Unisex nature baby names blend two of the coolest baby naming trends of the moment. Both gender-neutral baby names and nature baby names are huge draws for new parents today so why not kill two birds with one stone and check a couple of boxes with one name? Secular baby names that celebrate all things green and blooming are on the rise as well as unique baby names that are just emerging. We decided to take a look at the freshest unisex nature baby names parents are choosing today to get a better idea of what possibilities are out there.
Parents who absolutely love nature, animals, gardening, hiking, and any other outdoor activity would be wise to use those passions as baby name inspiration. Looking to the trees, sea, and sky offers you, as a parent, to elevate your baby’s name beyond the likes of John and Jane and into new territory. These green baby names offer so much lush inspiration that your little one will certainly appreciate for years. Check out these 25 super fresh unisex nature baby names for 2021 that expecting parents should definitely consider!
25. Cypress
Like Juniper and Willow, Cypress is a wonderful tree-inspire nature name that is waiting for new parents to climb. This name is the perfect choice for lovers of trees and Cypress Hill. The name of the tree comes from a Greek myth about a boy who turned into a tree.
24. Jupiter
Despite being associated with the Roman father of all gods, the name Jupiter is much more common among baby girls than boys. We love this unisex nature baby name for both boys and girls. Jupiter was believed by the ancient Romans to assume the body of an eagle. The god was seen as a controller of lightning, thus an eagle holding a lightning bolt in its talons became a symbol for the god and Rome itself. Jupiter’s roots mean “sky father.”
23. Sage
Sage is a top 500 baby name in the US for both boys and girls today. We love that parents have adopted this name en masse since the 1990s. Sage is the name of a delicious herb and also a Latin term meaning “wise and knowing.” Ancient cultures from the Greeks to the Arabs believed that burning sage imparted wisdom and could lead to a very long life.
22. Cricket
Cricket is a delightful unisex nature baby name chosen by Busy Philipps for her daughter. Cricket works for both boys and girls and we would love to hear more of this chirping name. This quirky nickname has existed for a long time in American culture and we are pleased it has been adopted by parents as a proper given name. It’s a delight!
21. Elm
Elm is name to a tree, but it also has roots as a genuine baby name in German, Danish, and Norse traditions. The name is typically given to boys and often as a middle name meaning “red” and “brown.” Elm works perfectly for baby boys but we love it for baby girls as it fits in the names like Emily, Alma, and Ann.
20. Lake
It’s a mystery to us why Lake as given name has not landed in the US top 1000 most popular baby names in recent years. Lake is an established, English surname, but it also is very similar to the perennial favorite Blake. Like Blake, Lake is considered a unisex nature baby name that works well for both boys and girls. Get ahead of the trend when choosing this name, we expect it to be a hit in the next few years.
19. Rowan
Rowan is a top 500 name for both boys and girls today with the scale tipped, ever so slightly, in the boys’ favor. Rowan sounds exotic but the name comes from Scottish and Irish tradition as a unisex nature baby name that means “rowan tree” and “little redhead.” In Celtic tradition, the Rowan tree was seen as an actor for good, warding off witches and bad vibes.
18. Aspen
Aspen is a unisex nature baby name that has emerged as a new favorite among nature-loving parents and it might be the new Brooklyn in the next couple of years. Aspen is a top 500 baby name for girls today, but we expect that to be true for boys as well soon enough. Aspen is the name of a poplar tree with heart-shaped leaves that gave the cool ski town Aspen its name.
17. Oak
Oak trees have long been a symbol of solidarity and longevity. These beautiful trees also have an equally pleasant name in Oak. Oak works as a unisex nature baby name that’s somewhat blunt but also stately. Variants include Oakes and Oakley. This appellation also works perfectly as a middle name.
16. Sky
Sky is an attractive unisex nature baby name that goes to girls more often than boys these days. Even with the character Sky Masterson appearing in the Guys and Dolls musical of the 1950s, Sky has yet to take off for boys. Let’s change that, new parents! Sky refers to the heavens, yes, but its roots mean “scholar.”
15. Cedar
Cedar is yet another unisex nature baby name inspired by trees. Cedar is pushing boundaries today, discovered, but not completely established, Cedar could be the new Ash given time. Mentioned in the Bible, the Lebanon Cedar was used to build King Solomon’s temple in Jerusalem. That may or may not appeal to you but it’s why so many hospitals have Cedars in their names.
14. Ocean
If you’re looking for an appellation with depth, we urge you to consider Ocean. Ocean is a gorgeous unisex nature name that new parents are beginning to choose for its beautiful sound and powerful meaning. Oceane is a hot variation of this name in France as well as Oceanus. This name is sure to make a splash!
13. Arden
Literature lovers will recognize Arden as the name of a mystical forest in Shakespeare’s As You Like It. Beyond that association, Arden is an English unisex nature baby name that means “valley of the eagle.” This sleek and stylish name is popular for baby boys and girls today with the balance leaning towards boys at the moment.
12. River
As far as unisex nature baby names go, River is essentially the end all be all of names. It’s perfect for both boys and girls as it feels very cool and most fresh. The name is super popular today for all babies in the US and UK. Kelly Clarkson was the latest celebrity to choose this name for her daughter and we think you should follow.
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11. Wren
Another wildly popular unisex nature baby name today is Wren which has emerged as a particular favorite for baby girls. The Druids believed that wren birds were prophetic, even magical creatures. Wren has English origins and landed in the top 500 for girls last year in the US. We’d love to hear more boys with this name as well.
10. Harbor
Harbor is in a class of emerging unisex nature baby names that are beginning to be seen as possibilities. Harbor sounds fabulous and feels like gifting your child a safe haven in name form. Harbor has long been a common surname, so it could easily make the jump to given name territory.
9. Sunny
Sunny is going to more baby girls than boys today, but we think it’s a unisex nature baby name that works well for all babies. Sunny began as a nickname for a cheerful child and evolved into a given name possibility in the middle of the twentieth century. We are glad new parents are rediscovering this vintage charmer and applying today.
8. Bay
Like Harbor, Bay is another nautical nature baby name. However, Bay has a longer history as a baby name as it was used by the ancient Romans. In Latin, Bay means “berry,” a reference to the prized laurel bay tree used for medicinal and culinary purposes for centuries. Despite this appellations historical precedent, it has not taken off as an option for most American parents. We think that should definitely change!
7. Indigo
Indigo is a unisex nature baby name that is currently very popular in Australia and England but for some reason has yet to appeal as widely among American parents. Indigo has Greek origins meaning “Indian dye,” a reference to the treasured pigment used since antiquity to give clothes a vibrant bluish color.
6. Everest
Everest is the name of the world’s tallest peak, making it a scalable choice as a baby name today. Everest is the perfect unisex nature baby name for parents who never fear a challenge, and instead, live for adventure. The name has only just begun to emerge as an option for parents and we foresee this name climbing high in the years to come.
5. Timber
Timber is given to more baby girls than boys today likely as an alternative to the name Kimberly. Timber is a unisex nature baby name that evokes the imagery of large, statuesque trees. For boys, you could consider the name a cousin to Tim.
4. Vega
Vega is an Arabic baby name adopted by the Romans. It was given to the brightest star in the Northern Constellation. Vega is currently an extremely trendy name for baby girls in Spain today but it has been largely undiscovered elsewhere. Vega means “landing eagle.” This unisex nature baby name sounds zesty enough for your little star.
3. Zenith
We got the word Zenith by accident. Medieval European scholars poorly translated an Arabic term as “direction of the head” and thus, Zenith was born. Zenith is considered a word name referring to the atmosphere and peak point above you. The name works well for boys as an alternative of Kenneth and both boys and girls would love to be called the nickname Zen.
2. Lynx
Lynx combines a few qualities of names trending today for new parents. This is a unisex nature baby name but it also happens to have an attractive X-ending which parents can’t seem to get enough of today. Lynx is one of the fiercest new animal names to emerge in recent years and we expect this one to catch fire soon enough.
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1. Rue
A botanical name you will not live to regret, Rue is a charming and charismatic unisex nature baby name that parents are flocking to today. The rue plant was discovered by the ancient Romans to have medicinal value. Rue has yet to land in the US top 1000 but we expect that to change. Casual yet sophisticated, Rue is a real winner for both boys and girls.
There you go! We hope these unisex nature baby names sound like a breath of fresh air to you. Each one of these names is infinitely versatile making them perfect for parents looking for something that fits with everything. Nature is such a divine source of inspiration and we urge you to look to the great outdoors to inform your baby name decision. Happy baby name hunting!