Not gender neutral... Yet
- Simchai
Description:
Simchai is a masculine name with Hebrew origins, derived from 'simcha' (שִׂמְחָה), meaning 'joy' or 'happiness.' The 'i' ending likely represents a possessive form, essentially meaning 'my joy.' This name carries deep significance in Jewish culture, where simcha refers to the happiness associated with fulfilling religious commandments and celebrating life's blessings. While relatively uncommon even within Jewish communities, Simchai represents a profound expression of parental hope for their child's joyful life. The name connects its bearer to ancient Hebrew linguistic traditions and cultural values celebrating happiness as a spiritual state. Those named Simchai carry a name that serves as a constant reminder of life's positive potential.
- Sashel
Description:
Sashel is an unusual feminine name that may have originated as a creative variation of Sasha or as a blend of Sasha and Rachel. Sasha itself is a diminutive of Alexander/Alexandra, meaning 'defender of mankind' in Greek. The addition of the 'el' ending might be influenced by names like Rachel, giving it a melodic quality. Sashel is extremely rare, with very little recorded usage in name databases. It has a contemporary, inventive feel while maintaining a connection to more established names. The name carries a fresh, distinctive sound that's easy to pronounce and spell despite its uniqueness. Its rarity allows it to feel both modern and original without seeming completely fabricated.
- Ezell
Description:
Ezell has origins as a surname before transitioning to use as a given name, a common pattern in American naming traditions. The surname Ezell likely derives from a Germanic personal name Etzel (a diminutive of names containing the element 'adal' meaning 'noble') or potentially from a place name. As a given name, Ezell has historical usage dating back to the early 20th century in the United States, with modest but consistent usage over decades. It shares phonetic similarities with biblical names like Ezekiel but has a distinct etymology. The name has remained relatively uncommon, which may contribute to its appeal for parents seeking traditional-sounding names outside the mainstream. Its continued usage demonstrates how surnames can maintain longevity as given names once they enter the naming pool.
- Cressie
Origin:
Short form of Cressida, GreekMeaning:
"gold"Description:
Derived from the Shakespearean Cressida, or perhaps from Crescentia or Lucrezia, Cressie is a sweet but unexpected nickname-name, reminiscent of Essie, Josie, Jessie, Cassie, and Lettie. For some, however, it might be too close to the salad garnish.
- Estrell
Description:
Estrell is a feminine name that appears to be a variant or shortened form of Estrella, which means "star" in Spanish. With its celestial connections, Estrell evokes imagery of brightness, guidance, and cosmic beauty. This uncommon variation maintains the poetic essence of its origin while offering a more concise form. Though rare in mainstream usage, Estrell has an appealing international flair that crosses cultural boundaries. The name carries a sense of elegant simplicity with its single-syllable ending, distinguishing it from the more commonly known Estrella. For parents seeking a name that suggests brilliance and uniqueness without being completely unfamiliar, Estrell offers a distinctive yet accessible option with beautiful symbolic significance.
- Sunel
Description:
Sunel is a feminine name with diverse cultural origins. In South African contexts, particularly among Afrikaans speakers, it emerged as a modern creation combining elements of sunshine ("son" in Afrikaans) and beauty. In some Indian communities, it may be related to Sanskrit elements meaning "good" or "well." The name has a bright, contemporary feel with its short, melodic sound. Though relatively uncommon globally, Sunel has gained modest popularity in South Africa and parts of the Indian subcontinent. Its brevity and pleasant pronunciation make it accessible across languages, while its rarity appeals to parents seeking distinctive names. Sunel conveys qualities of brightness, warmth, and uniqueness.
- Blume
Origin:
German and Jewish surnameMeaning:
"flower"
- Shaunell
Description:
Shaunell appears to be a modern given name that combines elements of established naming patterns. It likely incorporates 'Shaun' (a variant of Sean, the Irish form of John meaning 'God is gracious') with the suffix '-ell,' which appears in many names and typically functions as a diminutive or decorative ending. This type of combination, where a recognizable name is modified with a suffix, reflects creative naming practices that emerged in the latter half of the 20th century. The name may also be related to Chanelle or Chanel, with the 'Sh-' substituted for the 'Ch-' sound. Linguistically, Shaunell demonstrates how modern naming often builds upon traditional names by adding distinctive elements to create unique variations. The name remains relatively uncommon, suggesting it may have emerged from individual creativity rather than established naming traditions.
- Sydel
Origin:
Diminutive of Sarah, Sydney, or SiegfriedeMeaning:
"princess; Saint Denis; victorious peace"Description:
Likely derived from Sarah (via Sadie), Siegfriede (meaning "victorious peace"), or Sydney ("St Denis"), Sydel had a very brief and quiet moment back in the 1920s and 30s. Also appearing as Sydelle and Sydelle, it last appeared in the US charts in 2022, after being absent since 1936.
- Zorah
Origin:
Biblical place-nameDescription:
Zorah, the Old Testament home of Samson, is both soft and substantial.
- Tarren
Description:
Tarren is a gender-neutral name with multiple possible origins, though it's presented here as feminine. It may derive from Welsh elements meaning "thunder" or could be related to geographical features like the Tarren hills in Wales. Alternatively, it might be a modern variation of names like Darren or Taren. The name has a strong, contemporary sound with natural undertones that appeal to parents seeking a name balancing strength and uniqueness. Though relatively uncommon in most regions, Tarren has seen occasional use in English-speaking countries, particularly as parents increasingly seek names with distinctive sounds and Celtic influences. Its brevity and strong consonants give it a memorable quality despite its rarity.
- Janel
Description:
Janel is a feminine name generally considered a variation of Jane or Janet, with French influences. Derived ultimately from the Hebrew name Yochanan meaning 'God is gracious,' Janel emerged as a distinct name in the mid-20th century. The name gained modest popularity in the United States during the 1950s and 1960s, reaching its peak usage in the early 1970s. Janel offers a more modern twist on traditional Jane while maintaining its classic elegance. The name has a concise, professional sound while remaining feminine. Though never among the most common names, Janel has maintained steady if modest usage, appealing to parents seeking a recognizable yet not overused name with both traditional roots and contemporary style.
- Cadie
Description:
Cadie is a feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may be a diminutive form of names like Cadence or Arcadia, or a modern variant of Katie or Kady. With its friendly, approachable sound, Cadie strikes a balance between sweetness and simplicity. The name gained modest popularity in the United States during the early 2000s, possibly influenced by golf terminology where a 'caddie' assists players on the course. While not among the most common names, Cadie offers a contemporary feel with its succinct spelling and soft sounds. The name works well across age groups, from childhood to adulthood. Parents might choose Cadie seeking something familiar yet not overused, with a casual, unpretentious charm and modern sensibility.
- Jonell
Description:
Jonell is a feminine name that combines elements of John (Hebrew for "God is gracious") with the feminine suffix "-ell." It emerged in the mid-20th century in the United States as a creative blend, part of a trend of fashioning new feminine names from masculine ones. Sometimes also spelled Jonelle, the name has a melodic quality while maintaining connections to the biblical tradition through its root in John. Jonell peaked in popularity in the 1950s and 1960s but remains a distinctive choice that balances uniqueness with recognizability. The name projects a gentle yet spirited character and has cross-cultural appeal, though it's most commonly found in English-speaking countries.
- Verve
Origin:
English word name, FrenchMeaning:
"vigour, spirit"Description:
A vibrant and energetic noun name, chosen by actress Shawnee Smith for her daughter, Verve has plenty of zest packed into a stylish single syllable. Borrowed from French, it means "spirit, vigour, vivacity".
- Carlen
Description:
Carlen is a feminine name with varied etymological roots, functioning as a derivative of Caroline or Carlene, ultimately stemming from the Germanic name Karl, meaning 'free person' or 'strong.' This gentle yet distinctive name combines the traditional quality of Carol with a more contemporary ending. Emerging primarily in the mid-20th century, Carlen reached modest popularity in the 1950s and 1960s in the United States. The name carries a subtle musical quality with its soft consonants and flowing sound. Carlen provides a less common alternative to the more widely used Caroline or Carly. Though never reaching mainstream popularity, it maintains appeal for parents seeking a name with traditional roots but uncommon usage. Carlen projects qualities of strength and independence while maintaining feminine elegance.
- Zambezi
Origin:
River nameDescription:
Africa's fourth-longest river would make a unique name choice.
- Zathura
Origin:
Derivation and meaning unknownDescription:
Name kids will relate to the space adventure book and family film of that name.
- Taddie
Description:
Taddie is a rare feminine name that likely originated as a diminutive form of names like Thaddeus or Tadea. It may also be a nickname for Tad or a feminine variation of Taddy. The name has a playful, affectionate quality typical of diminutive forms, with its soft sounds and '-ie' ending giving it a distinctly feminine character. Despite its charm and accessibility, Taddie remains extremely uncommon as a formal given name. It has an old-fashioned, slightly whimsical feel that might appeal to parents looking for a vintage-inspired choice. The name's simplicity and friendly sound make it approachable, though most would encounter it as a nickname rather than on a birth certificate.
- Cordis
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"of the heart"Description:
Cordis is an unusual and substantial unisex choice.
