Your name is inherently linked to your identity. It’s the word that describes you, and it becomes an important part of your family tree. In many cases, that name carries an inherently masculine or feminine interpretation based on historical use and meaning.
However, like language, names and their usage evolve over time, and gender-neutral names are becoming much more common.
What Are Gender-Neutral Names?
Gender-neutral names are increasingly popular, with the androgynous nature of these names being part of the appeal.
Increasingly, parents are turning to the use of gender-neutral names for their children. In fact, 2021 saw 6% of American babies bestowed gender-neutral monikers. While that number doesn’t seem large, it’s around five times higher than the number given in the 1880s.
While some parents might be opting for gender-neutral names intentionally for their androgynous nature, this trend is also influenced by current tendencies to encourage individualism. Even the most popular names are nowhere near as widely used as they were a few decades ago.
Another interesting trend has continued to thrive, shifting what were once traditionally masculine names into gender-neutral territory by using them for girls. Names such as James, Noah, and Addison are quickly becoming more common among girls, granting them unisex status.
Popular Gender-Neutral Names
While most people are still opting for traditionally gendered names, there are several popular gender-neutral options. Using 2022 data from theSocial Security Administration to determine the top 1,000 boy and girl names, some stand out as having more significant gender-neutral usage. Some of the top gender-neutral names include:
- Logan: Ranking No. 33 for boys and No. 372 for girls, Logan was originally aScottish and northern Irish surname based on a place.
- Parker:Like Logan, Parker is another name derived from a surname, making it a popular choice for people of allgenders. More specifically, it references park keepers and ranks No. 94 in popularity for boys and No. 115 for girls.
- Avery:Derived from the Anglo-Saxon name Alfred, Avery is French and English, meaning “ruler of elves.” While traditionally a masculine name, it broke into the top 50 names for girls in 2007 in the United States. More recently, it ranks No. 221 for boys and No. 26 for girls.
- Riley:Riley can be traced with two etymologies. One is the Gaelic wordraghallach, meaning “valiant,” which was used for the surname O’Reilly.The other is derived from the Old English words for wood, clearing, or meadow. Riley ranks No. 225 for boys and No. 39 for girls.
Unique Gender-Neutral Names
Other names can be used as gender-neutral options that aren’t quite so popular. These names also tend to look to nature and surnames for inspiration, including:
- Aspen:Tied to the aspen tree, this name evokes imagery of vivid white tree trunks and brightly colored leaves. While the name ranked No. 196 for girls, just 0.0842% of those born in 2022 were bestowed this name.
- Azrael:Meaning “Helped by God,” Azrael is the name of the angel in Christian, Jewish, and Muslim traditions who transports the dead’s souls to find peace. While this is a heavy name to bear, it—and alternative spellings of Azriel or Asriel—is in use for people of all genders. While it doesn’t place in the top 1,000 for girls, Azrael sits at No. 732 for boys, andAzriel is ranked No. 734.
- Ciel: This gender-neutral name is of French origin, meaning heavenly or sky. Though in the French language, this word is gendered as masculine, it’s taken a gender-neutral meaning in English-speaking nations and can be spotted on both boys and girls, but it doesn’t rank on the SSA’s top 1,000 list for either sex.
Vintage Unisex Names
The history of unisex names is somewhat difficult to trace. While there have been names across cultures and nations that could be used for any gender, the trend is particularly prevalent in the United States. However, for many unisex names, their origins are rooted in masculine usage.
Like clothing trends, names fall into and out of fashion with the passing of time. Some vintage names are making a comeback as largely unisex options, including:
- Kelsey:This name was initially considered masculine but has not ranked in the top 1,000 for boys in the United States since 1996. It ranked in the top 100 for girls between 1987 and 2001. In 2022, this name sits at No. 629 for girls.
- Robin:Robin appears to be making a comeback. While it fell out of the top 1,000 names in the early 2000s, this nature-inspired name currently ranks No. 795 for boys and No. 861 for girls.
- August:While this name has remained a staple in the top 1,000 for boys, it wasn’t frequently used until the last decade. It currently ranks No. 109 for boys and has ranked for girls since 2018. It is currently the 862nd most popular female name in the United States.
Modern Gender-Neutral Names
Modern gender-neutral names tend to draw inspiration from nouns, occupations, places, and nature. These names offer unique meanings and may embody values that the parents hold.Some examples include:
- Rowan:Rowan is a nature-inspired name that can reference the rowan tree. However, etymologically, it is rooted in the Irish word ruadh, meaning “red.” It can also be linked to the Irish place name Anglicized as Roughan, with the same pronunciation. It is quite popular as a gender-neutral option, ranking No. 96 for boys and No. 276 for girls.
- River:This nature-inspired name works well for people of all genders. Etymologically, it has its roots in English and ranks No. 105 for boys and No. 150 for girls.
- James:Though there’s often debate among the general public about James being unisex due to the traditional masculine usage, it actually has historical use for girls. Using SSA data, James ranked within the top 1,000 names for girls until 1989, ranking No. 319 in 1928. The same year, it was ranked No. 3 for boys.
Gender-Neutral Middle Names
Middle names may not be used around the world, but in many English-speaking nations, they’re a popular way to honor family members or sneak in surnames. They can also be used to complete the meaning of an individual’s name.
Some people choose unisex names for this slot, such as Lee,Pax, Quinn, and Sage. These gender-neutral names with meaning can elevate a more traditional name, offering another option for children who may grow up to prefer a more ambiguous moniker.
For example, pairing a traditionally gendered name such as Catherine (meaning pure) or William (meaning protector) with a gender-neutral middlename, such as Quinn (meaning wise or reason) creates an almost poetic meaning while also leaving an ambiguous option for preferred names when the child grows up.
Rare Gender-Neutral Names
Some gender-neutral names are rarely ever used. Though uncommon, these names offer beautiful meanings:
- Arden:This place name and surname has a melodic cadence to it and has a history of being used for both boys and girls. The name Arden served as the setting for the Shakespearean play As You Like It.
- Ever:Ever, meaning “always,” has placed once on the SSA list of popular names, in 1901, for girls.
- Onyx:Referencing the gemstone, this name works for either gender. It’s ranked No. 355 for boys and doesn’t rank for girls, making it a rare option.
- Zephyr:This name derives from Zephyrus, the Greek god of the west wind. Though the god himself was male, the name itself is suitable for any gender.
International Unisex Names
Not all nations allow for the use of unisex or gender-neutral baby names. In some nations, gender must be identifiable by the name itself. For example, in Portugal, names must be from approved lists and satisfy the requirements dictated by an 800-page document. Denmark, Iceland, and Germany have similar rules.
In other nations, some names are inherently unisex. For example, in Japan, these names could fit any gender:
- Akira (light)
- Haru (spring)
- Sora (sky)
- Yuki (snow)
In India, these names are suitable for anyone:
- Arya (respected and noble)
- Anamol (precious)
- Kiran (light)
- Imana(faith)
Korea has its fair share of unisex names, including:
- Chul (firm)
- Hye (knowledgeable)
- Hyeon (worthy)
- Tae (great)
In France, it’s not uncommon to see unisex names such as:
- Dominique (of the Lord)
- Sasha (defender of mankind)
- Camille (priest’s helper)
- Eden (paradise)
Spanish unisex names are rare, but a few exist, including:
- Angel (angel)
- Ariel (lion of God)
- Marion (beloved)
- Sol (sun)
Your Name Is Your Mark in History
Names are inherently important and deeply personal. When your life is recorded in your family’s history, it will use your name. It may reflect your culture and how you navigate through life. Learning more about your family’s past may reveal insight into your name and how your ancestors’ lives shaped your own. If you’re ready to begin exploring your family history, do it with Ancestry®.
Sources
https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2023/03/gender-neutral-baby-names-popularity/673464/
https://www.ssa.gov/cgi-bin/popularnames.cgi
https://www.verywellfamily.com/noah-name-meaning-origin-popularity-5179444
https://www.verywellfamily.com/avery-name-meaning-origin-popularity-5181309
https://www.verywellfamily.com/riley-name-meaning-origin-popularity-5209366#:~:text=Riley%20is%20a%20gender%2Dneutral,meaning%20wood%2C%20clearing%20or%20meadow.
https://nameberry.com/blog/the-coolest-unisex-nature-names
https://www.britannica.com/topic/Azrael
https://www.shakespeare.org.uk/explore-shakespeare/shakespedia/shakespeares-plays/as-you-like-it/
https://www.popsugar.com/celebrity/how-many-kids-does-alanis-morissette-have-45956020
https://www.huffpost.com/archive/ca/entry/unisex-baby-names-are-illegal-in-these-4-countries_n_12090708
https://www.behindthename.com/names/gender/unisex/usage/japanese
https://www.indiatimes.com/ampstories/lifestyle/modern-indian-unisex-baby-names-with-meanings-601952.html
https://www.familyeducation.com/baby-names/first-name/origin/korean
https://www.popsugar.com/latina/unisex-spanish-baby-names-43532360
https://www.behindthename.com/name/dominique
https://www.behindthename.com/name/sasha
https://www.familyeducation.com/baby-names/name-meaning/camille
https://babynames.com/name/eden
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