11057 Unisex Baby Names With Meanings

Unisex Baby Names With Meanings

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 With the recent trends shifting towards unisex baby names, the traditional gender norms have been revoked.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

NameGenderMeaning
Favorite baby name
Zaiah
heart image baby boy sign Unisex Gift from God
Favorite baby name
Zaiba
heart image baby boy sign Unisex Beauty, elegance, grace
Favorite baby name
Zaide
heart image baby boy sign Unisex One who is increasing; Growing; Elder; Grandfather
Favorite baby name
Zaidy
heart image baby boy sign Unisex Abundance or one who grows
Favorite baby name
Zaika
heart image baby boy sign Unisex Hare; Bunny
Favorite baby name
Zailah
heart image baby boy sign Unisex Exalted, independent, confident
Favorite baby name
Zailey
heart image baby boy sign Unisex Joyful; Spirited; Charming
Favorite baby name
Zaimah
heart image baby boy sign Unisex Leader; Ambitious; Determined
Favorite baby name
Zainah
heart image baby boy sign Unisex Beautiful, intelligent, determined
Favorite baby name
Zaine
heart image baby boy sign Unisex Beautiful; Good
Favorite baby name
Zaira
heart image baby boy sign Unisex Princess or radiant
Favorite baby name
Zaisha
heart image baby boy sign Unisex Life, ambitious, confident
Favorite baby name
Zaiya
heart image baby boy sign Unisex Power; Strength; Successful
Favorite baby name
Zaiyan
heart image baby boy sign Unisex Bright; Radiant
Favorite baby name
Zaja
heart image baby boy sign Unisex Born after
Favorite baby name
Zakani
heart image baby boy sign Unisex Intelligent; Wise
Favorite baby name
Zakara
heart image baby boy sign Unisex God remembers
Favorite baby name
Zakary
heart image baby boy sign Unisex God remembers
Favorite baby name
Zakaya
heart image baby boy sign Unisex God remembers
Favorite baby name
Zake
heart image baby boy sign Unisex Heir
Favorite baby name
Zakhi
heart image baby boy sign Unisex Pure, virtuous, intelligent
Favorite baby name
Zakiah
heart image baby boy sign Unisex Gift from God
Favorite baby name
Zakirah
heart image baby boy sign Unisex Intelligent and insightful
Favorite baby name
Zakiya
heart image baby boy sign Unisex Pure or intelligent
Favorite baby name
Zalan
heart image baby boy sign Unisex Unique; Stylish
Favorite baby name
Zalaya
heart image baby boy sign Unisex Love and hope
Favorite baby name
Zalea
heart image baby boy sign Unisex Flower-like; Unique; Elegance
Favorite baby name
Zaleah
heart image baby boy sign Unisex Unique; Exotic; Spirited
Favorite baby name
Zalen
heart image baby boy sign Unisex Thrower; Hitter
Favorite baby name
Zaley
heart image baby boy sign Unisex Sea strength; Genre of music of the Zarma and Songhay people of Niger
Favorite baby name
Zaliah
heart image baby boy sign Unisex Radiant; Shining beauty
Favorite baby name
Zalie
heart image baby boy sign Unisex Heavenly; Divine beauty
Favorite baby name
Zalina
heart image baby boy sign Unisex Graceful or noble
Favorite baby name
Zaliya
heart image baby boy sign Unisex Unique and beautiful
Favorite baby name
Zalma
heart image baby boy sign Unisex Unique; Creative; Independent
Favorite baby name
Zalora
heart image baby boy sign Unisex Unique; Exotic
Favorite baby name
Zalyn
heart image baby boy sign Unisex Positive
Favorite baby name
Zaman
heart image baby boy sign Unisex Time or era
Favorite baby name
Zamani
heart image baby boy sign Unisex Time; Eternity
Favorite baby name
Zamara
heart image baby boy sign Unisex To sing; To praise
Favorite baby name
Zamari
heart image baby boy sign Unisex Praised; Singing
Favorite baby name
Zamaria
heart image baby boy sign Unisex God has favored
Favorite baby name
Zamaya
heart image baby boy sign Unisex Unique; Exotic; Unconventional
Favorite baby name
Zamia
heart image baby boy sign Unisex Exotic; Unique; Mysterious
Favorite baby name
Zamiah
heart image baby boy sign Unisex Exalted; Virtuous; Majestic
Favorite baby name
Zamil
heart image baby boy sign Unisex Trustworthy and loyal
Favorite baby name
Zamin
heart image baby boy sign Unisex Earth; Land
Favorite baby name
Zamina
heart image baby boy sign Unisex Peaceful
Favorite baby name
Zamiya
heart image baby boy sign Unisex Unique and exotic name
Favorite baby name
Zamiyah
heart image baby boy sign Unisex Beautiful; Strong; Resilient
Favorite baby name
Zamora
heart image baby boy sign Unisex City of walls
Favorite baby name
Zan
heart image baby boy sign Unisex Woman; Lady; Mountain
Favorite baby name
Zanara
heart image baby boy sign Unisex Unique; Exotic; Mysterious
Favorite baby name
Zanda
heart image baby boy sign Unisex Defender of mankind
Favorite baby name
Zanden
heart image baby boy sign Unisex Creative; Mysterious; Unique
Favorite baby name
Zandon
heart image baby boy sign Unisex Unique or one of a kind
Favorite baby name
Zane
heart image baby boy sign Unisex Yahweh is gracious
Favorite baby name
Zanelle
heart image baby boy sign Unisex God's gift; God's grace
Favorite baby name
Zani
heart image baby boy sign Unisex Unique, playful, creative
Favorite baby name
Zania
heart image baby boy sign Unisex Unique; Graceful; Mysterious
Favorite baby name
Zaniel
heart image baby boy sign Unisex Unique; Mystical; Celestial
Favorite baby name
Zannah
heart image baby boy sign Unisex Creative, imaginative, intuitive
Favorite baby name
Zanoah
heart image baby boy sign Unisex Rest; Comfort
Favorite baby name
Zanovia
heart image baby boy sign Unisex Life of Zeus
Favorite baby name
Zante
heart image baby boy sign Unisex Island of Zakynthos in the Ionian Sea
Favorite baby name
Zanthia
heart image baby boy sign Unisex Vibrant; Exotic; Mysterious
Favorite baby name
Zanya
heart image baby boy sign Unisex Unique; Exotic
Favorite baby name
Zanyah
heart image baby boy sign Unisex Unique; Spirited
Favorite baby name
Zanzibar
heart image baby boy sign Unisex Black coast; Land of the Blacks
Favorite baby name
Zarai
heart image baby boy sign Unisex My shine; God has helped
Favorite baby name
Zaran
heart image baby boy sign Unisex Golden or shining
Favorite baby name
Zaraya
heart image baby boy sign Unisex Shining; Radiant; Luminous
Favorite baby name
Zarayah
heart image baby boy sign Unisex Unique; Strong; Powerful
Favorite baby name
Zareen
heart image baby boy sign Unisex Golden or golden shimmer
Favorite baby name
Zareena
heart image baby boy sign Unisex Golden, radiant, princess
Favorite baby name
Zarela
heart image baby boy sign Unisex Radiant; Shining star
Favorite baby name
Zaren
heart image baby boy sign Unisex Royalty
Favorite baby name
Zari
heart image baby boy sign Unisex Golden, shining, beautiful
Favorite baby name
Zarian
heart image baby boy sign Unisex Shining light; One who sows
Favorite baby name
Zarie
heart image baby boy sign Unisex Golden; Precious; Valuable
Favorite baby name
Zarik
heart image baby boy sign Unisex Golden
Favorite baby name
Zarin
heart image baby boy sign Unisex Golden or precious
Favorite baby name
Zarina
heart image baby boy sign Unisex Golden, princess-like, radiant
Favorite baby name
Zarion
heart image baby boy sign Unisex Sorrowful; Full of sadness
Favorite baby name
Zarish
heart image baby boy sign Unisex Shining, radiant, princess-like
Favorite baby name
Zariyan
heart image baby boy sign Unisex Strength, uniqueness, powerful
Favorite baby name
Zarmeen
heart image baby boy sign Unisex Golden, precious, heavenly
Favorite baby name
Zaron
heart image baby boy sign Unisex New beginnings; Sweetness of song
Favorite baby name
Zaroon
heart image baby boy sign Unisex Bright and shining; Full of light
Favorite baby name
Zarra
heart image baby boy sign Unisex Exalted, radiant, unique
Favorite baby name
Zarwa
heart image baby boy sign Unisex Radiant, generous, blessed
Favorite baby name
Zaryah
heart image baby boy sign Unisex Fierce and powerful
Favorite baby name
Zaryn
heart image baby boy sign Unisex Strong; Courageous; Leader
Favorite baby name
Zaskia
heart image baby boy sign Unisex A pure heart
Favorite baby name
Zatanna
heart image baby boy sign Unisex Magic; Enchantment; Illusion
Favorite baby name
Zatara
heart image baby boy sign Unisex Magical or Mystical
Favorite baby name
Zathura
heart image baby boy sign Unisex Mysterious; Adventurous; Otherworldly
Favorite baby name
Zaul
heart image baby boy sign Unisex One who stops, prevents
Favorite baby name
Zavala
heart image baby boy sign Unisex New house
Favorite baby name
Zavia
heart image baby boy sign Unisex Serene; Peaceful place

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.

Infographic: Unisex Baby Names With Meanings

Unisex names reflect qualities that embody adaptability and relevance through time. Discover a collection of one-of-a-kind names with rich stories and cultural roots. The following infographic contains a list of interesting unisex baby names that offer a fresh perspective on naming your child.

impressive baby names to consider for your baby (infographic)

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

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
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Sakshi Duggal Kumria

Sakshi Duggal KumriaMaster Numerologist

Sakshi Duggal Kumria is a numerologist, life coach, Vastu consultant, and a TedX speaker. She has done her masters in Numerology and has over two decades of experience. The award-winning numerologist hosts her own TV show in Hindi and was the official coach/ energy healer at the Mrs. UAE International 2023. The Forbes magazine featured Sakshi as one of the...read full bio