The Top 15 Boy Names in 2021

11. Alexander

This noble name that means “defender of mankind” in Greek has defended its spot in the US top 20 names for boys since the year 2000. In 2019, Alexander hit the eleventh spot in the charts, up two places from the previous year. Since ancient times, Scottish, Polish and Yugoslavian kings, Russian emperors, and a total of eight popes have borne this majestic moniker — not to mention many inventors, explorers, and poets. Alexander has no shortage of spinoffs to suit any style — Alex, Alec, Lex, Al, Sandy, Xander, and Zan — which undoubtedly adds to its enduring appeal. In Scotland, the grandiose-sounding Gaelic version, Alasdair, is often used.