girls' names that are falling in 2021

Female names declining in popularity this year

Several once-popular girls' names have seen notable declines in 2021. Traditional favorites like Sophia and Olivia have slipped slightly from their top positions, moving from 1st and 2nd place to 2nd and 3rd respectively. Other consistently popular names including Lily, Ava, Piper, Ruby, Isabella, and Mia have all dropped between two and four positions on the ranking charts. Names that saw even more significant drops include Charlotte, Harper, and Zoe, reflecting shifting parental preferences. This gradual decline of previously dominant names suggests parents may be seeking more distinctive options for their daughters in 2021.

Several traditional girls' names have seen significant drops in popularity during 2021. Most notably, Alexa plummeted 94 spots on the ranking, likely due to its association with Amazon's virtual assistant as parents spent more time at home during the pandemic. This association effect extended to similar names, with Alexandria and Alexis also experiencing notable declines. Other names showing decreased popularity include Hannah, Madison, and Ashley, continuing their gradual descent from previous peak positions. Cultural influences have also impacted name choices, with some previously trending names like Gianna and Kylie seeing unexpected drops, reflecting the ever-evolving nature of naming preferences among new parents.

While parents continue to seek both classic and distinctive names for their daughters, several once-popular traditional names have seen significant drops in popularity this year. Names like Kimberly, Laura, Nicole, and Andrea that dominated birth certificates in previous decades have fallen considerably in the rankings. Other names showing notable decline include Ashley, Jennifer, Amanda, and Melissa. This shift reflects changing parental preferences toward either more vintage-inspired classics or completely unique modern options. Names with strong connections to specific decades, particularly the 1980s and 1990s, appear to be experiencing the most dramatic drops in usage.

Several traditionally popular girls' names have seen a significant decline in 2021. Haisley and Kimberly top the list of names falling out of favor, showing the steepest drops in rankings. Other names experiencing notable decreases include Ashley, Kinsley, and Emily, suggesting a possible trend away from names ending with the '-ly' sound. Interestingly, while nature-inspired names remain popular overall, with names containing 'oak' rising, those with 'ash' elements like Ashlyn and Ashley are declining. This shift reflects the ever-evolving nature of naming preferences as parents increasingly seek unique yet meaningful names for their daughters.

Boys' names that are falling in 2021

Male names becoming less common among new parents

Several traditional and once-popular boys' names have seen a notable decline in 2021. Names like Aiden, Jackson, and Logan have dropped significantly in rankings, with each falling more than 20 spots. Cultural shifts appear to be influencing parents' choices, with previously trending names like Jayden and Ethan continuing their downward trajectory. Interestingly, some names with double letters such as Aaron and Matthew have decreased in popularity, following a similar pattern to Hindi names like Aarav and Vihaan which have fallen 76 and 118 positions respectively on popular baby name lists. Parents in 2021 seem to be moving away from names that dominated the early 2000s in favor of more distinctive or heritage-inspired alternatives.

Several traditionally popular boys' names have seen significant declines in 2021. Names ending in "-son", "-ton", and "-den" that once dominated nurseries are losing ground, with Grayson, Dalton, Kason, Peyton, and Preston all dropping on the popularity charts. Other classics like Michael, David, and Ryan continue their gradual descent as parents increasingly seek more unique options. Pandemic-related associations may have impacted names like Corona and Covid, while political and cultural shifts appear to be influencing naming decisions as well, with once-trendy names like Jayden, Aiden, and Brayden experiencing notable declines.

Several previously popular boys' names have started to decline in 2021. Kylo, which gained significant traction following the new Star Wars films, has begun its descent in the popularity rankings. Celebrity-inspired names like Ashton and Jude are also showing a marked decrease this year. Perhaps most notably, Kobe, which experienced a dramatic 173 percent surge in popularity last year following the basketball legend's tragic passing, is now gradually falling down the charts. Traditional names such as Michael, David, and Robert continue their steady decline as parents increasingly seek more unique options for their sons.

While short, four-letter names are gaining popularity for boys, we're seeing a clear decline in longer, more traditional names. Several multi-syllable names have significantly dropped in the rankings this year. Names like Sebastian, Eduardo, Francisco, Mathias, Ricardo, and Jeremiah have all fallen in popularity. This shift might reflect parents' growing preference for more concise, modern-sounding names that are easier to pronounce and spell. Additionally, some culturally specific names appear to be giving way to more broadly used alternatives, though this varies by region and community. This trend of longer names declining pairs naturally with the rise of shorter, punchier boys' names we've observed elsewhere in naming patterns for 2021.

Several traditionally popular Irish boys' names have seen a significant decline in 2021. Names like Sean, Connor, Ryan, Brian, Patrick, and Finn are all becoming less common choices among new parents. This trend suggests a potential shift away from certain cultural naming patterns, though interestingly, Liam – which has Irish origins – remains extremely popular, holding the number one position in Momcozy rankings for four consecutive years. Other boys' names falling out of favor this year include Tyler, Brandon, and Justin, as parents increasingly seek more distinctive or contemporary options for their sons.

Unisex names rising and falling in 2021

Gender-neutral naming trends showing significant movement

Gender-neutral names continued to make significant waves in 2021, with several standouts showing remarkable growth. Leading the pack, Onyx and Stevie emerged as the top risers across both gender categories. Parents seem increasingly drawn to versatile names that transcend traditional gender boundaries, with options like Jett, Tatum, Little, and Frankie all gaining substantial popularity. Nature-inspired unisex choices including Sage and River maintained their upward trajectory, while surnames-turned-first-names such as Carter, Hayden, and Sawyer also showed impressive gains. Interestingly, Remington – historically associated with firearms but now also connected to personal care products – climbed significantly on both boys' and girls' naming charts. Meanwhile, some previously popular gender-neutral options like Riley, Avery, and Jordan have begun to plateau or slightly decline after years of dominance, suggesting the cyclical nature of naming trends continues even within the unisex category.

Several gender-neutral names have shown remarkable popularity shifts in 2021. Names like Lennon, Lyric, and Haven have all experienced significant rises compared to their 2020 rankings. Parents are increasingly drawn to these versatile options that work equally well across gender lines. Other unisex names gaining traction include Riley, Jordan, and Avery, reflecting the growing preference for flexibility in naming choices. Meanwhile, some traditionally popular gender-neutral names have seen surprising declines. Dylan, long considered a staple unisex option, has notably fallen across all popularity lists this year. Similarly, names like Rowan and Casey have experienced unexpected dips in usage, though experts predict these fluctuations may be temporary.

In 2021, we observed a significant surge in gender-neutral naming patterns. Word names have dominated this trend, with Nova showing impressive growth as parents embrace cosmic-inspired choices. Other nature-based unisex names gaining popularity include Ember, Winter, and River. Aspirational word names like Reign, Royalty, and Miracle continue their upward trajectory for all genders. Place names functioning as gender-neutral choices such as Salem, Milan, and Aspen have shown remarkable increases. Meanwhile, traditionally unisex names like Riley, Avery, and Jordan are maintaining their popularity, while once-popular gender-neutral names such as Taylor, Casey, and Morgan have seen gradual declines. The rise of New as a given name represents the growing interest in surnames and unconventional word names for any gender, alongside emerging favorites like Scout, Wren, and Sage.

The landscape of gender-neutral names showed interesting shifts in 2021. Names like Remi and Emery gained popularity for girls while simultaneously declining for boys, highlighting their evolving status as preferred unisex options. Other gender-neutral names seeing significant upward momentum include Riley, Finley, and River, particularly among parents seeking versatile naming options. Conversely, once-popular unisex names like Jordan, Taylor, and Casey experienced noticeable declines. This fluid movement between traditionally gendered categories reflects broader cultural shifts toward gender inclusivity in naming practices.

In 2021, we've observed fascinating shifts in the popularity of gender-neutral names. Names like Riley, Finley, and Jordan continue their upward trajectory, while traditional unisex options such as Taylor and Casey have seen slight declines. Newer entries gaining momentum include Remi, Blake, and River, reflecting parents' growing preference for names that transcend traditional gender associations. Nature-inspired unisex names like Sage and Sky are also climbing the charts, while surname-style options like Parker and Morgan maintain steady popularity. As with all naming trends, we'll need to wait for the official year-end data to confirm these patterns, but the movement toward gender-neutral naming choices appears stronger than ever in 2021.