Brainstorming names for your new baby can be a long (but fun) process. There are thousands of names out there, but what are some good unisex names?
Good unisex baby names include Quinn, Charlie, Parker, Bellamy, and Taylor. If you want a unique yet simple name, consider Kit, Arden, or Wren. You can also use books (fiction and nonfiction), baby name websites, and geographical locations for inspiration to find unique unisex baby names.
Scrolling through pages of baby names for hours on end can become overwhelming and can make it impossible to choose. This article will cover 28 unisex baby names and suggest a few places to look for unique names. Below you’ll also get a list of 426 popular unisex baby names. Let’s get started!
What Are Unisex Names?
Before we get into the good stuff, let’s take a moment to review what classifies a name as unisex. When a name is unisex, it means the name is used for the opposite gender, about 10% of the time. Unisex names for girls are traditional boy names that have slowly drifted to the opposite gender (this will be the same case for unisex names for boys).
Moreover, completely gender-neutral names are names that people have always used for both boys and girls. This list will include all kinds of unisex names, from top chart names to more rare unisex baby names.
Unisex Baby Girl Names
If you are having a little girl but are looking for a more gender-neutral name, you have come to the right place! There are so many great unisex baby girl names; let’s take a look.
Quinn
If you are looking for a more traditional Irish name, this will be a perfect choice. The name means “descendant of Conn.” The word conn can come from two Irish words, cond and cenn. Cond means intellect, while cenn means chief.
The name became popular for girls in the mid-nineties and is now on the rise to a mainstream female name.
Elliot
This name’s meaning is “Jehovah is God,” which comes from the original English meaning. Many parents name their daughters Elliot since there are a few cute nicknames, including Elle, Ella, or Ellie. There are also several different ways to spell the name: Elliot, Elliott, Eliot, or Elliotte.
Parker
Parker is a more traditional and sophisticated-sounding name. Even though the name is still most popular for boys, it is slowly becoming more popular for girls. The name’s original English meaning is “park keeper,” so if you want to infuse some outdoor elements into your baby’s name, this will be the one to go with.
Alexis
The greek origin meaning of Alexis means “defender.” In the past, Alexis was a very popular boy’s name, even more popular than the girl equivalent “Alexandra.” However, Alexandra has been on the rise for girls, and so has Alexis. At one point from the mid-nineties to 2010, Alexis was a favored girl’s name. It was only until recently that the name has gained traction as a unisex name.
Charlie
Sometimes used as a nickname for Charlotte or Charles, Charlie has proven a striking comeback since 2005. Charlie is a more cool, tom-boy sounding name and one of the most popular unisex names today. Charlie will be a great name if you are looking for a very gender-neutral name that will give off cute and quirky vibes.
Adrian
The name Adrian has a Latin and Greek origin with a very mysterious meaning. The name means “of the sea,” “dark one,” or “from Hadria.” Predominantly a boy’s name, Adrian has fallen in and out of short popularity as a girl’s name. Since 2001, Adrian has been an accepted unisex name, admired for its intelligent yet cute tone.
Dakota
With a Native American origin, Dakota means “friendly” and “ally.” Ever since 1995, the name has been on the top of the list for males. Since 2006 though, Dakota has been a popular female name as well. There are a few unique ways to spell Dakota, including Dakotah, Daccota, Dakoda, or Dakoeta.
Emerson
Emerson has an English and German origin meaning “Child of Emery.” Since the early twentieth century, Emerson has been a well-known boys name, favored for its sophisticated yet playful vibe. Many different personalities would mesh well with this name. Around 2002, Emerson hit the top 1000 list for female names, marking it as a popular unisex name.
Jesse
The name has a Hebrew origin, meaning “wealthy” or “God’s gift.” For over 100 years, Jesse has been a well-known and widely used male name. However, the name is slowly starting to gain traction as a female name, often spelled Jessie. If you like this name but want a more feminine version, consider using Jessica or Jess.
Kai
If you are looking for a one of a kind name, this will be a great option. Kai is full of rich history, stemming from Hawaiian, Indian, German, and Welsh origin. The name means “of the sea” or “keeper of the keys.” There are a few alternative spellings and variations of the name, including Kei, Kye, Kaj, and Kaja.
The name is predominantly a boy’s name, ranking 113 in the 2018 top 1000 list. However, the name has recently started to grow in popularity as a girls name, landing in the top 1000 list of 2020.
Reagan
Having an Irish, Scottish, and Celtic origin, the name means “little ruler,” or “child of the king.” This unisex name is more popular amongst girls, ranking 97th in the 2016 list. People have also used Reagan for males, but the numbers are much lower. The following are a few alternative spellings for the name: Raeghan, Ragan, Reganne, Regan, Raygen, or Rheagan.
If you are looking for a more serious, elegant name, Reagan is a great option. The name has tones of style and sophistication that will work well for any gender.
Tanner
This name has a unique English meaning, which is “maker of hide or leather.” Tanner has been on the top lists for several years amongst males. Even though the name is also a female name, Tanner has not been on any top lists for girls. If you want a more unique and rare name for your little girl, Tanner would be a name to keep in mind.
Wren
Wren is a beautiful girl’s name of English origin. The name radiates gratefulness and charm and will suit a wide range of personalities. In Ireland, Wren is a small bird considered to be the “magician of the birds.” In 2012, the name landed on the top 1000 list for girls and has been rising ever since.
Unisex Baby Boy Names
Now that we have gone over a wide range of female names let’s look at some of the best unisex baby boy names!
Blake
The name Blake is of English origin, meaning “fair-haired, dark.” Beginning as a nickname, Blake emerged as a surname in England before evolving into a first name. The name is widely popular with boys, always finding its place on a top 1000 list.
Riley
If you want a name of Irish origin, then Riley is a great choice. The name radiates strength and pride, meaning “to be courageous.” In recent years, the name has been climbing the ranks on top female name charts, but it is still frequently used for males.
Arden
Arden has an English origin meaning “valley of the eagle.” It is a very simple and strong name and will be an excellent choice for parents wanting a more serious tone. Even though it is an attractive name, it has not hit any top lists in the past few decades for males, making it the perfect name if you do not want to go with the flow.
Kit
Kit is a unique name, not receiving much popularity within the past decade. However, actor Kit Harington has recently piqued people’s interest in the name, transforming it into a mysterious yet handsome name. If you are looking for a rare, simple, and solid name, Kit will be a great option to keep in mind.
Bellamy
Bellamy has an old french origin, meaning “handsome or beautiful friend.” The name has simultaneously climbed the ranks as a male and female name and continues to rise in popularity. As a male name, Bellamy has a very striking and handsome sound, making it a wonderful choice for your little boy.
Billie
This name has an English origin and means “resolute protection.” Billie has a more warm and inviting tone and will be great for parents who want a kind sounding name. Used more as a nickname than a full first name, Billie will be an attractive choice for those who want a unique name.
Tatum
Also spelled Tatem, Taetum, or Tatim, the name means “bringer of joy.” Tatum goes back and forth in popularity as a name for both genders. The name is very cheerful and uplifting and will work great for bubbly personalities.
Sawyer
Sawyer is of English origin and means “woodcutter.” Alternative spellings include Sawyar, Sawyer, and Sauyer. The name quickly took flight after being in the top 1000 in 1991. Ever since 2015, it has been in the top 100. Similarly, Sawyer has been a very popular female name for the past decade. If you want a more warm kind sounding name, Sawyer should be on your list.
Taylor
Taylor is a great option if you are looking for a trendy name that does not stick to one particular gender. The name has been popular for both genders and has landed on top 100 lists multiple times. Taylor is a great choice with a more simple sound if you are looking for a stylish name.
Rowan
Rowan has an interesting history; the name has Celtic, Gaelic, Irish, and Scottish origin. The name has a few different meanings, including “little red one,” “tree with red berries,” and “mountain ash.” A few alternative spellings include Rowen, Roane, and Rohan.
The name is popular amongst both genders and has hit the top 1000 charts multiple times. Rowan would be a great name for those looking for something tied with nature.
Sloan
A more sophisticated, suave name is Sloan, also spelled Sloane or Slone. The name has an Irish and Celtic origin and means “strong protector,” or “warrior.” This name will be an excellent pick for a boy if you want a more untraditional name. Even though people still use Sloan for boys sometimes, the name is most popular for girls.
Tanner
Since 1976, Tanner has been in the top 1000 lists for boys. Tanner is predominantly a male name that has only recently grown more frequent as a girls name. Tanner is a very simple yet friendly sounding name.
Caelan
Coming from Gaelic and Irish heritage, this name means “slender and fine,” “fair,” or “pure.” Not ranking on any of the top 100 lists, Caelan will be a rare yet beautiful name for your baby boy.
Alex
Alex has a Greek origin and means “defending men.” This name is probably one of the most popular unisex names as people use it equally for both genders. Common alternatives to Alex could be Alexi, Alexis, and Alexander. The name is classic, sophisticated, and simple.
Cameron
Cameron is of Scottish origin and has a more quirky meaning, which is “crooked nose.” Initially, the name was a dominant male name. However, ever since Cameron Diaz made it popular, it has become a familiar unisex name. Cameron is great if you want a more friendly sounding name.
How To Find Unique Unisex Baby Names
Now that we have gone over some unisex names for both girl and boy babies, let’s look at how to find unique baby names. Even though this list has many names to choose from, there are some great resources for you to turn to if you want some more options. Let’s dive in!
100,000+ Baby Names
If you want a hands-on resource, check out 100,000+ Baby Names: The most helpful, complete, & up-to-date name book (click to see price on Amazon, Affiliate link). This book features thousands of names of different ethnic groups, including English, Latin, Greek, Hebrew, Hispanic, Irish, Korean, and many more.
The book has top 100 lists, celebrity names, gender-neutral names, and even has lists of fictional character names. Since the book has over 100,000 names, you will easily be able to find plenty of unique and rare names!
Pick Up Your Favorite Fictional Book
Another great way to find some unique baby names is to pick up your favorite fictional book and flip through the pages. Take a look at the list below for some interesting ideas!
- Tris – Divergent series
- Jo – Little Women
- Tristan – The Romance of Tristan and Iseult
- Lyra – His Dark Materials
- Ron – Harry Potter
- Scout – To Kill a Mockingbird
- Edmond – The Chronicles of Narnia
Not only can you do this with books, but you can also search up names in comic books, movies, and television shows.
Take a Look at Some Online Lists
One of your closest friends through this process will be google. There are so many online lists you can take advantage of, especially when you are looking for unique unisex names. If you are still lost after hours of searching, consider narrowing the names down into a specific genre, such as unique winter names.
Another tip to remember is to scroll all the way down when you are looking at the top 1000 lists. The names at the beginning of the list will be the most popular, but you will find unique names near the end.
Take Advantage of Your Heritage
An effective way to find some unique and rare unisex names is to search names according to specific origins. For instance, if you have an Irish heritage, search for “unique Irish names.”
Choose a Unisex Name Based on a Special Location
Is there a certain location that holds a special place in your heart? Consider turning a beloved location, like Melody Drive in LA, into a unique unisex baby name (Melody)! Locations can be cities, towns, streets, or even landmarks. Try to get creative!
426 Popular Unisex Baby Names
Below is a list of the popular unisex baby names:
Adan | Hadi | Nasim |
Addison | Hadley | Navid |
Adel | Haiden | Nevada |
Aden | Hailey | Nicko |
Adrian | Hale | Nicky |
Adrie | Halsey | Nicola |
Aiden | Han | Nikita |
Ainsley | Harley | Nilo |
Alaa | Harper | Nim |
Alde | Haven | Niss |
Alem | Hayden | Noelle |
Alex | Helle | Noor |
Alexis | Henny | Nour |
Ali | Hero | Odell |
Amal | Hillary | Okapi |
Amari | Hol | Omega |
Amine | Hollis | Orion |
Andrea | Hudson | Orlando |
Andy | Hunter | Paris |
Ange | Iben | Parker |
Angel | Illon | Pat |
Anne | In | Pax |
Aoi | Indigo | Paxton |
Arden | Inge | Payton |
Ari | Inger | Pepper |
Ariel | Io | Peyton |
Armani | Isa | Phoenix |
Ash | Ivory | Pim |
Ashanti | Jackie | Quinn |
Asher | Jacy | Randy |
Ashley | Jaden | Ray |
Ashton | James | Reagan |
Aspen | Jamie | Red |
Aston | Jamie | Reed |
Aubrey | Javier | Reese |
August | Jayden | Regan |
Avery | Jaylen | Remedy |
Ayo | Jean | Remy |
Bailey | Jeri | René |
Bay | Jesse | Renee |
Bennie | Jessie | Rennie |
Bent | Jian | Revin |
Bevin | Jie | Ricky |
Billie | Jo | Ridley |
Billy | Joan | Riley |
Binh | Jocelyn | Rinke |
Blaine | Joey | Rio |
Blair | Jona | River |
Blake | Joni | Roan |
Blaze | Jopie | Robin |
Blue | Jordan | Rory |
Bobbie | Joy | Rowan |
Bobby | Jules | Royce |
Bobby | Julian | Rudy |
Boo | Juno | Russi |
Bram | Justice | Rusty |
Brett | Justin | Ryan |
Brilliant | Kaden | Rylan |
Brook | Kadin | Rynn |
Brooke | Kai | Sage |
Brooke | Kaj | Sam |
Brooklyn | Kari | Sandy |
Brune | Karol | Sasha |
Caelan | Karter | Sawyer |
Calvin | Kary | Scout |
Cam | Keanu | Selby |
Cameron | Keegan | Senja |
Camille | Kelly | Seven |
Campbell | Kelsey | Shamon |
Carey | Kendal | Shannon |
Carroll | Kendall | Shay |
Carson | Kennedy | Shelby |
Casey | Kerry | Shelley |
Cay | Kim | Shirley |
Chandra | Kin | Sidney |
Charley | Kiran | Silver |
Charlie | Kirby | Sky |
Chris | Kirsten | Skyler |
Clay | Kit | Sol |
Cleo | Knif | Sonny |
Cody | Koda | Spencer |
Conny | Koos | Stevie |
Corey | Kory | Storm |
Corrie | Kyle | Sunny |
Courtney | Kyrie | Taran |
Cox | Lake | Tatum |
Cree | Laken | Taylor |
Daan | Landry | Tegan |
Dakota | Lane | Temple |
Dale | Laurel | Terry |
Dallas | Laurie | Terry |
Dana | Le | Tevin |
Dani | Lee | Thanh |
Danny | Leighton | Tiger |
Dara | Lelle | Tim |
Darby | Lennox | Tintin |
Darcy | Lesley | Tivoli |
Darian | Leslie | Tommie |
Darin | Lex | Tone |
Daryl | Lin | Toni |
Day | Lincoln | Tony |
December | Lindsay | Tori |
Delaney | Lindy | Torild |
Dell | Lior | Tory |
Delta | Lo | Tove |
Demy | Logan | Tracy |
Deniz | London | Umi |
Denver | Loren | Vaiden |
Devin | Lou | Valdis |
Devon | Love | Valentine |
Didi | Luam | Vally |
Dien | Mackenzie | Vanja |
Dominique | Madison | Venedict |
Dorian | Madox | Vida |
Drew | Malak | Vivian |
Dylan | Maram | Wai |
Easton | Marcelle | Wallis |
Eddie | Marijn | Waverly |
Eddy | Marion | Willie |
Eine | Marley | Winnie |
Eli | Marlo | Winter |
Elia | Mason | Xandy |
Elis | Matty | Yoshi |
Elliot | Max | Yuri |
Elliott | Maxwell | Zana |
Ellis | Meade | Zen |
Emerson | Mel | Ziggy |
Emery | Melek | Zion |
Erin | Meredith | Zoan |
Etly | Merle | |
Evan | Micheal | |
Farah | Michele | |
Fidel | Mickey | |
Finley | Mika | |
Flynn | Milo | |
Frances | Mimas | |
Frankie | Minh | |
Freddie | Minou | |
Gabriel | Mio | |
Gaby | Miracle | |
Gail | Misha | |
Garin | Moke | |
Gerdi | Monroe | |
Gerrie | Montana | |
Gerry | Moon | |
Glenn | Morgan | |
Gray | Murphy | |
Gum | Myles | |
Gwyn |
Summary of Unisex Baby Names
There are hundreds of great unisex baby names to choose from. If you’re looking for a unique girl name, consider using Quinn, Emerson, or Wren. There are also some unique unisex boy names, including Arden, Kit, and Rowan.
If you’re still stumped and cannot find a unique unisex baby name to your liking, there are a few things you can do. You can also utilize google and search up some baby name lists. For a more rare name, pick up your favorite fantasy book, and get some ideas from characters.