12013 Unisex Baby Names From Across Cultures

When it comes to naming your baby, there are no hard and fast rules. With the recent trends shifting towards unisex baby names, the traditional gender norms have been revoked. Celebrities like Kim and Kanye named their daughter North while Kristen and Dax named their daughter Lincoln.

Historically, while some cultures had laws preventing the use of unisex names, others have maintained a degree of flexibility in naming practices. In Native American cultures, names were tied to nature, qualities, or achievements rather than gender. Such names were given to a child based on the traits they seemed to possess. Similarly, Tibetan cultures had names made of familiar words and, thus, were used commonly for both genders. The culture majorly relied on their lineage, and thus such names reflected familial or communal values more than gender-specificity. Several African cultures, such as the Bantu group of Shona, have used unisex names to indicate worship and days of birth. Indian names have been known to follow a unisex format since immemorial, especially when interpreted into other languages. For instance, among the Sikh community, names such as Baldeep, meaning lamp of strength, Dalbir, meaning soldier, and Gurdeep meaning radiance of the guru, are all gender-neutral. Such names thus require a suffix such as Singh or Kaur to identify whether the person is male or female.

In modern times, there has been a significant rise in unisex names among the Vietnamese and Israeli populations. However, in Vietnamese, unisex names are identified by the use of the middle name, while the Israelis use Hebrew unisex names as first names. With celebrities choosing unconventional names for their children, character names from books, movies, and television shows are becoming inspirational for those seeking names that defy traditional gender norms.

The increasing acceptance of non-binary and transgender identities further fuels the popularity of unisex names, thus acting as the medium for communicating one’s gender. So, if you are still unaware of the gender of your baby, but want to decide on a name beforehand, do consider taking a look at this list of unique unisex names.

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NameGenderMeaning
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Brooklyn
Baby Girl Sign Girl Broken land; Marsh; One who lives near a brook
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Hunter
Baby Boy Sign Boy A Hunter; Pursuer
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Cameron
Baby Boy Sign Boy One with the crooked nose
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Kennedy
Baby Girl Sign Girl Helmeted head; Armored head
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Maria
Baby Girl Sign Girl Bitter; Beloved; Of the sea
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Alexis
Baby Girl Sign Girl Defender; Helper
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Andrea
Baby Girl Sign Girl Strong; Manly
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Ashton
Baby Boy Sign Boy Ash tree town; From the ash tree farm
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Alex
Baby Boy Sign Boy To defend; To protect
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Bryce
Baby Boy Sign Boy Freckled; Strength; Swift; Speckled
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Brantley
Baby Boy Sign Boy Fire; Steep meadow
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Kimberly
Baby Girl Sign Girl Royal fortress meadow; Cyndeburg's field; War chief
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Mckenzie
Baby Girl Sign Girl Son of Coinneach (handsome, beautiful, good)
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August
Baby Boy Sign Boy Respected; Esteemed; Venerable; Exalted
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Bradley
Baby Boy Sign Boy A broad clearing or field
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Harmony
Baby Girl Sign Girl Unity; Concord
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Jasper
Baby Boy Sign Boy One who brings treasure; Treasurer
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Kendall
Baby Girl Sign Girl Kent river valley; Valley of kings
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Holden
Baby Boy Sign Boy Hollow valley
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Kameron
Baby Boy Sign Boy Crooked nose
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Remington
Baby Boy Sign Boy Settlement by the Riming stream
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Cody
Baby Boy Sign Boy The son of Oda; Descendant of the helpful one
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Cassidy
Baby Girl Sign Girl Curly hair; Curly head
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Ember
Baby Girl Sign Girl Spark; Precious stone
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Jaiden
Baby Boy Sign Boy Thankful one; God will judge
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Lane
Baby Boy Sign Boy Narrow lane; Path; Meadow
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Dallas
Baby Boy Sign Boy From valley meadows; Valley house
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Caiden
Baby Boy Sign Boy Strength; Battle spirit; Gentle
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Cohen
Baby Boy Sign Boy One who performs sacred rituals; Priest
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Aspen
Baby Girl Sign Girl Aspen tree; Shaking or quaking tree
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Kenzie
Baby Girl Sign Girl Handsome; Beautiful; Good
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Jaylen
Baby Boy Sign Boy Tranquil; Blue-crested bird
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Arlo
Baby Boy Sign Boy Fortified hill; Between two highlands
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Sage
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Wise and knowledgeable person; A type of aromatic plant
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Grady
Baby Boy Sign Boy Noble; Renowned; Illustrious
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Kira
Baby Girl Sign Girl Throne; Lord; Young; Humiliator of the enemy; Sunbeam; Ray of light; Sparkling
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Drew
Baby Boy Sign Boy Manly; Masculine; Virile
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Anaya
Baby Girl Sign Girl God answers; Misfortune; Adversity; Without a superior; He who no one can lead; Lord Vishnu; Brother; Spanish town
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Corey
Baby Boy Sign Boy Cauldron; Curly-haired; Maiden
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Ari
Baby Boy Sign Boy Lion; Eagle; Brave; Most holy; Sun-like; Visible; Generous; Chief; Superior
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Cadence
Baby Girl Sign Girl Rhythm; Flow; Falling
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Jamie
Baby Boy Sign Boy Supplanter; Holder of the heel
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Harley
Baby Boy Sign Boy Hare's meadow
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Jaime
Baby Boy Sign Boy Supplanter; One who follows; Holder of the heel
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Ariel
Baby Boy Sign Boy Lion of God
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Addison
Baby Boy Sign Boy Son of Adam; Son of Addie
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Kobe
Baby Boy Sign Boy Holder of the heel; May God protect; City of Kobe; Tortoise
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Asa
Baby Boy Sign Boy Physician; Healer; Goddess; Morning; Child of light
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Murphy
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Sea warrior
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Blair
Baby Girl Sign Girl Field; Plain; Battlefield
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Baylee
Baby Girl Sign Girl Bailiff; Administrator
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Colby
Baby Boy Sign Boy From a coal town; From a dark town
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Casey
Baby Boy Sign Boy Vigilant; Watchful
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Rayan
Baby Boy Sign Boy Wise; Smart; Thinker; Watered; Luxuriant; Little king; Gate to Heaven
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Crystal
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Sparkling, clear, pure
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Esme
Baby Boy Sign Boy Esteemed; Love; Supreme
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Guadalupe
Baby Girl Sign Girl Our Lady of Guadalupe
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Chris
Baby Boy Sign Boy Follower of Christ; Bearer of Christ
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Jalen
Baby Boy Sign Boy Supplanter; Brave lion
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Braylee
Baby Girl Sign Girl Brier clearing; Meadow clearing
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Julien
Baby Boy Sign Boy Jove's child; Youthful; Downy-bearded; Devoted to Jove
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Crosby
Baby Boy Sign Boy Residing by the sign of the cross; Shrine of the cross
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Mackenzie
Baby Boy Sign Boy Son of Coinnich; Fair; Handsome; Beautiful
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Karsyn
Baby Girl Sign Girl From the marsh; Son of marsh-dwellers
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Darren
Baby Boy Sign Boy Great; Oaktree; One who is from Airelle
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Jessie
Baby Girl Sign Girl To behold; God is gracious; Gift
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Kasey
Baby Boy Sign Boy Vigilant; Observant
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Jakari
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Remembered by God
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Jada
Baby Girl Sign Girl Gift; Precious stone; Jade; He knows
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Lliv
Baby Girl Sign Girl Life; Protection; Shelter; Olive
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Randy
Baby Boy Sign Boy Strong Defender; Son of the Shield; Wolf on shield rim; Admirable; Wonderful
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Baylor
Baby Boy Sign Boy One who delivers goods; Measuring stick
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Halle
Baby Girl Sign Girl Rock; Army ruler; Manor; Hall
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Arian
Baby Boy Sign Boy Noble; Educated; Golden life; Ram
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Kyro
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Lord; Master
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Cory
Baby Boy Sign Boy In a cauldron; In a hollow; Maiden
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Dominique
Baby Girl Sign Girl Belonging to the Lord
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Fisher
Baby Boy Sign Boy Fisherman
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Averi
Baby Girl Sign Girl Elf counsel; King
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Kelly
Baby Boy Sign Boy Warrior; Wood; Born on a farm; Bright-headed
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Finley
Baby Boy Sign Boy Fair hero; White Warrior
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Jewel
Baby Girl Sign Girl Precious stone; Game; Generous lord
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Dream
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Aspiration, imagination, possibility
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Aubrey
Baby Boy Sign Boy Ruler of elves; King of elves
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Denver
Baby Boy Sign Boy From Anvers; Green valley; Dane Ford
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Javion
Baby Boy Sign Boy Greece; Noah's grandson; Young
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Armani
Baby Girl Sign Girl Son of Ermanno; Army man; Soldier; From the palace; Hope; Wish
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Avayah
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex God is my father
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Zyon
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Godly, unique, strong
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Wes
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Western meadow or settlement
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Lindsey
Baby Girl Sign Girl Island of linden trees; Lincoln's Island; Lake colony
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Malayah
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Messenger; Angel
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Cain
Baby Boy Sign Boy Acquired; To get; Clear water; Beautiful
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Dangelo
Baby Boy Sign Boy Divine messenger
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Austyn
Baby Boy Sign Boy Magnificent; Exalted; To increase
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Grey
Baby Boy Sign Boy Gray-haired; Pleasing; Welcome; Brindled coloration
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Nyomi
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Pleasant; Delightful; Beautiful
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Koda
Baby Boy Sign Boy Allies; Companion; Rice paddy of happiness
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Frankie
Baby Boy Sign Boy French guy; Free; Truthful; Generous
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Kaya
Baby Girl Sign Girl My elder sister; Rock; Resting place; Restoration; Perfume; Reward
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Throughout history, names were often closely linked to gender roles, and societal expectations. Unisex names stand as a testament to the power of language to shape and reflect our world. From Tibet to India to America, while some cultures have grown to adopt gender-neutral names, others have had them from time immemorial. These names highlight the ongoing evolution of societies' attitudes toward gender and identity. The above names are some such unique names that draw their awe-inspiring meanings from diverse cultures, histories, nature, and global religions.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which unisex baby names are associated with different colors?

Unisex baby names are associated with different colors based on cultural and personal interpretations. For example, 'Indigo' is a unisex name associated with indigo, representing leadership (1). the name 'Green' represents nature and growth. 'Azure' is linked to the blue of the sky and sea. 'Jade' is a green gemstone and a bluish-green color, symbolizing elegance and natural beauty.

2. Why would someone choose a unisex name?

By choosing a name that is not distinctly associated with a specific gender, individuals can challenge traditional norms and encourage inclusivity. Unisex names also offer flexibility and can be seen as more modern and progressive. Additionally, a unisex name can provide practical benefits, such as avoiding potential bias or discrimination in certain situations and providing a sense of uniqueness and individuality.

3. What are some unisex but feminine names?

Unisex names that have a feminine touch include Charlie, Taylor, Parker, and Remi' These names can be used for both boys and girls. Still, they are commonly associated with femininity due to their softer sounds and cultural references.

4. What are some unisex names associated with royalty?

Some unisex names associated with royalty include 'Emyr,' Welsh for 'king' or 'lord.' Another option is 'Reagan,' an Irish name meaning 'little king.' The name 'Rex' is also derived from Latin and directly translates to 'king.' These names can evoke a sense of regality and grandeur without being tied to a specific gender.

5. Is Kai considered a unisex name?

Yes, the name 'Kai' is considered a unisex name. It originates in various cultures and can be used for both sexes. 'Kai' means 'sea' in Hawaiian and 'forgiveness' in Japanese, highlighting its gender-neutral nature.

6. Is Karina a unisex name?

Karina' is typically considered a feminine name rather than a unisex name. It is derived from 'Katherine' and is commonly associated with girls.

7. What are some unisex names commonly used in India?

In India, several popular unisex names are widely embraced. One such name is 'Kiran,' derived from the Sanskrit word 'kiraṇa,' meaning 'ray' or 'ray of light' or 'beam of light.' Another commonly used unisex name is 'kamal,' which denotes a lotus. Additionally, the name 'Lucky,' commonly referred to as a lucky person, is a popular choice for both sexes in India.

8. What are some unisex baby names inspired by mythology?

Here are some unisex baby names inspired by mythology. 'Loki,' originating from Norse mythology, is a name that possibly means 'lock (2).' 'Phoenix,' derived from Greek mythology, symbolizes rebirth and is associated with dark red (3).' Another option is 'Rowan,' which has roots in Celtic mythology and is connected to the rowan tree, often seen as a protective symbol. 'Rowan' is also associated with the color 'red (4).'

9. What are some unisex baby names inspired by pop culture?

Unisex names influenced by pop culture have become popular. Examples include 'Harley,' associated with Harley Quinn from DC Comics, meaning 'hares' meadow.' 'Peyton,' inspired by pop culture and known from 'One Tree Hill,' means 'fighting man's estate.' 'Charlie,' meaning 'free man,' draws inspiration from various characters, including Charlie Bucket from Charlie and the chocolate factory.

References

MomJunction's articles are written after analyzing the research works of expert authors and institutions. Our references consist of resources established by authorities in their respective fields. You can learn more about the authenticity of the information we present in our editorial policy.
  1. WHAT IS INDIGO?
    https://indigo.site.seattleartmuseum.org/what-is-indigo/
  2. LOKI
    https://sites.psu.edu/miamidolphins/2017/03/16/loki/
  3. Mountain ash
    https://treetour.wwu.edu/details.aspx?treeID=54
  4. The Phoenix Through the Ages
    https://www.swarthmore.edu/bulletin/archive/wp/october-2008_the-phoenix-through-the-ages.html

Infographic: Exquisite Unisex Baby Names From Across Cultures

Unisex Baby Names From Across Cultures blend diverse traditions with rich history and cultural influences. Whether you seek a classic name or one infused with contemporary flair, our infographic below has several options that fit most preferences. Explore them to find a perfect name for your precious child. If you find our infographic useful, share it with your fellow parents to introduce them to the world of Unisex Baby Names From Across Cultures. 


 Unisex Baby Names From Across Cultures(infographic)

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

Kavita has a diverse background in finance, human resources, and teaching. She did her MBA in Finance and HR at Solapur University, and bachelor in Education at Pune University. After working for three years in the banking industry, Kavita took up teaching before moving to writing.

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