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 With the recent trends shifting towards unisex baby names, the traditional gender norms have been revoked.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 | |
|---|---|---|---|
 Zaviah |  |  Unisex | Radiant; Celestial; Unique |
| Zavien | | Unisex | New house; Bright; Splendid |
| Zaviya | | Unisex | Direction, guidance, path |
| Zaviyan | | Unisex | Unique; Strong; Leader |
| Zavon | | Unisex | Gift of God |
| Zaw | | Unisex | Saint; Practitioner; Yoga |
| Zaxai | | Unisex | Pure |
| Zay | | Unisex | Lively, modern, fashionable |
| Zayah | | Unisex | Visitor; Guest |
| Zayda | | Unisex | Fortunate; Prosperous; Increase |
| Zaydan | | Unisex | Gift of God |
| Zayen | | Unisex | Singular; Mysterious; Strong |
| Zaylah | | Unisex | Beautiful; Bright; Brilliant |
| Zaylan | | Unisex | Unique; Strong; Mysterious |
| Zayleen | | Unisex | Unique; Exotic; Feminine |
| Zayleigh | | Unisex | Variation of the English name Hayleigh; A combination of the names Zane and Hayleigh |
| Zaylen | | Unisex | Strong; Unique |
| Zaylin | | Unisex | Creative; Intuitive; Imaginative |
| Zaylon | | Unisex | Unique; Modern |
| Zaylyn | | Unisex | God is gracious |
| Zaynab | | Unisex | Abundance or Father's precious jewel |
| Zayon | | Unisex | Strong and unique |
| Zayra | | Unisex | Visitor; To visit |
| Zayre | | Unisex | Variant of Zaïre |
| Zaysha | | Unisex | Unique; Bold |
| Zazie | | Unisex | God is my oath |
| Zazil | | Unisex | Mysterious and radiant |
| Zazu | | Unisex | Movement |
| Ze | | Unisex | Powerful and unique |
| Zea | | Unisex | Wheat; Grain |
| Zeah | | Unisex | Unique; Mysterious; Unconventional |
| Zeal | | Unisex | One who has great energy; An enthusiastic man; A passionate man |
| Zealand | | Unisex | Island, Land, Netherlands |
| Zean | | Unisex | Unique; Creative; Independent |
| Zeana | | Unisex | Life; Active; Lively |
| Zeanna | | Unisex | Unique; Strong; Feminine |
| Zebra | | Unisex | A type of wild horse native to Africa |
| Zebulun | | Unisex | Promise, honor, inheritance |
| Zech | | Unisex | God has remembered |
| Zed | | Unisex | Cool, edgy, unique |
| Zeda | | Unisex | Gods righteousness |
| Zedan | | Unisex | Victorious warrior or leader |
| Zedd | | Unisex | Energetic, innovative, unique |
| Zedek | | Unisex | Righteousness or justice |
| Zedekiah | | Unisex | Righteousness of God |
| Zee | | Unisex | Bright; Shining; Sea |
| Zeek | | Unisex | God will strengthen |
| Zeen | | Unisex | Unique; Strong; Intelligent |
| Zef | | Unisex | Unique; Exotic |
| Zehan | | Unisex | Bright; Intelligent; Clever |
| Zehara | | Unisex | Shining; Blooming |
| Zehn | | Unisex | Unique, Powerful, Mysterious |
| Zeik | | Unisex | Trustworthy; Competant |
| Zeila | | Unisex | Shadow |
| Zek | | Unisex | Unique; Bold; Mysterious |
| Zekai | | Unisex | Pure or clear-minded |
| Zekiah | | Unisex | Zealous; Vibrant; Blessed |
| Zela | | Unisex | One who is different |
| Zelan | | Unisex | Strong; Independent; Unique |
| Zelaya | | Unisex | Field or meadow |
| Zelena | | Unisex | Green; Fresh |
| Zeline | | Unisex | Creative; Intuitive; Nature-loving |
| Zell | | Unisex | Protector, intelligent, brave |
| Zelle | | Unisex | Strength and beauty |
| Zelly | | Unisex | Energetic and assertive |
| Zelpha | | Unisex | Unique; Spirited; Mysterious |
| Zem | | Unisex | Gift of God |
| Zemi | | Unisex | A deity; Ancestral spirit |
| Zen | | Unisex | A school of Buddhism emphasizing meditation and intuition |
| Zenab | | Unisex | Graceful, elegant, noble |
| Zenah | | Unisex | Gift from God |
| Zenaya | | Unisex | Gift of God |
| Zender | | Unisex | Defender; Protector |
| Zendra | | Unisex | Life of Zeus |
| Zene | | Unisex | Empress; Noble woman |
| Zeni | | Unisex | Zenith |
| Zenith | | Unisex | From the highest point; The very top; the highest point on the celestial sphere |
| Zeniya | | Unisex | Unique, spiritual, serene |
| Zeniyah | | Unisex | Unique; Mystical; Peaceful |
| Zenji | | Unisex | Zen master |
| Zenni | | Unisex | Gift of God; Peaceful |
| Zenny | | Unisex | Peace; Tranquility; Relaxation |
| Zeno | | Unisex | Gift of Zeus |
| Zenora | | Unisex | Peaceful strength and beauty |
| Zenya | | Unisex | Welcoming; Hospitable |
| Zeon | | Unisex | Powerful; Influential; Leader |
| Zeph | | Unisex | God's watchman or prophet |
| Zephra | | Unisex | Mystical; Powerful; Breezy |
| Zephryn | | Unisex | Cool breeze; West wind |
| Zephyrus | | Unisex | Greek god of the west wind |
| Zeplyn | | Unisex | Caring and brave |
| Zeppelin | | Unisex | Airship; Blimp |
| Zerai | | Unisex | The savior |
| Zeref | | Unisex | Darkness; Power; Mysterious |
| Zerelda | | Unisex | Powerful, wise, leader |
| Zerick | | Unisex | Strength; Power |
| Zerina | | Unisex | Princess or noblewoman |
| Zeru | | Unisex | Sky |
| Zeruiah | | Unisex | God is my strength |
| Zeshan | | Unisex | Gift from God |
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. Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
References
- 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
