gender neutral names I personally like

Uri

Hebrew

"my flame, my light"

This short but strong name, commonly heard in Israel, has a lot of crossover potential, and is among the most usable on the minuscule menu of U names. The are two Uris in the Old Testament--the…

Val

Diminutive of Valentine, Latin

"strength, health"

Val as a boys' name is closely associated with the late actor Val Kilmer.

Vale

Geographical name

Vale is part place name, part nature name -- a poetic term for a type of valley. Today Show coanchor Savannah Guthrie put Vale on the baby name map when she chose it for her daughter, but there's no…

Valentine

Latin

"strength, health"

Valentine is an attractive Shakespearean name with romantic associations, but those very ties to the saint and the sentimental holiday have sent it into a decline, one which we think may be about to…

Valerian

Latin

"strength, health"

This name of a Roman emperor and of a sedating plant is still used quietly, given to about a dozen baby boys in the US last year. It has a strong, rhythmic sound and could make a modern-feeling honor…

Valor

Word name

"courage and bravery"

This modern virtue name gives a nod to ancient chivalry and could also work as an updated form of the classic Victor. A bold choice, but one that an increasing number of parents have been making in…

Vine

English nature name

Unusual and simple nature name worthy of further consideration.

Viper

French

"snake"

As cool as it is frightening.

Wallis

Wallis is a masculine name of Germanic origin functioning as both a given name and surname. Derived from the Old Germanic elements 'wald' meaning 'rule' or 'power' and possibly connected to Wales or…