Baby Names

140 Gender-Neutral Baby Names: Origin, Meaning, & Variations

Updated on

Overview

Unisex names are getting increasingly popular as more and more new parents gear towards breaking down gender stereotypes.

New parents are getting more creative in choosing baby names. What used to be regarded as baby boy names are now being used for baby girls. This includes using last names as first names and creating alternate spellings or a “feminine version” of a masculine name.

However, genderfluid names are currently a one-way trend. While masculine names for baby girls are considered trendy and badass, the world may not be ready for largely feminine-sounding names for baby boys just yet.

If you’re looking for unisex names for your little one, you came to the right place. In this article, we didn’t just list down the cool-sounding, gender-neutral names; we also included their origin and the meaning behind each beautiful name.

Top 10 Trendy Unisex Names

Here are the most popular baby names used for girls and boys in 2020. (1)

Angel

  • Meaning: God’s messenger
  • Origin: Latin, Greek
  • Pronunciation: AYN-JUHL
  • Variations: Anela, Angela, Angelo, Anjel
  • Description: Angel was the top 76 baby boy and the top 440 baby girl names in 2020. (1)

Avery

  • Meaning: Ruler of elves
  • Origin: French, Old English
  • Pronunciation: AYV-REE
  • Variations: Aivree, Averee, Averey, Avry
  • Description: Avery was the top 19 baby girl and the top 212 baby boy names in 2020. (1)

Dylan

  • Meaning: Great tide, sea, son of the sea, a legendary Welsh god of the sea
  • Origin: Welsh
  • Pronunciation: DIL-UHN
  • Variations: Dillan, Dylahn, Dylann, Dyllan
  • Description: Dylan was the top 43 baby boy and the top 496 baby girl names in 2020. (1)

Jordan

  • Meaning: Descending, flowing down
  • Origin: Hebrew name
  • Pronunciation: JOR-DUHN
  • Variations: Jardan, Johrdan, Jordain, Jordaine, Jorden
  • Description: Jordan was the top 82 baby boy and the top 435 baby girl names in 2020. (1)

Logan

  • Meaning: Hollow
  • Origin: Gaelic, Scottish, Irish, Celtic
  • Pronunciation: LOH-GUHN
  • Description: Logan was the top 16 baby boy and the top 317 baby girl names in 2020. (1)

Parker

  • Meaning: Park keeper
  • Origin: Old English
  • Pronunciation: PAR-KUHR
  • Description: Parker was once an occupational last name given to park keepers. In 2020, it reached the top 95 baby boy names and the top 128 baby girl names. (1)

Peyton

  • Origin: English
  • Pronunciation: PAY-TUHN
  • Variation: Payton
  • Description: Peyton was the top 98 baby girl name and the top 430 baby boy name in 2020. (1)

Quinn

  • Meaning: From the Irish last name Ó Cuinn, meaning ‘descendant of Conn’
  • Origin: English, Celtic, Irish
  • Pronunciation: KWIN
  • Variations: Quin, Quinne, Qwinn, Qwinne, Tarquinn
  • Description: Quinn was the top 85 baby girl and the top 440 baby boy names in 2020. (1)

Riley

  • Meaning: Courageous (Irish, Gaelic), rye clearing (English)
  • Origin: English, Celtic, Irish
  • Pronunciation: RYE-LEE
  • Variations: Rylee, Rily, Riely
  • Description: Riley was the top 33 baby girl name and the top 258 baby boy name in 2020. (1)

Ryan

  • Meaning: Ruler, king
  • Origin: Irish, Gaelic
  • Pronunciation: RYE-EN
  • Variations: Rayan, Rhyan, Rian, Ryane, Ryann, Ryanne
  • Description: Ryan was the top 57 baby boy and the top 450 baby girl names in 2020. (1)

What Are Cute Unisex Names?

Here are more unisex baby names for your little one.

Addison

  • Meaning: Adam’s child
  • Origin: Old English
  • Pronunciation: AD-EE-SUHN
  • Variations: Addisen, Addisson, Addyson, Adison, Adyson
  • Description: 4,467 baby girls were named Addison in 2020 and 241 baby boys in 2009. (2)

Adrian

  • Meaning: Rich (Greek), from Hadria, of the sea, dark one (Latin)
  • Origin: Latin, Greek
  • Pronunciation: AYD-REE-YEN
  • Variations: Adrean, Adreeyan, Adriann, Adrianne, Adrien, Adrienne, Hadrian
  • Description: Adrian was used as a boy’s name 5,249 times in 2020 and 212 times as a girl’s name in 2000. (2)

Aiden

  • Meaning: Fire, fiery one
  • Origin: Celtic, Gaelic, Irish
  • Pronunciation: AY-DEN
  • Variations: Adan, Aden, Adyn, Aedan, Aidan
  • Description: Aiden is more popular as a boy’s name but makes a trendy name for a baby girl as well.

Alex/Alexis

  • Meaning: Defender, protector
  • Origin: Greek
  • Pronunciation: AL-LEX/AL-LEX-EES
  • Variations: Alecs, Aleks, Alexe, Alexx, Alleks, Allex, Allexx, Lexi, Alexius, Lex
  • Description: Alex is a popular name for boys and gained popularity in 1995 as a trendy girl name. Alexis was the top 309 baby girl name and the top 483 baby boy name in 2020. (1)

Ali

  • Meaning: High, elevated, champion
  • Origin: Arabic
  • Pronunciation: AL-LEE
  • Variations: Allie, Aly, Ally, Alie
  • Description: Originally a male Arabic name but has many spelling variations that can be used as a girl’s name.

Amari

  • Meaning: Strong, immortal
  • Origin: African, Arabic, English
  • Pronunciation: AH-MAH-REE
  • Description: Amari was the top 217 baby boy names and the top 334 baby girl names in 2020. (1)

Amory

  • Meaning: Brave, powerful
  • Origin: German
  • Pronunciation: AY-MO-REE
  • Variation: Amorie, Amery, Emory, Emery
  • Description: Amory is primarily a gender-neutral name.

Andy

  • Meaning: Strong
  • Origin: French, Greek
  • Pronunciation: AAN-DEE
  • Variations: Andreas, Andrew, Andrea, Andie
  • Description: Andy is a more popular boy’s name. Its spelling variation, Andie, is mostly given to girls.

Ari

  • Meaning: Lion, eagle
  • Origin: Hebrew, Scandinavian
  • Pronunciation: AH-REE
  • Variations: Ariel
  • Description: Ari was the top 389 baby boy name and the top 486 baby girl name in 2020. (1)

Armani

  • Meaning: Warrior
  • Origin: English, Hebrew, Italian, Persian
  • Pronunciation: AR-MAH-NEE
  • Variations: Armonee, Armoni, Armonie, Armony
  • Description: Armani was the top 361 baby boy name and the top 493 baby girl name in 2020. (1)

Ash

  • Meaning: Ash tree
  • Origin: English
  • Pronunciation: ASH
  • Variations: Ashe, Ashley, Ashton
  • Description: Ash is widely used as a nickname or moniker for Ashley and Ashton

Aspen

  • Meaning: Aspen tree
  • Origin: English
  • Pronunciation: AS-PEN
  • Description: Aspen is newly gaining popularity and is more commonly used for girls than boys.

Aubrey

  • Meaning: Elf, magical being
  • Origin: Old German, Old French
  • Pronunciation: AWB-REE
  • Variations: Aubree, Aubrie
  • Description: Old French Aubree is commonly used for boys. The alternate spelling, Aubrey, is more commonly used as a girl’s name. (2)

Auden

  • Meaning: Old friend
  • Origin: Old English
  • Pronunciation: AW-DEN
  • Description: Auden is originally used as a boy’s name but has also been considered a girl’s name.

August

  • Meaning: Majestic, respected
  • Origin: Latin
  • Pronunciation: AW-GUST
  • Variations: Auguste, Augustus, Augusto
  • Description: August is a popular boy’s name in the early 1900s and has started to become a trendy girl name in the year 2000s.

Azariah

  • Meaning: One who received God’s help
  • Origin: Hebrew
  • Pronunciation: AY-ZAH-RAY-AH
  • Variations: Azaria
  • Description: Azariah reached its peak popularity as a boy’s name in 2020, while its most popular as a girl’s name in 2016. (2)

Bailey

  • Meaning: Berry clearing, bailiff
  • Origin: English, French
  • Pronunciation: BAY-LEE
  • Variations: Bailee, Baily
  • Description: Bailey peaked its popularity as a nonbinary name in 2000. When 4,648 baby girls and 1,755 baby boys are named Bailey in the US. (2)

Bellamy

  • Meaning: Good-looking friend
  • Origin: English, French, Irish
  • Pronunciation: BELL-UH-MEE
  • Description: Bellamy peaked its popularity as a unisex name in 2020. That’s when 337 baby girls and 335 baby boys are named Bellamy in the US. (2)

Billie/Billy

  • Meaning: Protector
  • Origin: Old German
  • Pronunciation: BIL-LEE
  • Variation: Bill
  • Description: Billy is commonly used as a nickname for William. The spelling variation, Billie, is part of the growing genderfluid baby name trends and is most commonly used as a girl’s name.

Blair

  • Meaning: Battlefield, field, plains
  • Origin: Celtic, English, Scottish
  • Pronunciation: BUH-LAY-RUH
  • Variation: Blaire
  • Description: Blair is a unisex name, although most commonly used as a female name. In 2020, 922 baby girls were named Blair in the US. (2)

Blake

  • Meaning: Dark-haired or dark-skinned
  • Origin: Old English
  • Pronunciation: BUH-LAY-KUH
  • Variation: Blaike
  • Description: Blake was the top 210 baby boy name and the top 219 baby girl name in 2020. (1)

Brett

  • Meaning:Of Briton
  • Origin: Celtic, English, French, Latin, Scottish
  • Pronunciation: BRET
  • Variations: Bret, Brette
  • Description: Brett became a popular unisex name in 1986. Brett can be a good middle namefor both genders.

Briar

  • Meaning: Thorny shrub or patch
  • Origin: Old English
  • Pronunciation: BRY-YAAR
  • Variations: Brier, Breyer, Briyer, Bryer
  • Description: Briar peaked its popularity as a unisex name in 2020. When 517 baby girls and 317 baby boys are named Briar in the US. (2)

Brooklyn

  • Meaning: Small stream
  • Origin: Old English
  • Pronunciation: BRUK-LIN
  • Variations: Brooklynn, Brooke, Brooks
  • Description: 7,169 baby girls were named Brooklyn in 2011. Although it’s most commonly used as a girl’s name, Brooklyn is a trendy baby boy name idea. (2)

Cameron

  • Meaning: Crooked
  • Origin: Celtic, Scottish
  • Pronunciation: KAM-EH-RUHN
  • Variations: Camron, Kameron, Cam
  • Description: Cameron was the top 64 baby boy name and the top 489 baby girl name in 2020. (1)

Campbell

  • Meaning: Scottish last name for someone with a crooked mouth or smile
  • Origin: Scottish, Gaelic
  • Pronunciation: KAM-BEL
  • Description: Campbell was most popular as a girl’s name in 2006, with 435 recorded births. As a boy’s name, Campbell was most popular in 2005 with 186 recorded births. (2)

Carson

  • Meaning: Marsh dweller
  • Origin: Irish, Old English, Scottish
  • Pronunciation: KAHR-SEN
  • Variations: Carrson, Carsen, Karson
  • Description: Carson is most popularly used as a boy’s name, with 5,244 recorded births in 2018. As a girl’s name, Carson was most popular in 2000, with 377 recorded births. (2)

Carter

  • Meaning: Originally a last name that means cart driver
  • Origin: Old English
  • Pronunciation: KAHR-TER
  • Variation: Karter
  • Description: In 2020, Carter was given as a boy’s name 7,511 times and 583 times as a girl’s name. (2)

Casey

  • Meaning: Alert, watchful, vigilant
  • Origin: American, Gaelic, Irish
  • Pronunciation: KAY-SEE
  • Variations: Kasey
  • Description: Casey was most popular as a unisex name in 2000, with 1,822 baby boys and 1,517 baby girls named. (2)

Charlie

  • Meaning: Freeman
  • Origin: English, German
  • Pronunciation: CHAR-LEE
  • Variations: Charley, Charlene, Charles, Charlotte
  • Description: Charlie was the top 122 baby girl name and the top 204 baby boy name in 2020. (1)

Corey

  • Meaning: God’s peace
  • Origin: English, German
  • Pronunciation: KAWR-EE
  • Variations: Cory, Korey
  • Description: Corey and Cory are in the top 1,000 baby boy names of the SSA (Social Security Administration). (2) Although not as common as a baby girl’s name, Corey can be an edgy baby name idea for your little girl.

Dakota

  • Meaning: Friend or ally
  • Origin: Native American
  • Pronunciation: DUH-KOH-TUH
  • Description: Dakota was the top 261 baby girl name and the top 348 baby boy name in 2020. (1)

Dallas

  • Meaning: From the dales or meadow, a village in Scotland, a city in Texas
  • Origin: Gaelic, Irish, Scottish
  • Pronunciation: DAH-LUHS
  • Description: Dallas was most popular as a unisex name in 2015, with 1,417 baby boys and 551 baby girls named. (2)

Darian

  • Meaning: Upholder of the good
  • Origin: English
  • Pronunciation: DAR-EE-UN
  • Variations: Darius
  • Description: 599 baby boys and 253 baby girls were named Darian in 2000. (2)

Denver

  • Meaning: Green valley, a city in Colorado
  • Origin: French, Old English
  • Pronunciation: DEN-VUR
  • Description: 536 baby boys and 293 baby girls were named Denver in 2020. (2)

Devin

  • Meaning: Poet (Gaelic, Irish), divine (French)
  • Origin: French, Gaelic, Irish
  • Pronunciation: DEH-VIN
  • Variation: Devon
  • Description: 6,152 baby boys and 502 baby girls were named Devin in 2000. (2)

Drew

  • Meaning: Strong, warrior
  • Origin: Greek
  • Pronunciation: DROO
  • Description: 533 baby boys and 269 baby girls were named Drew in 2020. (2)

Easton

  • Meaning: East town, East-facing place
  • Origin: English
  • Pronunciation: EES-TUHN
  • Description: Easton is originally a last name and is more commonly used as a boy’s name. (2)

Eden

  • Meaning: Paradise
  • Origin: Hebrew
  • Pronunciation: EE-DUHN
  • Description: Eden was the top 130 baby girl and the top 490 baby boy names in 2020. (1)

Elliott

  • Meaning: Jehovah is God
  • Origin: Hebrew
  • Pronunciation: EL-EE-UHT
  • Variations: Elliot, Elliotte, Eliott, Elyot
  • Description: Elliott was the top 158 baby boy name and the top 479 baby girl name in 2020. (1)

Ellis

  • Meaning: Jehovah is God
  • Origin: Hebrew
  • Pronunciation: EL-EES
  • Variations: Elise, Elis, Elias, Ellison
  • Description: 1,004 baby boys and 463 baby girls were named Ellis in 2020. (2)

Emerson

  • Meaning: Son of Emery, brave, powerful
  • Origin: German, Old English
  • Pronunciation: EM-ER-SUHN
  • Variations: Emersen, Emmerson
  • Description: Emerson was the top 155 baby girl and the top 267 baby boy names in 2020. (1)

Evan

  • Meaning: God is good
  • Origin: Welsh
  • Pronunciation: EH-VUHN
  • Variations: Bevan
  • Description: Evan is primarily a unisex name, although it’s most commonly used as a boy’s name.

Ezra

  • Meaning: Help
  • Origin: Hebrew
  • Pronunciation: EHZ-RAH, EHZ-RUH
  • Description: 6,745 baby boys and 383 baby girls were named Ezra in 2020. (2)

Finley

  • Meaning: Fair-haired or fair-skinned hero or warrior
  • Origin: Celtic, Gaelic, Irish, Scottish
  • Pronunciation: FIN-LEE
  • Variations: Finn, Finnley
  • Description: Finley was the top 201 baby girl name and the top 304 baby boy name in 2020. (1)

Frankie

  • Meaning: Free, truthful
  • Origin: English, French, Latin, Archaic
  • Pronunciation: FRANGK-EE
  • Variations: Frances, Francesca, Francis, Frank, Franklin
  • Description: 487 baby girls and 216 baby boys were named Frankie in 2020. (2)

Gabriel

  • Meaning: Man of God
  • Origin: Hebrew
  • Pronunciation: GAY-BREE-UHL
  • Variations: Gabriele, Gabrielle
  • Description: 7,066 baby boys were named Gabriel, and 857 baby girls were named Gabrielle in 2020. (2)

Genesis

  • Meaning: Birth, origin, the first book of the Bible
  • Origin: Hebrew
  • Pronunciation: JEN-UH-SIS
  • Variations: Jenesis
  • Description: 3,654 baby girls and 275 baby boys were named Genesis in 2020. (2)



Guadalupe

  • Meaning: Wolf’s river
  • Origin: Spanish
  • Pronunciation: GWA-DA-LOO-PEH
  • Description: Guadalupe was used as a baby girl’s name 1,342 times in 2001 and 249 times as a baby boy’s name in 2000. (2)

Hao

  • Meaning: Good, perfect
  • Origin: Vietnamese
  • Pronunciation: HOW
  • Description: One of the most common unisex names in Vietnam.

Harley

  • Meaning: Hare’s meadow, rock meadow
  • Origin: Old English
  • Pronunciation: HAHR-LEE
  • Variation: Harlee
  • Description: 1,089 baby girls and 295 baby boys were named Harley in 2020. (2)

Harper

  • Meaning: Harp player
  • Origin: English, Irish, Scottish
  • Pronunciation: HAHR-PUR
  • Description: Harper was used as a baby girl’s name 10,464 times in 2019 and 416 times as a baby boy’s name in 2012. (2)

Hayden

  • Meaning: Hedged valley, heather-grown hill
  • Origin: Old English
  • Pronunciation: HAY-DEN
  • Variations: Haden, Haydan
  • Description: Hayden was the top 177 baby boy and the top 294 baby girl names in 2020. (1)

Hunter

  • Meaning: Huntsman
  • Origin: English
  • Pronunciation: HUN-TUR
  • Description: 4,743 baby boys and 325 baby girls were named Hunter in 2020. (2)

Jackie

  • Meaning: Son of God
  • Origin: American, Hebrew
  • Pronunciation: JACK-EE
  • Variations: Jack, Jackee, Jackey
  • Description: Jackie has been a common gender-neutral name for decades.

Jade

  • Meaning: Ornamental stone, gem
  • Origin: Spanish
  • Pronunciation: JAYD
  • Variations: Jaden
  • Description: Jade was used as a baby girl’s name 3,630 times in 2002 and 160 times as a baby boy’s name in 2001. (2)

Jaden

  • Meaning: God has heard, God will judge
  • Origin: Hebrew
  • Pronunciation: JAY-DEN
  • Variations: Jade, Jad, Jayden, Jaiden
  • Description: Jaden was used as a baby boy’s name 6,255 times in 2007 and 1,488 times as a baby girl’s name in 2003. (2)

Jamie

  • Meaning: One who replaces someone or something
  • Origin: English, Hebrew, Spanish
  • Pronunciation: JAY-MEE
  • Variations: Jami, Jaimee, James
  • Description: 390 baby girls and 346 baby boys were named Jamie in 2020. (2)

Jaylin

  • Meaning: One who takes the place of another
  • Origin: American
  • Pronunciation: JAY-LEN
  • Variations: Contraction of Jacqueline
  • Description: Jaylin was used as a baby boy’s name 675 times in 2002 and 539 times as a baby girl’s name in 2007. (2)

Jean

  • Meaning: Yahweh is gracious
  • Origin: Hebrew, Old French
  • Pronunciation: SZUHN, JEEN
  • Variations: Jane, John
  • Description: Jean is a versatile unisex name that can be pronounced in different ways.

Jesse

  • Meaning: God’s gift, God exists
  • Origin: Hebrew
  • Pronunciation: JESS-SEE
  • Variations: Jessie, Jessee, Jessey
  • Description: Jesse was used as a baby boy’s name 4,744 times in 2005 and 282 times as a baby girl’s name in 2000. Jessie, the alternate spelling, was used as a baby boy’s name 653 times in 2002 and 719 times as a baby girl’s name in 2000. (2)

Jules

  • Meaning: Youthful, soft, and fluffy
  • Origin: French, Latin
  • Pronunciation: JOOLZ
  • Description: Jules is a unisex name popular in the Christian religion.

Justice

  • Meaning: Honest and fair, righteous
  • Origin: American, Latin, Middle English
  • Pronunciation: JUH-STUHS
  • Description: 505 baby girls and 389 baby boys were named Justice in 2020. (2)



Kai

  • Meaning: Warrior (German), sea (Hawaiian), the holiness of the land of Israel (Hebrew), rejoicer (Welsh)
  • Origin: German, Hawaiian, Hebrew, Welsh
  • Pronunciation: KIE
  • Variations: Kye, Kaia, Kaya
  • Description: 3,812 baby boys and 338 baby girls were named Kai in 2020. (2)

Kelly

  • Meaning: War
  • Origin: English, Gaelic, Irish
  • Pronunciation: KHEL-LEE
  • Variations: Kallie, Kailey
  • Description: Kelly was most popular as a unisex name in 2000, with 3,076 baby girls and 202 baby boys named. (2)

Kendall

  • Meaning: Kent river valley, bright river valley
  • Origin: Celtic, Gaelic, Old English
  • Pronunciation: KEN-DAHL
  • Variations: Kendal, Kendalle
  • Description: Kendall was used as a baby girl’s name 2,624 times in 2012 and 733 times as a baby boy’s name in 2000. (2)

Kennedy

  • Meaning: A chieftain wearing a helmet, armored head
  • Origin: Celtic, Gaelic, Irish, Scottish
  • Pronunciation: KEN-NUH-DEE
  • Variations: Kennedi, Kennedie
  • Description: Kennedy was used as a baby girl’s name 4,494 times in 2014 and 195 times as a baby boy’s name in 2002. (2)

Kim

  • Meaning: Korean last name that means “gold”
  • Origin: Korean
  • Pronunciation: KEEM
  • Variations: Kim, Short form of Kimberly or Kimball
  • Description: Although Kim is not ranked in the US, it is a commonly-used unisex name in Asia.

Lane

  • Meaning: Narrow road or pathway
  • Origin: English
  • Pronunciation: LAYN
  • Variations: Layne
  • Description: Lane was used as a boy’s name 1,360 times in 2020. The alternate spelling, Layne, has been used as a girl’s name 278 times in the same year. (2)

Lee

  • Meaning: Clearing, meadow
  • Origin: Old English
  • Pronunciation: LEE
  • Variations: Lea, Leigh
  • Description: Originally a last name, Lee is more commonly used as a boy’s name. The alternate spelling, Leigh, is commonly used for baby girls.

Legacy

  • Meaning: Inheritance
  • Origin: American
  • Pronunciation: LEH-GUH-SEE
  • Description: 604 baby girls and 309 baby boys were named Legacy in 2020. (2)

Leighton

  • Meaning: One who lives in the meadows
  • Origin: Old English
  • Pronunciation: LAY-TUHN
  • Variations: Layton, Leyton
  • Description: 774 baby girls and 326 baby boys were named Leighton in 2020. (2)

Lennon

  • Meaning: Beloved one, dear one, cloak or cape
  • Origin: Irish
  • Pronunciation: LEN-NEN
  • Variations: Lenan, Lenen, Lenon
  • Description: 1,067 baby girls and 366 baby boys were named Lennon in 2020. (2)

Lennox

  • Meaning: Elm field
  • Origin: Scottish
  • Pronunciation: LEN-UHKS
  • Description: 1,159 baby boys and 491 baby girls were named Lennox in 2020. (2)

Leslie

  • Meaning: Garden of holly
  • Origin: Scottish
  • Pronunciation: LES-LEE
  • Description: Leslie is more popular as a girl’s name in the US but is predominantly a boy’s name in the UK. (2)

London

  • Meaning: The capital city of the United Kingdom
  • Origin: English
  • Pronunciation: LOHN-DUHN
  • Description: 1,477 baby girls and 257 baby boys were named London in 2020. (2)

Lyric

  • Meaning: Words of a song, sung with a lyre
  • Origin: English, Greek
  • Pronunciation: LEH-RIK
  • Variations: Lyre, Lyra
  • Description: 756 baby girls and 225 baby boys were named Lyric in 2020. (2)

Mackenzie

  • Meaning: Child of the wise king, born of fire
  • Origin: Gaelic, Irish
  • Pronunciation: MUH-KEN-ZEE
  • Variations: Makenzie, Mckenzie
  • Description: Mackenzie was used as a baby girl’s name 2,283 times in 2020 and 171 times as a baby boy’s name in 2001. (2)

Madison

  • Meaning: Derived from Mathieson, meaning “son of Matthew”
  • Origin: Hebrew
  • Pronunciation: MAED-UH-SUHN
  • Variations: Maddison, Madisyn
  • Description: Madison was used as a baby girl’s name 6,196 times in 2020 and 207 times as a baby boy’s name in 2004. (2)

Makoto

  • Meaning: Sincere, honest, truth
  • Origin: Japanese
  • Pronunciation: MA-KOH-TOH
  • Description: A popular unisex name in Japan.

Marley

  • Meaning: Marshy meadow, seaside meadow
  • Origin: English
  • Pronunciation: MAHR-LEE
  • Variations: Marlee
  • Description: 1,356 baby girls and 232 baby boys were named Marley in 2020. (2)

Max

  • Meaning: The greatest
  • Origin: Latin
  • Pronunciation: MAKS
  • Variations: Maxx
  • Description: Max is more popular as a boy’s name but is commonly used as a gender-neutral moniker for Maxine, Maxwell, or Maximilian.

Micah

  • Meaning: One who is like God
  • Origin: Hebrew
  • Pronunciation: MIE-KUH
  • Variations: Michael
  • Description: Micah was used as a baby boy’s name 3,363 times in 2020 and 278 times as a baby girl’s name in 2019. (2)

Milan

  • Meaning: Dear one, gracious (Slavic), mid-plain (Celtic), a city in Italy
  • Origin: Celtic, Slavic
  • Pronunciation: MI-LAHN
  • Variations: Milana, Milani
  • Description: 683 baby boys and 449 baby girls were named Milan in 2020. (2)

Morgan

  • Meaning: Traveling or circling the sea, sea-born, great brightness
  • Origin: Old English, Welsh
  • Pronunciation: MOR-GUHN
  • Variations: Morgana, Morgane, Morrgan, Morrigan
  • Description: 1,483 baby girls and 363 baby boys were named Morgan in 2020. (2)

Murphy

  • Meaning: Sea warrior
  • Origin: Irish
  • Pronunciation: MUR-FEE
  • Description: 260 baby girls and 222 baby boys were named Murphy in 2020. (2)

Nat

  • Meaning: God’s gift
  • Origin: Latin
  • Pronunciation: NAT
  • Description: Nat is commonly used as a gender-neutral moniker for Natalie, Natalia, Natasha, Nathaniel, or Nathan.

Noel

  • Meaning: Christmas
  • Origin: Latin, Old French
  • Pronunciation: NOH-EL
  • Variations: Noell, Noelle, Nowel, Nowell, Nowelle
  • Description: Noel is more commonly used as a baby boy’s name. The alternate spelling, Noelle, is more commonly used as a baby girl’s name.

Nova

  • Meaning: New
  • Origin: Latin
  • Pronunciation: NOH-VUH
  • Variation: Novah
  • Description: 4,940 baby girls and 315 baby boys were named Nova in 2020. (2)

Oakley

  • Meaning: Oaktree field
  • Origin: English
  • Pronunciation: OH-K-LEE
  • Variations: Oaklee, Oakli, Oaklie
  • Description: Oakley was the top 281 baby girl and the top 421 baby boy names in 2020. (1)

Paris

  • Meaning: Capital city of France, prince of Troy from the Greek mythology
  • Origin: English, French, Greek
  • Pronunciation: PAH-RHEE, PAE-RIHS
  • Variations: Parice, Parise, Pariss, Parris
  • Description: Paris was used as a baby girl’s name 733 times in 2020 and 198 times as a baby boy’s name in 2000. (2)

Payton

  • Meaning: Noble, patrician
  • Origin: Old English
  • Pronunciation: PAY-TUHN
  • Variation: Peyton
  • Description: Payton was used as a baby girl’s name 1,322 times in 2020 and 237 times as a baby boy’s name in 2018. (2)

Phoenix

  • Meaning: Dark red color, a mythical bird that rises from the ashes
  • Origin: Greek
  • Pronunciation: FEE-NUHKS
  • Variations: Fenix, Pheenix, Phenix
  • Description: Phoenix was the top 238 baby boy name and the top 286 baby girl name in 2020. (1)

Rain

  • Meaning: Counselor, wise ruler
  • Origin: English, Latin
  • Pronunciation: RAYN
  • Variations: Raine, Rainn, Rainne, Rayn, Rayne, Reign

Reagan

  • Meaning: Young ruler, king’s child
  • Origin: Celtic, Gaelic, Irish, Scottish
  • Pronunciation: RAY-GUHN
  • Variations: Regan, Raegan, Ragan, Raghan, Raygan
  • Description: Reagan was used as a baby girl’s name 2,355 times in 2020 and 213 times as a baby boy’s name in 2017. (2)

Reese

  • Meaning: Enthusiasm
  • Origin: English, Welsh
  • Pronunciation: REES
  • Variations: Rhys, Reece, Rees
  • Description: 1,867 baby girls and 334 baby boys were named Reese in 2020. (2)

Rei

  • Meaning: Law, rule
  • Origin: Japanese
  • Pronunciation: RAY-EE
  • Description: Rei is a popular unisex Japanese first name.

Remington

  • Meaning: Raven’s town, a place on a riverbank
  • Origin: Old English
  • Pronunciation: REH-MING-TEN
  • Variations: Rem, Remi, Remy
  • Description: Remington was the top 230 baby boy and the top 360 baby girl names in 2020. (1)

Remy

  • Meaning: Oarsman
  • Origin: French, Latin
  • Pronunciation: REH-MEE, RAY-MEE
  • Variations: Remi, Rem
  • Description: Remy was the top 348 baby boy name and the top 497 baby girl name in 2020. (1)

Rene

  • Meaning: Reborn
  • Origin: French
  • Pronunciation: REH-NAY
  • Variations: Renee
  • Description: 217 baby boys were named Rene in 2020. The alternate spelling, Renee, was given to 264 baby girls in 2019. (2)

River

  • Meaning: A flowing body of water
  • Origin: American
  • Pronunciation: RI-VUHR
  • Variation: Rivers
  • Description: River was the top 126 baby boy and the top 186 baby girl names in 2020. (1)

Robin

  • Meaning: Bright, famous, shining, a bird
  • Origin: English
  • Pronunciation: ROH-BIN
  • Variations: Robbin, Robyn, Robbyn, Robiner, Robins
  • Description: 287 baby girls and 259 baby boys were named Robin in 2020. (2)

Rory

  • Meaning: Red king, red-haired, famous, brilliant
  • Origin: Celtic, Gaelic, Irish
  • Pronunciation: ROH-REE
  • Variations: Roree, Rorey, Rori, Rorie
  • Description: Rory was the top 330 baby boy and the top 457 baby girl names in 2020. (1)

Rowan

  • Meaning: Red one, redhead, ash tree with red berries, mountain ash
  • Origin: Celtic, Gaelic, Irish, Scottish
  • Pronunciation: ROW-AHN
  • Variations: Roan, Roane, Roanne, Rohan, Rowann, Rowanne
  • Description: Rowan was the top 113 baby boy and the top 255 baby girl names in 2020. (1)

Royal

  • Meaning: Regal, high-born, noble
  • Origin: English
  • Pronunciation: ROY-UHL
  • Variations: Royalty, Roy, Royce
  • Description: 734 baby boys and 350 baby girls were named Royal in 2020. (2)

Rylan

  • Meaning: Field of rye or land where rye is grown
  • Origin: Old English
  • Pronunciation: RYE-LEN
  • Variations: Raylan, Rayland
  • Description: 993 baby boys and 307 baby girls were named Rylan in 2020. (2)

Sage

  • Meaning: Wise one, prophet, a plant or herb
  • Origin: Latin
  • Pronunciation: SAYJ
  • Variations: Saige, Saije, Saje, Sayge
  • Description: Sage was the top 223 baby girl name and the top 442 baby boy name in 2020. (1)

Salem

  • Meaning: Peace, derived from Jerusalem
  • Origin: Arabic, Hebrew
  • Pronunciation: SAY-LEHM
  • Description: 474 baby girls and 285 baby boys were named Salem in 2020. (2)

Sam

  • Meaning: God’s name, God has heard, asked of God
  • Origin: Hebrew
  • Pronunciation: SAM
  • Variations: Sammy, Sami, Sammie
  • Description: Sam is a popular boy’s name and a commonly used unisex nickname for Samuel or Samantha.

Sawyer

  • Meaning: Woodcutter
  • Origin: English
  • Pronunciation: SOH-YUR
  • Variations: Sawyer, Soyer
  • Description: Sawyer was the top 116 baby boy and the top 238 baby girl names in 2020. (1)

Shannon

  • Meaning: Old, ancient, wise
  • Origin: Celtic, Gaelic, Irish
  • Pronunciation: SHA-NUHN
  • Variations: Shanan, Shanon
  • Description: Shannon was used as a baby girl’s name 278 times in 2013 and 190 times as a baby boy’s name in 2006. (2)

Shea

  • Meaning: Hawk, majestic
  • Origin: Gaelic, Irish
  • Pronunciation: SHAY
  • Variations: Shae, Shay
  • Description: Shea was used as a baby girl’s name 278 times in 2008 and 189 times as a baby boy’s name in 2006. (2)

Shiloh

  • Meaning: God’s gift, peace
  • Origin: Hebrew
  • Pronunciation: SHY-LOW
  • Variations: Shilo, Shylo
  • Description: 675 baby girls and 436 baby boys were named Shiloh in 2020. (2)

Sidney

  • Meaning: Wide meadow
  • Origin: Old English
  • Pronunciation: SID-NI
  • Variations: Sydney
  • Description: Sidney was used as a baby girl’s name 295 times in 2014 and 210 times as a baby boy’s name in 2013. (2)

Skylar

  • Meaning: Noble scholar
  • Origin: Dutch, English
  • Pronunciation: SKY-LAR
  • Variations: Skyler, Skyllar, Skyla
  • Description: Skylar was used as a baby girl’s name 3,608 times in 2020 and 232 times as a baby boy’s name in 2018. (2)

Spencer

  • Meaning: Steward, administrator
  • Origin: English
  • Pronunciation: SPEN-SUR
  • Description: Spencer was used as a baby boy’s name 1,037 times in 2020 and 267 times as a baby girl’s name in 2017. (2)

Stevie

  • Meaning: Garland, crown
  • Origin: English, Greek
  • Pronunciation: STEE-VEE
  • Variations: Stephen, Stephanie
  • Description: Stevie is primarily a boy’s name but has recently become a popular girl’s name, with 760 baby girls named in 2020. (2)

Sutton

  • Meaning: Southern settlement
  • Origin: Old English
  • Pronunciation: SUH-TUHN
  • Description: 954 baby girls and 478 baby boys were named Sutton in 2020. (2)

Tatum

  • Meaning: Cheerful, spirited, bringer of joy
  • Origin: Old English
  • Pronunciation: TAY-TUHM
  • Variations: Taetum, Taitum
  • Description: Tatum was the top 343 baby girl name and the top 493 baby boy name in 2020. (1)

Taylor

  • Meaning: Tailor
  • Origin: English
  • Pronunciation: TAY-LOR
  • Variations: Talor, Tay
  • Description: Taylor was most popular as a unisex name in 2000 when it was given to 15,078 baby girls and 2,854 baby boys. (2)

Teagan

  • Meaning: Poet, philosopher
  • Origin: Gaelic, Irish
  • Pronunciation: TAY-GAN
  • Variations: Teegan, Taegan
  • Description: Teagan was used as a baby girl’s name 1,485 times in 2020 and 213 times as a baby boy’s name in 2014. (2)

Tony

  • Meaning: Priceless, praiseworthy
  • Origin: Greek, Latin
  • Pronunciation: TOH-NEE
  • Variations: Toni
  • Description: Tony is a popular boy’s name. The alternate spelling, Toni, is more popular as a girl’s name.

Tristan

  • Meaning: Bold, sorrowful
  • Origin: Celtic, Welsh
  • Pronunciation: TRIS-TUHN
  • Variations: Tristen, Trestin, Treston
  • Description: 2,092 baby boys were named Tristan in 2020 and 263 baby girls in 2002. (2)

Tyler

  • Meaning: An occupational name for someone who makes or lays tiles
  • Origin: Old English
  • Pronunciation: TIE-LUHR
  • Description: 2,771 baby boys were named Tyler in 2020 and 319 baby girls in 2007. (2)

Wesley

  • Meaning: Western meadow
  • Origin: Old English
  • Pronunciation: WES-LEE
  • Variations: Weslee, Westly, West
  • Description: Wesley is more commonly used as a boy’s name but is a  trendy and unique name for a baby girl.

Winter

  • Meaning: The season
  • Origin: Old English
  • Pronunciation: WIN-TUHR
  • Variations: Whinter, Winters
  • Description: Winter is more popular as a girl’s name but can be an edgy, nature-inspired name for a baby boy.

Wren

  • Meaning: Small brown songbird
  • Origin: Old English
  • Pronunciation: REN
  • Description: Wren is a popular girl’s name but can be used as a boy’s name.

Yae

  • Meaning: Refers to the multiple layers of a flower
  • Origin: Japanese
  • Pronunciation: YAY
  • Description: Yae is a unique gender-neutral name.

Zane

  • Meaning: God is gracious, God’s gift
  • Origin: American
  • Pronunciation: ZAYN
  • Variations: Zain, Zayn, Zayne
  • Description: Zane is a popular boy’s name, but its meaning allows it to be used as a girl’s name.

Zephyr

  • Meaning: West wind
  • Origin: Greek
  • Pronunciation: ZEH-FUR
  • Description: Zephyr is a rare, nature-inspired gender-neutral name.

Zion

  • Meaning: Highest point or place
  • Origin: Hebrew
  • Pronunciation: ZIE-YON
  • Variation: Xion
  • Description: 2,500 baby boys were named Zion in 2020 and 286 baby girls in 2017. (2)

What Is A Binary Name?

In gender terms, a binary name means identifying as one of the two most common genders. It’s either specifically for a boy or a girl.

What Is An Androgynous Name?

Androgynous is another term for gender-neutral. An androgynous name is a perfect name if you’re looking for something not specific to any gender.

REFERENCES

:

(1) https://www.ssa.gov/cgi-bin/popularnames.cgi

(2) https://www.ssa.gov/cgi-bin/babyname.cgi

– Motherhood Community is reader supported. When you buy through links on our site we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn More