Cool Unique Unisex Names

This African name, which derives from the Yoruba tribe of Nigeria, is used for both girls and boys -- but in the US, its most notable bearer is (male) artist Kehinde Wiley. Wiley, who paints brown- and black-skinned people in the style of European Old Masters, was born in Los Angeles of an African-American mother and a Yoruba father and was also a twin, thus his name. An attractive and creative choice for either gender.

Painter is among the most creative choices in this very fashionable category of names, with a particularly pleasant sound. Whereas most occupational names conjure up physical labor, this one feels like a gateway to the arts.

Tenzing, also written as Tenzin, is a unisex Tibetan name. Its best-known bearer is the (male) Everest climber Tenzing Norgay.

There is much disagreement about the origin, meaning, or even existence of this name. Some sources cite Jesiah as the name of several minor Biblical figures, others say it's a variation of Josiah, still others call it a modern conflation of Josiah and Jesse.

Strong meaning, sweet but strong sound, fresh and earthy: a winner.

A modern Hebrew name with a stellar meaning, Kochav is taken from the Hebrew word for star. In Jewish tradition, stars are symbolic of light that guides people through their lives and of the might of God. A familiar name in Israel but rare elsewhere, Kochav is a unisex name but more commonly given to boys.

A modern Hebrew name with a stellar meaning, Kochav is taken from the Hebrew word for star. In Jewish tradition, stars are symbolic of light that guides people through their lives and of the might of God. A familiar name in Israel but rare elsewhere, Kochav is a unisex name but more commonly given to boys. Kochava is the strictly feminine form.

A unisex Turkish name from the word eylem, meaning "action". Reminiscent of trendy names like Ayla and Isla, it would be an especially fashionable choice for a baby girl born outside of Türkiye, and its ending sound gives it a cool unisex feel similar to Salem.

Pauley has several possible derivations, but the most likely is an elaboration of the ancient name Paul. Actress Pauley Perrette brought this name into the female lexicon. It has the same style as boyish nickname-names Billie and Frankie — though maybe more obviously as Paulie.

Psalm became a name by the power of Kim Kardashian and Kanye West, who chose it for their younger son in 2019. As a spiritual word name however, it is a perfectly gender neutral choice that works just as well for girls. The name is now 7 times more popular than it was before Kim and Kanye put it on the map, and in a recent year, it was given to 40 girls and 120 boys.

A zippy name of Sanskrit origin, Cahya is a unisex name used in Indonesia, particularly on the Island of Java. Derived from the element chāyā meaning "light, reflection, shadow", in Indonesian, it usually interpreted as meaning "light". Alternative forms include Cahaya, Cahyo, Cahyani, and Cahyono.

Creative alternative to names like Riley, Ryder, and Ryker, of which you'll find many in a Kindergarten classroom.

As a poetry-related baby name, Rhymer feels more unexpected than Sonnet or Poet.

Tay is occasionally used on its own, or as a nickname for the now fading Taylor.

The name Merkaba comes from Merkabah Mysticism, a type of Jewish mysticism that was practiced during the first century.

Considered an Irish variation of the French Noel and as the Irish name for the month of December, Nollaig is a relatively modern creation, used as a unisex name since the 20th century. Given to 3 girls in Ireland in a recent year, it is notably borne by fiddle player Nollaig Casey and footballer Nollaig Cleary.

While Carraway brings to mind Nick Carraway, the narrator of F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby, there is no reason why this cool surname-name wouldn't work on a girl. Modern and stylish, with a friendly and sporty vibe, Carraway is a trendy-sounding name that feels almost vintage due to its literary connections.