gender neutral names I personally like

Baldwin

German

"brave friend"

Writer James Baldwin could make this an inspirational choice for a child of either sex.

Bayou

Native American nature name

A slow and sultry southern choice that's definitely cool for babies of either gender. While the word feels French and has its roots in 18th century French Louisiana, it derives from the Choctaw word…

Birch

English, German, Danish, and Swedish surname and tree name

"dweller in the birch wood"

One of the rarer tree names, Birch evokes imagery of the beautiful paper-white bark tree. Although a unisex name, the most notable people named Birch are men, such as Indiana senator Birch Evans Bayh…

Bluebell

Flower name from English

"blue bell"

Bluebell is one flower name that is used very quietly. Geri "Ginger Spice" Halliwell joined her former Spice Sisters in creative baby-naming with this adventurous — some might say outlandish —…

Campion

English botanical name and French

"champion, woodland flower"

The campion is a pretty woodland plant with pink or red flowers, whose common name derives from Old French champion "champion". The plant is so called because in classical times, the rose campion was…

Candide

French from Latin

"naive"

The French version of Candida, and with no unfortunate medical connection, much more wearable. It has never been recorded in the US charts, but could be a charming alternative to names like Cosette,…

Capucine

French

"nasturtium"

Capucine was a chic French actress half a century ago and has been one of the most fashionable girl names in France in recent decades, ranking in France's Top 100. Capucine is also popular in…

Chan

Cambodian

"sweet-smelling tree"

Common Asian surname also works as a first, as with the singer Chan Marshall, also known as Cat Power (and born Charlyn).

Chris

English diminutive of Christina, Greek

"a Christian"

Chris is one of the longest-running and still most appealing unisex short forms, still used nearly equally for boys and girls. Though no longer fashionable, Chris still feels crisp and appropriate…