There are a number of reasons why parents choose gender-neutral baby names. For starters, it makes things very easy when you’re getting prepared to welcome a baby. If you don’t know the child’s sex before birth or haven’t yet hit the second trimester, choosing a gender-neutral name can remove some of the guesswork. Further, many parents choose neutral names because they prevent gender stereotyping and bias from happening in their child’s future. This can be beneficial when your child becomes an adult and is looking for a job.
Parents are also more educated than ever about gender fluidity, trans rights, and gender bias. While a unisex name might not be chosen for expressly political reasons, it’s nice to take into consideration that your child might not fit the rigid gender binary that exists in society. Still, other parents find that many gender-neutral names are unique and cool. Gender-neutral names are more popular than ever before! That means that finding unique ones that are not ubiquitous already can be a challenge. We decided to round up some rare gender-neutral names that tend to fly under most parents’ radars. Take a look to find a great name for your baby!
Discover Rare Gender-Neutral Names Worth Considering Below:
Cypress
Cypress is an underutilized gender-neutral name that celebrates nature. Cypress trees symbolize strength, hope, and immortality. That makes this name feel even more appropriate. You will not find this name on any popularity charts but we hope to see that change in the coming years. It could be the next Willow.
Honor
Honor was once a popular virtue name used by the Pilgrims. While it might not have stuck around like Constance, Grace, or Faith, Honor is coming back today. The Pilgrims gave this name to their baby girls but today, the name is given more often to boys than girls. A nice little flip for our modern world. Honor is such an admirable quality which makes it one of the most attractive and positive rare gender-neutral names.
Jupiter
Would you believe us if we told you that Jupiter is given to more baby girls than baby boys today? Of all the babies named Jupiter in recent years, 64% were girls. This is curious due to the mythological history of the name which belonged to the supreme deity and “father of the gods.” We believe we have Ed Sheeran and Ashley Tisdal to thank for this as they both chose the name for their daughters born in 2022 and 2021. We love this name for any baby, however, and we’re quite fond of the nickname Jupe.
Merritt
Although this may sound like a virtue name like Honor, Merritt actually originated as an English surname that means “boundary gate.” We love that solid double-T ending that rivals the likes of other surname-names like Wyatt or Beckett. Actor Merritt Weaver is the most high-profile person with the name today and we hope that her popularity helps shine a light on this excellent unisex option.
Yael
Yael was once only used as a name for girls thanks to its mention in the Bible. But, it’s technically one of the Hebrew gender-neutral names. It underwent this transformation in the 1990s and it’s now a popular choice for any baby, especially in Israel. If you’re unfamiliar with this appellation, it is said with two syllables and is formally spelled Ya’el to reflect that. This treasure of a name means “to ascend.”
Arrow
One of the new crop of gender-neutral names that’s heating up today, Arrow sounds sharp and feels like it’s moving in the right direction. Word-names are often polarizing but we feel this one really works thanks to its similarity to other hit names today like Arlo, Harlow, or even Willow. There have been a few hundred babies given this name in recent years and it’s an even split between baby boys and girls.
Larkin
Larkin is one of the most remarkable gender-neutral names because of its history. Once a medieval nickname for Laurence, Larkin is considered by most today to be an Irish appellation that means “fierce.” In fact, it was once a popular name for boys in the US from the 1880s to the 1900s. Further, this name has a bird-like connotation thanks to the Lark element. There’s just a lot going for this name and we hope it continues to rise for all babies today.
Ridley
As a rule of thumb, surnames tend to make excellent gender-neutral names. Ridley is no exception. This English surname means “cleared wood.” Ridley Scott helped new parents see this surname as a given name possibility, especially for baby boys. But, we think Ridley fits in with other names with a similar ending like Hadley, Harley, Ashley, and Ripley.
Aris
Aris is derived from the name Arista and shared the same root as the word aristocrat. Thus, it’s also considered a short form of the name Aristotle. Aris comes from Ancient Greece but it somehow sounds more contemporary than it does old. The name means “harvest.” It’s yet to trend in the US but it’s a top-1000 name for boys in England today. We love this name for any baby.
Wynn
Wynn (also spelled Wyn) is a Welsh name that was originally given to boys. Today, it’s one of the most popular gender-neutral Welsh names around the world. It has a triumphant sound and a tremendous meaning in “fair and blessed.” If you have Welsh heritage or just like the ring this name has to it, give it a spin.
Azari
Azari is one of the gender-neutral names that’s truly on the rise today and is likely to rank in the top 1000 most popular names for girls in the US in the coming years. Currently, the name is given to far more girls than boys but that should not deter you. Azari is a short form of the Hebrew name Azariah (a name belonging to a male character or two in the bible). It checks off a lot of boxes of what new parents are looking for in a baby name today. It’s unisex, has three syllables, and contains a Z. That’s a triple threat!
Rumi
Rumi is one of the most beloved Japanese gender-neutral names. It can mean “beauty” and/or “flow” and/or “lapis lazuli.” Lapis lazuli is a deep-blue metamorphic rock that’s been prized since antiquity for its color. While Rumi has received attention in the contemporary US as the name of Beyonce and Jay-Z’s young daughter, it’s most famously the name of a (male) 13th-century Muslim mystic and poet.
Ramsey
Ramsey is also spelled Ramsay and both variations are considered gender-neutral names. It had a moment of popularity for boys in the 1980s and early 1990s but has since been evenly split between baby boys and girls. It’s another English surname-turned-given-name. It means “lowlands.”
Brighton
Brighton names a holiday spot in the south of England and means “bright town.” A cheery unisex name, it was used for his daughter by Jon Favreau but was a boy’s name on the TV show The Nanny. The name is really heating up today and we expect it to be widespread over the next decade as more and more parents will inevitably be looking for rare gender-neutral names.
Nikita
Nikita is one of the Russian gender-neutral names that parents have begun to turn to today. It’s an extremely old name that comes from the Greek name Niketas or Aniketos. The appellation means “unconquered” or “victorious.” We are not sure what the current Russian invasion of Ukraine will do for this name’s chances. It could be doomed now after picking up so much steam in the US in recent years.
Austen
A surname belonging to novelist Jane who gave the world Emma and Pride and Prejudice. It’s a decidedly English surname but it comes from the Latin name Augustus or August, meaning “magnificent.” Austen was really moving in the right direction for boys until the early 2000s when its popularity slowed. Now, there’s a more even split making this one of the most accessible and attractive gender-neutral names on the list.
Nazareth
One of the gender-neutral, biblical place names on the rise today Nazareth could be the new Jericho or Galilee. Nazareth is an important place in the New Testament as the hometown of Jesus. It’s really on the rise and is equally split among baby girls and boys today. You get the enviable nickname Naz with this one and we don’t think you can beat that.
Cove
Cove is one of the rare gender-neutral names that was on the rise pre-pandemic but stalled a bit in 2020 before picking up once more in 2021. It is a celebratory nature name that gives title to a “small bay.” The name is almost equally split between boys and girls with it currently trending ever-so-slightly for girls.
Montana
One of the truly evenly split gender-neutral names, Montana is of Spanish origin and indeed means “mountainous.” The name was a trendy pick in the 1990s and early 2000s before it fell off the charts for both boys and girls. We’re expecting it to swing back up and join the other popular names any year now. You cannot deny this name’s rugged charms.
Ever
Ever is an English word name that’s full of possibility. It has ties to male names in Scandinavia that mean “wild as a boar” and in Hebrew, meaning “beyond.” It’s one of the newer gender-neutral names that is really surprising baby name-watchers as parents are using it more than ever for all of their babies. It also has celebrity cred after Alanis Morissette and Souleye named their son Ever Imre and Milla Jovovich and Paul Anderson chose it for their daughter.
Marlo
Marlo is one of the gender-neutral names that is wrapped in mystery. Most believe it’s a modern invention but there is evidence that it has been used as a nickname or diminutive form of Margaret, meaning “drop in the sea,” “bitter,” and “pearl.” The character Marlo Stanfield is a (male) character in the HBO drama The Wire. Marlo Thomas is a famous American (female) actor that has brought light to this name as well. Let the mystery be!
Halen
Halen is a name of English and Scandinavian origins that is sure to inspire a baby to be a well-rooted champion. In Old English, this name translates to “hero.” But, others argue that it’s actually an English habitational name that means “hay land.” Further, in Old Norse, the name means “hall.” Either way you split it, this name works because it is similar to Hale, Haley, Galen, and others.
Lou
Lou is one of the perfectly vintage gender-neutral names that is poised to make a comeback. This adorable name is a short form of Louis or Louise and is of German and French origin. The name means “renowned warrior.” The name fell out of fashion for all babies by the 1970s but we think it’s time for a big comeback. While Lou’s favorability in the US has wained it has really exploded in continental Europe, especially for girls.
Iman
An absolutely gorgeous Arabic, unisex name, Iman means “faith.” The name is wildly popular across the Middle East, of course, but it has also been a hit in England as well. It’s a complete mystery to us as to why the name has never taken of in the US as it is truly so romantic in sound and contains such a positive meaning. You know what to do, new parents!
Linden
Early pagans and Christians treated the Linden as a holy tree. It was thought to aid healing and often planted near churches. The Linden is the mythological symbol of truth, peace, and justice. Linden was mildly popular in the early 1940s in the US for boys but has yet to return to favor. Of all the gender-neutral names on this list, we feel that Linden has the perfect balance as a celebratory nature name that sounds grounded and established.
Jules
We at Mamas Uncut have been beating the Jules drum for years now. In France and Europe more broadly, Jules is one of the most popular names for baby boys. That was the case here in the US too until the middle of the last century when it tanked. Jules is one of the very best gender-neutral names that is rooted in Latin, a form of Julius, meaning “youthful.” We’d really love to hear more of this name stateside and we expect to!
Lake
Lake works as one of the gender-neutral names thanks to its likeness to Blake which has undergone a shift and now goes to more girls than boys. Lake is a lovely nature name that evokes images of cool water tucked inside the mountains. Lake has yet to land in the US top 1000 most popular baby names but expect that to change. Gisele Bundchen and Tom Brady chose it as a middle name for their daughter, Vivian. If history is any indication, normal folks tend to do as celebrities do.
Kirby
Kirby was on the US top 1000 most popular baby names for boys list for decades before being joined as a popular choice for girls in the 1970s and 80s. It’s one of the gender-neutral names that has fallen out of fashion today but we still find it cute and energetic. Kirby comes from Norse and English origins and means “church settlement.”
Hollis
Hollis is a name of English origin that originated as a surname. As with many other surnames, it has always been considered among other gender-neutral names in its class. Hollis is a habitational name that means “from the Holly trees.” The name is considered a vintage pick today as it has been off the popularity charts since the 1970s. That means there are plenty of grandparents out there with this name today. What’s old is new!
Amen
Amen is one of the gender-neutral names that incorporate faith like Blessing, Nazareth, and virtue names. Amen is considered a variant of the Hebrew name Amon, meaning “wealthy protector.” For the faithful, the name is also a form of agreement that typically follows prayer and means “so be it” or “it is so” or “it is true.” It is on the rise today and would make a distinct choice.
Halston
Let’s dust off that disco ball and bring back the 70s-inspired name, Halston. The name is synonymous with the American fashion designer who was given it as a middle name. The name is of English origin and is seen more often as a surname than a given one. It means “hallowed stone.”
Laine
Laine is the kind of straightforward name that parents who don’t like fuss should be attracted to. You can spell it the more traditional way, Laine, or go with the streamlined Lane. Both come from the same root and mean the same thing “path.” In the US Lane, is the most popular spelling but Laine is on the rise.
Koi
If you’re looking for an alternative to the newly ubiquitous, Kai, Koi could be the ticket. It is a name from Japanese that means “carp.” The fish are especially popular in ornamental gardens in Japan, where they are a symbol of good fortune. In Buddhist culture, the koi is associated with courage. Koi feels fresh, playful, and contemporary and should be one of the gender-neutral names to make your shortlist if you’d like a nature-inspired appellation.
Sora
Sora is another one of the great Japanese gender-neutral names. It is used for all babies in Japan and has the lovely meaning: “sky.” Sora is completely accessible and works thanks to other names like Sara, Soma, and Koda. American parents are quickly taking notice of this name so get ahead of the trend before it’s not so unique anymore.
Kit
It’s no secret that we at Mamas Uncut love the name Kit. We recommend it all the time as it plays well with others and really sounds precious. it’s also perfectly situated as a gender-neutral name. It comes from English as a form of Katherine or Christopher, thus the name can mean “pure” or “bearer of Christ.” It was once a popular given name for boys but fell of the charts by the middle of the last century. Let’s bring this name back for all babies!
There you go! We hope you found these rare gender-neutral names attractive and unique. Searching for the right baby name for your child can be a challenge but it’s not impossible. Knowing that you want a gender-neutral name considerably helps narrow down the possibilities. If you’re still looking for more gender-neutral names, keep reading as we’ve got even more to share with you below.
Discover Even More Gender-Neutral Names Beaming With Potential!
35. Brooklyn
The name Brooklyn is English in origin and means “brook” or “stream.” One of the very best boroughs in New York City, Brooklyn has a thriving culture that your child would be proud to be named after. If you love New York, Brooklyn is an excellent choice for your baby’s name.
34. Paris
The name Paris is Greek and means “defender.” Of course, we all love the capital of France for its romance and elegance. In Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, Count Paris is a handsome suitor for Juliet. However, the name has long been used for both boys and girls.
33. River
Just like a steady flowing stream, the name River has been a popular name in English speaking countries for decades. It exudes peace and tranquility and would be a beautiful name for both boys and girls.
32. Jules
In France, the name Jules is popular for both men and women. The name is the Frenchified version of Julius as in Julius Caeser. The name means “youthful” and certainly sounds fresh as well.
31. Knox
The name Knox might sound masculine to you, but it’s actually a name that’s commonly given to both girls and boys. The name is Scottish in origin and means “round hill.” The name became popular around the 13th Century and is closely associated with the Scottish Reformation of that time.
30. Harper
Filled to the brim with Southern charm, the name Harper is a popular children’s name. It became popular for girls after the female novelist, Harper Lee wrote To Kill a Mockingbird. The name is English in origin and means “harp player.” If you’re a musical family, you should definitely consider this name for your baby.
29. Adrian
The name Adrian comes from the same root, “adria” as the Adriatic Sea. The name is suitable for both boys and girls and means “dark.” Several saints and six popes have all shared the name, Adrian.
28. Sidney
City names like Brooklyn and Paris make fantastic gender-neutral baby names because they mean so many things to people. The name, Sydney is no different. Although the capital city of Australia is spelled, Sidney the name can alternatively be spelled Sydney. The name comes from Old English and means “wide meadow.”
27. Billie
Rising pop star Billie Eilish is a young woman who goes by the name Billie. Before this famous Billie, English star Billie Piper helped repopularize the name in the UK. The name Billie was traditionally a nickname given to boys with the name William. Now, the name’s diminutive is commonly given as a first name. The name means “determination.”
26. Skylar
The name Skylar became popular for both boys and girls in the US starting in the 1980s. Before its use as a given name, the name was shared by many Dutch settlers to New York City who spelled it, Schuyler. The name means “noble scholar.” So if you plan on raising a bookworm, the name Skylar would be perfect for her or him.
25. Dakota
The word Dakota describes the Dakota language and translated from the Yankton-Yanktonai and Santee dialects the name means “friend” or “friendly one.” What a perfect name for your little friendly one.
24. Parker
Parker comes from Old English and means “park keeper.” Parker consistently ranks as one of the top 100 baby names in the United States. Until the 19th Century, the name was more commonly an occupational one or a surname.
23. Lake
Name your baby after a big body of water! This would be a perfect baby name for nature lovers. Actress Lake Bell is just one high-profile person who wears the name and wears it well!
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: Lauren Conrad Shares a Peek at Her Gorgeous Gender-Neutral Nursery
22. Ash
Ash, Ashley, and Ashton are all gender-neutral names that come from the Hebrew word Ash, which means “happy” or “cheerful.” For some reason, single-syllable names are hot right now. And, Ash is one that’s ascending in the U.S.
21. Cameron
Cameron is a Scottish name and means “crooked nose.” While the meaning might not be as beautiful as the name, it’s become a very popular name for both girls and boys.
20. Sterling
The name Sterling seems to have some weight to it. It comes from Old English and means pure. The name used to be an occupational one for metal refiners in pre-Medieval times. But it actually came from the word Starling, which is a bird.
19. Bowie
For fans of Starman David Bowie the name Bowie might be irresistible. The name is Gaelic in origin and means “fair-haired” or “blond.” “Bo” would be such a great nickname.
18. Devin
The names Devin or Devon would make a fine name for a little one. The name is common in a variety of languages and has a few different meanings. It can mean “divine” or “fawn” or “poet.”
17. Jordan
Jordan comes from Hebrew and means “descend.” The name became popular in the Middle-Ages and was given to those baptized in the Jordan River.
16. Drew
Drew is a Welsh name that means “wise.” This name’s popularity has declined over the years, but it’s time for it to make a comeback.
15. Justice
Justice is a popular English name that means exactly what you think it does, “just” or “right.” If you want to impart some balance on your newborn, consider giving this name.
14. Xen
The name Xen is Japanese in origin and comes from Buddhist, Zen. In Latin, “xen” or “xeno” is a common prefix that denotes “strangeness.” If you’re looking for a unique name that no other kid in class will have, Xen is a great option.
13. Reese
Reese is a Welsh name that means “fiery” or “enthusiastic.” This name was most popular for boys until Reese Witherspoon came along and made it a hit for girls as well.
12. Micah
Micah is Hebrew and translates to “Who is like God.” And, not as a question. It means “in the likeness of God.” The name appears several times in the Old Testament and remains popular today.
11. Reed
The name Reed comes from English and used to be a nickname given to someone with red hair or a ruddy complexion. This simple yet bold name can also be spelled: Reid.
10. Aspen
The beautiful mountain town, Aspen was named such because of the abundance of Aspen trees in the area. The name comes from English and means “trembling tree.”
9. Cody
The name Cody has an origin that’s a bit hard to pin down. Some scholars agree that the name comes from Old English and means “pillow.” Others site the obsolete Gaelic word “odo” which means “wealthy” as its root.
8. Hunter
Hunter is a very English name that, again, means exactly what you think it does. The name has doubled in popularity over the last 100 years becoming the 57th most popular name.
7. Mackenzie
The name Mackenzie comes from Gaelic and means “son of the wise ruler” or “born of fire.” If you’re looking for a name that’s epic in meaning, consider Mackenzie for your baby.
6. Sawyer
Sawyer was an English occupational name given to someone who saws wood. For fans of Mark Twain and classic American literature, the name Sawyer would be a perfect fit.
5. Archer
Like Sawyer, Archer is another occupational name that means “bowman.” The name has French roots and can be shortened to Archie.
4. Sidney
Sidney comes from Old English and means “of St. Denis.” Denis was a 3rd Century martyr who was decapitated for his faith in France. That’s not a story you will likely tell your little one.
3. Nico
Nico is a Greek name that means “victorious people.” Nico comes from the name, Nike which was the Greek Goddess of victory. Nico is a common nickname for those named Nicola, Nicolo, and Nicholas.
2. Avery
The most fun name meaning on the list, Avery translates to “elf king.” The name is French in origin and is a form of the common English name, Alfred. If you’re looking for a baby name with a touch of whimsy, Avery would be perfect.
1. Taylor
Taylor is another occupational English name that comes from the word “tailor.” The name is in the top 50 names for boys but after Taylor Swift became famous, the name grew in popularity for little girls.
Giving your baby a gender-neutral name is not just a trendy or cool thing to do. These names make it easier for growing kids to navigate the world and decide for themselves how they want to identify. These names are also just really great names.