With the concept of gender more fluid than ever before, many soon-to-be parents are weighing up the advantages of giving their new arrival a gender-neutral baby name.
With that in mind, we are going to build on our post covering 300+ unique names for your baby by also looking at some of the best gender neutral baby names.
Not only have a number of celebrities such as Sam Smith recently come out as nonbinary (going by the pronouns of “they” and “them”) but a number of forward-thinking parents are trying to distance themselves from potentially damaging gender stereotypes.
That’s why we’ve researched and compiled a list of over 100 gender-neutral baby names for you to look through. After all, you don't want to give your baby an ugly name!
But before we get to that, why should you think about going gender-neutral for your baby’s name?
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Why pick a gender neutral baby name for your child?
There are several reasons behind choosing a gender neutral name. Some parents are leaving the sex of their new arrival a surprise and feel that choosing a gender-neutral baby name covers all bases and gives them more flexibility.
However, the primary reason that unisex baby names are surging is due to a greater prevalence in progressive attitudes towards gender:
Assessing what society looks like when your child reaches adulthood is just one of many factors that will go into your baby-naming process.
To find out what else you will need to consider, we’ve created a step-by-step guide to ensure you choose the perfect name for your new arrival in our Daddlife mini-book series, which you can pick up for FREE for a limited time only. So make sure to pick up yours today after you’re done reading this post.
101 Gender-Neutral Names for Your Baby
So without further ado, let’s delve into our carefully curated list of gender-neutral names for your newborn baby. From Addison to Ziv, there’s something for everyone in this unique list of gender neutral baby names.
1. Bay
This English origin name means “sea inlet.”
2. Winter
Another name with English origin, meaning “born in the winter season.”
3. Pax
Name with Latin roots, meaning “peace.”
4. Xia
Of Chinese origin, meaning “glow of the sunrise.”
5. Ziv
A name of Hebrew origin, meaning “radiance, brilliance or light of God.”
6. Quinn
This name is a modern take on the popular Irish surname “O’Cuinn” and forename “Conn.” These names mean “wisdom,” and Quinn itself is a unique twist on more traditional takes, setting up your baby perfectly for an exciting life off the beaten path.
7. Rhys/Reece/Reese
A Welsh name traditionally associated with boys (spelled Rhys, or Reece/Rees in English), before actress Reese Witherspoon popularised it as a girls’ name. This gender neutral name means “enthusiasm.”
8. Riley
An Old English name meaning “rye clearing,” this is a firm gender-neutral favourite that can also be spelled Rylee, Ryleigh, and Rilee.
9. Jaden
In Hebrew, this name means “thankful, God has heard, or he will judge.” It is traditionally a boy's name, but has became one of the more popular unisex baby names. Jaden Smith is considered an LGBTQIIA+ icon for his gender-fluid fashion choices.
Related: 111 biblical boy names
10. Kennedy
This gender-neutral baby name from Ireland means “armoured head.”
11. Nuru
Coming from African origin, this name means “light” in Swahili.
12. Alex
Easily one of the most popular unisex baby names, it's the shortened version of Alexander for boys and Alexandra for girls.
13. River
Another popular gender-neutral name, it means “stream of water that flows to the sea,” as you might have guessed!
14. Storm
Another weather-inspired name, this moniker means “volatile and powerful like severe weather.” Of course, Storm is also a famous member of the X-Men, perfect if you are a superhero fan!
Related: 50 Heroic Names for Boys and Girls
15. Sam
Usually short for Samantha or Samuel, Sam is easily one of the most popular gender neutral names. It means “name of God.” Non-binary icon Sam Smith has this name.
16. Wallace/Wallis
Originally spelled 'Wallace' as an English boy's name meaning "foreigner" or "stranger", it became a popular name for baby girls in the mid 20th century thanks to Wallis Simpson, the American socialite and two-time divorcee who married King Edward VIII, resulting in his abdication of the throne in 1937.
17. Dakota
This unisex name comes from a Native American Sioux tribe and means “friend” or “ally.” Made famous by movie star Dakota Johson.
18. Sacha
One of the top unisex baby names, this is a variant of Sasha (Russian), which has been thrust in the spotlight by comedian Sacha Baron Cohen.
19. Jett
This name has Old English origins and means “free or black stone.”
20. Yale
As in the Ivy League university, this Welsh and Old English name means “heights, upland".
21. Elliott
Elliott is a gender-neutral name of a somewhat mixed origin. Originally derived from biblical Hebrew notions, it has since been popularized by the Scots. Elliot Page is another LGBTQIIA+ icon with this name.
22. Zasha
A variant spelling of Sasha, this gender neutral name also comes from Russia with love. It means “defender of the people".
23. Addison
Although it means "son of Adam", this British name is increasingly being seen as a unisex baby name.
24. Galaxy
This cosmic American name means “large system of stars".
25. Blake
Although this might typically be seen as a boy's name, arguably the most famous Blake in the world right now is actress Blake Lively who is married to fellow actor Ryan Reynolds. It's actually one of the more confusing gender neutral baby names - it means both "bright" and "dark".
26. Nat
Often use as the shortened version of Natalie for girls, and Nathaniel for boys, this gender neutral name means “gift of God.”
27. Oakley
This English name means “from the oak tree field".
28. Skylar
This unisex name means “scholar” and has American roots. Perhaps ones for fans of Breaking Bad - although a lot of people hated the character Skyler for some reason.
29. Brantley
A gender-neutral name of Old Norse and Old English origin meaning “sword or fiery torch".
30. Kade
A Scottish name, meaning “from the wetlands".
31. Lennon
As in John Lennon, this Irish name means “dear one, child of love, or a small cloak or cape". Perfect for fans of The Beatles.
32. Peyton
One of the oldest surnames in America, this name has Irish origins and has a host of famous male and female examples. Perhaps the most famous of all is former American Football quarterback, Peyton Manning.
33. Rayne/Rain
Rayne is a unisex variant of Raina and Rayna (Scandinavian, Israeli), and the meaning of Rayne is “counsel; song.”
34. Sydney
Although most people might use this gender neutral name for their love of the Australian city, it's actually a French name that stems from the contraction of 'St. Denys'.
35. Teegan
Fancy your newborn to become a literary genius? In Gaelic, this unisex means “little poet".
36. Harper
With roots in Ireland, England, and Scotland, this name means “harp player.”
37. Jesse
One of most popular unisex baby names in the US in the 90s and early 00s, Jesse is a Hebrew name meaning 'gift of God'.
38. Taylor
It feels like we keep describing names as 'one of the most popular unisex baby names', but it's true. While most people's minds might immediately go to musician Taylor Swift, there are plenty of famous Taylors from both sexes.
39. Frankie
Name with American roots, Frankie means “free or truthful".
40. Asa
Pronounced AY-sah, this Hebrew name means “doctor, healer".
41. Fenix
Hailing from the Greek islands, this gender neutral name means “dark red".
42. Drew
This gender neutral name means “warrior” in Greek, perhaps most famous for actress Drew Barrymore.
43. Madison
Another gender neutral name that has a gender-focused meaning, Madison means "son of the mighty warrior". However, this British name is now arguably given more often to baby girls.
44. Justice
Another British unisex baby name meaning “to deliver what is just".
45. Zuni
This is a gender-neutral name of Native American origin, associated with the word “beauty".
46. Yara
An Arabic name, meaning “water lady or small butterfly".
47. Wyatt
A British gender neutral name, meaning “war strength.” Sheryl Crow named one of her sons Wyatt in 2007, and Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis named their daughter Wyatt in 2014.
48. Emery
This gender neutral name means “work ruler". We're guessing you probably want to go with this because you like the sound of it, rather than what it means.
49. Lake
With English roots, this baby name means “the body of water runs deep”.
50. Remy
This gender neutral name means “oarsmen” in French.
51. Reagan
Why not give your new baby’s name a royal touch with this unisex name meaning “little king” in Gaelic?
52. Verne
A name of Old French origin meaning “alder grove".
53. Phoenix
A gender-neutral name that symbolises a type of bird often immortalised in Greek and Egyptian mythology as a creature that had the power to rise from its own ashes.
54. Onyx
Onyx is a gender-neutral name of Greek origin.
55. Parker
Once an occupational surname, this unisex name means “gamekeeper.”
56. Devon
A gender-neutral name derived from the namesake county of England.
57. Morgan
This Welsh name means “sea born.”
58. Jamie
Jamie is see as the gender neutral derivative of James - which itself is becoming gender neutral thanks to Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds naming their daughter James - this Hebrew name means “he/she who supplants".
59. Avery
A unisex baby name of English and French origin, meaning “ruler of elves".
60. Blair
This Scottish name means “field, meadow", but it's arguably best known for the character Blair Waldorf from Gossip Girl.
61. Cameron
Despite this name meaning “crooked,” this name is a very popular gender neutral name choice.
62. Lyndon
This name means “from the flax hill".
63. Georgie
Georgie is of Greek and Latin origin, and the meaning of Georgie is “farmer".
64. Fallon
A gender neutral name of Irish and Gaelic origin meaning “superiority or descended from a ruler.” It derives from the Gaelic word “follamhnus".
65. August
This name is of Latin origin meaning “great and magnificent".
66. Lane
A gender-neutral name with English origins, meaning “from the narrow road or one who takes the narrow path".
67. Nell
Once a nickname in Old English, this unique unisex name means “bright, shining one".
68. Unique
If you are looking for an unusual baby name, consider the name Unique. The name Unique is of Latin origin, meaning “only one".
69. Ocean
You might not be surprised to learn than this Greek name means... “sea".
70. Tait/Tate
Of Old Norse origin, this name means “happy".
71. Eden
Taking it's meaning from the Bible - "place of pleasure and delight" - Eden is very much in the camp of gender neutral baby names. It is more popular among girl names but was rising rapidly among boys, perhaps thanks to the likes of footballer Eden Hazard.
72. Urban
Having Latin origin, this name means “from the city".
73. Xavi
This name is of Basque origin and means “the new house".
74. Scout
An American name, meaning “one who gathers information, explores, and discovers".
75. Emerson
An Old English name that means “brave, powerful".
76. Nevada
A gender neutral name of Latin origin, and the meaning of Nevada is “snow", despite its dry and dusty environment in the US.
77. Jude
A name of Greek origin. The meaning of Jude is “praised".
78. Atlas
Of Greek origin, and the meaning of Atlas is “to carry.” Atlas was a mythical Titan who bore the weight of the world on his shoulders, so the name bears connotations of great strength.
79. Evan
Meaning “God is gracious; born of yew; youth” Evan is a perfect gender neutral name choice with plenty of famous people on both sides of the gender spectrum sporting this moniker. Actor Evan Rachel Wood and Twitter co-founder Evan Williams spring to mind.
80. Page
This Old English name means “attendant".
81. Leighton
Another name with English origin, meaning “from the town near the meadow". Earlier we mentioned the character Blair from Gossip Girl. Well, she is played by actress Leighton Meester. Gender neutral names all-round in that scenario!
82. Quest
The perfect gender neutral name for your new adventurer! This Latin name means “long search".
83. Dylan
Dylan is another one that has become a gender neutral baby name despite its meaning clearly being linked to one gender. It's a Welsh name meaning “son of the sea".
84. Rowan
This gender neutral name has a Gaelic background and means “little red-head". Perfect if you have the hair colour to match!
85. Eli
Once considered a short form of Elijah, Eli is now recognised as an individual name in its own right. Of Hebrew origins, famous Eli’s include Eli Manning and country artist Jack Ingram’s daughter.
86. Quinby
With roots in Old Norse, this gender neutral baby name means “estate of the woman".
87. Bailey
Pronounced BAY-lee. It is of Old English origin, and the meaning of Bailey is “berry clearing; bailiff; city fortification".
88. Carson
A gender-neutral name of Scottish origins, meaning “son of the marsh-dwellers".
89. Win
This name is of Old English origin, meaning “elf or magical being". There is also a Welsh version, spelled Wynne, perhaps most famous for opera singer Wynne Evans, also known as 'Gio Compario' or the 'Go Compare man'.
90. Cassidy
Though it means “curly-headed,” plenty of straight-haired or no-haired babies are given the name Cassidy. It’s an Irish surname that comes from Ó Caiside (“son of Caiside”).
91. Harley
This name originated from a surname that was taken from a place name, which, in turn, was derived from the Old English “hara” (“hare”) and “leah” (“woodland, meadow”).
92. Kori
A gender neutral name of Greek origin and is a variant of Kora meaning “maiden.”
93. Lacy
A name of English and French origins. The meaning of Lacy is “a place in France". It’s an offshoot of the related name Lacey.
94. Paris
While French in origin, Paris is perhaps best known as the handsome Trojan prince who kidnapped the beautiful Helen, queen of Sparta, and started the Trojan War.
95. Raven
Inexorably linked with the namesake blackbird, this British literally means “a large black bird".
96. Paisley
A whimsical Scottish name derived from the town itself.
97. Leigh/Lee
Typically spelled as "Lee" for boys and "Leigh" for girls, this gender neutral name has Hebrew and English origins. The meaning of Leigh is “delicate; weary; meadow or pasture".
98. Ashley
This has long been one of the most popular unisex names. Of British origin and can also be spelled Ashleigh, meaning “ash meadow".
99. Hayden
Derived from a distinguished British surname that means “hedged valley” in Old English.
100. Valo
With Finnish origin, this name means “light.”
101. Fernley
From Old English origin, this gender neutral name means “fern meadow.”
101 gender neutral baby names for you to choose from
So there you have it – over 100 gender-neutral names for you to draw inspiration from during your baby name search.
If you prefer to look at names that are equally unique but more aligned with traditional female or male gender definitions, you can always take a look at our list of 300+ unique baby names instead.
Finally, don’t forget to get your hands on our exclusive baby-naming mini-book for free while stocks last. It’s chock-full of hints and tips from dads who’ve successfully negotiated the baby-naming process, allowing you to avoid some of the most common pitfalls.
FAQs
What makes a gender neutral name?
In reality, there's nothing that makes baby names gendered or not, other than parents choosing them. Although we may have had centuries of clearly defined 'boys names and 'girls names', those lines a very blurred now. Even names that are explicitly linked to one gender - like Dylan, 'son of the sea' - are sometimes no longer seen as solely for that gender.
Celebrities giving their child a name considered to be that of the opposite sex can often accelerate the change to it being viewed as a gender neutral name, but it's not always the case. Sometimes it's a slow process that happens over several decades.
Which gender neutral baby names are the best?
Some parents might prefer to pick a gender neutral baby names that are going to stay that way. They're open to having a gender neutral name but don't want to run the risk of it returning back to its original perceived gender. In that case, the best gender neutral names are ones that are already pretty well established - the likes of Alex, Sam, Jamie, Ashley.
However, you may want your child to have a unique unisex baby name, to be a trailblazer. In which case, go for whatever you want. No choice is too risky here.
