Nonbinary names have become more and more popular as many parents decide to raise their children as gender-neutral.
In previous times, parents have been drawn to baby names that were super feminine for their daughters or very strong masculine names for their sons but now, it’s not so black and white.
Names that were once only considered for girls are now just as popular for boys and vice versa. We’ve put together some of our favorite unisex names for you to take a look at.
So take a look and see if there’s anything that takes your fancy when gender is not a concern.
In this article
Unisex Names Inspired by Nature
When you’re considering a unisex name, it doesn’t mean that you have to choose a name that’s overly feminine or overly masculine.
There are some beautiful unisex names that have taken their inspiration from nature. Here are some of our favorites along with their meanings.
A
Acer – A name that’s Latin in origin and it means ‘number one’ or ‘maple tree.’
Anise – This name means ‘spice’ and it’s of English origin.
Ash – A Hebrew name that means ‘fortunate’ or ‘happy.’
Aspen – From the Old English aespe, it’s meaning is ‘aspen tree.’ It can also mean ‘from the town of Aspen.’
B
Bay – This name was originally used as an English surname meaning ‘someone with chestnut or auburn hair.’
Briar – A name that’s of French origin and it means ‘heather.’
Brook – A name of English origin. It comes from a surname from the English word brook, which is from the Old English bric which means ‘a small stream.’
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C
Channing – This name is of Irish origin and it means ‘young wolf.’
D
Dale – A name of English origin and it comes from the English surname that was originally a name for someone who lived in a dale or valley.
F
Fox – A name of English origin and it simply means ‘fox.’
G
Glen – This means from the secluded valley and is of Scottish origin. There are a few variations on the spelling such as Glenn.
H
Hayden – A name that means ‘from the hedged valley’ and it’s of English origin.
L
Lake – Another name that’s of English origin and it was originally a surname used by those people who lived near water.
M
Marley – A name that’s English in origin and it means ‘from the lake meadow.’
Monroe – A name of Irish origin and it means ‘red marsh.’
Morgan – It means ‘bright sea’ and it’s of English origin.
O
Oakley – A name of English origin and it means ‘from the oak tree meadow.’
Ocean – A name of Greek origin and it means ‘sea.’
P
Perry – This name means ‘lives by the pear tree’ and it’s of English origin. This name does have a few variations such as Peri and Perri.
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R
Ripley – A name of English origin and it means ‘loud man’s meadow.’
River – A name of Latin origin that’s from the Latin ripa meaning ‘riverbank.’
Rowan – This name means ‘of the trees’ and it’s of English origin.
S
Sage – A name that’s Latin in origin and it comes from the Latin sagacitas which means ‘shrewdness’ or ‘wisdom.’
Skye – It simply means ‘sky and it’s taken from the Old Norse which means ‘cloud.’
Storm – A name that’s English in origin and it means ‘the tempest.’ But for most people, it’s more than likely associated with the X-Men films.
W
Winter – A name that’s English in origin and it refers to the season of winter.
Wren – A name that’s English in origin and it means ‘wren – the bird.’
Traditional Unisex Names
There are many traditional names that are unisex or nonbinary and have been used as such for hundreds of years.
Here are a few of our favorites that you shouldn’t discount because they’re of a more traditional nature as these names are making a come back.
A
Adrian – A name with both English and Latin origins. Adrian comes from the Latin word hadrianus and it’s the name for somebody who lives in the town of Hadria, northern Italy.
Ainsley – It originally comes from an English surname Ainslie that comes from the old English and it means ‘one, wood, or meadow.’
Alex – This is a Scottish variation of Alexander, which comes from the Greek name Alexandros. It means ‘to defend, to protect, and man warrior.’
Andy – A name that’s of Greek origin but Andy is the English and Scottish form of the Greek andreios which means manly.
Aubrey – It comes from the Norman French form of the Germanic name Alberic meaning ‘ruler of elves.’
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B
Billy – A name of English origin and it means ‘resolute protector.’ There are various spellings of this name such as Billie.
Bobbie – A shortened form of the name Robert which comes from German and means ‘fame and bright.’
C
Cameron – A name of Scottish origin and it means ‘crooked nose.’
Campbell – A name that’s Scottish in origin and it comes from the Scottish surname which means ‘crooked mouth.’ Campbell is also known as the name of a famous Scottish clan.
Casey – This name means ‘observant’ and it’s of Irish origin.
Charlie – This is the pet form of Charles which comes from the Old English word ceorl meaning ‘free man.’
Chris – A name of German origin and it’s a form of Griselda which is of Old German origin and means ‘dark battle.’
D
Darrel – A name of English origin and it means ‘darling.’ There are various spellings of this name including Daryl.
Dominique – This name means ‘of the Lord’ and it’s of French origin. There are other spellings such as Dominic.
Dorian – With origins in both English and Greek, it means ‘gift.’
Drew – A name of English origin and it means ‘manly.’
E
Eddie – A name of English origin and it’s a short form of Edward or Edwina. Both mean ‘wealth, fortune, and guard.’
Eli – A name of Hebrew origin and means ‘my God is Yahweh.’ Yahweh is the ancient Hebrew name for God.
Elliott – A name with both French and English origins. Elliott comes from the Hebrew meaning ‘God is Yahweh.’ Yahweh is the ancient Hebrew name for God. The name was made famous by the 80’s film E.T.
F
Francis – A name that’s Latin in origin and it means ‘liberated.’
Frankie – This name means ‘free one’ and it’s of French origin.
G
Gabriel – A name that’s Hebrew in origin and it means ‘man of God.’
Glenn – A name that’s of English and Scottish origin and it’s derived from the surname meaning ‘valley.’
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H
Hayden – A name of English origin and it comes from the surname. Hayden is derived from Old English and means ‘hay and valley.’
J
Jamie – A name that’s both Hebrew and English in origin. Jamie is the short form of James and comes from the Hebrew word aqev meaning ‘heel’ or ‘supplanter.’
Jean – A name with origins in Hebrew, English, and French. It’s the French form of John but also the English and Scottish form of Jane and means ‘God is gracious.’
Jesse – A name that’s Hebrew in origin and it means ‘gift.’
Jordan – A name with Hebrew origins and comes from the name of the River Jordan which means ‘descend’ or ‘flow down.’
Julian – A name that’s Greek and Latin in origin and it comes from the Roman family name Julius.
K
Kelly – A name with Irish origins and it comes from the Irish name Ceallagh which means ‘war’ or ‘strife.’
Kerry – Another name with Irish origins and it means ‘dark-haired one.’
M
Mackenzie – A name that’s Irish in origin and it means ‘son of the wise ruler.’
Max – This name is a short form of the Latin Maximillian meaning ‘the greatest.’ It’s also used as a short form of the name Maxwell which means ‘stream of Maccus.’
Morgan – A name of Welsh origin, from the Old Welsh Morcant meaning ‘sea and circle.’
N
Noel – A name with both French and Latin origins. Noel means ‘born at Christmas.’
P
Pat – A name with a Latin origin. It’s the short form of Patricia or Patrick and it means ‘nobleman.’
Peyton – A name of English origin and it means ‘from a small town.’
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R
Ray – A form of Raymon from the German origin meaning ‘advice, decision, and protector.’
Reed – A name that’s of both English and Scottish origin. It’s derived from the Scottish surname which means ‘ruddy’ or ‘red.’
Riley – A name of English and Irish in origin. It’s derived from the Old English ryge which means ‘rye, clearing, and meadow.’
Roan – A name of Irish origin and it’s an alternate spelling of the Irish name Rowan meaning ‘red.’
Rudy – A name of German origin and it’s a short version of Rudolf meaning ‘fame and wolf.’
Ryan – A name that’s Irish in origin and it comes from the Gaelic ri meaning ‘king.’
S
Sam – The short form of Samuel or Samantha. It means ‘God has heard.’
Shawn – A name of Hebrew origin and it’s an alternate spelling of Shaun which means ‘God is gracious.’
Sean – A name that’s the Irish version of John, from the Greek Ioannes meaning ‘God is gracious.’
Stevie – It’s derived from the Greek word stephanos meaning ‘crown’ or ‘garland.’
T
Toby – A name with Hebrew origins and it’s a shortened form of Tobias meaning ‘God is good.’
Tyler – A name of English origin and it’s an occupational name. It comes from the Anglo-Norman French word taillour meaning ‘to cut.’
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Val – A name with Latin origins. It comes from the Latin word Valere which means ‘to be strong.’
Y
Yael – A name with Hebrew origins and it means ‘mountain goat.’
Names Inspired By Geography
Many names inspired by Geography are simply the names of cities or countries from around the world. As these aren’t predisposed to be either male or female they are perfect for unisex names.
Albany – It’s a region of Scotland.
Dakota – A name that’s Native American in origin. In the Native American language, it means ‘friend’ or ‘ally.’ But it’s also the name of two states in the US.
Devon – From the place called Devon.
Egypt – Of Greek origin and means ‘that troubles.’
Indiana – The state of Indiana.
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London – Refers to the city in the United Kingdom but it also means ‘fortress.’
Sydney – A name of French origin and means ‘from St Deni’s but it could also refer to the city in Australia.
West – Of English origin and comes from an Old English surname, derived from western town.
Modern Unisex Names
Modern names have the privilege of not having to fit with any traditions and they have the scope to be as unique and inspiring as they like.
Here are some of the best ones we have found to inspire you to think outside the box when it comes to naming your little one.
A
Addison – From English origin. Although this name is medieval, it’s not a very traditional name. This name is the medieval form of Adam.
Angel – Greek in origin and means ‘messenger.’
Aphra – A name of Hebrew origin and it means ‘ashes’ or ‘dust.’
Aqua – This name means ‘water’ or ‘blue’ and is of Latin origin.
Ariel – A name that means ‘lion of God’ and is of Hebrew origin. Although most people will associate the name with the Disney classic of the same name.
Ari – Hebrew origin and means ‘lion.’
Arin – This is a form of the feminine name Erin and means ‘enlightened.’ It is of Hebrew origin.
Asher – A name that means ‘blessed’ or ‘happy’ and it’s of Hebrew origin.
August – A name that’s Latin in origin and it means ‘great.’
Avery – The meaning of this name is ‘elven ruler’ and it’s of English origin.
B
Bailey – A name with both French and Scottish origin. It was originally an English surname that meant ‘bailiff.’
Blair – A name of Scottish origin and it means ‘dweller on the path.’
Blaine – The name that’s both of Irish and Scottish origins. Blaine comes from the Scottish surname which comes from the Gaelic bla and means ‘yellow.’
Brett – From the Old English name ‘breton‘ or ‘bretagne’ which referred to a person from Brittany in France and the language that is spoken there. It is of both English and French origin.
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C
Caelan – A name that originated in Ireland and it comes from the form of Cael meaning ‘narrow’ or ‘slender.’
Carroll – A name with both Welsh and Irish origins. Carroll comes from the Irish surname which means ‘dark one.’
Corey – A name that comes from the Irish surname which was derived from the Old Norse name Kori meaning ‘ravine.’
E
Ellis – A name that means ‘for God’ and it’s of Hebrew origin.
Ellison – A name that’s English in origin and it means ‘son of Elias.’
Emerson – This name means ‘child of Emery’ and it’s of English origin.
F
Florian – A name of Latin origin and it means ‘blooming.’
G
Gray – A shortened form of Grayson which means ‘child of the steward’ and it’s of English origin.
H
Harper – A name of English origin and it means ‘harp player.’ This name was brought to popularity when it was chosen by Victoria and David Beckham for their first daughter.
J
Jules – A short form of Julia or Julian and comes from the Latin meaning downy bearded or shiny sky.
K
Kai – A name of Japanese origin and it means ‘forgiveness.’
Kaiden – A name that’s Scottish in origin and it means ‘from the wetlands.’
Kennedy – It comes from the Irish surname which comes from the Irish Gaelic surname Cinnedigh meaning ‘armored head.’
L
Logan – A name that’s Scottish in origin and it comes from the Scottish Gaelic meaning ‘little cove’ or ‘small hollow.’
N
Nova – A name that’s Latin in origin and it means ‘new.’
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P
Pheonix – A name that comes from Greek mythology as a bird that is reborn from the ashes. Phoenix means ‘reborn.’
Q
Quinn – A name of Irish origin and it means ‘fifth’ or ‘wise one.’ For some people, this name will be associated with the character in Glee, Quinn Fabray.
R
Roux – A name of French origin and it means ‘little red one.’
Rumi – It means ‘beauty’ or ‘flow’ and it’s of Japanese origin.
S
Shea – A name of Irish origin and it means ‘courteous.’
Skylar – A name with Dutch origins and it means ‘giving shelter.’
T
Tanner – This was originally a surname for workers who tan hides of leather. It comes from Old English and means ‘to tan.’
Tarian – A name of Welsh origin and it means ‘shield.’
Taylor – A name that’s derived from an English family name, meaning ‘cutter of cloth.’
U
Umber – A name that’s French in origin and it means ‘shade.’
V
Valentine – A name of Latin origins and it means ‘strong.’
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The Final Thought
Choosing a baby name can be such a difficult task. There are so many to choose from and if you don’t know the sex of your baby, it can add to the issues.
So by taking out the issue of what sex your baby is can give you the freedom to choose a name that you like for the way it sounds, the meaning behind it, or just because you do and not have to worry about if it’s suitable for a boy or a girl.
