Favorite Unisex Names
By Rain
Updated Tue Jul 12 2022
Share
Copy link
- Abbott
Origin:
Aramaic, HebrewMeaning:
"father"Description:
This traditionally male surname name could find new life for girls thanks to its similarity to the popular Abby and Abigail.
- 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.
- Alexi
Description:
Alexi is a masculine name with Greek origins, functioning as a diminutive or variant of Alexander, which means 'defender of the people.' This name is used in various cultures, including Greek, Russian, and Finnish traditions, though spelling variations exist (such as Alexei in Russian). Alexi has a cosmopolitan, international appeal that works well across cultural boundaries. The name carries a sophisticated yet approachable quality, balancing strength with a certain artistic flair. In the United States, Alexi has maintained modest but consistent usage, appealing to parents seeking a recognizable name that isn't overly common. Its connection to the widely popular Alexander gives it historical depth while its shorter form offers a more distinctive, contemporary sound.
- Angel
Origin:
Spanish and EnglishMeaning:
"angel, messenger"Description:
As a boys' name, Angel has two distinct name personalities. One is as a perennial favorite Hispanic boys’ name, popular in the US along with Spain, Mexico, and South America.
- Arbor
Origin:
Nature nameDescription:
Arbor is an original unisex tree-related choice we're sure to hear more of. Highly unusual now, Arbor takes its place alongside other new arborial names ranging from the mighty Oak (or Oakley) to the more delicate Birch to the more flowery Juniper, Acacia, and Hazel.
- Artemis
Origin:
Greek mythology nameMeaning:
"safe or butcher"Description:
Artemis, one of the key figures of the female Greek pantheon, is the ancient virgin goddess of the hunt, wilderness, animals, childbirth, and a protector of young girls, later associated with the moon. Artemis is the equivalent to the Roman Diana, but a fresher and more distinctive, if offbeat, choice.
- Asher
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"fortunate, blessed, happy one"Description:
Asher—an excellent, soft and sensitive Old Testament choice—is a baby boy name on the rise, and is a Nameberry biblical favorite.
- Auburn
Origin:
Color nameMeaning:
"deep reddish-brown"Description:
A strong, warm name and a strong warm color. Would make an excellent alternative to August or Aubrey.
- Auden
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"old friend"Description:
The poetic, soft-spoken Auden has recently started to be considered as a first name option, used for both sexes, appreciated for its pleasing sound as well as its link to the distinguished modern Anglo-American poet W.H. Auden.
- August
Origin:
German form of Latin AugustusMeaning:
"great, magnificent"Description:
The name August is at its highest point since the 1890s, when it ranked among the Top 100 boy names in the US – and deservedly so. With its great meaning, historic roots, and cool nicknames, 2024 saw August officially re-enter the Top 100.
- Bailey
Origin:
Occupational nameMeaning:
"law enforcer, bailiff"Description:
Bailey -- a jaunty surname -- was first used for a female TV character in 1978 in the show WKRP in Cincinnaati, then caught on big time. Bailey's still an appealing choice, though, and a celebrity fave. Parents of daughters named Bailey include Scot Baio and Stella McCartney.
- Bayou
Origin:
Nature nameDescription:
A slow and sultry southern choice that's definitely cool for babies of either gender.
- Blair
Origin:
ScottishMeaning:
"dweller on the plain"Description:
One of the first generation of cool surname names, now largely used for girls in the US, but still popular for boys in its native Scotland. A prominent association for Brits is former prime minister Tony Blair, who was leader at the time of the Iraq War.
- Brady
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"broad meadow or large-chested"Description:
The Irish name given to Miranda Hobbes's son on the dearly departed Sex and the City is a friendly and energetic choice. You well might want to make your son part of the Brady bunch.
- Byrd
Origin:
English word nameMeaning:
"bird"Description:
One of the rare cases where spelling a name with a y makes it less rather than more feminine. Birdie might be the freshest choice in this aviary.
- Cairo
Origin:
Egyptian place-name, ArabicMeaning:
"the conqueror, the victorious"Description:
Cairo is an exciting place name possibility with upbeat o ending and an on-trend first syllable. Debuting in the US Top 1000 in 2015, it has been climbing ever since, and, as of 2023, it is given to more than 1000 babies each year.
- Clancy
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"red-haired warrior"Description:
Clancy, one of the original crossover Irish surname names, is as energetic and appealing as ever — full of moxie, more distinctive than Casey, and also one of the less obvious of the red-headed names.
- Columba
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"dove"Description:
Columba is an early saint's name that rhumbas to a modern beat. While the original St. Columba is male, the name sounds more appropriate for a girl in the modern world. Leave variations Colm and Callum for the boys.
- Corin
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"spear"Description:
Corin was used by Shakespeare in As You Like It, an unusual name that could make a more distinctive alternative to Corey or Colin. It is a name used in the illustrious Redgrave family of actors.
- Destry
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"war horse"Description:
Destry rides again, this time as a Western flavored baby name. Derived from the French surname Destrier, from an Anglo-Norman word meaning "warhorse", this rugged name was popularized by the 1930 novel Destry Rides Again by Max Brand, subsequently adapted for the big screen.