Gender Neutral Names List
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Whether you're looking for a gender neutral baby name, character name, or you're changing your name, here are some names generally coded neutrally, or that I think could make good gender neutral names. Keep in mind that depending on where you live, these names may be seen as more feminine or masculine.
- Abbott
Origin:
Hebrew, AramaicMeaning:
"father"Description:
Abbott is a neglected masculine surname with religious overtones as the head of a monastery. Though the feminine nickname Abby could be a slight drawback, Abbott is still an attractive offbeat possibility.
- Addison
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"son of Adam"Description:
Despite its origin as a patronymic meaning "son of Adam", Addison really caught on for baby girls in the US around the turn of the millennium, following in Madison's footsteps to peak at #11 in 2007 and again in 2010.
- Adrian
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"man of Adria"Description:
Adrian is one of those names that’s easy to picture on all kinds of people. From an active and energetic five-year-old to your great grandpa, from the coolest, breeziest guy you know, to the quiet, serious one, it’s no wonder Adrian has always made the US Top 500 since the early 20th century.
- Ainsley
Origin:
ScottishMeaning:
"solitary meadow"Description:
This name will tick a lot of boxes for many parents: unisex; trendy sound; pretty instinctive to pronounce; and some great namesakes including British chef Ainsley Harriott and American footballer Ainsley Battles.
- Ainslie
Description:
Ainslie is a masculine name of Scottish origin, derived from the placename 'Annesley' in Nottinghamshire, England. The name ultimately comes from Old English elements meaning 'one's own meadow' or 'hermitage clearing.' As a first name, Ainslie gained popularity in Scotland before spreading to other English-speaking countries. While traditionally used for boys, it has become increasingly unisex in recent decades, particularly in Australia and North America. The name carries aristocratic associations in Scotland, where it was often used as a surname before transitioning to a given name. Ainslie remains relatively uncommon, appealing to parents seeking a distinctive name with historical roots and a melodic sound.
- Anderson
Origin:
English from ScandinavianMeaning:
"son of Anders"Description:
Anderson shot up quite a bit on the popular names list in the 2000's, no doubt in large part due to the prominence of white-haired cable newsman Anderson Cooper. Perhaps surprisingly though, Anderson was even higher on the list in 1880. Actress Edie Falco named her son Anderson in 2005. Though there haven't been many first-named Anderson namesakes, there have been countless notables bearing the surname, including Hans Christian, Marian, Maxwell, Sherwood, Gillian, Laurie, and Pamela.
- Ash
Origin:
Diminutive of Asher, EnglishMeaning:
"ash tree"Description:
Ash has Southern charm plus the arboreal-nature appeal. Plus your little boy will prize Ash as the name of the hero of the Pokemon cartoons. Ash can also be a dashing short form of Asher, Ashton, or any other "Ash" name.
- Ashton
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"ash trees place"Description:
The recent ascent of this English surname is due to two things: the megapopular Ash beginning and TV/movie hottie Ashton Kutcher. The name peaked at Number 76 in 2004, a year after Ashton Kutcher's (both Christopher Ashton) hit TV show Punk'd made its debut.
- Aspen
Origin:
Nature and place-nameMeaning:
"a poplar tree that quakes in the breeze"Description:
As trendy as the chic Colorado ski resort, with a hint of whimsy from the shimmering trees, Aspen has been climbing the charts for boys since the early 90s. While it has always been more popular for girls, it could work for a boy too.
- Aubrey
Origin:
English from FrenchMeaning:
"elf ruler"Description:
Once a popular choice in for boys in the Middle Ages and again during the 19th century, Aubrey has mostly been used for girls in the US since the 1970's. With its arty, surname-y, and sophisticated feel, however, it is rising up the UK charts for both boys and girls.
- Austin
Origin:
English, shortened form of Augustine, LatinMeaning:
"great, magnificent"Description:
Austin is one of the most attractive city names for babies, with an appealing southwestern feel and place-name panache.
- Avery
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"ruler of the elves"Description:
Avery is a unisex name that is used four times as often today for girls as for boys. But while Avery's popularity is starting to soften for girls, it continues to get stronger for boys -- in keeping with our finding that gender neutral names are becoming more favored for boys than for girls.
- Bailey
Origin:
English occupational nameMeaning:
"law enforcer, bailiff"Description:
Extremely amiable, open-sounding surname that's gradually being taken over by the girls.
- Bird
Origin:
Nature nameDescription:
A name that's unusual in that changing the i to a y -- as in Byrd -- makes it more masculine.
- Blake
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"fair-haired, dark"Description:
Blake -- an early unisex option -- dropped out of the Top 100 in 2017 for the first time since 1988, but remains a sophisticated choice. And yes, both conflicting meanings of Blake are accurate. It originated as a surname in England derived from a nickname. Much of its masculine image was influenced by the wealthy, silver-haired character Blake Carrington in the massively popular 80s TV series Dynasty. Rosie O'Donnell has a son named Blake.
- Blayne
Description:
Blayne is a masculine name with Scottish and Gaelic origins, derived from the surname Blair or the Gaelic 'blár' meaning 'field' or 'plain.' This contemporary spelling variation of Blaine adds a distinctive touch to a name with traditional roots. Blayne projects strength and simplicity with its concise, one-syllable structure. The name gained modest popularity in the United States during the late 20th century as part of the trend toward surnames as first names. While remaining uncommon, Blayne offers parents a masculine option that sounds modern yet has authentic historical connections. Its streamlined sound and spelling make it accessible while maintaining uniqueness.
- Bliss
Origin:
English word nameMeaning:
"intense happiness"Description:
If you use this for a boy, it had better be a family name, hidden away in the middle.
- Blue
Origin:
Color nameDescription:
Among the coolest of the cool color names, particularly popular with celebs as a unisex middle name.
- Cameron
Origin:
ScottishMeaning:
"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.
- Canyon
Origin:
Spanish word nameDescription:
Canyon is a unique baby name evocative of natural splendor and the old Steve Canyon comic-strip heroism, making it an intriguing new word-name possibility.