Truly Gender Neutral Names That Work for Everyone

Nowadays, names don’t need to conform as strictly to the male or female sides of the gender divide as they once did. A Robin could be a boy or a girl, or a non-binary person. Or an Avery.

An increasing number of children’s names aren’t obviously tied to a gender at all, and the change isn’t just a fad. It’s reflective of deeper cultural changes.

Choosing a gender-neutral name leaves a vast field open for creativity.

Gender-neutral baby names can be short, sweet, cool, older-sounding or traditionally passed down.

This explains why style-conscious parents seeking a name for their baby might be inspired more by the media-led pursuit of trendiness than by current chart positions.

Perhaps the best thing about gender-neutral names is that they’re pretty moldable: they will go with any personality, and will suit any age.

I’ve compiled my own list of pretty, versatile, individual gender-neutral baby names that you might not have heard of.

If you’re seeking a cool, original name that perfectly suits your little bundled-up superstar, here are the ultimate list of cool gender-neutral baby names.

Popular Gender Neutral Names

Popular gender-neutral names are that sweet spot – popular so you know folks will like them, but they’re still rising so they don’t quite feel too commonplace.

Here’s a walk through some popular gender-neutral names for babies right now.

Morgan – (Welsh) Sea-born, Sea-song
Taylor – (English) Tailor, To cut
Elia – (Italian, Hebrew) Jehovah is God
Peyton – (English) Fighting-man’s estate
Courtney – (French) Short nose
Cameron – (Scottish) Crooked nose
Payton – (English) Fighting man’s estate
Jess – (Hebrew) God exists, Gift of God
Elliott – (Hebrew) Jehovah is God
Charley – (German) Free man
Blessing – (British) Divine grace
Emory – (English, German) Industrious
Jody – (Hebrew) Jehovah increases, Praised
Reece – (Welsh) Ardor
Elisha – (Hebrew) God is my salvation
Dillon – (Irish) Loyal
Harlan – (British) Dweller by the boundary wood, Rocky land

Unique Gender Neutral Names

New born Baby's feet — Image by Tú Nguyễn from Pixabay

Unisex baby names are genius for parents who don’t want their little one to blend in with the pack, and who want something a little more special, unique, full of personality and character for the mini-you who is on their way.

Whether you’re looking for a name as unique as your baby or you prefer a name that is on the gender-neutral side, this moniker round-.

Vale – (Latin) Lives in the valley, Farewell
Starling – (British) Bird, Starling
Bliss – (British) Joy, Cheer, Intense Happiness
Dusty – (German) Brave warrior, Dusty area
Domino – (Latin) Lord, Master
Ridley – (English) Cleared wood
Diamond – (English) Of high value, Brilliant
Schuyler – (Dutch) Scholar
Silver – (English) White, Shining, Name of a precious metal
Clarke – (Latin) Clerk, Scholar
Day – (British) Day, Dairyman
North – (British) North
Sun – (Korean) Goodness
Justice – (English) The quality of being just or fair
Marvel – (Spanish) Miracle to marvel at, Extraordinary
Robbie – (English, Germanic) Bright fame
Golden – (British) Little golden one
Lael – (Hebrew) Belonging to God
Gale – (English, Gaelic, Hebrew) Joy, Wind, My father is joy, Outlander
Fortune – (Latin) Luck, Wealth
Quinlan – (Irish) Descendant of Caoinlean, Slender
Autry – (French) Noble strength
Britton – (English) From Britain
Wisdom – (British) Wisdom
Daly – (Irish) Assembly, Gathering
Huntley – (English) Meadow of the hunter
Sumner – (English) Summoner
Kelley – (Irish) War, Lively, Bright-headed
Rivers – (English) River

Short Gender Neutral Names

My personal preference has always been for short names: they are easy to say, fast to write, and less likely to be mangled by a mishearing child.

Whether you agree that anything that is strong shouldn’t be sweet or you believe that every strong name can be softened, these short names pack a punch in just a few letters.

Quinn – (Irish) Descendent of Conn
Riley – (English, Irish) Rye clearing, Courageous
Rowan – (Scottish, Irish) Rowan tree, Little redhead
Kit – (English) Pure
Rory – (Irish) Red king
Reese – (Welsh) Ardor
Lux – (Latin) Light
Robin – (English) Bright fame, Name of a bird
Greer – (Scottish, Latin) Alert, Watchful
Lou – (French) Renowned warrior
Isa – (German) Strong-willed
Ellis – (English, Welsh) Benevolent
Rio – (Japanese) Place of the cherry blossoms
Wynn – (Welsh) Fair, Blessed
Haven – (British) Harbor, Safe place
Devon – (British) Black, Bard, Poet, Divine person
Salem – (Hebrew, Arabic) Safe, Peaceful, Perfect
Ryan – (Irish) Little king
Kay – (Greek) Pure
Ollie – (Latin) Olive tree
Bay – (Latin) Berry
Yael – (Hebrew) Ibex
Alix – (French) Noble type
Sol – (Spanish, Portuguese, Norse) Sun
Ira – (Hebrew, Russian, Greek) Watchful one, Peace
Rey – (Spanish) King
Cai – (Vietnamese) Feminine
Ren – (Japanese) Water lily, Lotus
Aiko – (Japanese) Beloved child
Jae – (British, Korean) Blue crested bird, Talent, Wealth
Rei – (Japanese) Bell, Beautiful
Mar – (Latin) Sea
Tam – (Scottish) Twin
Kim – (British, Korean) Cyneburg’s field, Chief, Ruler, Royal fortress, Gold
Grey – (British) Gray-colored, Gray-haired
Rowen – (Irish, British) Little redhead, Row, Tree
Colby – (English) From a coal town

Cool Gender Neutral Names

Asleep newborn baby — Image by Марина Вельможко from Pixabay

Gender-neutral cool names adds that kinda sexy modernity to the lazy-cool names while still being legitimately gender-neutral.

If cool is what you’re after, look no further.

Marley – (English) Pleasant seaside meadow
Shea – (Irish) The stately, Dauntless one
Harley – (English) The long field
Palmer – (English) He who holds the palm
Campbell – (Scottish) Crooked mouth
Jessie – (Hebrew) To behold, The Lord exists, Gift
Darby – (Irish, Norse) Free from envy, From the deer estate
Lake – (British) Body of water
Bellamy – (English, Irish, French) Fine friend
Nikita – (Russian, Greek) Victor, Unconquered
Drew – (Greek, Welsh) Strong, Courageous, Wise
Sloan – (Irish) Raider, Warrior
Winslow – (English) Friend’s hill, Burial mound
Sheridan – (Irish) Searcher
Quincy – (French, Latin) Estate of the fifth son
Ripley – (English) Strip of clearing in the woods
Kirby – (English) Church settlement
Moon – (Korean) Moon, Door, To listen, Writing
Rooney – (English, Gaelic) Descendent of the champion
Georgie – (Greek) Farmer
Journey – (English) Passage from one place to another
Spencer – (French) Keeper of provisions
Hayden – (English) Hay valley
Logan – (Scottish) Little hollow
Ellison – (English) Son of Ellis
Casey – (Irish) Brave in battle
Oakley – (English) Oak wood or clearing
London – (Latin) Capital city of England
Carmel – (Hebrew) Garden
Linden – (English) Tree of the genus Tilla
True – (English) True, Real, Genuine
Storm – (British) Tempest, A violent weather disturbance
Adair – (English, Scottish) Shallow place in a river near oaks

Cute Gender Neutral Names

If you’re looking for a name that’s nice without being cloying, there’s no better source than this list of the cutest unisex names that are cute for all.

Frankie – (German) From France, Free man
Jamie – (Hebrew) Supplanter
Shay – (Irish, Hebrew) Stately, Gift
Remy – (French, Latin) Oarsman
Sparrow – (English) Sparrow, a bird
Berry – (English, Greek) Berry, the fruit, Fortified place, Noble, Victory bringer
Lenny – (German) Brave lion
Jules – (Latin, Greek) Youthful, Soft, Downy
Devin – (Irish) Poet
Perry – (English) Pear tree
Ronnie – (Latin) She who brings victory, True image
Freddie – (German) Peaceful Ruler, Power
Joey – (Hebrew) God will increase
Marty – (Latin) Of Mars
Blaine – (Irish) Slender, Angular
Toby – (Hebrew) God is good
Sammy – (Hebrew) God has heard
Nicky – (Greek) People of victory
Rama – (Sanskrit) Lofty
Joss – (German) A member of the Germanic tribe, The Gauts

Place inspired Gender Neutral Names

Whether you and your partner drove through St Louis on a long cross-country road trip or simply enjoy the name of this USA Midwest river town, so many options await for what your kid’s name will be that sound like a place.

Laramie – (French) Canopy of leafy boughs
Rosario – (Spanish) Rosary
Bergen – (Scandinavian) Lives on a hill
Whitley – (English) White meadow
Dallas – (Irish) Skilled
Afton – (Swedish) Afternoon, Evening, Scottish river
Loren – (English, Latin) From Laurentum, Bay laurel
Montana – (Spanish) Mountainous
Nevada – (Spanish) Covered in snow
Carlisle – (English) From the walled city
Trinidad – (Spanish) Holy trinity
Berlin – (German) Borderline
Aspen – (British) Aspen tree, Shaking tree
Tennessee – (Native American) Where the waters meet, Gathering place
Athens – (Greek) Of Athena, Wisdom, Courage
Kendal – (English) Valley of the river Kent
Bari – (Irish) To select, Fair-haired

Nature inspired Gender Neutral Names

Newborn baby in a fancy nest — Image by Tawny Nina Botha from Pixabay

Trees and rivers and mountains and flowers, grief and gaiety and grace: the wonder of nature is truly all around us.

If you’re looking for a name that feels grounded in the great outdoors, names inspired by nature will bring the majestic — and often magical — wonder of the earth to your child’s name.

Merrill – (English) Sea-bright
Carlin – (Irish) Little champion
Daniele – (Hebrew) God is my Judge
Jaime – (Mexican) Form of James, Supplanter
Ashby – (English) Ash tree farm
Germaine – (Latin) From Germany, Brother, Brotherly
Chaney – (French) Oak tree
Stacey – (Greek) Resurrection, Steadfast, Fruitful
Audie – (British) Noble strength
Davie – (English) Beloved, Uncle
Guadalupe – (Spanish, Arabic) Hidden river, Valley of the wolves
Leone – (Latin) Lioness
Carey – (Irish) Dark, Black
Arie – (Hebrew) Lion of God
Roe – (English, Irish, Norse) Deer, Red, Clearing
Brook – (English) Small stream
Corie – (Irish) Maide or the hollow
Allyn – (German) Precious
Brogan – (Irish) Small shoe
Anh – (Vietnamese) Intellectual, Bright
Coley – (French) Swarthy, Coal-black, Charcoal
Jaye – (Latin) Blue-crested bird
Corrin – (Latin) Spear
Dannie – (Hebrew) God is my judge
Carden – (English) Wool carder
Brittan – (Latin) From Brittany, Great Britain
Dallis – (Scottish) From the dales, The valley meadows
Yarrow – (English) Rough stream
Chi – (Vietnamese) Tree branch, Twig, Will
Kasi – (Sanskrit) Thorny tree, Alert, Watchful
Devan – (Irish) Fawn, Little dark one, Divine
Bora – (Czech, Albanian) Snow
Ade – (Yoruba) Crown
Christen – (Latin) A Christian

Celebrity inspired Gender Neutral Names

Celebrity baby names are trend setters and are always jumping on the latest bandwagon when it comes to baby names.

Feel free to dip into these celebrity names for inspiration, whether you’re expecting a girl, a boy or neither – or both!

Arden – (English) Valley of the eagle, High
Sage – (Latin) Wise
Shiloh – (Hebrew) Tranquil
Harlow – (English) Rock hill, Army hill
Emery – (English, German) Industrious
Sutton – (English) From the southern homestead
Sunny – (British) Sunshine, Happy, Cheerful temperament
Tatum – (English) Tate’s homestead
Blake – (English) Fair-haired, Dark
Ariel – (Hebrew) Lion of God
Marlow – (English) Driftwood
Charlie – (German) Free man
Hollis – (English) Dweller at the holly trees
River – (British) Flowing body of water
Finley – (Irish, Scottish) Fair-haired hero
Emerson – (English) Son of Emery
Monroe – (Scottish) Mouth of the Roe river
Alexis – (Greek) Defender
Sawyer – (English) Woodcutter
Parker – (English) Park keeper
Murphy – (Irish) Sea warrior
Valentine – (French) Strength, Health
Dakota – (Native American, Sioux) Friendly one
Leighton – (English) Meadow town
Kendall – (English) Valley of the river Kent
Jordan – (English, Hebrew) Flowing down
Phoenix – (Arizona, Greek) Dark red
Elliot – (Hebrew) The Lord id my God

Modern Gender Neutral Names

These contemporary names will work today and tomorrow, and they are a clean and chic option for any kid.

If you are cutting-edge and cool, you’ll like these names.

Alpha – (Greek) Beginning, First letter of the Greek alphabet
Karter – (German, English) Transporter of goods by cart
Layne – (English) A small roadway, Path
Chandler – (English, French) Candle maker
Gentry – (English) Aristocracy
Omega – (Greek) Last
Kaci – (Irish) Watchful, Vigilant in war
Jayme – (Spanish) He who supplants
Layton – (Old English) Settlement with a leek garden
Cree – (Native American) Tribe name
Briar – (English) A thorny patch
Loyal – (English) Faithful, Loyal
Rain – (British) Abundance from above
Cartier – (French, English) Transporter of goods by cart
Davy – (Hebrew) Beloved, Son of David

Exotic Gender Neutral Names

If you want something unusual, meaningful and truly characterful, then these picks will take you on an exotic ride.

Marin – (Latin) Of the sea
Dara – (Hebrew, Slavic, Irish) Pearl of wisdom, Gift, Oak tree
Alva – (Hebrew, Irish) His highness, Rising, White
Joni – (English) God is gracious
Malin – (Scandinavian) High tower, Woman of Magdela
Amar – (Indian) Immortal one, Eternal
Milan – (Italian, Slavic) Gracious, Dear
Paz – (Hebrew, Spanish) Gold, Peace
Roni – (Hebrew) My song, My joy
Noel – (French) Christmas
Val – (Latin) Valiant, Powerful, Healthy, From the valley
Noor – (Arabic, Dutch) Light
Iman – (Arabic) Faith
Adi – (German) Noble

Classic Gender Neutral Names

If you seriously want a name that you and your child can hang on to for a lifetime, check out these names.

Henley – (English) High meadow
Dominique – (French) Belonging to a lord
Lonnie – (Latin) Lion
Bowie – (Scottish) Blond
Raleigh – (English) Meadow of deer
Ramsey – (English) Low-lying land
Beck – (English) One living beside a small stream
Santana – (Spanish) Holy
Janis – (Hebrew) God is gracious
Mercer – (French) A merchant
Yancy – (American, Native American) Yankee, Englishman
Carroll – (Irish) Fierce in battle

Royal Gender Neutral Names

Want to plan for a-teeny-teeny-tiny but future-prez? Or just get a case of castles-and-crowns-crazies? These royal names will unleash the admiral of your dreams.

Avery – (English) Ruler of the elves
Jean – (English, Scottish, French) God is gracious
Raine – (French) Queen
Sidney – (French) Saint Denis
Juneau – (Latin) Queen of heaven, Young
Francis – (Latin) Frenchman, Frank, Free man
Regan – (Irish) Little king
Temple – (English) Dweller near the temple
Nana – (Hawaiian) Spring
Rayne – (Scandinavian) Counsel, Helpful friend

More Unisex Baby Names

Daisy flower on baby's foot — Image by Irina from Pixabay

Angel – (English) Angel
Vinnie – (Latin) Conqueror, Elf/Magical friend
Hartley – (English) Stag meadow
Sandy – (Greek) Man’s defender
Perrin – (English, Greek) Dweller near the pear tree, Rock
Bennie – (Latin) Son of my right hand, Blessed
Reeve – (English) Bailiff
Teigen – (Norwegian) Strip of land, The farmland
Kacey – (Irish) Vigilant
Chesley – (British) Meadow of the camp
Breck – (Scottish) Speckled
Mika – (Japanese) Beautiful fragrance
Yuki – (Japanese) Snow
Aubry – (French) Elf, Magical being
Rana – (Arabic) Queenly
Scottie – (English) Scot
Kelly – (Irish) War
Tully – (Irish, Scottish) Flood, Peaceful, Hill
Brennan – (Irish) Descendent of the sad one
Shae – (Irish) Favorable, Stately, Fairy Palace
Jun – (Chinese, Korean) Ruler, Talented, Handsome
Farren – (British) Adventurous, Traveler
Mickey – (Hebrew) Who resembles God?
Kayce – (Irish) Alert, Watchful
Page – (French) Page, Attendant
Valen – (Latin) Strength, Health
Remington – (English) Place on a riverbank
Miller – (English) Grinder of grain
Anderson – (English, Scandinavian) Son of Anders
Willoughby – (English) Farm near the willows
Taren – (Welsh) Thunder
Mars – (Latin) God of war
Amore – (Italian) Love
Kerry – (Irish) Dark, Dark-haired
Shannon – (Irish) Old and wise
Jupiter – (Latin) Godfather
Bright – (English) Bright
Tegan – (Welsh) Fair
Irish – (English) Relating to Ireland
Amor – (Latin) Love
Worthy – (English) Deserving

Why are parents choosing a unisex name?

One factor driving this shift is the ongoing need to be distinctive.

A few decades ago, it was common to have a classroom full of Marys or Michaels together.

Today, parents seek names that help their child stand out.

Gender-neutral names do just that and still allow you to keep a name somewhat modern and recently-fresh.

A contributing factor to all of this, of course, is the ongoing drift towards gender neutrality and fluidity.

Some parents want to give their child as much freedom as possible to determine their identity as they grow older, and these parents will tend towards names that won’t force the child into a particular gender in the eyes of others.

In an age when the social fabric around gender itself is changing and increasingly being questioned, the act of giving a child a gender-neutral name can suddenly seem to be an act of freedom from restrictive norms.

It’s also a way for parents to push back against stereotypes that could potentially sideline their child.

Wrap Up

I hope this list might give you some ideas and make you feel excited about finding the perfect name for your baby.

Whether your baby names pull is timeless, like Jordan, or something a little bit 21st-century, such as Phoenix, the beauty of gender-neutral names is that they work for anybody.

Happy naming, and good luck with the baby!