190+ Cool & Unique Unisex Names (+ Name Generator)

Looking for a gender-neutral name for your new baby? Look no further! In this article, we've compiled a list of the best unisex names, from the more trendy and popular to the more unique. Read on to find the perfect name for your baby, with suggestions from baby naming experts—or use our gender-neutral name generator for even more ideas! Plus, read our tips for what to consider when selecting a name.

Popular Unisex Baby Names

Baby naming expert Chloe Hodgson suggests gender-neutral names like Shiloh, River, Sage, Eden, and Wren. Here are some other cool, interesting, and popular unisex names for girls, boys, and nonbinary children:

Aija – of Indian origin, meaning "melody" or "happy"
Bailey – of Old English origin, meaning "bailiff" or "steward"
Emery – of German origin, meaning "brave"
Luca – of Italian origin, meaning "bringer of light"
Riley – of Irish origin, meaning "valiant"

Section 1 of 9:

Popular Gender-Neutral Names

Download Article

These are some of the top unisex names of the last few years. When choosing a name for your child, a more popular and universal name can help them fit in with others and feel more comfortable. Consider one of these popular and beloved gender-neutral names:
- Amari – of African origin, meaning "strength" or "courage"
- Arbor – of Latin origin, meaning "tree"
- Artemis – of Greek origin, possibly deriving from "árktos," meaning "bear"
- Ash – of Hebrew origin, a diminutive of "Asher," meaning "happy"
- Asher – of Hebrew origin, meaning "happy"
- Ashton – of English origin, meaning "ash tree town"
- Azriel – of Hebrew origin, meaning "God is my help"
- Basil – of Greek origin, meaning "royal"
- Billie – diminutive of William, deriving from Germanic "Wilhelm," meaning "will, desire" and "protector"
- Everest – of Old English origin, deriving from "Eoforwic," meaning "dweller on the Eure River"; a name shared by Mount Everest
- Ira – of Hebrew origin, meaning "watchful"
- Jett – of English origin, meaning "black"
- Miles – of French origin, possibly a diminutive of Michael
- Ridley – a surname of English origin, deriving from Old English "hrēod" (reeds) + "lēah" (wood or clearing), or "rydde" (cleared land) + "lēah"
- Royal – of Latin origin, deriving from "regalis," meaning "regal"
- Tatum – of Old English origin, deriving from "tatenum," meaning "cheerful"
- Wren – of English origin, inspired by the bird
- Zephyr – of Greek origin, deriving from "zephuros," meaning "god of the west wind"
Meet the wikiHow Experts

Chloe Hodgson is a baby naming expert and content creator based in the UK. Chloe first started on Instagram @babynamefanatic, sharing her favorite baby names, along with information about their origin and meaning.

Dr. Hayley Elizabeth Wilson is a naming consultant and early childhood expert based in Liverpool, England. Dr. Wilson shares name meanings and naming tips on social media @little_name_library.

Maddy Ferguson is a baby name consultant and the founder of Birdie and Boyd. Based in Longview, WA, she has over 10 years of experience in the childcare industry.

Section 2 of 9:

Common Gender-Neutral Names for Boys

Download Article

Consider one of these popular unisex names for your baby boy. "Some parents are drawn to unisex names that lean slightly boyish," notes naming expert Dr. Hayley Elizabeth Wilson, "especially those borrowed from surnames or traditional male names now used for girls. Rowan, Blake, Dylan, Lowen, Ellis, Logan, and Quinn all fit this category."^{[1]
X
Expert Source

Dr. Hayley Elizabeth Wilson
Naming Consultant and Childhood Expert

Expert Interview} These are some of the most commonly used gender-neutral names given to boys.
- Angel – of Old French origin, deriving from "angele," meaning "angel"
- August – of Latin origin, meaning "to increase"
- Blake – of English origin, meaning "dark" or "fair-haired"
- Cameron – of Scottish origin, meaning "crooked river"
- Carter – of English, Irish, and Scottish origin, likely referring to someone who transports goods using a cart
- Dylan – of Welsh origin, meaning "great flow"
- Ellis – of Welsh origin, meaning "benevolent"
- Ezra – of Hebrew origin, meaning "help"
- Jordan – of Hebrew origin, meaning "to flow down"
- Logan – of Scottish origin, meaning "little hollow"
- Lowen – of Dutch and Scandinavian origin, meaning "lion"
- Micah – of Hebrew origin, meaning "who is like God?"
- Noah – of Hebrew origin, meaning "rest" or "comfort"
- Parker – of English origin, meaning "park keeper"
- Quinn – of Irish origin, meaning "wise"
- Rowan – of Gaelic origin, meaning "tree with red berries" or "little red one"
- Ryan – of Irish origin, from the surname Ryan, deriving from Old Irish "Rían," meaning "champion" or "little king"

Section 3 of 9:

Common Gender-Neutral Names for Girls

Download Article

These are some of the most popular unisex names used for girls. "A huge trend I've noticed at the moment is boys' names used for girls," Hodgson says. "I think we love it just because it feels familiar but quite edgy for a girl."^{[2]
X
Expert Source

Chloe Hodgson
Baby Naming Expert

Expert Interview} Here are some of the most commonly-used gender-neutral or boy names for girls:
- Aria – of Hebrew/Italian origin, meaning "lion" or "air"
- Ariel – of Hebrew origin, meaning "lion of God"
- Avery – of English origin, meaning "ruler of the elves"
- Bailey – of Old English origin, meaning "bailiff" or "steward"
- Blair – of Scottish origin, meaning "plain" or "field"
- Ellery – of English origin, meaning "island with elder trees"
- Emery – of German origin, meaning "brave"
- Frankie – of Latin origin, meaning "free one"
- Kendall – of English origin, meaning "valley of the river"
- Lennox – of Scottish origin, meaning "elm grove"
- Marley – of English origin, meaning "pleasant seaside meadow"
- Marlow – of English origin, meaning "driftwood"
- Riley – of Irish origin, meaning "valiant"
EXPERT TIP

Blair Petroni
Image Consultant and Color Analysis Expert
Blair Petroni is an Image Consultant and Color and Style Analysis expert based in Houston, TX. With over 10 years of experience, Blair is the founder of Maeve Mélange, and specializes in helping her clients look more like themselves. Utilizing Kibbe, Kitchener, and a 12-season and flow color system, Blair helps her clients unlock the puzzle of themselves. She has 14 color and style certifications and has worked with thousands of men and women, including business professionals, students, teachers, entrepreneurs, leaders, actors, and more. She is also the co-host of The Style Therapy Podcast. Before pivoting to Image Consulting, Blair worked as a Fortune 500 Marketer for over 15 years. She has a BBA in Marketing from Texas State University.

Blair Petroni
Image Consultant and Color Analysis Expert

The best tomboy name is one that feels true to the child rather than tied to stereotypes. A strong, versatile name gives a girl room to be adventurous, gentle, loud, quiet...or all of those at once.

Section 4 of 9:

Cute Gender-Neutral Names

Download Article

Give your baby a name that's as cute as they are. Babies are adorable—so why not pick a name that matches? "Alex, Sam, Theo, and Lou are familiar, friendly, and adaptable," notes Dr. Wilson.^{[3]
X
Expert Source

Dr. Hayley Elizabeth Wilson
Naming Consultant and Childhood Expert

Expert Interview} These names will also grow with your baby, so that your child's name will still fit them when they're an adult.
- Alex – of Greek origin, meaning "to protect"
- Ali – of Arabic origin, meaning "exalted" or "noble"
- Brooklyn – named for the New York City borough
- Casey – of Irish origin, meaning "vigilant" or "watchful"
- Charlie – of English origin, meaning "free one"
- Ever – of Hebrew origin, meaning "beyond" or "transcendent"
- Finley – of Scottish origin, meaning "fair warrior"
- Flynn – of Irish origin, meaning "descent of Flann," meaning "ruddy" or "red (complexion)"
- Indie – of English origin, meaning "independent"
- Jessie – of Hebrew origin, meaning "gift"
- Jules – of Latin origin, meaning "youthful"
- Kai – of Hawaiian origin, meaning "sea"
- Koda – of Native American origin, short for "Dakota," meaning "friend"
- Lou – of French and Old Germanic origin, meaning "famous warrior"
- Luca – of Italian origin, meaning "bringer of light" or referring to someone from Lucania
- Rory – of Gaelic origin, meaning "red king"
- Sam – of Hebrew origin, meaning "God hears"
- Theo – of Greek origin, deriving from "theos," meaning "god"
- Toby – of Hebrew origin, meaning "God is good"
- Toni – of Latin origin, meaning "priceless"

Section 5 of 9:

Classic Gender-Neutral Names

Download Article

These unisex names are truly timeless. Some of these names started out being more popular for one gender, but over time have come to be used on all genders. And others, like Palmer, Sutton, Wilson, Bennett, Everett, or Morgan, are primarily considered surnames, but have lately begun being used as first names for all genders, as Dr. Wilson points out.^{[4]
X
Expert Source

Dr. Hayley Elizabeth Wilson
Naming Consultant and Childhood Expert

Expert Interview} Keep reading for more classic-sounding names:
- Alfie – short for Alfred, deriving from the Old English Aelfraed, meaning "elf" and "wise" or "counsel"
- Aubrey – of English origin, meaning "elf ruler"
- Auden – of Old English origin, meaning "old friend;" associated with the celebrated poet W. H. Auden
- Baker – deriving from Old English "baecere," meaning "baker"
- Bellamy – deriving from Old French, meaning "beautiful friend"
- Bennett – deriving from the Latin "Benedictus" meaning "blessed"
- Darcy – of French origin, meaning "from Arcy"
- Dakota – of Native American Dakota origin, short for "Dakota," meaning "friend"
- Devan – of Irish origin, meaning "poet"
- Dorian – of Greek origin, meaning "of Doris," referring to a district of Ancient Greece
- Drew – of Welsh origin, meaning "wise"
- Evelyn – of English origin, meaning "wished-for child"
- Everett – deriving from the Old English "eofor," meaning "wild boar," and "heorde," meaning "herd"
- James – of Hebrew origin, deriving from "Yaakov," meaning "supplanter"
- Jamie – of Hebrew origin, a diminutive of James
- Lane – of English origin, meaning "path" or "roadway"
- Levi – of Hebrew origin, meaning "joined"
- Lou – of French origin, meaning "famous warrior"
- Mackenzie – of Gaelic origin, meaning "child of the wise leader"
- Max – of Latin origin, meaning "greatest"
- Morgan – of Welsh origin, meaning "circling sea" or "white sea dweller"
- Palmer – from Latin "palmarius" meaning "pilgrim"
- Payton – of Irish origin, meaning "noble"
- Quincy – of Latin origin, meaning "estate of the fifth son"
- Sutton – of English origin, meaning "south town"
- Wilson – deriving from English for "son of William"

Section 6 of 9:

Unique Gender-Neutral Names

Download Article

Help your child stand out with a more untraditional name. Some parents opt for a more common name to ensure their child blends in with their peers, but some may feel giving their child a less traditional name will help them distinguish themselves.^{[5]
X
Research source} Increasingly, parents are choosing names that are more unique, like "Presley, Kit, Indigo, and Navy," observes Hodgson.^{[6]
X
Expert Source

Chloe Hodgson
Baby Naming Expert

Expert Interview} And as Dr. Wilson points out, "There is growing interest in 'word names' at the moment... Think names such as Lockett, Charm, Trinket, Poet, Lyric, Lane, Atlas, Wish, to name a few."^{[7]
X
Expert Source

Dr. Hayley Elizabeth Wilson
Naming Consultant and Childhood Expert

Expert Interview} Try one of these more original names to match your child's one-of-a-kind personality:
- Adley – of Old English origin, deriving from the surname "Hadley," meaning "heather meadow"
- Aija – of Indian origin, meaning "melody," "happy"
- Amory – of Old German origin, meaning "brave," "powerful;" a variant of Emory
- Atlas – of Greek origin, meaning "enduring"
- Avis – of Latin origin, meaning "bird"
- Bevan – of Welsh origin, meaning "son of Evan"
- Charm – of English origin, meaning "charisma," and from Greek origin, meaning "grace, kindness"
- Deven – of Indian origin, meaning "godlike"
- Indigo – of Greek origin, meaning "indic," or "from India," referring to the purplish-blue dye
- Journey – of English origin, meaning "travel," from Old French "journee," meaning "daytime"
- Justice – of Latin origin, meaning "fairness"
- Kala – of Indian origin, meaning "princess" or "noblewoman," "art form," "virtue," or "black"
- Kit – nickname for Christopher (of Greek origin meaning "bearing Christ") or Katherine (of Greek origin meaning "pure")
- Kori – of Greek origin, meaning "maiden"
- Lane – of Middle English origin, meaning avenue
- Lockett – of Germanic origin, meaning "to lock"
- Lux – of Latin origin, meaning "light"
- Lyric – deriving from French "lyrique," meaning "short emotional poem"
- Maverick – of English origin, referring to an independent person
- Navy – of French origin, meaning "fleet of ships;" also recalls the color navy blue
- Nico – of Italian origin, meaning "victory of the people"
- Nova – of Latin origin, meaning "new"
- Olin – of Swedish origin, meaning "ancestor" or "to inherit"
- Onyx – of Greek origin, meaning "nail" or "claw"; also a type of black gemstone
- Park – of English and Scottish origin meaning "park" or "enclosure"
- Phoenix – of Greek and Latin origins, inspired by the mythological bird that cyclically regenerates by dying by fire before rising from the ashes
- Poet – deriving from the Greek "ποιῶ'" ("poiō"), meaning to make or create
- Presley – deriving from Old English "preost" (meaning "priest") and "leah" (meaning "forest clearing"); also associated with singer Elvis Presley
- Saarik – of Indian origin, referring to a kind of bird; chess or someone who plays chess; or a bow for an instrument
- Sicily – inspired by the island off Italy
- Trinket – of Middle English origin, referring to a small ornament or jewel
- Valen – of Latin origin, meaning "strong"
- Wish – from Old English "wyscan," meaning to strongly desire
- Zuri – of Swahili origin, meaning "beautiful"

Section 7 of 9:

Cool Gender-Neutral Names

Download Article

These unisex names are super trendy. Why not give your child a name with a contemporary edge? These names are hip, current, and totally now:
- Amos – of Hebrew origin, meaning "to carry"
- Archer – of Greek origin, meaning "angel"
- Arden – of Celtic origin, meaning "high" or "noble"
- Armani – of Italian origin, deriving from "Armand," meaning "son or family of Armand"
- Arya – of Sanskrit and Persian origin, meaning "noble;" also popularised by the books and TV show Game of Thrones
- Brook – of English origin, deriving from the word "broc," referring to a small stream
- Cleo – of Greek origin, meaning "glory"
- Emerson – of English origin, meaning "son of Emery"
- Grey – of English origin, a color-inspired name
- Harlow – of English origin, meaning "army hill"
- Harper – of English origin, inspired by the harp; the first name of novelist Harper Lee
- Hunter – of English origin, meaning "one who hunts"
- Jaden – of Hebrew origin, meaning "thankful"
- Jayden – of Hebrew origin, meaning "God has heard"
- Keegan – of Irish origin, meaning "son of Egan"
- Lennon – of Irish origins, meaning "dear one"; the last name of musician John Lennon
- London – of English origin, inspired by the city name
- Merritt – of English origin, meaning "boundary gate"
- Milan – of Slavic origin, meaning "gracious" or "dear"
- Paris – of Greek origin, possibly meaning "wrestler"; also a reference to the city of Paris, France
- Reese – of Welsh origin, meaning "enthusiasm"
- Remi – of French origin, meaning "oarsman"
- Remington – of English origin, meaning "settlement by a boundary stream"
- Reuben – of Hebrew origin, meaning "behold, a son"
- Sawyer – of English origin, meaning "woodcutter"
- Scout – of Old French origin, meaning "to listen"
- Shaan – of Indian origin, meaning "pride"
- Shay – of Irish origin, meaning "admirable"
- Shiloh – of Hebrew origin, meaning "tranquil"; also refers to an ancient city mentioned in the Old Testament as the site of the Tabernacle and the Ark of the Covenant
- Skylar – of Dutch origin, meaning "scholar"
- Sloane – of Irish origin, meaning "raider"
- Spencer – of English origin, meaning "steward"
- Tanner – of English origin, meaning "leather maker"
- Taylor – of English origin, meaning "tailor"
- Teagan – of Irish origin, meaning "attractive"
- Wyatt – of Old English origin, deriving from "Wyot," meaning "strong in war"

Section 8 of 9:

Nature-Inspired Gender-Neutral Names

Download Article

The natural world is full of incredible gender-neutral names. Nature-related names like "Vesper," which means "evening star," or "Whitney," which means "white island," are often gender-neutral, and according to baby name consultant Maddy Ferguson, nature names are all the rage right now.^{[8]
X
Expert Source

Maddy Ferguson
Baby Name Consultant

Expert Interview} If you're an outdoorsy person or have a strong connection with the natural world, consider a name inspired by plants, animals, and the great outdoors. "Some…options are names like Shiloh, River, Sage," Hodgson suggests. "And then some others that lean feminine are Eden and Wren…but [they] are totally wearable for a boy as well, I think."^{[9]
X
Expert Source

Chloe Hodgson
Baby Naming Expert

Expert Interview}
- Adrian – of Latin origin, referring to the ancient river Adria
- Aiden – of Gaelic origin, meaning "little fire"
- Ainsley – of Scottish origin, meaning "one's own meadow"
- Ari – of Latin origin, meaning "great forest"
- Aspen – of Old English origin, referring to the type of tree
- Bay – of Middle English origin, referring to the body of water; also from Old English "beġ," meaning "berry"
- Bergen – of Scandinavian and Old German origin, meaning "lives on the hill; mountain"
- Briar – of English origin, meaning "thorny bush of wild roses"
- Brooks – of English origin, meaning "of the brook"
- Camden – of Scottish origin, meaning "winding valley"
- Cedar – of Greek origin, referring to the coniferous tree
- Copeland – of Old Norse origin, meaning "land" or "territory"
- Dallas – of Irish origin, meaning "from the meadow dwelling"
- Eden – of Hebrew origin, meaning "place of pleasure"
- Finch – of Old English, inspired by the bird
- Hayden – of English origin, meaning "heathen" or "fire"
- Hollis – of Old English origin, meaning "near the holly trees"
- Morgan – of Welsh origin, meaning "sea-born"
- Moss – of English origin, deriving from a surname meaning "peat bog"
- Ocean – of Greek origin, meaning "sea"
- River – of English origin, inspired by nature
- Robin – of English origin, meaning "fame and brightness," or a reference to the bird
- Sage – of Latin origin, meaning "wise"
- Sky – of English origin, meaning "atmosphere"
- Sunny – of English origin, referring to a sunny atmosphere
- Vesper – of Latin origin, meaning "evening star"
- Whitney – of English origin, meaning "white island"
- Winter – of English origin, inspired by the season

Section 9 of 9:

How to Choose a Baby Name

Download Article

1
Decide if you'd like to go with a more traditional or unique name. Pay attention to the names of people around you, from your friends' kids to your favorite TV show characters. Are you more drawn to unique names? Or do you feel more comfortable with reliable, traditional names?^{[10]
X
Research source}
- Consider how you feel about your own name. How does your name's conventionality or uniqueness affect your life and identity? Do you ever wish you had a more or less conventional name?
2
Consider choosing a name with a personal meaning attached. Many people opt for baby names that mean something important to them, whether it's culturally significant, the name of another family member, or otherwise special and meaningful.
- For instance, if your mother's name was Jamie, you might consider naming your baby Jamie as well.
- Or if your family comes from another country, you might choose a name that's popular or that originated in that country.
- But you can also give your baby a name that you just…like, even if it carries no personal meaning!
3
Come up with a list of names you like. Whether alone or with your partner, try to narrow down the baby names you're considering to just 10 or 20. Imagine your child has one of these names. Imagine addressing your child by name—calling out to them when they stray in the supermarket, or singing them "Happy Birthday." What names feel…right? What names don't?
4
Try not to stress too much about your choice. Yes, your child may have to live with the name for the rest of their life—but according to recent trends, there's never been a better time to name your child something odd or unique. "Individuality and inclusivity are driving forces right now," Dr. Wilson observes.^{[11]
X
Expert Source

Dr. Hayley Elizabeth Wilson
Naming Consultant and Childhood Expert

Expert Interview} And if you don't want to go the unique route, popular names are always…well, popular!^{[12]
X
Research source} In other words, whether you opt for something strange and individual or something more classic or trendy, you've got a lot of wiggle room when it comes to picking a good name.