15 Most Popular Baby Names in 2021 (and 5 Becoming Extinct)

2020 has been a year like no other but if there’s one thing we can always rely on, it’s babies being born.

Picking the perfect name is one of the first, most important decisions parents must make. And while there are many factors that contribute to the decision, often times the popularity vote wins. All you need to do is look at lists from years past and you’ll see a lot of familiar names.

Whether it’s classic or traditional, easy to pronounce and spell, or unique and trendy, these are what Nameberry predicts will be the top baby names of 2021. Some for boys, others for girls (never forget: gender is a social construct). But don’t worry, there are gender-neutral options also available and there are those that no one wants to use anymore. (Yes, those ones.)

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Girls: Olivia

There's something about the letter A that people love. The Top 5 girls names all end with the first letter of the alphabet (with one that starts with A too). Perhaps it gives it a more melodic touch of class. Either way, Olivia has been tops on these lists for the last several years now. Plus, Liv makes for an adorable yet grownup nickname.

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Girls: Emma

Former number one Emma has always is short, sweet and classic. Look for Emmas to continue to dominate on playgrounds.

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Girls: Ava

Shorter and some would argue sweeter than Emma, Ava is a little bit more exotic — which may be why it's continuously gaining in popularity. The bonus is there's really only one way to spell it so don't look for it to be mispronounced anytime soon.

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Girls: Sophia

An oldie but a goodie (and sometimes the "ph" is replaced by an "f") but however you spell the gorgeous moniker, there'll likely be thousands of it on 2021 birth certificates.

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Girls: Isabella

No matter how you cut it, nicknames are important — and with Isabella, you get two for the price of one: Izzy and/or Bella. It may just depend on whether you're a Grey's Anatomy fan or a Twihard.

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Boys: Liam

The top two boys' names have basically traded spots over the last several years but Liam refused to relinquish the top spot for 2021.

Boy sitting outside of crib with teddy bear on his lap

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Boys: Noah

Noah's biblical roots give it a strength and resilience. Watch out, Liam; Noah's coming for you in 2022.

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Boys: Oliver

Oliver has gained momentum on these popular baby name lists for the last few years and, similar to Olivia, you can score a sweet nickname out of Oliver. Not Liv (though, hey, too each his/her own) but, rather, Ollie. Right? SO cute!

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Boys: William

This is as traditional as names get and span just about every generation in popularity, whether you're William, Billy, Will or Bill. Any of the options can work for everyone.

Baby boy lying in crib with hand in his mouth

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Boys: Elijah

Watch out, Noah; you've got some bibical competition. Elijah has been surging in popularity in recent years, perhaps because of how it looks and sounds. It's historic yet somewhat whimsical as well.

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Gender-neutral: James

James has always topped boys' lists but James is growing in popularity for girls too. We have Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds' eldest daughter to thank for that.

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Gender-neutral: Blake

Speaking of James' mom, the actress Blake Lively also knows what it's like to own a name that's used more for males. There's something quite refined about the one-syllable moniker.

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Gender-neutral: Harper

Another fun name that works for either gender, though traditionally, it's more feminine, like Victoria and David Beckham's daughter. It's also the name of KStew's lady lover in The Happiest Season.

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Gender-neutral: Avery

Avery dates back to the Middle ages and while it's been used predominantly for girls, it's increased for boys over the last several years.

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Gender-neutral: Riley

While Riley is more commonly used for boys, it's now rising in popularity for girls than boys. Either way, it's cute and contemporary — for both genders.

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Needs to go: Karen

Karen is (not-so-)blissfully unaware. Karen likes to make a big fuss. Karen needs to have the last word. Don't be a Karen — and don't name your child Karen.