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 With the recent trends shifting towards unisex baby names, the traditional gender norms have been revoked.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
heart image Zoro heart image baby boy sign Unisex Warrior, brave, skilled
heart image Zorya heart image baby boy sign Unisex Goddess of dawn
heart image Zoryana heart image baby boy sign Unisex Radiant sunrise
heart image Zozo heart image baby boy sign Unisex Life
heart image Zuba heart image baby boy sign Unisex Sun; Sunshine
heart image Zuber heart image baby boy sign Unisex Strong; Powerful
heart image Zuhal heart image baby boy sign Unisex Saturn
heart image Zuka heart image baby boy sign Unisex To appear suddenly
heart image Zuki heart image baby boy sign Unisex Moonlight
heart image Zuko heart image baby boy sign Unisex Fire, honor, redemption
heart image Zul heart image baby boy sign Unisex Master; Owner
heart image Zulekha heart image baby boy sign Unisex Radiant, beautiful, blessed
heart image Zuley heart image baby boy sign Unisex Radiant, beautiful, joyful
heart image Zuleyka heart image baby boy sign Unisex Beauty; Grace; Royalty
heart image Zuli heart image baby boy sign Unisex Brilliant; Ahead; Forward-thinking
heart image Zumi heart image baby boy sign Unisex The one who is experienced or who knows the way
heart image Zumra heart image baby boy sign Unisex Beauty or ornament
heart image Zunairah heart image baby boy sign Unisex Radiant light
heart image Zunaisha heart image baby boy sign Unisex Graceful, charming, beautiful
heart image Zuni heart image baby boy sign Unisex Pueblo Native American tribe
heart image Zura heart image baby boy sign Unisex Strong warrior
heart image Zurain heart image baby boy sign Unisex Radiant, enchanting
heart image Zuri heart image baby boy sign Unisex Beautiful
heart image Zuria heart image baby boy sign Unisex White; Bright
heart image Zurich heart image baby boy sign Unisex Water; A city in Switzerland
heart image Zurie heart image baby boy sign Unisex God's rock
heart image Zuriel heart image baby boy sign Unisex God is my rock
heart image Zuriya heart image baby boy sign Unisex Radiant; Flourishing; Blessed
heart image Zury heart image baby boy sign Unisex Rock; God's light
heart image Zuzu heart image baby boy sign Unisex Light, vibrant, and cheerful
heart image Zvezda heart image baby boy sign Unisex Star
heart image Zwei heart image baby boy sign Unisex Two
heart image Zy heart image baby boy sign Unisex Intelligent; Artistic
heart image Zya heart image baby boy sign Unisex Illuminate; Light
heart image Zyaan heart image baby boy sign Unisex Exalted, intelligent, unique
heart image Zyah heart image baby boy sign Unisex Beautiful; Bright; Shining
heart image Zyair heart image baby boy sign Unisex River
heart image Zyann heart image baby boy sign Unisex Life and grace
heart image Zyden heart image baby boy sign Unisex Unique; Modern; Strong
heart image Zyla heart image baby boy sign Unisex Shadow; Shade
heart image Zylan heart image baby boy sign Unisex Land of Stones
heart image Zylar heart image baby boy sign Unisex Lucky; Beautiful
heart image Zyler heart image baby boy sign Unisex Unique; Modern; Characterful; Strong
heart image Zylia heart image baby boy sign Unisex Creative; Ambitious; Independent
heart image Zylie heart image baby boy sign Unisex Adventurous; Free-spirited
heart image Zylo heart image baby boy sign Unisex From the woods
heart image Zymal heart image baby boy sign Unisex Unique; Exotic; Graceful
heart image Zyn heart image baby boy sign Unisex Unique; Modern
heart image Zynah heart image baby boy sign Unisex Beautiful; Adornment; Ornamentation
heart image Zyon heart image baby boy sign Unisex Godly, unique, strong
heart image Zyra heart image baby boy sign Unisex Blooming flower; Beauty of heart
heart image Zyrah heart image baby boy sign Unisex Beauty; Flower
heart image Zyran heart image baby boy sign Unisex Unique; Mysterious
heart image Zyren heart image baby boy sign Unisex Unique; Powerful; Mysterious
heart image Zyrus heart image baby boy sign Unisex Unique and modern
heart image Zyva heart image baby boy sign Unisex Vibrant life
heart image Zzyzx heart image baby boy sign Unisex From the place name Zzyzx

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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