gender neutral names I personally like
- Stark
Origin:
Word name, surname, and literary nameDescription:
Stark is an ancient surname derived from the Old English word stearc, meaning firm and unyielding. In modern parlance, stark means severe or plain. But Stark's use as a first name -- 15 boys were named Stark in the US in 2017 -- stems from its prominence in Game of Thrones, which has inspired so many new baby names. House Stark is a ruling family on GoT; its motto is fittingly "Winter is coming," so Stark and other names from the show might make creative names for winter babies.
- Green
Origin:
Color nameDescription:
Middle name possibility for a nature-loving family -- Uma Thurman and Ethan Hawke used it for their son's middle name.
- Jehanne
Description:
Jehanne is a feminine name that represents the Medieval French form of Joan or Jeanne, ultimately derived from the Hebrew name Yochanan meaning 'God is gracious.' This historically rich variation gained recognition as the birth name of Joan of Arc (Jehanne d'Arc), the legendary 15th-century French heroine and saint. The spelling preserves the name's medieval French pronunciation and heritage, giving it an air of historical elegance and feminine strength. Though uncommon today, Jehanne appeals to parents drawn to names with historical depth and French linguistic heritage. The name carries associations of courage, faith, and determination through its connection to Joan of Arc, while its flowing sound maintains a delicate femininity that balances these powerful qualities.
- December
Origin:
English word nameMeaning:
"tenth month"Description:
Cooler than April, May, or June, but also a tad icy. December gets its name from the number ten as the old Roman calendar only had ten months, and as now, December was the last.
- Leaf
Origin:
Nature nameDescription:
The nature boy version of the Scandinavian Leif, which actually means "heir". In the creative-naming Phoenix family, Leaf is the former name of the actor we know as Joaquin.
- Tracey
Origin:
Variation of TracyMeaning:
"of Thracia"Description:
Popular in the 60s, 70s and 80s, Tracey (and its spelling variation Tracy) have since fallen out of style. As a masculine name, it has been in use since at least the 19th century and was spotlighted in 1837 when Charles Dickens used it for a character in his novel The Pickwick Papers. Derived from a Roman family name, it refers to an ancient settlement known as Thracia, although it has been considered a variant of Theresa too.
- Tracey
Origin:
Variation of Tracy, FrenchMeaning:
"of Thracia"Description:
Tracey is the spelling of Tracy used by British comedian Tracey Ullman, who was born Trace. A Top 10 name in 1970, Tracy was last year given to fewer than 50 baby girls in the US and Tracey to only 13. But if the Hundred Year Rule holds, Tracey and Tracy are halfway back to a comeback.
- Felice
Description:
Felice is traditionally a masculine name in Italian culture, though it may appear feminine to English speakers unfamiliar with Italian naming traditions. Derived from the Latin 'felix,' Felice literally means 'happy,' 'fortunate,' or 'lucky.' In Italy, the feminine counterpart is Felicia. The name has a long history dating back to early Christianity, with several saints bearing the name. While maintaining steady usage in Italy, Felice remains relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries. The name's association with happiness and good fortune makes it a meaningful choice with a positive connotation. Its melodic quality and simple pronunciation offer a distinctive yet accessible option for parents seeking a name with Mediterranean charm.
- Chan
Origin:
CambodianMeaning:
"sweet smelling tree"Description:
Whether it's an Asian surname-name or short for Channing, has a sound and feel that's both simple and stand-out.
- Lex
Origin:
Diminutive of Alexis and AlexandraMeaning:
"man's defender"Description:
Lex is still used mostly for boys, but like Alex, may cross over with the rising popularity of all long forms of the name. Lexi is another, more feminine option.
- Rebel
Origin:
Word nameMeaning:
"rebel"Description:
Asking for trouble. Rebel Wilson is female, but this name is truly gender neutral, though hardly neutral in any other way. Rebel is undoubtedly one of the edgiest boys' names starting with the letter R.
- Ryn
Origin:
Variation of Rynn, EnglishMeaning:
"pure"Description:
A great middle name option to honor a Kathryn. Coco Rocha used it for her daughter Iley's middle name.
- Deven
Description:
Deven is a masculine name with multiple cultural origins. In Sanskrit, it means "divine" or "godlike," while some consider it an Irish variant of Kevin, meaning "handsome beloved." Others view it as a modern spelling variation of Devon, which refers to the English county. Deven gained moderate popularity in the United States during the 1980s and 1990s, offering parents a name with cross-cultural appeal and contemporary sound. The name provides a balance of strength and accessibility without being overly common. Its versatility allows it to work well across different cultural backgrounds, making it appealing to parents seeking a distinctive yet familiar-sounding name for their son. Deven continues to be used, though less frequently than during its peak.
- Brave
Origin:
English word nameDescription:
Not for the faint of the baby-naming heart. We also like Brave as a middle name.
- Callaway
Origin:
English from LatinMeaning:
"pebbly place"Description:
Calloway is more popular among boys, while Callaway takes the title for girls. Perhaps it's the built-in floral nickname Calla.
- Reed
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"red-haired"Description:
Sleek, unisex surname rarely heard for girls -- which could be seen as an asset.
- Lowry
Origin:
English and Scottish surnameMeaning:
"from Laurentum"Description:
This artistic surname name derives from a diminutive of Laurence/Lawrence, and was famously borne by the English painter LS Lowry.
- Thyme
Origin:
Nature nameDescription:
Fragrant herb often used for cooking, but scarcely as a name.
- Flannery
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"descendant of Flannghal"Description:
Long before the vogue of using Irish surnames for girls, writer Flannery O'Connor gave this one some visibility. It has a warm (flannelly) feel and the currently popular three-syllable ee-ending sound.
- Sidney
Origin:
English from FrenchMeaning:
"Saint Denis"Description:
While Sidney in this spelling has a long history as a girls' name, it fell off the Top 1000 from the early 50s until 1990. Then it reemerged as one of the newly chic androgynous names for girls, rising into the Top 300 before falling off the Top 1000 list again in 2016. Sydney is now the more fashionable form.
