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unisex names

  1. Aiko

    • Origin:

      Japanese

    • Meaning:

      "beloved child"

    • Description:

      Aiko is a very common Japanese name with a lovely meaning that is rarely heard outside the Asian community.
  2. Alex

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Alexander, Alexis

    • Meaning:

      "defending men"

    • Description:

      The independent Alex has become a classic in its own right. One of the truest unisex names, Alex is used almost equally for both sexes. Alex is used both on its own and as a short form of formal names of both genders, such as Alexander, Alexandra, and Alexis.
  3. Alexis

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "defender"

    • Description:

      Alexis, a one-time exclusively-boys’ name, was more popular than its sister Alexandra for quite a while, but in recent years Alexandra has overtaken it once again. Alexis was a Top 20 girls’ name from 1994-2010 but has experienced a decline in popularity in recent years, though now it's one of the top unisex names.
  4. Ali

    • Origin:

      Short form of Alison or Alice or Arabic

    • Meaning:

      "supreme, exalted"

    • Description:

      One of the sweet simple unisex names balanced enough to stand on its own.
  5. Amani

    • Origin:

      Variation of Imani, Arabic

    • Meaning:

      "faith"

    • Description:

      Popular with Muslim and African-American parents, this virtue name also fits in with the trendy i ending names being seen at the moment. It debuted on the US Top 1000 in 1996.
  6. Amari

    • Origin:

      Hebrew, Sanskrit, Latin, Yoruba

    • Meaning:

      "eternal, goddess, loved, strength"

    • Description:

      Amari is a name that's rising in popularity for both boys and girls in the US, used last year for about 2000 baby boys and 1000 baby girls. It's among the Top 20 gender neutral names.
  7. Ambrose

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "immortal"

    • Description:

      Gentle but grandiose and beloved by British novelists including Evelyn Waugh and P. G. Wodehouse, Ambrose was a fast rising name in 2022. Entering the UK Top 1000 for the first time and proving popular among Nameberry users, its elegance, softness, and vintage style means it fits in with popular Theodore, Sebastian, and Jeremiah.
  8. Angel

    • Origin:

      Spanish and English

    • Meaning:

      "angel, messenger"

    • Description:

      Angel is one of those names that has a very different trajectory for girls and boys. As a female name, it was most popular in the US from the 1970s until the turn of this century, almost breaking into the Top 100 at its peak in 2001 but then beginning a long slide down the list.
  9. Anniston

    • Origin:

      English surname and American place name

    • Meaning:

      "Anis' town; Annie's town"

    • Description:

      A name with plenty of celebrity glamor and contemporary flair, Anniston has a variety of origins. On one hand, it's a place name, deriving from a city in Alabama of the same name. Founded in the late 19th century by Samuel Noble and Daniel Tyler, it was named in honor of the latter's daughter-in-law, Annie Tyler.
  10. Anwen

    • Origin:

      Welsh

    • Meaning:

      "very fair, beautiful"

    • Description:

      Anwen is one of the simplest and best of the classic Welsh girls' names, more unusual than Bronwen but with the same serene feel.
  11. Arden

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "valley of the eagle; high"

    • Description:

      Arden, the name of the magical forest in Shakespeare's As You Like It, is a stylish A name with a strong, straightforward image. Another reason to love Arden: its similarity to "ardent." Arden is solidly unisex, with the current gender distribution running about 60 percent girls and 40 percent boys.
  12. Ari

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Ariel, Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "lion of God"

    • Description:

      Ari, the short form of Ariel (or any other Ari- beginning name, such as Aristotle) stands up better as a boys’ name than its progenitor does. It is also short for Aristotle, as in Onassis, and is a prominent character on TV's Entourage -- the uberagent Ari Gold.
  13. Arlo

    • Origin:

      Irish, English

    • Meaning:

      "between two hills"

    • Description:

      Arlo, an unexpectedly popular name for boys these days, is also finding new life as a girls' name. The first name Arlo may be rooted in the surname Arlow or the place name Aherlow, meaning "between two highlands". As a surname, it also has roots in a place name meaning "rocky hill".
  14. Auden

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  15. Avery

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "ruler of the elves"

    • Description:

      Avery is a hugely popular name in the US, especially for girls. But while nearly four times as many girls as boys are named Avery today Avery's popularity is starting to soften for girls while it continues to strengthen for boys.
  16. Aisan
    • Alian
      • Anarchy
        • Avri
          • Bailey

            • Origin:

              Occupational name

            • Meaning:

              "law enforcer, bailiff"

            • Description:

              Bailey -- a jaunty surname -- was first used for a female TV character in 1978 in the show WKRP in Cincinnaati, then caught on big time. Bailey's still an appealing choice, though, and a celebrity fave. Parents of daughters named Bailey include Scot Baio and Stella McCartney.
          • Bardot

            • Origin:

              French surname

            • Description:

              Bardot joined the first and last names of other glamour girl icons such as (Jean) Harlow when David Boreanaz chose the surname of '50s French sex symbol Brigitte Bardot for his daughter. Bardot debuted in the US charts in 2022.
          • Bellamy

            • Origin:

              English and Irish from French

            • Meaning:

              "fine friend"

            • Description:

              Bellamy is a surname name with an admirable meaning and upbeat rhythm, similar to jovial choices like Rafferty, Barnaby and Willoughby.
          • Blair

            • Origin:

              Scottish

            • Meaning:

              "dweller on the plain"

            • Description:

              In the USA, Blair is gaining momentum, rising quickly for the last 10 years and likely to continue to climb. In England and Wales, where Blair has political connotations – calling to mind former prime minister Tony Blair – it is much less common, although it is in use for boys in its native Scotland.
          • Blake

            • Origin:

              English

            • Meaning:

              "fair-haired, dark"

            • Description:

              The unisex Blake, which indeed has two conflicting meanings, has a briskly efficient image when used for a girl.
          • Blue

            • Origin:

              Color name

            • Description:

              Blue suddenly came into the spotlight, as the unusual color name chosen by Beyonce and Jay-Z for their baby girl Blue Ivy. Blue is also a starbaby middle name du jour, used for both sexes in different spellings and forms, from John Travolta and Kelly Preston's Ella Bleu to Alicia Silverstone's Bear Blu. Dave 'The Edge' Evans named his daughter Blue Angel back in 1989.
          • Bo

            • Origin:

              Norse nickname

            • Meaning:

              "to live"

            • Description:

              This tiny but punchy name has multiple origins. It stands strong alone, but could be short for numerous names including Bonnie and Bodhi. In Mandarin Chinese, Bo means "wave".
          • Brighton

            • Origin:

              English place-name

            • Description:

              Out-of-the-way place name (it's an antiquated holiday spot on England's south coast) that might make a brilliant choice. Actor/director Jon Favreau named his daughter Brighton Rose.
          • Bristol

            • Origin:

              Place-name

            • Meaning:

              "the site of the bridge"

            • Description:

              Bristol Palin, the daughter of former Alaska governor and Vice Presidential candidate Sarah Palin, grabbed her own share of headlines after her pregnancy and having appearing on Dancing With The Stars. She subsequently (almost) single-handedly propelled her distinctive name, derived from the name of a city in England, into the Top 1000 and up the charts.
          • Brooklyn

            • Origin:

              Place-name from Dutch

            • Meaning:

              "marshland"

            • Description:

              Extreme makeover: Brooklyn has gone from jokey Borough Boy name in the 1990s to a leading girls' name starting with B. The status of New York's Brooklyn as hipster heaven is ironic as few bona fide Brooklyn hipsters would choose this name.
          • Callisto

            • Origin:

              Greek mythology

            • Meaning:

              "most beautiful"

            • Description:

              Best known as one of the moons of Jupiter, Callisto was a nymph coveted by Zeus who was turned into a bear by Hera, becoming the Great Bear (Ursa Major) constellation.
          • Cameron

            • Origin:

              Scottish

            • Meaning:

              "crooked nose"

            • Description:

              With its friendly, sensitive, and approachable feel, Cameron is a 90’s favorite that remains popular today. It has a pleasing balance of soft and strong sounds, and holds unisex appeal, thanks to Cameron Diaz. Still, eight times more boys than girls are named Cameron in the US.
          • Canaan

            • Origin:

              Biblical place name, Hebrew

            • Meaning:

              "The Promised Land; humble, low"

            • Description:

              Pronounced KAY-nan, this Old Testament place name has a strong modern feel that blends in with on-trend choices like Carter, Colton, and Kayson, but also with Ezekiel, Jeremiah, and Tobias. Associated in the Bible with "The Promised Land", it is also the name of one of Noah's grandsons.
          • Carey

            • Origin:

              Irish

            • Meaning:

              "dark, black"

            • Description:

              Variously spelled trendy name in the 1970s that hasn't even been in the Top 1000 in a decade.
          • Carmel

            • Origin:

              Hebrew

            • Meaning:

              "garden"

            • Description:

              Carmel is a biblical place-name that is often used by Catholic parents around the world. It is given in honor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and is the name of a mountain ridge on the Mediterranean near Haifa in Israel, mentioned in the Old Testament, famous for its lush vegetation and said to have been often visited by Mary and the Infant Christ.
          • Cedar

            • Origin:

              English and French from Latin tree name

            • Meaning:

              "cedar tree"

            • Description:

              Cedar is, like Ash, Oak, Pine and Ebony, one of the new tree/wood names that parents are starting to consider; this one is particularly aromatic.
          • Ceres

            • Origin:

              Roman

            • Meaning:

              "nourishment"

            • Description:

              Little known name of the goddess of the harvest — her name literally means nourishment, and is the origin of the word cereal. A possibility for the parent seeking something original, but with the aura of Roman myth. Her Greek counterpart is Demeter.
          • Chandler

            • Origin:

              English from French occupational name

            • Meaning:

              "candle maker"

            • Description:

              For a generation, this name will always be linked to 1990s hit TV series Friends. Whether this is a positive or a negative will depend on your fondness for the show, and character Chandler Bing, but this name deserves consideration beyond these connotations: Chandler is a fresh take on the professional surname names.
          • Charlie

            • Origin:

              English diminutive of Charles or Charlotte, French from German

            • Meaning:

              "free man"

            • Description:

              Charlie is a friendly, boyish nickname name now used slightly more frequently for girls than boys, with over 2200 baby girls named Charlie last year versus about 2100 boys. That makes Charlie one of the most evenly-balanced and most popular unisex names around today.
          • Chris

            • Origin:

              English nickname for Christian, Christopher

            • Meaning:

              "one who carries Christ"

            • Description:

              Chris is a long-running nickname used almost equally for boys and girls. While past its prime, Chris stands out as sounding completely appropriate for both sexes, perhaps because of its widespread use as a short form of both the popular Christopher and Christine. Chris manages to retain its crisp appeal even though its fashion moment is over.
          • Clover

            • Origin:

              Flower name, from Old English

            • Meaning:

              "key"

            • Description:

              Clover is a charming, perky choice if you want to move beyond hothouse blooms like Rose and Lily, and it's recently become a new celeb favorite, chosen by both Neal McDonough and Natasha Gregson Wagner, who used it to honor her mother, Natalie Wood, one of whose most iconic films was Inside Daisy Clover.
          • Coco

            • Origin:

              Spanish and French pet name

            • Description:

              Coco came to prominence as the nickname of the legendary French designer Chanel (born Gabrielle) and has lately become a starbaby favorite, initially chosen by Courteney Cox for her daughter Coco Riley in 2004. At first it was the kind of name that the press loves to ridicule, but we predict Coco's heading for more broad acceptance and even popularity.
          • Cohen

            • Origin:

              Hebrew

            • Meaning:

              "priest"

            • Description:

              Cohen is a common last name among Jews and an important spiritual name in the Jewish religion, associated with the hereditary priests who claimed descent from the biblical Aaron. As a result of its religious significance, Cohen is considered by some to be inappropriate to use as a first name, particularly by people with no Jewish heritage.
          • Colm

            • Origin:

              Irish variation of Latin Columba

            • Meaning:

              "dove"

            • Description:

              Colm is a popular Irish name for boys that could immigrate, especially with its peaceful meaning. Colm Toibin is a contemporary Irish novelist and critic, author of The Master and Brooklyn; Colm Meaney is an Irish actor. Pronunciation is two syllables instead of one, like Colin with an 'm' at the end. Colm is related to Columba, Colom, Colum, Callum, and Malcolm.
          • Corin

            • Origin:

              Latin

            • Meaning:

              "spear"

            • Description:

              Corin was used by Shakespeare in As You Like It, an unusual name that could make a more distinctive alternative to Corey or Colin. It is a name used in the illustrious Redgrave family of actors.
          • Crimson

            • Origin:

              Color name

            • Meaning:

              "rich deep red"

            • Description:

              Crimson could be a possible competitor for Scarlett's success, though it's lacking that Johansson charm.
          • Cruz

            • Origin:

              Spanish

            • Meaning:

              "cross"

            • Description:

              For a single-syllable Latino surname, this new popular kid on the block packs a lot of energy and charm and is one of the most stylish Spanish names for boys in general use today. Victoria and David Beckham named their third son Cruz, following Brooklyn and Romeo, and it was also picked up on by tennis star Lleyton Hewitt for his son. Other parents may prize its Christian associations.
          • Caige
            • Cas
              • Chevy
                • Clarke
                  • Creedence
                    • Dakota

                      • Origin:

                        Native American tribe and place name; Sioux

                      • Meaning:

                        "friendly one"

                      • Description:

                        A Native American tribe name which is found in the names of two US states, Dakota was one of the first trendy nineties place names, but is now flagging a little in popularity. The cultural question around using a Native American tribe name as a baby name may be partly to blame.
                    • Day

                      • Origin:

                        Word name

                      • Description:

                        A bright and optimistic middle name choice.
                    • December

                      • Origin:

                        English word name

                      • Meaning:

                        "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.
                    • Denver

                      • Origin:

                        English or French place-name and surname

                      • Meaning:

                        "from Anvers"

                      • Description:

                        Before there was Aspen, Denver was the Colorado city name of choice, and it reentered the US Top 1000 in 2015 after a 14 year absence as a stylish two-syllable boys’ name with its trendy -er ending. Its decade of greatest use was the 1920s, when it reached as high as Number 422.
                    • Devi

                      • Origin:

                        Sanskrit

                      • Meaning:

                        "divine"

                      • Description:

                        This Hindu goddess name has a powerful heritage plus lively sound with a devilish edge. If you're enchanted by goddess names but want to set your little girl apart from all the Lunas and Athenas in the playground, consider Devi.
                    • Dezi

                      • Origin:

                        Short form of Desiderio, Spanish

                      • Meaning:

                        "desired one"

                      • Description:

                        A Desi variation that moves the name away from Lucy -- though it's just as dizzy. TV star Jaime Pressly used it for her son.
                    • Domino

                      • Origin:

                        Latin

                      • Meaning:

                        "lord, master"

                      • Description:

                        One of those ultimate cool-girl names, played by Keira Knightley in a movie about a supermodel-turned-bounty hunter, but kids might associate it with the game. High profile British designer India Hicks used it for her daughter. As a girls' nameit's still very rare, used in 2015 in the US for only seven baby girls.
                    • Dylan

                      • Origin:

                        Welsh

                      • Meaning:

                        "son of the sea"

                      • Description:

                        Dylan still feels poetic and romantic after years of popularity. It still ranks highly on the charts, among the top boy names starting with D, so if you choose it, be aware that yours may not be the only Dylan in his class.
                    • Dolby
                      • Easton

                        • Origin:

                          English

                        • Meaning:

                          "eastern town"

                        • Description:

                          Easton is a stylish Ivy League-ish place and surname name, more modern than Weston, on its way up for both sexes as part of the new direction baby names are taking, as in North and West. Easton was used for her son by Jenna Elfman--and by Elizabeth Rohm for her daughter.
                      • Echo

                        • Origin:

                          Greek mythology name

                        • Meaning:

                          "echo or sound"

                        • Description:

                          Although this is traditionally seen as a female name, via the classical mythological nymph who pined away for Narcissus until all that remained of her was a disembodied voice — it can also be used for boys. Remember that old song, 'Little sir echo, how do you do?'
                      • Eden

                        • Origin:

                          Hebrew

                        • Meaning:

                          "place of pleasure, delight"

                        • Description:

                          Eden is an attractive, serene name with obvious intimations of Paradise, one of several place names drawn from the Bible by the Puritans in the seventeenth century.
                      • Egypt

                        • Origin:

                          Place-name

                        • Meaning:

                          "the house of the soul of Ptah"

                        • Description:

                          We had Egypt listed as a girls-only place-name until singer Alicia Keys and rap producer husband Swizz Beatz used it for their son...and why not? Egypt certainly works as well for a boy as for a girl, similar in sound as it is to Elijah.
                      • Elia

                        • Origin:

                          Italian variation of Elijah, Hebrew

                        • Meaning:

                          "Jehovah is God"

                        • Description:

                          A multicultural appellation, found in Hebrew, Italian, and Zuni, this likable name made famous by director Elia Kazan's only problem is the feminine a ending. But then again, that never hurt Joshua.
                      • Emerson

                        • Origin:

                          English

                        • Meaning:

                          "son of Emery"

                        • Description:

                          The combination of Emily and Emma's popularity -- and the fact that Desperate Housewives star Teri Hatcher's daughter is named Emerson -- have put this formerly strictly boys’ name, embodying the gravitas of Ralph Waldo Emerson, in the limelight for girls.
                      • Emery

                        • Origin:

                          English from German

                        • Meaning:

                          "industrious"

                        • Description:

                          The superpopularity of Emily and Emma has recently boosted the unisex Emery, especially since it became a celebrity baby name when it was chosen by Angie Harmon and Jason Sehorn.
                      • Eoin

                        • Origin:

                          Irish, variation of John

                        • Meaning:

                          "God is gracious"

                        • Description:

                          Though Eoin is a Gaelic form of John, its Anglicized pronunciation links it directly to Owen. Eoin is currently a Top 30 name in Ireland. Other variations: Ewan, Ewen, Evan and Eoghan (pronounced as Owen but also translated as Eugene).
                      • Evan

                        • Origin:

                          Welsh variation of John

                        • Meaning:

                          "God is gracious"

                        • Description:

                          Evan has a mellow nice-guy image that has kept it popular, while it has been widely used in Wales since the nineteenth century. And interestingly—and surprisingly—enough, Evan charts highly for boys in France.
                      • Ever

                        • Origin:

                          Word name

                        • Meaning:

                          "always, eternally, constantly"

                        • Description:

                          A simple, unusual word name with an evocative meaning, Ever feels similar enough to Eva, Evelyn, and Everly that it shifts easily into name territory. Actor Robert Carradine was ahead of the trends when he named his now grown-up actress daughter Ever back in the 70s, while more recently, it was used by both Milla Jovovich and Owain Yeoman.
                      • Every

                        • Origin:

                          English word name

                        • Meaning:

                          "being each individual or part of a group"

                        • Description:

                          All-inclusive word name.
                      • Eir
                        • Fallon

                          • Origin:

                            Irish

                          • Meaning:

                            "leader"

                          • Description:

                            Fallon was one of the first of the unisex surname names, but thanks to "Dynasty" in the 1980s it now has a feminine image. For a boy, try Phelan instead.
                        • Finley

                          • Origin:

                            Irish and Scottish

                          • Meaning:

                            "fair-haired hero"

                          • Description:

                            Finley has been used for both sexes for enough years to become one of the most popular unisex names. Given nearly equally to boys and girls, Finley appeals to contemporary parents as a truly gender neutral choice.

                        • Gael

                          • Origin:

                            Breton

                          • Meaning:

                            "Gaelic"

                          • Description:

                            This cross-cultural name, found in Wales, Brittany, and Spain, is a surprise star in the U.S. in recent years, largely thanks to actor Gael Garcia Bernal. It's especially popular in Texas.
                        • Gray

                          • Origin:

                            Color name, also diminutive of Grayson

                          • Description:

                            The girls have Violet and Scarlet and Ruby and Rose, but for the boys there's a much more limited palette of color names. Gray (or Grey), is one exception, which could make for a soft and evocative--if slightly somber-- choice, especially in the middle. Kaitlin Olson and Rob McElhenney recently named their son Leo Grey.
                        • Greer

                          • Origin:

                            Scottish, contraction of surname Gregor; Latin

                          • Meaning:

                            "alert, watchful"

                          • Description:

                            This attractive Scottish surname choice, has a certain amount of glamour thanks to feisty British-born red-haired forties Academy Award winner Greer Garson, who was born Eileen Evelyn Greer Garson--Greer was her Irish mother's maiden name). Greer was chosen much more recently by Kelsey Grammer for his daughter and by Brooke Shields in the Grier form. As a surname, it's associated with feminist writer/activist Germaine Greer.
                        • Gage
                          • Grier
                            • Harlem

                              • Origin:

                                Place-name

                              • Meaning:

                                "home on a forested dune"

                              • Description:

                                With Brooklyn, Trenton, and Camden on the rise, Harlem can't be far behind. It's already been picked by one celebrity, and it certainly has a strong historical and cultural identity -- not to mention its similarity to other popular choices like Harley and Harper.
                            • Harley

                              • Origin:

                                English

                              • Meaning:

                                "hare clearing"

                              • Description:

                                You can ride one, you can use it as a baby name – or, as is often the case, both! Harley is currently trending up for girls and down for boys in the US, although it remains predominantly masculine in the UK. A lesser-used -ley ending choice for boys, Harley has a current sound but an old-school biker appeal.
                            • Harlow

                              • Origin:

                                English surname

                              • Meaning:

                                "rock hill or army hill"

                              • Description:

                                Jean Harlow (born Harlean Carpenter), the original platinum blonde bombshell, was a symbol of 1930s glamour, a factor that first Patricia Arquette and then Nicole Richie and Joel Madden probably had in mind when they gave their daughters the distinctive surname name Harlow.
                            • Harper

                              • Origin:

                                English

                              • Meaning:

                                "harp player"

                              • Description:

                                You might think of Harper as the hottest name of the last decade, jumping from obscurity to the Top 10, where it remained until last year.
                            • Haven

                              • Origin:

                                Word name, English

                              • Meaning:

                                "a place of safety"

                              • Description:

                                Haven is a recently invented safe-harbor name that appeals to an increasing number of parents who don't want to voyage quite as far as Heaven.
                            • Henley

                              • Origin:

                                English

                              • Meaning:

                                "high meadow"

                              • Description:

                                The name of a British town on the Thames that hosts a famous regatta, so it could be an appropriate middle name for the son of boat-lovers.
                            • Houston

                              • Origin:

                                Scottish

                              • Meaning:

                                "Hugh's town"

                              • Description:

                                Looking for a Texas name more distinctive than Austin and Dallas? Houston is a lanky, roguish place-name, right in style with its Texas accent and cowboy image.
                            • Hariel
                              • Iman

                                • Origin:

                                  Arabic

                                • Meaning:

                                  "faith"

                                • Description:

                                  One of the best-known African names in the Western World because of the Somali-born model and wife of the late David Bowie.
                              • Israel
                                • Jaden

                                  • Origin:

                                    Hebrew

                                  • Meaning:

                                    "God has heard"

                                  • Description:

                                    While Jadon is the authentic biblical name, Jaden is by far the more popular spelling, first noticed when Will and Jada Pinkett Smith used it for their now grown (and famous) son. It has since swept the country for both sexes, with a wide variety of spellings and rhyming cousins.
                                • Jadin

                                  • Description:

                                    Jadin is a contemporary feminine name with a modern feel, though it can occasionally be used for boys as well. It appears to be a creative variation of names like Jade or Jaden, likely influenced by the trend of unique spellings and the popularity of names ending in '-in.' The name Jade, from which it may derive, refers to the precious green stone valued across many cultures. Jadin emerged primarily in the late 20th and early 21st centuries as parents increasingly sought distinctive names with familiar sounds. While not among the most popular names, it has established a modest presence, particularly in the United States. The name carries connotations of uniqueness and value, much like the precious stone it relates to. Its modern sound and spelling make it appealing to parents seeking something contemporary yet accessible with its clear pronunciation and recognizable sound pattern.
                                • James

                                  • Origin:

                                    Hebrew

                                  • Meaning:

                                    "supplanter"

                                  • Description:

                                    James for a girl? Believe it or not, this is one of the boy names for girls" gaining a lot of attention these days, since Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds shocked the world by choosing it for their eldest daughter in 2014 (after his late father).
                                • Jamie

                                  • Origin:

                                    Diminutive of James

                                  • Meaning:

                                    "supplanter"

                                  • Description:

                                    The cool form of James in the 1970s and '80s for both sexes. Still a more stylish short form than Jimmy, though many parents will want to call James by his entire, not-very-long name.
                                • Java

                                  • Origin:

                                    Anglicization of Indonesian Jawa; place name

                                  • Description:

                                    A name with something for everyone: for romantics, it's a beautiful Indonesian island; for teckies, it's a computer programming language.
                                • Jayden

                                  • Origin:

                                    Variation of Jaden or Jadon, modern invention, Hebrew

                                  • Meaning:

                                    "thankful"

                                  • Description:

                                    Reminiscent of 70’s favorite Jason, and sharing sounds with the perpetually popular James, Jayden is one of the more enduring members of the -ayden trend.
                                • Jessamy

                                  • Origin:

                                    English, variation of Jessamine

                                  • Meaning:

                                    "jasmine flower"

                                  • Description:

                                    Jessamy and big sister Jessamine are all but unknown in the U.S., but make distinctive alternatives to overexposed Jessica, Jessie, and Jasmine.
                                • Joey

                                  • Origin:

                                    Diminutive of Joseph

                                  • Meaning:

                                    "Jehovah increases"

                                  • Description:

                                    This nickname for popular and traditional Joseph has a long history of being used as a given name all on its own. Nonetheless, everyone will always assume that Joey is short for the longer form. It might be nice for a potential son to have the option of a more professional and classic name to fall back on.
                                • Jordan

                                  • Origin:

                                    English from Hebrew

                                  • Meaning:

                                    "flowing down"

                                  • Description:

                                    Originally used for children baptized in holy water from the river Jordan, it became one of the leading androgynous names of the nineties. As the balance tips toward the boys' side, it's slipping on the girls' popularity chart. Alternate spelling Jordyn is now more popular for girls.
                                • Jude

                                  • Origin:

                                    Latin diminutive of Judah, Hebrew

                                  • Meaning:

                                    "praised"

                                  • Description:

                                    Jude is a modern star, maintaining a steady level of popularity -- but not TOO much popularity, in the US at least. Thank Jude Law and the great Lennon-McCartney song "Hey Jude", double-handedly responsible for propelling Jude up the charts.
                                • Jupiter

                                  • Origin:

                                    Latin

                                  • Meaning:

                                    "godfather"

                                  • Description:

                                    Jupiter's partner Juno has entered the mainstream, so it's possible that her divine mate could follow. But not necessarily for boys — Jupiter is currently mostly female in the US, thanks to its similarity to Juniper. Stars including Ed Sheeran and Ashley Tisdale recently welcomed daughters named Jupiter, which could shift the balance even more towards the girls.
                                • Jora
                                  • Juni
                                    • Kai

                                      • Origin:

                                        Hawaiian, Frisian, Chinese

                                      • Meaning:

                                        "sea; warrior; triumph"

                                      • Description:

                                        Kai is an internationally flexible name with many possible origins and meanings, growing in popularity in the US and a diverse range of European countries.
                                    • Kay

                                      • Origin:

                                        English, diminutive of Katherine, Greek

                                      • Meaning:

                                        "pure"

                                      • Description:

                                        Kay, a cigarette-smoking, nightclubbing name of the 1930's, could be ready for a comeback along with cousins May/Mae and Ray/Rae.
                                    • Kennedy

                                      • Origin:

                                        Irish

                                      • Meaning:

                                        "misshapen head"

                                      • Description:

                                        This attractive surname name still projects that Kennedy family charisma. While it didn't come into widespread use until long after the deaths of martyred heroes President John F. or Senator Robert Kennedy, Kennedy is now one of the most popular unisex names for girls as well as the top girls' name starting with K. This is one name that manages to sound trendy and classic at the same time.
                                    • Kenzo

                                      • Origin:

                                        Japanese

                                      • Meaning:

                                        "strong and healthy"

                                      • Description:

                                        Kenzo is a common Japanese name with several creative bearers: the single-named fashion designer, prizewinning architect Kenzo Takada, and painter Kenzo Okada, which makes it internationally recognizable.
                                    • Kim

                                      • Origin:

                                        English diminutive of Kimberly; Vietnamese; Scandinavian diminutive of Joachima; Soviet name

                                      • Description:

                                        Kim was the coolest name... of the 1960s. Kim was popularized by actress Kim Novak, and its energy is still maintained by rapper Lil' Kim, but it holds lil' or no appeal for new babies. Parents who like Kim's short, sweet sound might look to a choice such as Sam, Lou, or Belle.
                                    • Kit

                                      • Origin:

                                        English, diminutive of Christopher

                                      • Meaning:

                                        "bearer of Christ"

                                      • Description:

                                        Actor Kit Harington, aka the dreamy Jon Snow on Game of Thrones, has given this nickname-name new style and appeal for boys. Actress Jodie Foster used it for her son back in the 2000s, while actor Kit Connor of Heartstopper fame may have introduced it to a wider audience.
                                    • Kazuko
                                      • Lake

                                        • Origin:

                                          Nature name

                                        • Description:

                                          This body of water runs deep; the best of a group of new possibilities that includes Bay, Ocean, River, and the more established Brook. It has received attention via the actress Lake Bell. Lake would make a particularly cool and refreshing middle name, as Gisele Bundchen and Tom Brady did for daughter Vivian.
                                      • Langley

                                        • Origin:

                                          English

                                        • Meaning:

                                          "long meadow"

                                        • Description:

                                          Better for an Air Force base than a baby.
                                      • Legend

                                        • Origin:

                                          English

                                        • Meaning:

                                          "hero or fable"

                                        • Description:

                                          Legend joins cousins Story, Saga and Fable in the baby name pantheon of narrative words. Unlike Story and Fable, however, Legend comes with additional weight, being used for fame ("living legend") and to denote a person who is fantastic "what a legend"). Who can live up to that?
                                      • Leigh

                                        • Origin:

                                          English variation of Lee

                                        • Meaning:

                                          "pasture, meadow"

                                        • Description:

                                          This spelling adds a little more femininity to the neutral Lee. Leigh and sister Lee were quite popular in the 1960s and 1970s among the first cool wave of unisex names for girls, but now have vanished from the Top 1000. The Biblical Leah is preferred.
                                      • Leighton

                                        • Origin:

                                          English

                                        • Meaning:

                                          "meadow town"

                                        • Description:

                                          One of those names that's suddenly on the map because of a celebrity's influence, Leighton Meester of the TV show Gossip Girl. She pronounces it LAY-ton but some will intuitively say LEE-ton.
                                      • Lennon

                                        • Origin:

                                          Irish

                                        • Meaning:

                                          "lover"

                                        • Description:

                                          A growing number of high-profile (and other) parents are choosing to honor their musical idols, such as Hendrix, Presley, Jagger, and now Lennon, an Irish name for girls as well as boys with a wonderful meaning on many levels. Lennon first came to notice when Liam Gallagher and Patsy Kensit used it for their son in 1999, and singer-musician Adam Pascal followed their lead two years later.
                                      • Linden

                                        • Origin:

                                          Variation of Lyndon

                                        • Meaning:

                                          "linden tree hill"

                                        • Description:

                                          The graceful, natural image of the verdant shade tree transcends any connection with President Johnson.
                                      • Lonan

                                        • Origin:

                                          Irish

                                        • Meaning:

                                          "blackbird"

                                        • Description:

                                          This name of several early Irish saints makes a nice Logan/Conan alternative.
                                      • London

                                        • Origin:

                                          English place-name

                                        • Meaning:

                                          "Capital city of England"

                                        • Description:

                                          The capital of England makes a solid and attractive twenty-first-century choice in the US where it is currently in the Top 1000. Given to nearly 1000 girls and 200 boys each year, it is a unisex option that has been in slow decline since its peak in 2013. Conjuring up images of Big Ben, red phone boxes, and the London Eye for some, but perhaps the rush hour commute and grey skies for others, London is far less popular in the UK and other English-speaking countries.
                                      • Loran

                                        • Description:

                                          Loran is a versatile masculine name with multiple possible origins. It may derive from the Latin 'Laurentius' meaning 'from Laurentum' or 'crowned with laurel,' or it might be an anglicized form of the Irish name Labhrán. The name also has connections to LORAN (Long Range Navigation), a radio navigation system. In some European contexts, it appears as a variant of Laurent or Lorenzo. Loran strikes a balance between familiar and distinctive, with a strong, straightforward sound. While never extremely common, it saw modest usage in the United States during the mid-20th century. The name carries connotations of strength and clarity, perhaps influenced by its navigational associations.

                                      • Lux

                                        • Origin:

                                          Latin

                                        • Meaning:

                                          "light"

                                        • Description:

                                          This name of a character played by Kirsten Dunst in the movie Virgin Suicides, originally a novel by Jeffrey Eugenides, is gaining attention, also thanks to the heroine Lux, Lady of Luminosity in the League of Legends games. Luz is the Spanish version.
                                      • Lyndon

                                        • Origin:

                                          English

                                        • Meaning:

                                          "linden tree hill"

                                        • Description:

                                          An English surname-turned-first-name whose most famous bearer is former US president Lyndon B. Johnson. His appointment in 1963 caused a huge spike in use for his unusual name the following year, pushing it to its historical peak of #347 in 1964. However, the year after his exit from the Oval Office, it dropped back below the Top 1000.
                                      • Lysander

                                        • Origin:

                                          Greek

                                        • Meaning:

                                          "liberator"

                                        • Description:

                                          Lysander is a distinctive Greek name that could be thought of as a more creative cousin of Alexander. In ancient history, Lysander was the name of an esteemed Spartan naval commander and his literary cred comes from one of the two star-struck young men in Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream, as well as one of the twin sons (the other being Lorcan) of Luna Lovegood, whom we learn about in the Harry Potter epilogue.
                                      • Lark
                                        • Madigan

                                          • Origin:

                                            Irish

                                          • Meaning:

                                            "little dog"

                                          • Description:

                                            An unusual, energetic surname choice that would make a good Madison alternative. Madigan was a typical police detective series of the 1970s, starring Richard Widmark.
                                        • Marley

                                          • Origin:

                                            English

                                          • Meaning:

                                            "pleasant seaside meadow"

                                          • Description:

                                            Reggae master Bob's surname was one of the biggest risers on the popularity charts for girls in 2008, with spellings Marlee and Marely also leaping in favor. Also used for boys, Marley is one of the top unisex names in the US.
                                        • Marlowe

                                          • Origin:

                                            Variation of Marlow, English

                                          • Meaning:

                                            "driftwood"

                                          • Description:

                                            Is it Marlo, Marlow, or Marlowe? Suddenly they all seem very much in the air, in tune with rhyming cousins Harlow and Arlo. It all started when Margaret Julia Thomas began being known as Marlo (after being previously nicknamed Margie and Marlow). More recently, Jason Schwartzman used the e-ending version for his young daughter, Marlowe Rivers, as did Sienna Miller for her baby girl Marlowe Ottoline.
                                        • Mason

                                          • Origin:

                                            English occupational name

                                          • Meaning:

                                            "worker in stone"

                                          • Description:

                                            Mason is an occupational surname that ranked among the Top 10 name for boys throughout the 2010s, after its choice as one of the first Kardashian baby names.
                                        • Maxwell

                                          • Origin:

                                            Scottish

                                          • Meaning:

                                            "great stream"

                                          • Description:

                                            A happy medium between the weighty Maximilian and the laid-back Max, Maxwell is one of the most classic and attractive Scottish names. Early influences on the name's revival include Maxwell Smart of the television show, and then movie, Get Smart, and the Beatles song about Maxwell's Silver Hammer.
                                        • Mercer

                                          • Origin:

                                            French occupational name

                                          • Meaning:

                                            "a merchant"

                                          • Description:

                                            Mercer is an attractive possibility which is an occupational name that doesn't sound like one. Mercer and its cool, sophisticated short form Merce project a super creative image via their artistic namesakes.
                                        • Mercury

                                          • Origin:

                                            Roman

                                          • Meaning:

                                            "messenger of the gods, quicksilver"

                                          • Description:

                                            It's a car brand, a planet, and the messenger of the gods -- but it's questionable whether it works as a little girl's name.
                                        • Misha

                                          • Origin:

                                            Russian, diminutive of Mikhail

                                          • Description:

                                            Brought into the American consciousness as the nickname of ballet great Mikhail Baryshnikov, it more recently took on a unisex air via TV and screen actress Mischa Barton. Could become the next Sasha.
                                        • Monroe

                                          • Origin:

                                            Scottish

                                          • Meaning:

                                            "mouth of the Roe river"

                                          • Description:

                                            Monroe is a presidential name which, thanks to the immortal beauty of Marilyn Monroe, is catching on fast for baby girls. Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon chose it for their twin daughter, honoring Marilyn Monroe. Their use of Monroe as a girls’ name did much to revive this Old Man name, a la Sydney, as a newly fashionable choice for girls.
                                        • Moroccan

                                          • Origin:

                                            Word name

                                          • Description:

                                            Moroccan is a name newly minted by Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon for their newborn twin son. Meaning a person who lives in Morocco, Moroccan was used by the couple as a nod to the Moroccan Room in Carey's Manhattan apartment, where Cannon proposed to the singer. Place-name Morocco is another choice for either sex, as is music name Maraca.
                                        • Maico
                                          • Maiko
                                            • Mako
                                              • Meritt
                                                • Ming
                                                  • Moseley
                                                    • Natt

                                                      • Description:

                                                        Natt is a concise masculine name with several possible origins. It may serve as a shortened form of Nathaniel or Nathan, Hebrew names meaning 'gift of God.' In Scandinavian contexts, Natt derives from the word for 'night,' giving it a nature-inspired quality. The name also appears as a variant of Nat, a traditional nickname for Nathaniel. With just four letters and a strong, definitive sound, Natt appeals to parents seeking minimalist yet distinctive names. Its brevity aligns with contemporary preferences for short, unpretentious names that are easy to spell and pronounce. Though uncommon as a formal given name, Natt's simplicity and cross-cultural potential give it a subtle versatility that works well in various cultural settings.

                                                    • Niall

                                                      • Origin:

                                                        Irish

                                                      • Meaning:

                                                        "cloud"

                                                      • Description:

                                                        Niall is pronounced nye-al--something like Neil, but this Irish spelling of the name makes it much more current and cool.
                                                    • Nicola

                                                      • Origin:

                                                        Italian

                                                      • Meaning:

                                                        "people of victory"

                                                      • Description:

                                                        Nicola may be more familiar as a female name in English-speaking countries, but it's a popular classic choice for Italian baby boys – currently just outside the Top 50 there. A historic bearer is Nicola Pisano, a renowned and influential thirteenth century sculptor.
                                                    • Nim

                                                      • Origin:

                                                        Modern invented name

                                                      • Description:

                                                        Australian writer Wendy Orr put this name on the map with her hit Nim's Island" series of children's books, about a smart young girl who lives on an island in the South Pacific. Abigail Breslin played Nim in a 2008 film adaptation of the book.
                                                    • Noah

                                                      • Origin:

                                                        Hebrew

                                                      • Meaning:

                                                        "rest, repose"

                                                      • Description:

                                                        Noah is nearly a patriarch of popular baby names at this point, going from Old Testament graybeard to Top 10 name in 2009, hitting Number 1 in 2013, and now settled into second place in the US for the past seven years.
                                                    • Noel

                                                      • Origin:

                                                        French

                                                      • Meaning:

                                                        "Christmas"

                                                      • Description:

                                                        Noel is British, fey, and sophisticated, connoting wit and creativity, much like namesake Noel Coward. Noel has also been a character on Felicity and Pretty Little Liars. Thanks to their association with Christmas, Noel and Noelle make ideal names for December babies and names for Christmas babies.
                                                    • North

                                                      • Origin:

                                                        Word name

                                                      • Description:

                                                        North's image and gender status was irrevocably changed when Kim Kardashian and Kanye West announced it as the name of their newborn daughter. But why not? West is firmly established as a name, Easton is coming up strong, and North has a nice solid sound as well -- certainly as appropriate for either gender. South, though, not so much.
                                                    • October

                                                      • Origin:

                                                        English word name

                                                      • Meaning:

                                                        "month name"

                                                      • Description:

                                                        What is so rare as a month named June? October – and November and December – are a lot rarer. Brisk and substantial, they're so much more memorable and modern than April or May. October got its name via being the eighth month in the old Roman calendar. Some related, more feminine variations are Octavia and Ottavia.
                                                    • Ono
                                                      • Patience

                                                        • Origin:

                                                          Latin virtue name

                                                        • Meaning:

                                                          "ability to accept or tolerate inconveniences, and suffering without anxiety or anger"

                                                        • Description:

                                                          Patience is a passive virtue turned engaging name, fresher than Hope, Faith, or even Charity. Its resemblance to the trendy Payton may be one reason that it returned to the US charts back in the 90's and 2000s, having been absent for a century.
                                                      • Peyton

                                                        • Origin:

                                                          English

                                                        • Meaning:

                                                          "fighting-man's estate"

                                                        • Description:

                                                          Peyton is a unisex surname that rose to fame in the 90s, with parents drawing inspiration from football star, Peyton Manning, and, oddly enough, from "Peyton Flanders", the villainess of the 1992 film, The Hand That Rocks The Cradle. Combining gentle sounds with contemporary style and the naughtiness of Peyton Place, the name remains a popular choice in the US today.
                                                      • Phoenix

                                                        • Origin:

                                                          Arizona place-name and Greek

                                                        • Meaning:

                                                          "dark red"

                                                        • Description:

                                                          Effortlessly cool with a hint of the mystical, Phoenix rolls a lot of trends into one: it's a place-name and a bird name, it ends in the stylish letter x, it's got in-built nicknames, and it's unisex too. Familiar but not over-popular, Phoenix ranks in the US and UK Top 1000s.
                                                      • Posey

                                                        • Origin:

                                                          English

                                                        • Meaning:

                                                          "a bunch of flowers"

                                                        • Description:

                                                          Posey is fashionable in England, a country of gardeners, but this pretty bouquet-of-flowers name is only starting to be heard here.
                                                      • Quinn

                                                        • Origin:

                                                          Irish

                                                        • Meaning:

                                                          "descendant of Conn, chief leader, intelligence"

                                                        • Description:

                                                          Quinn is one of the first popular Irish unisex surnames, a strong and attractive choice on the rise for girls but still popular for boys. Quinn was used for about 3000 baby girls and 700 boys in the US last year.
                                                      • Raven

                                                        • Origin:

                                                          Word and animal name

                                                        • Description:

                                                          Bird name Raven, once a symbol of pride for both African-American and Wiccan parents, is finding new life as a superhero name. Raven Darkholme is the real name of Mystique, heroine of the X-Men films played by Jennifer Lawrence. And there is another Raven superheroine in Teen Titans. Some parents may still choose Raven to signal black pride or mystical powers or maybe even Edgar Allan Poe fandom, but we are guessing most inspiration is coming from the comics.
                                                      • Reagan

                                                        • Origin:

                                                          Irish

                                                        • Meaning:

                                                          "little king"

                                                        • Description:

                                                          A strong, straightforward Irish unisex surname, with a merry glint in its eye, Reagan has been leaping up the popularity lists, to become one of the top girl names starting with R. Some will inevitably link it to President Ronald, but spell it Regan and it's a Shakespearean name: a daughter of King Lear.
                                                      • Rebel

                                                        • Origin:

                                                          Word name

                                                        • Meaning:

                                                          "rebel"

                                                        • Description:

                                                          Asking for trouble. Rebel Wilson is a hilarious Australian actress who puts a female spin on this contemporary badass baby name. Still, we think this name is truly gender neutral – though hardly neutral in any other way. Rebel is undoubtedly one of the edgiest girls' names starting with the letter R.
                                                      • Reed

                                                        • Origin:

                                                          English

                                                        • Meaning:

                                                          "red-haired"

                                                        • Description:

                                                          A slim, elegant, silvery surname, Reed could be a banker or a sculptor, and therein lies the appeal of this simple yet distinctive name. The versatile Reed can be seen as a grass-like nature name and a musical name.
                                                      • Reese

                                                        • Origin:

                                                          Welsh

                                                        • Meaning:

                                                          "ardor"

                                                        • Description:

                                                          The sassy, steel magnolia appeal of Oscar-winning Reese (born Laura Jeanne—Reese is her mother's maiden name) Witherspoon has single-handedly propelled this formerly boys’ name into girls' popularity.
                                                      • Riley

                                                        • Origin:

                                                          English, Irish

                                                        • Meaning:

                                                          "rye clearing; courageous"

                                                        • Description:

                                                          Riley -- one of the most popular unisex names -- is trendier now for girls though for boys it's a classic, ALWAYS ranking in the US Top 1000.
                                                      • River

                                                        • Origin:

                                                          Nature name

                                                        • Description:

                                                          Most of the notable Rivers have been male, but this nature name certainly flows as well for a girl. The name River is still rising for both genders, with about 3500 baby boys receiving the name last year vs. 1900 baby girls.
                                                      • Robin

                                                        • Origin:

                                                          Bird name, or English, diminutive of Robert

                                                        • Meaning:

                                                          "bright fame"

                                                        • Description:

                                                          After a 60 year slide down the popularity ladder, Robin made a turnaround in 2020 and began climbing back into favor for baby girls. One reason may be its new status as one of the most evenly-divided gender neutral names.
                                                      • Rohan

                                                        • Origin:

                                                          Irish, Scottish, Hindi, Urdu, Sanskrit ,"rowan tree; redhead; sandalwood; ascension"

                                                        • Meaning:

                                                          "rowan tree; redhead; sandalwood; ascension"

                                                        • Description:

                                                          Simultaneously a name of Hindi and Sanskrit origin, a spelling variation of the popular Rowan and an anglicized form of Irish Ruadhán, Rohan is a cross-cultural choice.
                                                      • Rory

                                                        • Origin:

                                                          Irish

                                                        • Meaning:

                                                          "red king"

                                                        • Description:

                                                          This spirited Gaelic classic, which became popular in Ireland via the illustrious twelfth century king Rory O'Connor, makes a highly energetic choice, now used for either sex. Rory's gender split is still trending boyward; it's one of the coolest boys' names starting with R.
                                                      • Rumer

                                                        • Origin:

                                                          English

                                                        • Meaning:

                                                          "fame, braggart"

                                                        • Description:

                                                          Demi and Bruce made waves when they named their now-grown firstborn after novelist Rumer Godden; a possible downside is its connection with the word rumor. English author Godden was actually born Margaret, with Rumer (a family surname) as her middle name
                                                      • Ryan

                                                        • Origin:

                                                          Irish

                                                        • Meaning:

                                                          "little king"

                                                        • Description:

                                                          Ryan’s use as a given name was inspired by the surname Ryan, a variation of the Irish O’Riain meaning "son of Rían." Rían is composed of the Irish-Gaelic elements rí, meaning "king" and an, a diminutive suffix. Ryan is considered a unisex name in the US, where variant spellings Ryann and Ryanne are also valid for girls.
                                                      • Rylen

                                                        • Origin:

                                                          Variation of Rylan

                                                        • Description:

                                                          Rylen, an invented name related to Rylan, Ryland, and more distantly to Riley, is now in the girls' column thanks to its choice for their first daughter by football great Drew Brees and wife.
                                                      • Ryo

                                                        • Origin:

                                                          Japanese

                                                        • Meaning:

                                                          "fact, reality, understand; distant; defy"

                                                        • Description:

                                                          A simple, importable Japanese name that is used for both males and females and carries a multitude of meanings depending on which character is used to denote it. While most westerners pronounced it rye-oh, its real pronunciation is closer to ree-uh. A similar male name, Ryu, means "dragon."
                                                      • Rocco
                                                        • Sasha

                                                          • Origin:

                                                            Russian, diminutive of Greek Alexander

                                                          • Meaning:

                                                            "defending men"

                                                          • Description:

                                                            Sasha, largely male in Russia--and also spelled Sascha and Sacha--is an energetic name that has really taken off for girls here, chosen by Jerry Seinfeld (using the alternate Sascha spelling) and other celebs. The Barack Obamas use it as the nickname for their younger daughter, whose proper name is Natasha. But in line with a trend toward softer-sounding boys' names like Asher and Joshua and thanks to Borat star Sacha Baron Cohen, Sasha also still has life as a boys' name too--it's popular in France for boys and girls almost equally.
                                                        • Sawyer

                                                          • Origin:

                                                            English occupational name

                                                          • Meaning:

                                                            "woodcutter"

                                                          • Description:

                                                            Sawyer is one of the top unisex names, used for their daughters by such parents as Sara Gilbert, co-host of The Talk and former actress on Roseanne, currently on The Conners.
                                                        • Scottie

                                                          • Origin:

                                                            English nickname

                                                          • Meaning:

                                                            "Scot"

                                                          • Description:

                                                            With its sassy, old school vibes, its cheerful, snappy sounds, and its fresh, unisex image, Scottie was one of the fastest rising names for girls in 2023.
                                                        • Scout

                                                          • Origin:

                                                            Word name

                                                          • Meaning:

                                                            "one who gathers information covertly"

                                                          • Description:

                                                            Scout, a character nickname from To Kill a Mockingbird (her real name was Jean Louise), became a real-life possibility when Bruce Willis and Demi Moore used it for their now-grown middle daughter, followed by Tom Berenger a few years later.
                                                        • Shiloh

                                                          • Origin:

                                                            Biblical place-name, Hebrew

                                                          • Meaning:

                                                            "tranquil"

                                                          • Description:

                                                            Cool meets Born Again meets Brad and Angelina, who made Shiloh an instant star when they chose it for their daughter. While Shiloh has risen from obscurity thanks to its celebrity baby use, it hasn't become a star the way brother names Maddox and Pax have. It entered the Top 1000 in 2007, one year after the birth of Ms. Jolie-Pitt.
                                                        • Sidney

                                                          • Origin:

                                                            French

                                                          • Meaning:

                                                            "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.
                                                        • Sky

                                                          • Origin:

                                                            Nature name

                                                          • Description:

                                                            Sky may be a bit hippie-ish, but it's bright and sunny nonetheless. Sky rejoined the Top 1000 in 2013 after spending many years off the list. Sky was the choice of magician David Copperfield for his daughter, born in 2010.
                                                        • Skylar

                                                          • Origin:

                                                            Spelling variation of Schuyler, Dutch

                                                          • Meaning:

                                                            "scholar"

                                                          • Description:

                                                            Skylar is a name with a hint of both edginess and whimsy and it makes for a nature-inspired choice that is neither too wordy nor too floral. Popular since the 90s, Skylar has remained in the US Top 100 for over a decade and is the most popular spelling of the name for girls.
                                                        • Sloane

                                                          • Origin:

                                                            Irish

                                                          • Meaning:

                                                            "raider"

                                                          • Description:

                                                            Sloane is a sleek, sophisticated surname name that has gradually morphed over to the girls' side. With its distinctive and intriguing sound, Sloane has been in the US Top 1000 since 2009, and in 2022, it made its first appearance in the UK charts, jumping more than 400 places in a single year.
                                                        • Spencer

                                                          • Origin:

                                                            French

                                                          • Meaning:

                                                            "keeper of provisions"

                                                          • Description:

                                                            Yes, Spencer makes a plausible and powerful female choice these days, though it's still used four times as often for boys as for girls. But Spencer does not swim that far beneath the Top 1000, used for nearly 250 baby girls last year.
                                                        • Storm

                                                          • Origin:

                                                            Word name

                                                          • Description:

                                                            The name of one of the most powerful Marvel superheroes — and the first major black female comic book heroine — is certainly a big one to live up to! Portrayed in the live-action X-Men movies first by Halle Berry and then by Alexandra Shipp, Storm is a mutant descended from a long line of African witch-priestesses, who can bend the weather and atmosphere to her will.
                                                        • Sullivan

                                                          • Origin:

                                                            Irish surname

                                                          • Meaning:

                                                            "black-eyed one"

                                                          • Description:

                                                            Sullivan is a jaunty Celtic three-syllable name, with a real twinkle in its eye. It was immortalized in the 1930s classic film Sullivan's Travels and was chosen for one of Patrick Dempsey's twin boys. Nickname Sully is equally jaunty.
                                                        • Suri

                                                          • Origin:

                                                            Yiddish, Hebrew, Persian, Sanskrit

                                                          • Description:

                                                            Suri, a once obscure name, hit the headlines when it was chosen by Katie Holmes and Tom Cruise for their daughter in 2006. A truly multi-cultural choice, Suri is a unique name with a variety of different origins.
                                                        • Sutton

                                                          • Origin:

                                                            English

                                                          • Meaning:

                                                            "from the southern homestead"

                                                          • Description:

                                                            Sutton is a habitational surname propelled to popularity by Tony-winning Broadway actress Sutton Foster, who's also the star of Hulu's Younger -- based on a novel written by Nameberry co-creator Pamela Redmond.
                                                        • Sydney

                                                          • Origin:

                                                            French

                                                          • Meaning:

                                                            "Saint Denis"

                                                          • Description:

                                                            Sydney was a hot girls' name in the 1990s, but she's arguably still cool. One of the original old man names adopted for baby girls, Sydney's popularity may be down but she's not out.
                                                        • Snow
                                                          • Sorayan
                                                            • Sparrow
                                                              • Tamsyn

                                                                • Origin:

                                                                  English, Cornish

                                                                • Meaning:

                                                                  "twin"

                                                                • Description:

                                                                  Alternative Cornish spelling of Tamsin, which derives from Thomasin or Thomasina.
                                                              • Tatum

                                                                • Origin:

                                                                  English

                                                                • Meaning:

                                                                  "Tate's homestead"

                                                                • Description:

                                                                  Tatum is one of the rare examples of a name that was exclusively female, as in Tatum O'Neal, but now is used for boys too, entering the male Top 1000 in 2010. Khloe Kardashian made headlines when she revealed her son is named Tatum Robert, breaking from the family theme of using unique word names for their children.
                                                              • Taylor

                                                                • Origin:

                                                                  English occupational name

                                                                • Meaning:

                                                                  "tailor"

                                                                • Description:

                                                                  Taylor is one of the prime unisex surnames used for girls and has also been a soap opera favorite. Taylor was in the Top 10 for the last several years of the twentieth century, so that now it tends to feel a little nineties – though Taylor Swift is keeping it in the spotlight and Tay is a charming nickname. Garth Brooks and Bryan Cranston have daughters named Taylor; Taylor Schilling portrays lead Piper Chapman in Orange is the New Black.
                                                              • Terry

                                                                • Origin:

                                                                  Diminutive of Terence or Thierry, English

                                                                • Meaning:

                                                                  "soft; thresher; ruler of the people"

                                                                • Description:

                                                                  One of the first breakaway unisex baby names, Terry, used independently since the days of Terry and the Pirates. Popular in the mid-20th-century, it has fallen out of favor in recent years, replaced by Tommy, Sonny, and Ozzy.
                                                              • True

                                                                • Origin:

                                                                  Word name

                                                                • Meaning:

                                                                  "true"

                                                                • Description:

                                                                  Many parents seeking a return to more basic values and a simpler lifestyle are turning to such virtuous girls' names as Grace, Faith, and Hope, but there are a handful that work just as well on boys, including True.
                                                              • Truth

                                                                • Origin:

                                                                  English word name

                                                                • Meaning:

                                                                  "the state of being the case"

                                                                • Description:

                                                                  True has become an accepted first and middle name; Truth makes an even stronger statement. And with nearly 150 baby boys named Truth in the US in the most recent year counted, as many as were named Ross, the word name is edging up on the Top 1000.
                                                              • Tyler

                                                                • Origin:

                                                                  English occupational name

                                                                • Meaning:

                                                                  "maker of tiles"

                                                                • Description:

                                                                  The presidential Tyler rocketed up popularity charts in the late 1980s and early 1990s (it ranked Number 9 for that entire decade), along with cousin Taylor, becoming almost pandemic across the land-- and to make matters more confusing, both (especially Taylor) have been used for girls as well.
                                                              • Umber

                                                                • Origin:

                                                                  Color name

                                                                • Description:

                                                                  Conjures up the rich brown colors of raw and burnt umber, but it may be too close to girls' Amber.
                                                              • Urban

                                                                • Origin:

                                                                  Latin

                                                                • Meaning:

                                                                  "of the city"

                                                                • Description:

                                                                  Urban was not an uncommon name through the 1930s (rising as high as Number 435), having been attached to several saints and early popes, but it has completely disappeared from the landscape--both urban and rural. Yet in this era of word name appreciation and trend for 'an'-ending boys' names, we're thinking it might be ready for a return.
                                                              • Vega

                                                                • Origin:

                                                                  Arabic, Spanish

                                                                • Meaning:

                                                                  "swooping eagle; meadow"

                                                                • Description:

                                                                  Another astral name, this one relating to one of the largest and brightest stars in the heavens, is popular in Scandinavia and Spain, where it ranks among the Top 50 girls' names. Although still very rare in the US, we think it has serious potential to follow the likes of Luna and Lyra up the charts.
                                                              • Waverly

                                                                • Origin:

                                                                  English

                                                                • Meaning:

                                                                  "meadow of quivering aspens"

                                                                • Description:

                                                                  Waverly, with its literary resonance and lilting three-syllable sound, could well become the next generation's successor to Kimberly. Its upper-crusty surname feel places it among the new stylish English names for girls, successors to Ashley and Whitney.
                                                              • Winter

                                                                • Origin:

                                                                  Word name

                                                                • Description:

                                                                  Fresher, brisker and, yes, cooler than Summer or Autumn or Spring, Winter is now a full-fledged female choice, especially since Nicole Richie and Joel Madden used it for daughter Harlow's middle name, and Gretchen Mol picked it as her daughter's first, as did media mogul Sean Parker. Winter continues to be the preferred spelling and has risen in popularity significantly over the past few years.
                                                              • Wanderer
                                                                • Yale

                                                                  • Origin:

                                                                    Welsh

                                                                  • Meaning:

                                                                    "vigorous, fertile"

                                                                  • Description:

                                                                    Ivy League choice many will mistake for the Israeli favorite Yael, which has a different root and meaning.
                                                                • Yoko

                                                                  • Origin:

                                                                    Japanese

                                                                  • Meaning:

                                                                    "good girl; ocean child"

                                                                  • Description:

                                                                    There are many in Japan, but for most Americans there's only one Yoko.
                                                                • Young

                                                                  • Description:

                                                                    Young is a masculine name that originated as a surname in English, derived from the Old English word 'geong,' meaning 'young' or 'youthful.' As a given name, it has been most commonly used in East Asian cultures, particularly in Korea, where it's pronounced differently than in English. In Korean usage, Young (or Yeong) can have various meanings depending on the Chinese characters used to write it, including 'brave,' 'flourishing,' or 'eternal.' The name is straightforward, simple, and carries positive connotations of youth and vitality. While uncommon as a first name in Western countries, its simplicity and positive meaning make it an accessible cross-cultural option.
                                                                • Yule

                                                                  • Origin:

                                                                    English

                                                                  • Meaning:

                                                                    "winter solstice"

                                                                  • Description:

                                                                    Yule is one Christmas baby name that doesn't sound very festive. We prefer Winter or even Christmas itself.
                                                                • Zaire

                                                                  • Origin:

                                                                    Place-name

                                                                  • Description:

                                                                    While this African place-name is much more popular for boys, nearly 40 girls were named Zaire last year. Among African baby names, this is one of the best-known in the US.
                                                                • Zeppelin

                                                                  • Origin:

                                                                    German word name from Slavic

                                                                  • Meaning:

                                                                    "zeppelin; flail"

                                                                  • Description:

                                                                    In a baby name landscape where word names and names that start with Z are infinitely cool, there are few options for parents who want to combine trends. Zeppelin is one of the best names at the intersection of these two styles, and it's rising alongside the likes of Zen, Zephyr, and Zenith.
                                                                • Zari