Over the years, more couples have decided they want to wait to find our their baby's sex. A few of my friends who followed the fad said they liked the element of surprise, and wanted all of their friends and family to share the reveal with them. Some parents, however, wait to avoid subjecting their child to gender stereotypes. And part of that plan involves picking a unique, gender-neutral baby name.
My sister, who didn't wait until her baby shower to reveal the sex of her child, decided before she even became pregnant that she would use a gender-neutral name for her child. She explained that she wanted her child's name to be similar to that of her husband's no matter what sex she would have. So, by choosing the name Jordyn, she knew she would be prepared for both a boy and a girl.
Not everyone has to have a story about why they want their child to hold a gender-neutral name. It could literally be because that's just your thing. Regardless of the reasoning behind it, these 27 unique gender-neutral names will be good ones to keep your eye on when it comes down to dropping a name for your little bundle of joy.
1
Ashton
Whether used as a male or female name, the name Ashton means "ash tree place" and has an English origin. Your kid may never know who Ashton Kutcher is, but it would be totally cool story to tell them that they share their name with a famous actor.
2
Auden
The name Auden, which means "old friend," can be linked to the Anglo-American poet W.H. Auden and is certainly a unique one. Naming your child this one will definitely have them standing out.
3
Brighton
Originating from the English town of the same name, the name Brighton means "bright town" and is cool for your little star that's set to arrive on the scene.
4
Cyrille
Defined as "lordly," Cyrille would be the perfect name for the little king or queen you're guaranteed to have on your hands.
5
Destry
Destry, which means "war horse," could be a fitting name for the strong and powerful baby you're going to give birth to. Though very unique, it's a great name to remind your little one how powerful they are as they get older.
6
Endellion
Endellion may sound like a name that was made up recently, but it actually derives from the saint who was goddaughter to King Arthur. The name also mirrors the Cornish village, St. Endellion.
7
Fionn
Originating from the Irish name Finn, Fionn means "fair or white." Not sure if the meaning sells the name or not, but the name is unique, nevertheless.
8
Gannet
Adding a new egg to your clan of little ones? Try giving them the name Gannet, which has a German originated meaning of "goose." You'll probably be as excited as that lucky goose above when you give your little one this unique name.
9
Henley
Though usually a last name, Henley is also a gender-neutral name that means "high meadow." This name would be great for the future free-spirited child you'll have.
10
Isa
The name Isa may be unisex, but it's meaning is a little different for a boy and for a girl. For a girl, Isa means strong-willed and has a German origin. For young boys, Isa is an Arabic variation of the name Jesus.
11
Jensen
Though it is a gender-neutral name, Jensen means "son of Jens" and is the top surname in Denmark.
12
Kiernan
Described as meaning "little dark one," Kiernan is a name that fits perfectly for either sex. Sure, it's meaning may make you think twice, but you've got to admit, it sounds pretty cool rolling off the tongue.
13
Larkin
Looking for a way to build your little one up in life? Naming them Larkin, which means "rough, fierce," could be a way to instill that in them.
14
Munro
The name Munro may not sound too unique to you, but the spelling alone should put it in the unique category. Meaning "mouth of the river Ro," this spelling of the name makes it an interesting option for a unisex first name.
15
Nouvel
Nouvel is a name that may not be used much, but it's meaning of "new" is a good reason to make use of it now.
16
Ohara
The name Ohara means "small field" and has a Japanese origin. Although it may sound more on the feminine side, the name can be unisex, too.
17
Penrose
The name Penrose may sound more feminine than masculine, but its meaning of "top of the heath" knows no gender.
18
Quarry
Quarry is a nature name and is great for the parent who plans to keep their little one in the great outdoors.
19
Roux
Pronounced like "Roo," the name Roux has a meaning of "reddish brown" and could be a terrific fit for a child being born in the fall months.
20
Seneca
Originating from the Native American language, the name Seneca means "people of the standing rock" and is also the name of and ancient Roman philosopher.
21
Taliesin
Meaning "shining brow," the name Taliesin comes from the Welsh origin and works well for a boy or a girl.
22
Umber
Though there is no full definition on what the name Umber means, it is said to be a color name. So, if you're expecting to have a child who is lively, this name would be a good fit.
23
Vesper
Though mostly known as a feminine name because of its relation to the Bond Girls, the name Vesper has a meaning of "evening star" and could work for either sex.
24
Wren
Wren is an English bird name and could be an adorable option for a little boy or girl. The name would even work as a middle name, too.
25
Xen
Known as a variation of the Japanese word zen, Xen means "form of Buddhism." If you're looking for a way to increase the peace at home, naming your child this name could do it.
26
Yarrow
Yarrow, which means "rough stream," comes from an English origin and is quite an unusual name for a child. That doesn't mean that it isn't a cute one, though.
27
Zaire
The name Zaire has been popular with boys over the years, but it can also work for little girls, too. The name, which was the name of a Central African state many years ago, comes from the Kongo meaning of "the river that swallows all rivers."
