Boy Names for Girls
- Douglas
Origin:
ScottishMeaning:
"black water"Description:
Now a mostly-male name, in its earliest incarnation Douglas was used equally for girls and boys and could certainly make a comeback as one of the new boy names for girls".
- Sean
Origin:
Irish variation of JohnMeaning:
"God is gracious"Description:
Sean may be off its peak for boys, but there were still 1300 baby boys named Sean in the US in the most recent year counted, versus only five baby girls. In fact, there were fewer than 30 baby girls given the spellings Sean, Shaun, and Shawn combined. So while this name has been long used for girls, it remains in only occasional use as a feminine name and is not truly unisex in the way that names such as Rory and River are.
- Colby
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"from a coal town"Description:
One of the first reality show-inspired names (he was a Texas hunk on an early season of "Survivor"); hugely trendy for boys but just starting for girls.
- Lenny
Origin:
Diminutive of Leonard, GermanMeaning:
"brave lion"Description:
This old man nickname feels remarkably fresh when applied to girls and can be used as a short form of Lena, Helena, Magdalena, Lennon or Lennox. The pan-European Leni is identical in sound yet feels a little lighter and fresher, and is a fashionable favorite in Germany.
- Sol
Origin:
Spanish, Portuguese, NorseMeaning:
"sun"Description:
A short and sweet Spanish and Portuguese name, meaning "sun". Sol has been used on its own for centuries (it belongs to one of the daughters in the 10th-11th century Spanish epic poem "El Cantar de mio Cid"), and it is also found as a short form of the Marian names María del Sol and María de la Soledad, and of the related names Marisol and Soledad. A famous bearer is Argentine TV presenter (María) Sol Perez.
- Wylie
Origin:
Scottish, diminutive of WilliamMeaning:
"resolute protection"Description:
Wylie is one Celtic surname with as much appeal for girls as for boys. Wylie is ripe for spelling variations: Wiley is as appropriate as Wylie but when you spell it Wylei, as Corey Parker did for his son, you're getting into yooneek naming territory.
- Clarke
Origin:
Variation of ClarkDescription:
A rising choice for girls that fits in with tailored surnames such as Sloane, Greer, and Blair.
- Gary
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"spear man"Description:
While not generally thought of as unisex, this is a male name that, like Perry and Barry, has occasionally been used for girls over the years.
- Beckett
Origin:
English, IrishMeaning:
"bee hive; bee cottage; little brook"Description:
A modern unisex update for Rebecca.
- Scott
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"from Scotland"Description:
The midcentury favorite boys' name Scott feels fresher when used for a girl. Scotty is a cute nickname.
- Orion
Origin:
Greek mythology nameDescription:
The Greek mythological hunter who was turned into a constellation is much more often used for boys.
- Sullivan
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"dark eyes"Description:
Stylish and boyish but could work for a girl -- especially one with brown eyes -- and Sully is a quirky and jaunty nickname.
- Claude
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"lame; enclosure"Description:
Yes, we tend to think of Claude as a male name and Claudia and Claudette as the female, but this ancient clan name is used in France for girls as well as boys, and could make a distinctively chic boy name for girls here too. You may be surprised to know that Claude was in fairly regular use for American girls in the 1880's and nineties, reaching as high as 553 in 1880.
- Vaughn
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"small"Description:
This tailored Welsh surname is an attractive option for girls, fitting in with other single-syllable prepster girl names such as Sloane and Quinn.
- Shane
Origin:
Irish variation of Sean or ShannonDescription:
As a boy's name, Shane is related more directly to the 50s movie cowboy and the Irish name Sean; for a girl, it might be a variation on Shannon, Shana, or Shawn. Parenthood star Erika Christensen named her daughter Shane. Another spin, used by Eddie Murphy, is Shayne.
- Bradley
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"broad clearing"Description:
Fading boys' name making fresh start for girls, aided by -ley ending.
- Chase
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"to hunt"Description:
Chase is starting to be seen on a handful of girls each year, and has been heard as a nickname to Chelsea. Reminiscent of Casey and Charlie, around 40 girls were given the name in a recent count.
- Andy
Description:
Andy as a feminine name typically functions as a diminutive of Andrea, Alexandra, or Miranda, though it has established itself as an independent given name as well. Derived ultimately from the Greek 'andrós' meaning 'man' or 'warrior,' Andy has transcended its masculine origins to become a popular unisex choice. For girls, the name gained traction in the mid-20th century alongside the trend toward gender-neutral nicknames. Andy projects a casual, friendly quality with its short, approachable sound. The name carries associations with independence and a straightforward personality. Its simplicity and familiarity make it accessible across cultures, while still maintaining a slightly unconventional edge for girls. Andy's tomboyish charm appeals to parents seeking a name that is unpretentious yet distinctive.
- Auden
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"old friend"Description:
A softly poetic surname name, associated with poet W.H., Auden is enjoying quiet but marked fashion status. It was chosen for his daughter by Noah Wyle and is definitely one to watch.
- Basil
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"royal"Description:
This ancient Greek male name, well-used in Britain, also has an herbal quality that may explain its increasing use for girls. While as a name it rhymes with dazzle, the herb has a long a, making the pronunciation BAY-zel.
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