Not gender neutral... Yet
- Kellven
Description:
Kellven is a modern masculine name that appears to be a contemporary creation, possibly combining elements of Kelly or Kelvin with endings like -ven (as in Steven). This type of blended or created name reflects 21st-century naming trends that prioritize uniqueness and distinctiveness. Kellven has a strong, masculine sound while maintaining a certain softness with its 'v' consonant. As a relatively new name without deep historical roots, it doesn't carry traditional associations but instead offers parents the opportunity to create new meaning. The name has a contemporary feel that works well in multicultural contexts and has enough familiarity in its sounds to be easily pronounced while remaining distinctive.
- Kenelm
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"brave, bold helmet, keen protection"Description:
A rarely used member of the Ken- family, Kenelm has a rugged, surname-style feel. Borne by a 9th century martyr and a member of the Mercian royal family, it could make an intriguing namesake for a Kenneth, a Kendra, or a Kendrick.
- Kerris
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"love"Description:
Kerris is a much easier if less authentic phonetic spelling of the popular and pretty Welsh name Cerys.
- Kess
Description:
Kess is a rare feminine name that may have originated as a short form of names like Kessia or Kestrel, or possibly as a variant of Tess. It could also relate to the Dutch word 'kess' meaning 'fresh' or 'lively.' With just one syllable, Kess is crisp and straightforward, fitting with the modern trend toward brief, impactful names. The name's brevity gives it a contemporary feel, while its uncommon nature makes it distinctive. Extremely rare in usage, Kess offers parents a truly unique option that's still easy to pronounce and spell. The name has a certain strength and confidence in its concise form, potentially appealing to parents seeking a name that sounds both modern and somewhat unisex in character.
- Ketter
Description:
Ketter is an unusual feminine name with possible Germanic origins. It may derive from the German surname Ketter, which has occupational roots related to chain-making (from "Kette" meaning "chain"). Alternatively, it could be a variant of Keturah, a biblical name meaning "incense" in Hebrew. As a first name, Ketter is extremely rare, with very few recorded usages in any country. The name has a crisp, strong sound with its decisive consonants, giving it a modern feel despite potential historical roots. The rarity of Ketter might appeal to parents seeking a truly distinctive name that remains straightforward to pronounce. Its unusual nature makes it stand out while still having a familiar sound pattern.
- Kimbel
Description:
Kimbel is an uncommon masculine name with English origins, possibly derived from place names or surnames. It may be related to 'Kimble,' a place name found in parts of England, or could be a variant of 'Campbell' or 'Kimball.' The name has a distinctive sound that combines strength and softness through its consonant-vowel pattern. Kimbel has remained exceptionally rare as a first name in most English-speaking countries, never appearing on major popularity charts. This rarity gives it an exclusive quality appealing to parents seeking truly uncommon names. The name's brevity and clear pronunciation contribute to its usability despite its unfamiliarity to most people.
- Kimber
Origin:
Diminutive of KimberleyDescription:
This diminutive of Kimberley is gaining momentum as a standalone name. For our part, we're stumped by its rise.
- Kinsey
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"king's victory"Description:
Kinsey enjoyed popularity blip thanks to similarity to Lindsay, and because of Sue Grafton's alphabet mysteries heroine, Kinsey Millhone. Now, Kinsley has become more popular than Kinsey.
- Kinsley
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"king's meadow"Description:
Light and glittery, but with plenty of spirit, Kinsley has risen quickly into the US Top 100. Balanced between preppy and cutesy, it feels like a fresh alternative to Kelly, Kaitlyn, or Kimberly.
- Kosta
Description:
Kosta as a feminine name represents an unusual gender crossover from its traditional masculine usage. More commonly, Kosta is a masculine name in Slavic countries, particularly popular in Greece, Bulgaria, and Serbia as a shortened form of Konstantin or Constantine, meaning 'constant' or 'steadfast.' Its feminine usage is quite rare and may represent a modern trend of gender-neutral naming. The name carries a strong, decisive sound with its crisp consonants while remaining brief and easy to pronounce across multiple languages. For a girl, Kosta offers distinctiveness and strength, potentially derived from family heritage or parents seeking an uncommon name with historical roots.
- Lace
Description:
Lace is a delicate feminine name derived from the English word for the ornate fabric made from intricately looped threads. As a given name, it emerged primarily in the late 20th century when word names and short, distinctive choices gained popularity. The name evokes images of elegance, intricacy, and feminine beauty. Lace has never been a common choice for girls, maintaining its status as a rare and distinctive option. It falls into the category of subtle virtue or aesthetic names, alongside choices like Grace, Pearl, or Ruby. The name's brevity gives it a modern feel, while its meaning connects to traditions of craftsmanship and refinement. For parents seeking a simple yet uncommon name with graceful associations, Lace offers an understated elegance.
- Lael
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"belonging to God"Description:
Although this is an ancient Old Testament name, it has a pleasant contemporary feel that might appeal to today's parents, who might just as easily use it for a girl.
- Laurel
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"laurel tree"Description:
Laurel takes Laura back to its meaning in nature, resulting in a gentle, botanical option. Even more directly than Laura, Laurel relates back to the laurel wreath signifying success and peace in ancient Greece and Rome.
- Lavender
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"purple flower"Description:
Lavender lags far behind sweet-smelling purple-hued sister names Violet and Lila, but is starting to get some enthusiastic attention from cutting-edge namers along with other adventurous nature names like Clementine and Marigold.
- Liller
Description:
Liller is a feminine name with American origins, likely developing as a diminutive form or variant of names like Lillian, Lilia, or simply Lily. The floral association with lilies connects the name to concepts of purity, beauty, and renewal. Liller has a distinctly Southern American quality and was more commonly used in the early 20th century, particularly in rural communities. While relatively rare today, it carries a vintage charm that might appeal to parents seeking an uncommon name with folksy, nostalgic qualities. The double 'l' and '-er' ending give it a melodic quality when spoken. Though not widely used in contemporary naming, Liller represents an authentic piece of American naming heritage with its simple yet distinctive character.
- Lillias
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"lily"Description:
Lillias is a spin on Lilias, two international members of the popular Lily family. Whatever the spelling, the name is so rare that it was given to no baby girls in the US in 2015.
- Lin
Description:
Lin is a concise, versatile name with multicultural origins and meanings. In Chinese culture, it's a common surname and given name meaning 'forest' or 'jade' depending on the character used. In Welsh traditions, Lin represents 'lake' or 'waterfall,' while in Scandinavian contexts, it means 'lime tree' or 'gentle.' As a feminine given name in Western cultures, Lin often serves as a diminutive for names like Linda, Linette, or Caroline. Its simplicity and cross-cultural appeal have made it increasingly popular in an interconnected world. The name's brevity carries elegance and strength, making it practical across languages and cultures while still feeling distinctive. Lin's versatility allows it to convey both natural beauty and refined simplicity.
- Lore
Description:
Lore is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins. In German tradition, it's a shortened form of Eleanor or Lorelei, while in Spanish it can be a diminutive of Dolores. The name literally means 'knowledge' or 'wisdom' in Latin, giving it an intellectual connotation. In folklore contexts, 'lore' refers to traditional knowledge and stories passed through generations. This gives the name a mystical, storytelling quality. Though uncommon in English-speaking countries, Lore has a simple elegance and cross-cultural appeal. Its brevity makes it distinct while remaining easy to pronounce across language boundaries. The name's connection to wisdom and cultural traditions makes it appealing for parents seeking a name with depth and subtle sophistication.
- Lorel
Description:
Lorel is a delicate feminine name that likely developed as a variation of Laurel or as a shortened form of Lorelle. Deriving ultimately from Latin 'laurus' meaning 'laurel tree,' it carries associations with honor, victory, and achievement dating back to ancient traditions of crowning victors with laurel wreaths. This uncommon name has a soft, lyrical quality with its gentle 'L' sounds. Though never widely popular, Lorel saw modest usage in the mid-20th century. Its brevity and elegance give it a contemporary feel despite its classical roots. The name offers a distinctive alternative to more common floral and nature names, balancing familiarity with uniqueness. Its simple spelling and pronunciation make it accessible despite its rarity.
- Loretto
Origin:
Variation of LorettaMeaning:
"bay laurel"Description:
Loretto is an old school spelling of the more common Loretta, which comes from the Italian Laura diminutive Lauretta. Antiquated to the point of extinction -- no baby girls have received the name in the US for more than half a century -- Loretto nevertheless ranked among the Top 1000 names until the early 20th centiury.