"Choosing a baby name is no easy task. Before each of my daughters was born, there was a stretch of time in which my husband and I half-jokingly considered settling on the name “Baby,” and then “Baby #2.” If only our parenting decisions were so simple.
With so much to consider, from heritage and family tradition to cultural significance and aesthetics, choosing a name your child will carry for a lifetime can be a monumental job. All of this to say that for any parent in the throes of name decision angst, I am here for you—with compassion, yes, but also a bunch of adorable gender-neutral baby names that are pitch-perfect picks whether you’re expecting a girl or boy. Scroll down to check out 40+ of the cutest unisex baby names.
The Cutest Gender-Neutral Baby Names
Alba
Origin: Spanish | Variations: None
Meaning: Our minds may quickly go to the actress with this surname, none other than Jessica Alba. But we also love that it is of Spanish origin meaning “bright.”
Amani
Origin: Swahili, Arabic | Variations: None
Meaning: Originating in both Swahili and Arabic, Amani offers a double meaning—one more perfect than the next. In Swahili, the name means “peace,” and in Arabic, “wish.” While historically the name was given to both girls and boys, it has only held its rank in the U.S. Social Security Administration’s (SSA) top 1,000 baby names for girls since 2000.
Amari
Origin: Yoruba, Thai, Hebrew | Variations: None
Meaning: This charming name can be traced back to three languages, Yoruba, Thai, and Hebrew, where it has a shared meaning: “eternal.” Once used mainly for boys, Amari is now a beautiful choice for girls as well.
Anderson
Origin: Greek, Scandinavian | Variations: Andersen
Meaning: While this name is often seen as a surname, we happen to hold great affection for it as a first name as well. Meaning, “son of Andrew,” the name ties back to both Scandinavian and Greek origins.
Aniston
Origin: American | Variations: Anniston
Meaning: When we hear this name, we can’t help but think about beloved actress Jennifer Aniston. But who’s complaining about that? We love that it’s highly unique and means “Ann’s town.”
Aubrey
Origin: French, English | Variations: Aubree
Meaning: If this name conjures only the brilliant deadpanning of actress Aubrey Plaza, we encourage you to dig a bit deeper. There’s also singer and songwriter Aubrey Graham, otherwise known as Drake; artist Aubrey Beardsley; and actress Aubrey Anderson-Emmons (from Modern Family), to name a few. At its heart, this classic moniker has whimsical and memorable roots, meaning “elf ruler.”
Austin
Origin: Latin | Variations: Austen, Auston
Meaning: We’ve seen this name primarily used for boys, but in recent years it’s made a name for itself among little girls as well. The name reminds me of many things, from the Texas state capital to the works of celebrated author Jane Austen. In Latin, it holds the meaning of “great” and “majestic.”
Source: @erinkonrath
Azariah
Origin: Hebrew | Variations: Azaria
Meaning: Azariah found its start as a masculine name with biblical ties, meaning “helper of God.” However, likely due to its pleasant, feminine lilt, the name has gained popularity with parents of girls as well. This beautiful moniker has held its place in the top 1,000 baby names in the U.S. since 2009.
Bailey
Origin: English, French | Variations: Bailee
Meaning: Bailey may be an occupational surname with a serious meaning—”bailiff” or “law enforcer”—but its disposition is anything but. Playful and casual, Bailey is a charming pick for any parent with hopes for a friendly and gregarious little one.
Brett
Origin: British | Variations: Bretten, Britt
Meaning: Traditionally masculine, this British name has become more gender-neutral over the last few decades. It refers to the Celtic people “of Briton,” also known as Brittany, France today.
Brooks
Origin: German, British | Variations: None
Meaning: Brooks has significantly risen in popularity in recent years for both boys and girls. It reminds us of the country group Brooks & Dunn and seasoned country singer Garth Brooks, and holds the meaning of “a small stream.”
Camden
Origin: Scottish | Variations: None
Meaning: Hearing this name, the Camden Market in London comes to mind. It’s an iconic destination known for endless offerings like food, clothing, crafts, and more. The charming name also holds the meaning of “winding valley.”
Collins
Origin: Irish | Variations: None
Meaning: While this moniker was traditionally seen as a surname, we think it’s adorable as a given name for either a boy or a girl. Translating to “holly,” this name is perfect for anyone born around the holidays.
Devon
Origin: English, French | Variations: Deven, Devin
Meaning: Devon is an undeniably likable name with ties to both England and France. For Brits, the name represents an area called Devon County. In France, Devon sprang from the word “devin,” used to mark “divine people.”
Drew
Origin: English | Variations: None
Meaning: This name may mean “manly,” but Drew is widely used for all children regardless of gender. Actress Drew Barrymore popularized the name for girls with her catapult to fame in the ’80s.
Emerson
Origin: English, German | Variations: Emersyn
Meaning: If your baby-naming decision hinges on a sentimental meaning, then Emerson may not be the name for you. Derived from an English surname, this one is all about practicality, simply meaning “son of Emery.” While far from reigning supreme, Emerson has made it into the SSA’s top 1,000 baby names—for both males and females—since the early 2000s.
Evan
Origin: Welsh | Variations: None
Meaning: Used often as a name for boys, actress Evan Rachel Wood nudged this one firmly into the unisex category. This short and sweet name means “the lord is gracious.”
Everly
Origin: British | Variations: Everleigh
Meaning: We can’t think of a better place to draw inspiration from than nature itself. That’s why we’re especially drawn to this Old English name that means “woodland clearing.”
Frankie
Origin: Latin | Variations: None
Meaning: This adorable option is a classic name perfect for a boy or a girl. It has Irish origins meaning “free,” and reminds us of some great pop culture references like the TV show Grace and Frankie. Use it as a sweet nickname for longer names like Francesca or Franklin.
Georgie
Origin: Greek | Variations: Georgi
Meaning: Putting a sweet spin on the ever-classic George, Georgie is a darling name for both baby girls and boys alike. According to Nameberry, George and all its diminutives share a simple meaning: farmer. The SSA has no record of Georgie hitting the top 1,000 baby names—though George and Georgia both reached the height of their popularity in 2019, with each earning below 1 percent of names given that year.
Harrison
Origin: British | Variations: None
Meaning: Legendary actor Harrison Ford comes to minds upon hearing this name, and we would be remiss to not include it on our list. This British name quite literally means “son of Harry.”
Hayden
Origin: Old English | Variations: Haiden
Meaning: This traditional surname has become a charming choice for a first name for both boys and girls over time. The Old English name means “hay field.”
Source: @meg.boggs
Hudson
Origin: English and German | Variations: Hutson
Meaning: This moniker has English and German roots and refers to “son of Hudd.” Football fans may tie a variation of the name, Hutson, to one of the most decorated players in NFL history, Don Hutson.
Jameson
Origin: British | Variatons: James
Meaning: For an edgy baby name, consider this option that brings to mind the Irish Whiskey. The British and traditionally masculine name means “son of James,” but it and its variations are just as adorable for a little girl.
Jude
Origin: Latin | Variations: Judie, Judas
Meaning: Because we will never stop praising The Beatles, consider this baby name inspired by one of their most beloved songs, “Hey Jude.”
Jules
Origin: French | Variations: None
Meaning: Often used as a lovable nickname for Julie or Julia, Jules makes a stylish choice on its own. Finding its start in France, the name means “youthful and downy,” which sounds just about perfect for a beautiful newborn!
Lian
Origin: Chinese | Variations: None
Meaning: Lian has long been a traditional name for baby boys in China, but a modern trend has swept this delight of a name firmly into unisex territory. It makes a cute shorthand of names like Julian, too.
Nico
Origin: Greek | Variations: Neko, Niko
Meaning: A quick and very unscientific survey of my brain reveals that the coolest people on the planet all share this name that means “people of victory.” Choose this and your little one will share a name with late Velvet Underground frontwoman, Nico, actor Nico Tortorella (from Younger), and indie rock legend Neko Case.
Noah
Origin: Hebrew | Variations: None
Meaning: This adorable Biblical name reminds of us the need for balance in our lives, as it refers to both “rest” and “motion.”
Osbourne
Origin: Old Norse | Variations: Osborn, Osborne
Meaning: Whether you plan to raise a little rockstar in honor of Ozzy or not, this gender-neutral name meaning “diving bear” is a cool and unique option for any little one.
Parker
Origin: English | Variations: None
Meaning: Sure, the meaning behind this adorable name is rather obvious and uninspiring—it originated as an occupational surname for a literal park-keeper—but it has earned its rightful place in the ranks of U.S.-given unisex baby names. At the height of its popularity in 2015, Parker was given just over .2 percent of babies born that year.
Quinn
Origin: Old Irish | Variations: Quin, Quinne, Quinten, Quincey
Meaning: Raise a bright little one with this name meaning “wise,” “sense,” or “reason.” Julia Quinn, author of the Bridgerton series, comes to mind when hearing this sweet name.
Rei
Origin: Japanese, Hebrew | Variations: None
Meaning: In Japan, Rei may owe its popularity to being chosen as kanj—or character—of the year in 2019. There, the name translates to “order” and “law” and is used interchangeably for either sex. However, some sources classify Rei as a masculine Hebrew name with obscure Biblical roots.
Source: @lauren.michelle.photography
Rory
Origin: Irish | Variations: None
Meaning: For a Lorelai Gilmore-approved name, consider Rory. We’re certainly reminded of the bookish daughter in fall-favorite rewatch Gilmore Girls upon hearing this name that means “red.” As they did in the TV show, it can be a great nickname for given names like Lorelai or Aurora.
Rowan
Origin: Irish | Variations: Roan, Rowen
Meaning: Whether you prefer the literal meaning of this name—”red-head”—or prefer a mythical tie, this is a great option. In folklore, the Rowan tree is said to be used as protection against witchcraft.
Samar
Origin: Arabic | Variations: None
Meaning: This lovely name with Arabic roots means “evening conversation.” Similar to the popular Samir, used mainly for boys, and Samara, used for girls, Samar is a tried-and-true option that works well for babies of any sex.
Sawyer
Origin: English | Variations: None
Meaning: Sawyer is another name that was once used to mark someone’s calling in life—in this case, someone who “saws timber for a living.” Sure, the meaning is hardly exciting, but with a name like this, in all its sweetness and charm, does it matter?
Shay
Origin: Hebrew, Irish | Variations: Shea, Shae, Shaye, Shai
Meaning: When it comes to meaningful baby names, nothing could be sweeter than Shay—a darling unisex name that means “gift.”
Shiloh
Origin: Hebrew | Variations: Shilo
Meaning: If you’re a parent who puts any stock in baby name meanings, toiling over just the right name to help shape your little’s one journey, then Shiloh may be an easy pick for you. The name means “tranquil,” a quality that any newborn baby could stand to embody.
Taylor
Origin: English, French | Variations: None
Meaning: Attention, Swifties! If you want to draw inspiration from music, considering this Taylor Swift-centric baby name is a great option in the gender-neutral baby names department. The occupational title refers to a “tailor,” or one who cuts cloth.
Tavi
Origin: Aramaic | Variations: Tavia
Meaning: Sure, Rookie Magazine founder-turned-actor Tavi Gevinson may have pushed this name into the limelight, but Tavi has long been a name used for both girls and boys. Use it as an adorable nickname for Octavia, or as a cute moniker all its own.
Whitley
Origin: British | Variations: Whittley, Witley, Whitleigh
Meaning: Bringing to mind the musical works of Keith Whitley is this British name meaning “white meadow.” Great for a baby born any time of year, but especially a winter baby.
