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Baby names

50 gender-neutral baby names and their meanings

Unisex baby names that work for any child, from nature names to surnames and short classics, each with its origin and meaning.

By the Prego team · Updated · 3 min read · How we create content

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Gender-neutral names are more popular than ever. They are a great choice if you are waiting to find out the sex, want a name that will suit your child whoever they become, or simply love how they sound. Here are 50 to consider.

Nature names

NameOriginMeaning
AshEnglishThe ash tree
BriarEnglishA thorny shrub, the wild rose
OceanEnglishOcean
ReedEnglishThe reed plant; also "red-haired"
RiverEnglishRiver
RowanIrish / ScottishThe rowan tree; little redhead
SageLatinWise; also the herb
SkyEnglishSky
WrenEnglishThe small songbird
LindenGermanThe linden tree

Surname-style names

NameOriginMeaning
AveryEnglishRuler of the elves
BaileyEnglishBailiff, steward
CarterEnglishCart driver
EmersonEnglishSon of Emery
FinleyScottishFair-haired warrior
HarperEnglishHarp player
HaydenEnglishHay valley
MorganWelshSea-born, sea circle
ParkerEnglishPark keeper
QuinnIrishDescendant of Conn; wise

Short and simple

NameOriginMeaning
AriHebrew / NorseLion (Hebrew); eagle (Norse)
BlakeEnglishDark, or fair (it has both meanings)
DrewGreekStrong, brave (short for Andrew)
EdenHebrewDelight, paradise
JesseHebrewGift
JordanHebrewDescending, after the river Jordan
KaiHawaiianSea
NoaHebrew / HawaiianMovement (Hebrew); freedom (Hawaiian)
RemyFrenchOarsman
SamHebrewGod has heard

Modern favorites

NameOriginMeaning
AlexGreekDefender
CharlieGermanicFree person
DakotaSiouxFriend, ally
EllisWelsh / HebrewKind, benevolent
JamieHebrew (via Scottish)Supplanter (form of James)
JulesLatinYouthful
LoganScottishLittle hollow
RileyIrishCourageous; rye meadow
RoryIrishRed king
TaylorEnglishTailor

Names from around the world

NameOriginMeaning
AmaniSwahiliPeace
HikaruJapaneseLight, radiance
KiranSanskritRay of light
NikitaRussian / SanskritUnconquered (Greek root); earth (Sanskrit)
NoorArabicLight
SashaRussianDefender (short for Alexander or Alexandra)
ShayIrishAdmirable, hawk-like
TenzinTibetanUpholder of the teachings
YukiJapaneseSnow, happiness
ZionHebrewHighest point

Tips for choosing a gender-neutral name

  • Try it with your surname and a middle name, which can be more traditional if you like.
  • Check how it is used where you live, since some names lean one way in one country and the other way elsewhere.
  • Consider spelling variations, such as Avery or Averie, and pick the one that feels right.

More ideas: baby girl names and baby boy names.

Frequently asked questions

What is a gender-neutral name?

A name used for children of any sex. Many have been unisex for centuries, while others have shifted over time.

Yes. In the US and many other countries, more parents are choosing names that aren't strongly linked to one sex.

Can a name be gender-neutral in one country but not another?

Yes. For example, Andrea is mostly a girl's name in English-speaking countries but traditionally a boy's name in Italy. Check how a name is used where your child will grow up.

Sources

General information only, not medical advice. Always follow the guidance of your doctor or midwife.

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