Aerobic glycolysis (AG; i.e., nonoxidative metabolism of glucose despite the presence of abundant oxygen) accounts for 10%–12% of glucose used by the adult human brain. AG varies regionally in the resting state. Brain AG may support synaptic growth and remodeling; however, data supporting this hypothesis are sparse. Here, we report on investigations on the role of AG in the human brain. Meta-analysis of prior brain glucose and oxygen metabolism studies demonstrates that AG increases during childhood, precisely when synaptic growth rates are highest. In resting adult humans, AG correlates with the persistence of gene expression typical of infancy (transcriptional neoteny). In brain regions with the highest AG, we find increased gene expression related to synapse formation and growth. In contrast, regions high in oxidative glucose metabolism express genes related to mitochondria and synaptic transmission. Our results suggest that brain AG supports developmental processes, particularly those required for synapse formation and growth. Display omitted •Brain aerobic glycolysis regionally relates to synaptic growth gene expression•Oxidative glycolysis instead relates to mitochondria and synaptic transmission•In humans, whole-brain aerobic glycolysis peaks during childhood•Neotenous regions of the adult brain maintain relatively high aerobic glycolysis The human brain, especially that of children, has a high basal metabolic rate. Aerobic glycolysis (AG; nonoxidative metabolism of glucose despite abundant oxygen) accounts for 10%–12% of brain glucose consumption in adults. Here, Goyal et al. report that, in resting adults, AG correlates with the persistence of gene expression typical of infancy (transcriptional neoteny) and supports developmental processes required for synapse formation and neurite growth.