Surnames That Make Great Unisex Baby Names
Surnames used as unisex baby names offer fresh, modern-sounding options that aren’t too tied to one gender.
Last names as first names are always in fashion. Some lean strongly to one gender, as we can see in the USA’s list of popular names. Harper and Avery are mostly given to girls, while Mason and Jackson are far more popular for boys.
But many surnames are somewhere in between, used almost equally for girls and boys. Over time, the gender balance can fluctuate, and some names become more masculine while others turn feminine. But in this exclusive analysis, we’re looking at names in the truly gender-neutral zone for now, with no wider than a 35-65 split between the sexes.
We took all the gender-neutral names in the 2022 US baby name statistics that fit this ratio, picked out those that could be surnames, and now we’re rounding them up for you.
The most popular unisex surname is Parker, which ranks at Number 94 for boys, and 115 for girls — for both, it is on a steady trend, neither rising nor falling dramatically. It is followed by Blake (Number 200 for girls, 228 for boys), then Emerson (Number 170 for girls, 271 for boys).
The most gender-balanced last names of all include fading aristocrat Sidney, which in 2022 was given to 165 girls and 166 boys; and the rare, cosy surname-word name Kindred, used for 5 babies of each gender.
Let's look at more cool unisex surname names.
Popular Unisex Last Names
These names are all in the US Top 1000 baby names for at least one gender, and sometimes both.
Famous Surnames
Many of today's popular surnames are inspired by icons from music, sport, movies and more. Here are some that parents are giving to both daughters and sons.
Nature and Word Last Names
Some unisex surnames come from — or sound like — words in English and other languages, especially nature words and virtues. They're cool in themselves and could add an extra level of meaning, for example if Ashe is a family surname and you also have a beautiful ash tree outside your house.
Surnames From Place Names
Names ending in -ton, -ley and -by — common English place name endings, which became surnames — are seriously hot now. It doesn’t even matter if it’s a real place name or last name; it just has to sound right. Many also have cool nickname options, like Lexi for Lexington, or Charlie for Charleston. Here are the most unisex options in this style.
- Arden
- Ashby
- Atlee
- Bergen
- Brighton
- Callaway
- Charleston
- Crosley
- Ely
- Halston
- Hollis
- Huntley
- Kendal
- Kingsley
- Kirby
- Lexington
- Livingston
- Raleigh
- Ramsey
- Remington
- Ridley
- Winslow
- Wrigley
Unisex Occupation Names
Many of the most popular occupation names are used for both sexes — like Parker and Sawyer — but most lean more male or female. Here are some rare, stylish options, from English and other languages, that are used almost equally for both.
Irish and Scottish Unisex Last Names
Surnames from Ireland and Scotland are a category of their own! They're popular options for a couple of reasons: they contain on-trend sounds like "Mac" and "Cam", and many parents have Scottish or Irish heritage they'd consider celebrating in a name. Here are some cool unisex options.
Last Names Derived from First Names
This category takes us full circle. First, in medieval times, there was someone called Emery. His son took the surname Emerson, and it stuck as a family name. And now we’re giving kids Emerson as a first name. Are you keeping up? Here are some more gender neutral first-names-turned-last-names-turned-first-names-again!
Respelled Surnames
These are for parents who like the unisex surname style, but change the spelling to make it look more feminine. Or more distinctive. Or for another reason, like honoring Grandpa Lee in the spelling of Weslee. It doesn't matter whether they're actually anyone's last name, as long as they sound like they could be. Think of them as surname-style with a twist.