Gender-Neutral Baby Names: 53 Unisex Names With Meanings
Gender-neutral names work equally well for boys, girls and nonbinary children. This list gathers 53 of them, from long-established unisex names like Jordan and Charlie to nature names like Wren, River and Rowan, each with a meaning, a language of origin and a short note.
Reviewed
Every name here is used for more than one gender in English-speaking countries, and we say so where a name leans one way in practice. Meanings are traced to the source language, and we flag disputed origins instead of picking the neatest answer.
Our top picks
Unisex names (53)
- AlexGreekdefender (short for Alexander or Alexandra)Brief, modern and used equally for boys and girls.
- ArielHebrewlion of GodA biblical name that is lyrical and bold.
- ArdenEnglisheagle valleySoft, literary and quite rare.
- AshEnglishthe ash treeShort and modern; also a nickname for Asher.
- AspenEnglishthe aspen treeA mountain-fresh nature name.
- AveryEnglishelf ruler (from Alberic)Leans towards girls in the US but is used for both.
- BaileyEnglishbailiff, stewardFriendly and easygoing.
- BlairScottish Gaelicfield, plainSharp and polished.
- BlakeEnglishuncertain; either 'pale' or 'dark'A rare name that means both light and dark.
- BrynWelshhillShort and strong, from Wales.
- CameronScottish Gaeliccrooked nose (a clan name)Familiar and easy; nickname Cam.
- CaseyIrishvigilant, watchful (from Cathasach)Easygoing and flexible.
- CharlieEnglishfree man (from Charles)Friendly and used as a stand-alone name for boys and girls.
- DakotaDakota Siouxfriend, allyNamed for the Dakota people; open and warm.
- DrewEnglish / Welshbrave (from Andrew)Short and spare, with a casual feel.
- EdenHebrewdelight, pleasureSoft and hopeful.
- ElliotEnglishfrom Elias (a form of Elijah)Polished and friendly; also spelled Elliott.
- EllisEnglish / Welshfrom Elias (a form of Elijah)A smart, gentle surname-name.
- EmersonEnglishson of EmeryA literary surname, thanks to Ralph Waldo Emerson.
- EmeryGermanicindustrious rulerA soft surname-name that has become popular for girls.
- FinleyScottish Gaelicfair warriorCheery and friendly; nickname Finn.
- HarleyEnglishhare meadowCheeky and spirited.
- HaydenEnglishhay valley (uncertain)A smooth, well-known surname-name.
- IndigoGreekthe deep blue dye (from India)Rare, artistic and calm.
- JamieScottishsupplanter (a form of James)Friendly and used for any gender.
- JordanHebrewto flow down (the River Jordan)Biblical and sporty.
- JulesFrenchyouthful (a form of Julius)Short and stylish.
- KaiHawaiian and otherssea (Hawaiian); other meanings in Japanese, Scandinavian and WelshShort, global and very easy to say.
- KendallEnglishvalley of the River KentSleek and surname-based.
- LoganScottish Gaelicsmall hollowUsed for both genders, with a stronger tilt towards boys.
- MarleyEnglishpleasant woodlandRelaxed and musical.
- MicahHebrewwho is like God?Soft and biblical.
- MorganWelshsea-born or sea-circle (debated)Legendary through Arthurian tales.
- OakleyEnglishoak clearingA woodland name with a casual feel.
- ParkerEnglishkeeper of the parkA polished occupational surname.
- PeytonEnglishPæga's townFamiliar and friendly.
- PhoenixGreekthe mythical bird of rebirth (also 'dark red')Bold and symbolic of renewal.
- QuinnIrishdescendant of Conn (often read as 'chief' or 'wisdom')Short, crisp and evenly used for any child.
- ReeseWelshardor (a form of Rhys)Soft, friendly and flexible.
- RemiFrenchoarsmanLight and international.
- RileyIrishrye clearingEasygoing and popular.
- RiverEnglisha flowing body of waterFree-flowing and a nature favourite.
- RobinEnglishbright fame (a pet form of Robert)Also a bird name; it works for any child.
- RoryIrish / Gaelicred kingA friendly Celtic name.
- RowanIrish / Englishlittle red one; also the rowan treeA nature name for any gender.
- SageEnglish / Latinwise (also the herb)Earthy and calm.
- SashaRussiandefender of mankind (short form of Alexander or Alexandra)Light and used for any gender.
- SawyerEnglishwoodcutterA friendly occupational name.
- SkylerDutchscholarLight and breezy.
- SuttonEnglishsouth townA stylish surname-name.
- TaylorEnglishtailorAn easy and well-known occupational name.
- WrenEnglisha small songbirdTiny, bright and cheerful.
- ZionHebrewuncertain; the name of Mount Zion in JerusalemSpiritual and strong.
Found a name you like?
Swipe through names with your partner in Namely, and see which ones you both say yes to.
How to choose
Nature names are the easiest route
Wren, River, Rowan, Sage, Aspen, Ash and Indigo come from birds, water, trees and plants, so they carry no built-in gender. They are also easy to explain and tend to feel timeless.
Surname-names travel well
Names that began as surnames (Avery, Emerson, Parker, Peyton, Sawyer, Sutton, Taylor, Logan) are used for any child and feel polished. Pair them with a classic middle name for balance.
Check how it leans in practice
Some unisex names are used more for one gender, for example Avery and Riley lean towards girls, and Logan and Parker towards boys. If a truly even split matters to you, look at Quinn, Rowan, River, Wren and Charlie, and ask a few friends how they would picture a child with that name.
Think about nicknames and the full name
Alex can be Alexander, Alexandra or just Alex, which gives your child options. Charlie, Jamie and Elliot work the same way. Short stand-alone names (Wren, Quinn, Jules) give less flexibility but a cleaner result.
Frequently asked questions
What is a gender-neutral baby name?
A gender-neutral name, also called a unisex name, is used for children of any gender. Some, like Quinn and River, are used about equally for boys and girls, and others, like Avery or Logan, lean towards one gender in practice.
What are unique gender-neutral baby names?
Indigo, Arden, Oakley, Wren, Aspen and Marley are all uncommon but easy to pronounce, and each has a clear meaning.
What are nature-inspired gender-neutral names?
Wren, River, Rowan, Sage, Aspen, Ash and Oakley come from birds, water, trees and plants, and carry no built-in gender.
Are there gender-neutral names that work for nonbinary children?
Yes. Any name on this list can be used for a nonbinary child, and short, simple names like Quinn, Kai, Wren, River and Jules are especially popular because they have no fixed gender association.
Save this list
Pin it for later, or share it with your partner.
More name lists
Choose a baby name together
Namely is the baby name app for couples: swipe on names, and celebrate when you both match.