Inside: Choosing a name for your little one can be both stressful and exciting! That’s why I put together a comprehensive list of the best modern baby names to make sure you don’t miss any of the good ones.
My husband slid the wrinkled paper across the table.
I scanned past the dark pencil scribbles, looking for the bright yellow highlighted baby names from a list of 100.
“Finally,” I sighed. We had narrowed it down to two!
Our Baby Naming Formula
My husband ultimately decided on “Hudson” for the first name and I picked “Forest” as his middle name.
And that’s the same formula we’ve followed with all of our children.
I create a list of favorites, my husband chooses the first name, and I choose the middle name. It’s worked out pretty well so far (if I do say so myself!).
But for our third baby, it had been years since I’d looked at a baby name list, so I decided to do a little “market research” to see what all of the cool moms were naming their kiddos.
And that’s how this post came to be!
So if you’re looking for modern, unique names, you’ve come to the right place. The following list has more than 700 modern baby boy and girl names.
Related: Everything You Need To Know About Being A First Time Mom

Make sure you check out the free printables at the end of the post with the most popular boy and girl names from these lists!
Modern Baby Boy Names

A
- Abel
- Absalom
- Ace
- Adrian
- Aiden
- AJ
- Alan
- Alder
- Alexander
- Alexsandro
- Alistair
- Ames
- Anders
- Andrew
- Archer
- Arlan/Arlen
- Arlo/Arlow/Arlowe
- Arrow
- Ash
- Asher
- Ashton
- Atlas
- Atticus
- Augie
- August
- Austin
- Axxton
- Ayden
- Azriel
B
- Bailer/Baylor
- Baker
- Banks
- Barrett
- Beau
- Beauden
- Beckam
- Beckett
- Beck
- Benjamin
- Benji
- Bennett
- Bensen/Benson
- Bentlee/Bentley
- Birch
- Blake
- Blaze
- Boden
- Bohdi/Bodie
- Boone
- Boss
- Boston
- Bowden
- Bowen
- Brady
- Brae
- Braeton
- Branson
- Brantley
- Braxton
- Brayden
- Breagan
- Breckston
- Briar
- Bridger
- Brigg
- Briggs
- Brixton
- Brixx
- Brody
- Bronson
- Brooks
- Bryce
- Bryton
- Burke
- Burks
C
- Cabry
- Cal
- Caleb
- Callum
- Calvin
- Camden
- Cannon
- Carson
- Carter
- Case
- Cash
- Cayden
- Caz
- Chance
- Chanceton
- Chet
- Chipper
- Clay
- Clifford
- Clive
- Clyde
- Coast
- Cohen
- Coleman
- Collin
- Colt
- Colton
- Conrad
- Cooper
- Corbin
- Cord
- Corvin
- Coulson
- Covey
- Coy
- Crew/Crue
- Cruz/Cruiz
- Cutler
D
- Dallas
- Dalton
- Dane
- Dash
- Dason
- Davis
- Dawson
- Dax
- Daxon
- Daxton
- Dayton
- Deacon
- Deagan
- Decker
- Declan
- Dekker
- Denver
- Desmond
- Dixon
- Drakon

E
- Eames
- Easton
- Edison
- Egan
- Eli
- Emerson
- Emery
- Emmett
- Emory
- Ender
- Enzo
- Everest
- Everett/Everhett
- Ezden
- Ezra
- Ezrael
F
- Faber
- Fallon
- Fenix
- Fennwick (Fenn)
- Fenton
- Ferrin
- Finn
- Finnegan
- Finnian
- Finley
- Fisher
- Fitz
- Flynn
- Ford
- Forest
- Foster
- Fox
G
- Gable
- Gage/Gaige/Gauge
- Gaines
- Gaites
- Gareth
- Garin
- Garrett
- Garrick
- Garrison
- Gatling
- Gatsby
- Gavin
- Gehrig
- Gibson
- Gordin
- Grady
- Graham
- Granger
- Grant
- Gray/Grey
- Graydon
- Grayson/Greyson
- Greyer
- Griffin
- Griffith
- Grigsby
- Gunner
- Guy
- Gyver
H
- Haines
- Halen
- Harland
- Harris
- Harrison
- Harvey
- Hatcher
- Havok
- Hayden
- Hayes
- Hemi
- Hendricks/Hendrix
- Henley
- Henry
- Heston
- Hiro
- Holden
- Houston
- Hudsen/Hudson
- Hugh
- Huntlee/Huntley
- Hutch
- Huxon
- Hyker
- Hyrum
I
- Indie
- Isaac
J
- Jace
- Jacer
- Jack
- Jackson
- Jak
- James
- Jameson
- Jax
- Jaxon
- Jaxson
- Jayden
- Jensen
- Jesse
- Jet/Jett
- Jex
- Joe
- Jonah
- Jonas
- Jonathan
- Jones
- Jorey
- Joshua
- Josiah
- Judd
- Jude
- Juddson
- Julian

K
- Kade
- Kai
- Kaiden
- Kaladin
- Kalani
- Kannon
- Kasen
- Kashton
- Katayo
- Kayger
- Kayven
- Kaze
- Keaton
- Keegan
- Kellen
- Kellin
- Kendrick
- Kent
- Kenyon
- Kimball
- Kincaid
- Kingson
- Kingstyn
- Knox
- Knoxx
- Koe (Pronounced like Joe)
- Kolby
- Kole
- Korbyn
- Kove
- Koy
- Krew/Kru
- Kyrone
L
- Laker
- Lamoni
- Lance
- Landon
- Lane
- Larson
- Lawson
- Ledger
- Leland
- Lennon
- Lennox
- Leo
- Leonidas
- Levi
- Lewis
- Liam
- Lincoln
- Loal
- Lockwood (Lock)
- Logan
- Loic
- Louie
- Luca
- Luke
M
- MacAdam
- Maccoy
- Mack
- Madden
- Maddox
- Malachi/Malakai
- Martin
- Mason
- Mateo
- Maverick
- Max
- Maxim
- Maximus
- Maxton
- McClain
- McCoy
- McKade
- Mcoy
- Memphis
- Merrel
- Miller
- Milo/Miloh/Mylo
- Mitchell
- Morrison
- Moxon
- Mykah
N
- Nash
- Nathan
- Nicholas
- Nixon
- Noah
- Nolan
O
- Oakland
- Oaklee
- Oliver
- Orson
- Otto
- Owen

P
- Parker
- Parks
- Phoenix
- Porter
- Preston
- Pryer
Q
- Quade/Quaid
- Quinn
R
- Ranger
- Rayder
- Ree
- Reed/Reid
- Reese
- Rex
- Rexton
- Rhett
- Rhys
- Ridge
- Riggins
- Riggs
- Ripp
- River
- Rockwell
- Roman
- Ronin
- Rooney
- Roper
- Ross
- Roston
- Rowdy
- Rowling
- Royce
- Ruger
- Russell
- Ryatt
- Ryde
- Ryder
- Ryker
S
- Samson
- Sawyer
- Slade
- Smith
- Soony
- Soren
- Stanley
- Steel
- Steeler
- Sterling
- Stetson
- Stockton
T
- Tad
- Taft
- Tag
- Taggart
- Taj
- Taje (Pronounced like Sage)
- Talmage
- Talon
- Tarek
- Tate
- Tatum
- Tayson
- Tayten/Tayton
- Teague
- Tennessee
- Tennyson
- Thatch
- Thatcher
- Theodore
- Theo
- Thomas
- Tiago
- Timber
- Titan/Titon
- Tobias
- Toryn
- Townes
- Trace
- Tracer
- Trae
- Traeger
- Trafford
- Trayke
- Treg
- Treyson
- Trigg
- Tripp
- Truman
- Tucker
- Turner
- Tyge
- Tyler
- Tyrion
- Tyson

U
- Urban
V
- Vaan (Pronounced like Vaughn)
- Vanson
- Vaughn
- Vaylor
- Vinn
W
- Walker
- Wallis
- Warner
- Ward
- Watts
- Waylon
- Wells/Welles
- Wesley
- West
- Weston
- Wheeler
- Wilder
- Woodrow
- Wyatt
- Wynston
X
- Xander
Y
- Yates
- York
Z
- Zachary
- Zaiden/Zayden
- Zandyn
- Zane
- Zeke
- Zion
Related: What Every New Mom Should Know About Postpartum Body Changes
Baby Name Bunting

Once you have your baby name picked out, you’ll need a fun way to announce it.
I created a baby name bunting bundle for that very reason!
You can grab the download to get three different bunting designs perfect for the modern mom.
Here are a few ideas on how to use the bunting:
- Pregnancy announcement
- Name announcement at birth
- Monthly baby photos
- Bedroom decor
- Happy birthday sign
The options are endless!
And since you’ll have access to the files, you can print them out whenever you want to make whatever banner you want!
Modern Baby Girl Names

A
- Abby
- Abygail
- Acadia
- Ada
- Adaline/Adeline
- Adalyn/Addilyn
- Addison/Addisynn
- Adelaide
- Adele
- Adrie
- Aidan
- Ainsley
- Alaine
- Alexia
- Ali
- Alta
- Ambree
- Amelia
- Andilynn
- Anika
- Annabelle
- AnnaLynnAe
- Anniston Mae
- Ari
- Aria
- Arianna-Lynn
- Ariyanna
- Arlowe
- Aryela (pronounced Are-E-A-la)
- Ashtyn
- Aspen
- Astrid
- Athena
- Audree/Audrey
- Aurora
- Ava
- Aven
- Avie
- Averie/Avery
- Ayla (Pronounced eye-luh)
- Aynzlee
B
- Bailee/Baylee
- Bella
- Belle
- Bentley
- Birdie
- Blair/Blaire
- Blake
- Blakely
- Bliss
- Bowie
- Braelyn/Braelynn
- Brayli
- Breena
- Breklyn
- Brenner
- Brexxli/Brexley
- Brighton
- Brinleigh/Brinley
- Bristol
- Brix
- Brooke
- Brooklyn
- Brylee
- Brynlee
C
- Camdyn
- Camrie
- Campbell
- Caroline
- Carter June Belle
- Celia
- Chamberlee
- Chansey
- Charlie/Charlee/Charleigh/Charly
- Charlotte
- Chesney
- Cheyenne
- Cilla
- Claire
- Clara
- Collins
- Connolly
- Cooper Lyn
- Cora
- Cove
- Crosby
D
- Dahlia
- Daivy
- Dakotah Blue
- Dallee/Dallie
- Danivyn
- Daphne
- Darla
- Daylin
- Della
- Delphy
- Demi
- Desi
- Delta
- Dillyn
- Dixie
- Dotty
E
- Eden
- Eisley
- Eleanor
- Elena
- Eliana
- Eliyah
- Eliza
- Ella
- Ellie
- Elliot
- Elodie/Ellodie
- Eloise
- Elora
- Elorie/Ellorie
- Elsie
- Ember
- Emerson
- Emerie/Emery
- Emma
- Emmalily
- Emmalyne
- Emmary
- Emmeline
- Esme
- Estelle
- Evelyn
- Evelynn
- Everleigh/Everly
- Evie

F
- Fable
- Fairly
- Fanning
- Fay/Faye
- Fayre
- Fendi
- Fern
- Finley
- Flora
- Fynlee
G
- Gavyn
- Gemma
- Genevieve
- Gentry
- Georgia
- Gigi
- Goldie
- Gracie
- Greta
H
- Hadlee/Hadley/Hadli
- Halli/Halley
- Hallow
- Harbor
- Harley
- Harlow/Harlowe
- Harlyn
- Harper
- Hartlie
- Harvie
- Hattie
- Haven
- Hayley/Haylee
- Heidi
- Helena
- Henlee/Henley
- Holland
- Huntlie
I
- Indee/Indi/Indy
- Iris
- Isabella
- Isilee (Pronounced Iss-ill-ee)
- Isla
- Isobel
- Ivee/Ivie
J
- Jacie/Jacey
- Jade
- Jasmine
- Jaylee
- Jemma
- Jenna
- Jennison
- Jersey
- Jocelyn
- Jolene
- Jordyn/Jordynn
- Josey
- Journie
- Jovi
- Judith
- June Belle
- Juniper
- Justina

K
- Kada
- Kaezlee/Kaislee/Kaizlee
- Kalena
- Kallie
- Kamryn
- Kanyon Skye
- Kapri
- Kaycee
- Kaydence
- Kenadee/Kennedy
- Kendra
- Kenzee/Kenzi
- Keslynn
- Kestry
- Kezlee
- Khloe
- Kiara
- Kimber
- Kinlee/Kinley
- Kinsley
- Klaire
- Knoxx
- Kodie
- Kolbi
- Kopelynn
- Korra
- Kourtlyn
- Kourtnee
- Krimzyn
- Kylee
L
- Lacey
- Lainey
- Laken
- Lana
- LaRue
- Leigha
- Leighton
- Lennon
- Lenny
- Lettie
- Lexi
- Lila
- Lillie/Lily
- Lindley
- Liv
- Livia
- London
- Lucie/Lucy
- Lucile
- Lula
- Luna
- Luxley
- Lyanna
- Lydia
- Lyla/Lyllah
- Lyric
M
- Macie
- Madalyn/Madalynn/Madilyn
- Maddy
- Madeline
- Mae
- Maebel
- Maelie
- Maelynn
- Maeve
- Maggie
- Magnolia “Nolie”
- Maisie
- MaKayla
- MaKeara
- MaKindrey
- Maple
- Marigold
- Marlanea (pronounced Mar LAY nuh)
- Marley
- Matilda
- Maurlee
- Maxwell
- Maycee
- Maylee
- Maysen
- Mazey/Mazie
- Mckenley June “Kenny”
- McKenzie
- McKinley
- Meadow
- Megan
- Melody
- Memphis
- Mia/Miah
- Miekah
- Mika
- Mikinley
- Mila Rae (Pronounced mee-la)
- Molly
- Monroe
- Morley
- Murphy
- Myah
- Myla
N
- Naevi/Navy/Nayvee/Nayvie
- Nellie
- Nevaeh
- Nina
- Noelle
- Nora/Norah
- Nova

O
- Oaklee
- Oaklen
- Oakley
- Oaklie
- Octavia
- Olive
- Olivia
- Ozzy
P
- Paisley
- Palmer
- Parker
- Payton
- Peyton
- Peytyn
- Piper
- Poppy
- Porter
- Presley
Q
- Quincee/Quincy
- Quinn
R
- Rae
- Raegan/Reagan
- Raelynn
- Raidyn
- Reese
- Remedi
- Remi/Remy
- Remington
- Renata
- Rey
- Riannon “Aria”
- Riley
- Rome
- Rory
- Rosalie “Rosie”
- Rose
- Roselynn
- Rowen “Roe”
- Rowyn
- Roxanne
- Ruby
- Rue
- Ry’lee Jo
- Ryah
- Rylee
- Rylie

S
- Sadie
- Saige/Sage
- Sailor
- Salem
- Salynnity
- Sarina
- Saylor
- Scarlet/Scarlett
- Scottlyn
- Scout
- Seattle
- Serenity
- Shaeli
- Shaylie
- Sicily
- Sienna
- Skye
- Skylar
- Skylee
- Sofia/Sophia
- Sofie/Sophie
- Sophie Darlin’
- Sloan/Sloane
- Stella
- Stephanie
- Stevie
- Sullivan
- Summer
- Sunny
- Sutton Lou
- Swaizey/Swayzee
T
- Talia
- Tayler/Taylor
- Taylie
- Temperance
- Tennley
- Thora
- Trinity
- Tunley
V
- Vallie
- Vanessa
- Vica
- Violet
- Vittoria
W
- Whitley
- Willa
- Willow
- Winry
- Wrigley
Z
- Zara
- Zayden
- Zaylei
- Zella
- Zenniyah (Pronounced ze-nye-uh)
- Zia
- Ziva
- Zoe/Zoey
- Zuri
Related: The Ultimate First Time Mom Baby Registry Checklist

What are cool names for a boy?
As I was sorting through all of the names, I noticed several repeats, so I figured out which were the most popular baby boy and baby girl names from all of the comments.
If you’d like to get a cute printable list with all of the popular modern boy names, just enter your email below and I’ll send you the list.
Here’s even more of the top boy names in 2021!
What are the top 5 girl names?
If you’re wondering what the top 5 girl names are among modern moms, just enter your email below and I’ll send you a cute printable list with 6 bonus names.
All of the names are also included in this list of top 1000 baby girl names!
And if you know any other first time moms who might like these lists, be sure to share this post with them and spread the baby name love!
Want More?
If you liked this post, be sure to check out my growing archive of baby names including 280 modern baby boy names and meanings and 278 modern baby girl names and meanings to see the meanings for several of the names on this list.
Your Turn
Do you have any modern baby names that aren’t on the list but should be?
Leave me a comment and I’ll add them!

Marlanea
Tuesday 19th of January 2021
My name is Marlanea. It’s pronounced Mar LAY nuh. The “e” is silent. My family calls me Lanea. I have received compliments for my name all of my life. I love my name. Hopefully, you can add Marlanea to your list. 😊
Jessica Ashcroft
Wednesday 20th of January 2021
Yes I would love to add it! Thank you for your comment!
Janja
Thursday 24th of December 2020
My name is Janja it's pronounced ya-ny-a and it's so rare I barely know anyone who has the same name, but I like it😅
Jessica Ashcroft
Saturday 26th of December 2020
I love it! Thanks for your comment Janja!
Ayla
Friday 11th of December 2020
#40 girls “Ayla” is my name and that’s not how you pronounce it. It’s pronounced Like Kayla.
Jessica Ashcroft
Sunday 13th of December 2020
Thanks for sharing! I've learned that how people spell and pronounce names is different for everyone!
Amanda
Saturday 28th of November 2020
My sons name is Nixon, you don’t hear it as much but we always get compliments!
Jessica Ashcroft
Wednesday 2nd of December 2020
I love that name!! So cute!
Katie
Monday 12th of October 2020
I have a girl named Kalarin Rose Kali for short& my next girl will most likely be Callaway Jean CJ for short
Jessica Ashcroft
Monday 12th of October 2020
Those are beautiful names! Thank you for sharing :)