Unisex Baby Names: But Are They Really?

Updated Mon Sep 11 2023

Unisex names are attracting more and more attention for babies of both sexes – but “unisex” doesn’t always mean “gender-neutral”.

Unisex vs. Gender Neutral Names

Nameberry generally defines unisex names as those given to the minority sex at least 10% of the time. But although those names may qualify as unisex in statistical terms, chances are that in the real world, they will be perceived as gendered to at least some degree.

Sometimes, this is a desirable trait. Many parents love the tailored style of unisex names, but would still like a name that leans feminine or masculine for their child.

For other parents in search of truly gender neutral baby names, it can be useful to know which unisex names qualify… and which to avoid.

Today, we’re looking at the names at the extreme ends of the unisex spectrum. All of these choices were given to the majority sex at least four times as often as the minority sex, making them statistically unisex – but not gender-neutral.

Figures are based on the latest official baby names data, and names within each category are listed in ascending percentage order.

Names That Are 80-85% Female

Names That Are 85-90% Female

Names That Are 80-85% Male

Names That Are 85-90% Male

About the Author

Emma Waterhouse

Emma Waterhouse joined the team in 2017, writing about everything from the top baby name trends 2023 to how not to choose the next big baby name. As Nameberry's head moderator, she also helps to keep our active forums community ticking.

Emma's articles on names and naming trends have been featured in publications including the Huffington Post, People, Today's Parent, Fatherly, and Good Housekeeping.

A linguist by background, Emma speaks several languages and lives in England's smallest county with her husband and four young children. You can reach her at emma@nameberry.com.

View all of Emma Waterhouse's articles