12013 Unisex Baby Names From Across Cultures

From Ala to Zeya, a treasury of names starting with each letter of the alphabet.

Written by Kavita Kankani, MBA, BEd Specialty: Child education & activitiesExperience: 7 years

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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Edited by Shikha Thakur, MBA Specialty: Relationships and Baby NamesExperience: 7 years

Shikha is a writer-turned-editor at MomJunction, with over seven years of experience in the field of content. Having done a certification in Relationship Coaching, her core interest lies in writing articles that guide couples through their courtship to marriage and parenthood.

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Fact-checked by Sakshi Mishra, MSc Specialty: Health & WellnessExperience: 3 years

Sakshi holds a bachelor’s degree in Science and a master’s in Bioinformatics from Panjab University, India. She has worked on a research project, “In silico ligand designing exhibiting anti-diabetic activity derived from responsible phytochemicals of selected herbs.

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Last Updated on Aug 8, 2024

Illustration: MomJunction Design Team

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 With the recent trends shifting towards unisex baby names, the traditional gender norms have been revoked.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.

Name	Gender	Meaning
Brooklyn	Girl	Broken land; Marsh; One who lives near a brook
Hunter	Boy	A Hunter; Pursuer
Cameron	Boy	One with the crooked nose
Kennedy	Girl	Helmeted head; Armored head
Maria	Girl	Bitter; Beloved; Of the sea
Alexis	Girl	Defender; Helper
Andrea	Girl	Strong; Manly
Ashton	Boy	Ash tree town; From the ash tree farm
Alex	Boy	To defend; To protect
Bryce	Boy	Freckled; Strength; Swift; Speckled

Brantley	Boy	Fire; Steep meadow
Kimberly	Girl	Royal fortress meadow; Cyndeburg's field; War chief
Mckenzie	Girl	Son of Coinneach (handsome, beautiful, good)
August	Boy	Respected; Esteemed; Venerable; Exalted
Bradley	Boy	A broad clearing or field
Harmony	Girl	Unity; Concord
Jasper	Boy	One who brings treasure; Treasurer
Kendall	Girl	Kent river valley; Valley of kings
Holden	Boy	Hollow valley
Kameron	Boy	Crooked nose

Remington	Boy	Settlement by the Riming stream
Cody	Boy	The son of Oda; Descendant of the helpful one
Cassidy	Girl	Curly hair; Curly head
Ember	Girl	Spark; Precious stone
Jaiden	Boy	Thankful one; God will judge
Lane	Boy	Narrow lane; Path; Meadow
Dallas	Boy	From valley meadows; Valley house
Caiden	Boy	Strength; Battle spirit; Gentle
Cohen	Boy	One who performs sacred rituals; Priest
Aspen	Girl	Aspen tree; Shaking or quaking tree

Kenzie	Girl	Handsome; Beautiful; Good
Jaylen	Boy	Tranquil; Blue-crested bird
Arlo	Boy	Fortified hill; Between two highlands
Sage	Unisex	Wise and knowledgeable person; A type of aromatic plant
Grady	Boy	Noble; Renowned; Illustrious
Kira	Girl	Throne; Lord; Young; Humiliator of the enemy; Sunbeam; Ray of light; Sparkling
Drew	Boy	Manly; Masculine; Virile
Anaya	Girl	God answers; Misfortune; Adversity; Without a superior; He who no one can lead; Lord Vishnu; Brother; Spanish town
Corey	Boy	Cauldron; Curly-haired; Maiden
Ari	Boy	Lion; Eagle; Brave; Most holy; Sun-like; Visible; Generous; Chief; Superior

Cadence	Girl	Rhythm; Flow; Falling
Jamie	Boy	Supplanter; Holder of the heel
Harley	Boy	Hare's meadow
Jaime	Boy	Supplanter; One who follows; Holder of the heel
Ariel	Boy	Lion of God
Addison	Boy	Son of Adam; Son of Addie
Kobe	Boy	Holder of the heel; May God protect; City of Kobe; Tortoise
Asa	Boy	Physician; Healer; Goddess; Morning; Child of light
Murphy	Unisex	Sea warrior
Blair	Girl	Field; Plain; Battlefield

Baylee	Girl	Bailiff; Administrator
Colby	Boy	From a coal town; From a dark town
Casey	Boy	Vigilant; Watchful
Rayan	Boy	Wise; Smart; Thinker; Watered; Luxuriant; Little king; Gate to Heaven
Crystal	Unisex	Sparkling, clear, pure
Esme	Boy	Esteemed; Love; Supreme
Guadalupe	Girl	Our Lady of Guadalupe
Chris	Boy	Follower of Christ; Bearer of Christ
Jalen	Boy	Supplanter; Brave lion
Braylee	Girl	Brier clearing; Meadow clearing

Julien	Boy	Jove's child; Youthful; Downy-bearded; Devoted to Jove
Crosby	Boy	Residing by the sign of the cross; Shrine of the cross
Mackenzie	Boy	Son of Coinnich; Fair; Handsome; Beautiful
Karsyn	Girl	From the marsh; Son of marsh-dwellers
Darren	Boy	Great; Oaktree; One who is from Airelle
Jessie	Girl	To behold; God is gracious; Gift
Kasey	Boy	Vigilant; Observant
Jakari	Unisex	Remembered by God
Jada	Girl	Gift; Precious stone; Jade; He knows
Lliv	Girl	Life; Protection; Shelter; Olive

Randy	Boy	Strong Defender; Son of the Shield; Wolf on shield rim; Admirable; Wonderful
Baylor	Boy	One who delivers goods; Measuring stick
Halle	Girl	Rock; Army ruler; Manor; Hall
Arian	Boy	Noble; Educated; Golden life; Ram
Kyro	Unisex	Lord; Master
Cory	Boy	In a cauldron; In a hollow; Maiden
Dominique	Girl	Belonging to the Lord
Fisher	Boy	Fisherman
Averi	Girl	Elf counsel; King
Kelly	Boy	Warrior; Wood; Born on a farm; Bright-headed

Finley	Boy	Fair hero; White Warrior
Jewel	Girl	Precious stone; Game; Generous lord
Dream	Unisex	Aspiration, imagination, possibility
Aubrey	Boy	Ruler of elves; King of elves
Denver	Boy	From Anvers; Green valley; Dane Ford
Javion	Boy	Greece; Noah's grandson; Young
Armani	Girl	Son of Ermanno; Army man; Soldier; From the palace; Hope; Wish
Avayah	Unisex	God is my father
Zyon	Unisex	Godly, unique, strong
Wes	Unisex	Western meadow or settlement

Lindsey	Girl	Island of linden trees; Lincoln's Island; Lake colony
Malayah	Unisex	Messenger; Angel
Cain	Boy	Acquired; To get; Clear water; Beautiful
Dangelo	Boy	Divine messenger
Austyn	Boy	Magnificent; Exalted; To increase
Grey	Boy	Gray-haired; Pleasing; Welcome; Brindled coloration
Nyomi	Unisex	Pleasant; Delightful; Beautiful
Koda	Boy	Allies; Companion; Rice paddy of happiness
Frankie	Boy	French guy; Free; Truthful; Generous
Kaya	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.

WHAT IS INDIGO?
https://indigo.site.seattleartmuseum.org/what-is-indigo/
LOKI
https://sites.psu.edu/miamidolphins/2017/03/16/loki/
Mountain ash
https://treetour.wwu.edu/details.aspx?treeID=54
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)

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