GIRLS NAMES ON BOYS
- Ruby
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"behold, a son"Description:
Ruby could be a short form of the Biblical name Reuben and especially its streamlined form, Ruben. As a gemstone name, it's currently enjoying a fresh boom of popularity for girls – nearing the US Top 50 for the first time in almost a century.
- Artemis
Origin:
Greek, diminutive of ArtemiosMeaning:
"safe; butcher"Description:
Best known as the the Greek Goddess of the hunt and the moon, Artemis could now be considered one of the few traditionally feminine names that are currently being used for boys. Alternatively though, when pronounced ahr-TEH-mis, it is a valid Greek masculine name – a diminutive of Artemios.
- June
Description:
June is a masculine name derived from the month of June, which was itself named for the Roman goddess Juno, the protector of women and marriage. While predominantly used for girls since the early 20th century, June has historical usage as a male name, particularly as a nickname for Junior. As a masculine name, June has never been common in the United States but represents the tradition of month names used for boys (like August and March). The name carries associations with early summer, warmth, and new beginnings. For men, June offers a gentle, nature-connected alternative to more conventional masculine names. Its simplicity, single syllable, and familiar quality make it accessible despite being unconventional for males in contemporary usage.
- Vesper
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"evening star"Description:
While this is usually thought of as a girls' name because of the Bond Girl connection, its sound is masculine and there's no reason it couldn't work for boys.
- Haven
Origin:
Word name, EnglishMeaning:
"a place of safety"Description:
Like Harbor, one of the new generation of word names with appealing meanings, though (female) memoirist Haven Kimmel has tipped it decidedly toward the girls' side.
- Dove
Origin:
Color and nature nameMeaning:
"dove, a bird"Description:
Subtle but clear unisex way to signal peace, especially in middle place.
- Julie
Description:
Julie as a masculine name represents an interesting cross-cultural usage, as it is predominantly recognized as a feminine name in English-speaking countries. As a masculine name, it may have roots in cultures where similar-sounding names like Jules (French) or Julio (Spanish) are used for men. Julie derives from the Latin 'Julius,' meaning 'youthful' or 'downy-bearded,' and has connections to the illustrious Roman Julian family. While extremely uncommon as a masculine name in English-speaking countries, this usage might reflect multicultural naming practices or family traditions. The name has a gentle, approachable quality regardless of gender. Its usage for boys might appeal to parents seeking gender-neutral options or those honoring specific cultural or family traditions.
- Kay
Description:
Kay as a masculine name has diverse origins. It can be a short form of names like Kenneth or Kai, or derive from the Middle English word 'key.' In Arthurian legend, Sir Kay was King Arthur's foster brother and seneschal, lending the name a noble, medieval connection. It's also associated with the Old Norse name Kái, meaning 'rejoice.' This brief, one-syllable name has maintained steady but modest usage throughout the decades. Its simplicity and strong sound make it appealing for those seeking a straightforward yet distinctive name for a boy. Kay also has cross-cultural appeal, appearing in various forms in Germanic, Celtic, and Scandinavian traditions.
- Day
Origin:
English word nameMeaning:
"the time of light between one night and the next"Description:
Many African tribes have a tradition of naming children for the day or time they were born -- Friday, Afternoon -- a practice finding new life in the Western world as word names become more popular.
- Clare
Origin:
Diminutive of ClarenceDescription:
Nowadays, Clare tends to be viewed as a feminine name, but this is a short and sweet Irish-flavored name that could work just as well on a boy. Noted male bearers of the name Clare include Canadian ice hockey legend Clare Drake, US cartoonist Clare Briggs, and Grammy winning musician Clare Fischer.
- Vega
Origin:
Arabic, SpanishMeaning:
"swooping eagle, meadow"Description:
This striking name has a lot going for it: it's a self-confident Spanish surname, it identifies one of the most brilliant stars in the sky, and it has a musical reference to singer-songwriter Suzanne Vega.
- Jess
Description:
This short form of Jesse has an androgynous, cowperson feel. It's Jess rather than Jesse or Jessie that can be considered among the truly androgynous baby names
- Abby
Description:
As a masculine name, Abby represents an uncommon usage of what is traditionally a feminine nickname. Most frequently, Abby serves as a diminutive for Abigail (Hebrew: 'father's joy'), but for boys, it might function as a shortened form of Abraham, Abner, or other masculine Ab- names. This gender-crossing usage is relatively rare and represents modern naming trends that increasingly blur traditional gender boundaries. The masculine use of Abby remains extremely uncommon in statistical records. Parents choosing Abby for a boy may appreciate its gentle sound and simplicity, while also embracing its nonconformist quality. The name's soft consonants and ending 'y' sound create an approachable, friendly impression regardless of gender association.
- Tora
Description:
Tora as a masculine name has multiple potential origins. In Japanese, Tora means 'tiger,' symbolizing strength and courage. In Norse traditions, it could be a masculine variant of 'Thor,' the god of thunder, or related to the name Tore. In Hebrew contexts, Tora might reference the Torah, though this usage is less common for boys. The name's brevity gives it a strong, distinctive quality across cultures. While predominantly used as a feminine name in some regions, as a masculine choice it remains uncommon in Western countries. Its cross-cultural meanings and simple pronunciation make it appealing to parents seeking a concise, meaningful name with international resonance and natural strength.
- Beth
- Bríd
- Deb
- Ester
- Fay
- Fern