Why Unisex Baby Names are Trending

Looking to find the perfect name for your baby-to-be? Instead of making lists of names for a boy or a girl, why not choose names that could work for either?

Unisex baby names are trending among parents looking to give their children freedom from traditional gender norms. Whether you're inspired by nature, cultural significance, or timeless classics, there are plenty of options to explore.

What are gender-neutral baby names?

Gender-neutral names don't have a strong connection to a specific birth sex.

Gender specialist Rebecca Minor says, "These names allow individuals of any gender identity to use them, offering flexibility in how others perceive them. "Many parents are now choosing more androgynous names, giving their children more freedom to express themselves without traditional gender expectations."

The rise of gender-neutral names

Because people have become more aware of different gender identities, Minor says that gender-neutral names are growing in popularity.

Additionally, Minor says that parents are choosing gender-neutral names to reduce gender-based discrimination.

"Studies have shown that gender bias can influence everything from job applications to leadership opportunities," she explains. "Giving a child a name that is not gendered may help mitigate such biases."

What makes a name gender-neutral?

Gender-neutral names often have characteristics that make them adaptable for people of any gender. "These names tend to lack strong cultural associations with a specific sex assigned at birth," says Minor.

Nature inspires many popular unisex names (like River or Sky), which Minor says lack gendered connotations. "Others derive from surnames, like Taylor or Morgan, that have transitioned into first names over time," she adds.

Uni gender names used throughout history

People have used unisex names throughout history.

"Parents have used names like Alexis, Ellis and Kelly across genders," Minor says. "In the early and mid-1900s, people also used names like Jessie, Marion and Jackie for both boys and girls."

Benefits of choosing a unisex name for your child

"Since gender-neutral names are not tied to any gender, their biggest benefit is to allow children to be themselves without the limitations of traditional gender norms," Minor says.

Selecting gender-neutral names also reduces unconscious bias in areas of education and employment. "By choosing a gender-neutral name, parents can influence how others interact with their child," Minor explains.

Additionally, many gender-neutral names are unique. "Unique names often spark curiosity, inviting people to get to know the individual rather than making assumptions based on gender stereotypes," Minor says. "Emory, Darcy, Sasha, Shiloh, Jules and Oakley are some of the names I recommend in this category."

Popular gender-neutral names

If you need some gender-neutral name inspiration, Minor shares these ideas below:

• Rowan (Irish, Scottish): "Little red-haired one" or "rowan tree." Notable person: Rowan Blanchard, actor and activist.
• Avery (Old English): "Ruler of the elves." Notable person: Avery Bradley, professional basketball player.
• Skylar (Dutch): "Scholar." Notable person: Skylar Grey, singer and songwriter.
• Riley (Irish): "Valiant" or "courageous." Notable person: Riley Keough, actor.
• Taylor (English): "Tailor" (originally a surname). Notable person: Taylor Swift, singer-songwriter.
• Jordan (Hebrew): "Flowing down" (refers to the River Jordan). Notable person: Jodan Peele, actor and director.
• Casey (Irish Gaelic): "Vigilant" or "watchful." Notable person: Casey Affleck, actor.
• Alex (Greek): "Defender" or "protector" (short for Alexander or Alexandra). Notable person: Alex Morgan, professional soccer player.
• Morgan (Welsh): "Sea-born" or "circling sea." Notable person: Morgan Freeman, actor.
• Sage (Latin): "Wise" or referring to the aromatic herb. Notable person: Sage Northcutt, mixed martial artist
• Quinn (Irish): "Descendant of Conn" or "wisdom, intelligence." Notable person: Quinn Shephard, actor and filmmaker.
• Emerson (Old English): "Son of Emery" or "brave, powerful." Notable person: Emerson Boozer, former professional football player.
• Charlie (English, German): "Free person" (short for Charles or Charlotte). Notable person: Charlie Puth, singer-songwriter.
• Finley (Scottish, Irish): "Fair-haired hero" or "warrior." Notable person: Finley Quaye, musician.
• Dakota (Sioux): "Friend" or "ally." Notable person: Dakota Fanning, actor.
• Parker (Old English): "Park keeper." Notable person: Parker Posey, actor.
• Reese (Welsh): "Enthusiasm" or "ardor." Notable person: Reese Witherspoon, actor.
• Blake (Old English): "Dark" or "pale-haired." Notable person: Blake Lively, actor.
• Cameron (Scottish): "Crooked nose" (historically a surname). Notable person: Cameron Diaz, actor.
• Elliot (Hebrew, English): "The Lord is my God." Notable person: Elliot Page, actor and activist.
• Lennon (Irish): "Lover" or "cloak." Notable person: Lennon Stella, singer-songwriter.
• Noel (French, Latin): "Christmas" or "born on Christmas." Notable person: Noel Gallagher, musician.
• Micah (Hebrew): "Who is like God?" Notable person: Micah Parsons, professional football player.
• Tatum (Old English): "Cheerful bringer of joy." Notable person: Tatum O’Neal, actor.
• Rowe (English, Germanic): "Famous wolf" or "roe deer." Notable person: Rowe Hessler, speedcubing champion.

Tips for choosing the perfect name

Michelle Shahbazyan, a marriage and family therapist, says that choosing a name for your child is one of the many meaningful decisions you’ll make as a parent.

To choose the perfect name for your little one, consider any of her tips below:

Consider timeless names

"As you deliberate between baby names, always consider names that are versatile, timeless and rich with meaning," says Shahbazyan. "Whether it’s a name that honours your family’s traditions, celebrates a personal connection or reflects values you hope to pass on, each option can hold special significance."

Be creative

Shahbazyan also recommends approaching the naming process with intention and creativity.

"Experiment with how names sound when spoken aloud and how they pair with your last name," she suggests. "Picture your child introducing themselves with pride—how does the name feel in that context? Does it resonate in a way that makes you smile? Envisioning these moments can help you connect with the emotional weight of your choice."

Make it memorable

"Your child's name is important," explains Shahbazyan. "It will stay with them for life. It also shows the care you took in making this personal choice."

Future trends in baby naming

Dr. Sham Singh, a psychiatrist, believes gender-neutral names will become more popular. He links this trend to society's growing focus on individual identity.

"I predict we will see more of these names in the future," he explains. "Parents increasingly seek names that carry personal significance or cultural meaning but don't constrain themselves with old-fashioned ideas of boys' names. As a result, names like Morgan or Avery are now gaining momentum again as gender-neutral options, alongside newer choices like River or Sage."

Singh also says social media will continue to influence naming trends."We’re also seeing a shift in naming trends influenced by media—celebrities and social platforms are normalizing unisex choices, making them feel more accessible to everyone," he explains.

Experts

• Rebecca Minor, MSW, LICSW, is a gender specialist, founder of Prism Therapy Collective, and the author of the forthcoming book Raising Trans Youth: What to Expect When You Weren’t Expecting This.
• Michelle Shahbazyan is a marriage and family therapist, life coach and relationship expert.
•  Dr. Sham Singh MD, is a board-certified psychiatrist at WINIT Clinic, a leading functional medicine platform.