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 With the recent trends shifting towards unisex baby names, the traditional gender norms have been revoked.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 Cashus heart image baby boy sign Unisex Unique; Sophisticated
Favorite baby name Casino heart image baby boy sign Unisex Gambling establishment or venue for gaming
Favorite baby name Caspen heart image baby boy sign Unisex Treasurer; A character in his Chronicles of Narnia series
Favorite baby name Cassiah heart image baby boy sign Unisex Refined, noble, and graceful
Favorite baby name Cassien heart image baby boy sign Unisex Beloved and respected
Favorite baby name Cassion heart image baby boy sign Unisex Strong warrior
Favorite baby name Castel heart image baby boy sign Unisex A castle; One who lives in a castel
Favorite baby name Castella heart image baby boy sign Unisex Fortress or castle
Favorite baby name Castian heart image baby boy sign Unisex Strong; Determined; Leader
Favorite baby name Castle heart image baby boy sign Unisex He who is from a castle
Favorite baby name Castro heart image baby boy sign Unisex Fortress; Castle
Favorite baby name Cataleah heart image baby boy sign Unisex Unique; Feminine; Enchanting
Favorite baby name Catalia heart image baby boy sign Unisex Pure; Free-spirited
Favorite baby name Cathan heart image baby boy sign Unisex Battle
Favorite baby name Catholic heart image baby boy sign Unisex Universal; All-encompassing
Favorite baby name Catia heart image baby boy sign Unisex Pure, graceful, blessed
Favorite baby name Cattle heart image baby boy sign Unisex One who herds the cettle
Favorite baby name Cavall heart image baby boy sign Unisex The dog of King Artur
Favorite baby name Cavalli heart image baby boy sign Unisex Horses; Cavalry
Favorite baby name Cavanaugh heart image baby boy sign Unisex Descendant of Caomhán
Favorite baby name Cave heart image baby boy sign Unisex A natural underground space large enough for a human to enter
Favorite baby name Caven heart image baby boy sign Unisex Handsome
Favorite baby name Caya heart image baby boy sign Unisex Pure; Rejoice
Favorite baby name Caydance heart image baby boy sign Unisex Rhythm; Flow; Beat
Favorite baby name Cayde heart image baby boy sign Unisex Adventurous; Charismatic; Mischievous
Favorite baby name Caylan heart image baby boy sign Unisex Slender
Favorite baby name Cayleigh heart image baby boy sign Unisex Pure; Graceful; Resolute
Favorite baby name Caylor heart image baby boy sign Unisex Strong and free-spirited
Favorite baby name Caylum heart image baby boy sign Unisex Brave warrior; Dove of peace
Favorite baby name Cayo heart image baby boy sign Unisex Rejoice; Gladness
Favorite baby name Caysen heart image baby boy sign Unisex Fighter; Vigorous
Favorite baby name Cayton heart image baby boy sign Unisex Noble, strong, and determined
Favorite baby name Ceagan heart image baby boy sign Unisex An unisex British name
Favorite baby name Cean heart image baby boy sign Unisex Ancient; Enduring
Favorite baby name Ceanna heart image baby boy sign Unisex Beautiful head
Favorite baby name Ceci heart image baby boy sign Unisex Chickpeas
Favorite baby name Cedes heart image baby boy sign Unisex A caring person
Favorite baby name Ceegan heart image baby boy sign Unisex The one born out of fire
Favorite baby name Ceejay heart image baby boy sign Unisex Phonetic spelling of the initials CJ
Favorite baby name Ceferino heart image baby boy sign Unisex Victorious, brave, leader
Favorite baby name Ceili heart image baby boy sign Unisex The one who is slender and a descendant of Caollaidhe
Favorite baby name Ceilidh heart image baby boy sign Unisex A traditional social gathering
Favorite baby name Cela heart image baby boy sign Unisex It conceals; Baby; Rock
Favorite baby name Celah heart image baby boy sign Unisex To pause; To contemplate
Favorite baby name Celaya heart image baby boy sign Unisex Place of stone; Glade; Clearing
Favorite baby name Celes heart image baby boy sign Unisex Heavenly; Of the sky
Favorite baby name Celest heart image baby boy sign Unisex Heavenly; Sky
Favorite baby name Celestial heart image baby boy sign Unisex Heavenly
Favorite baby name Celestina heart image baby boy sign Unisex A heavenly or a celestial individual
Favorite baby name Celestine heart image baby boy sign Unisex Based on Caelestis; a heavenly person
Favorite baby name Celestyn heart image baby boy sign Unisex Person from heaven
Favorite baby name Celica heart image baby boy sign Unisex Heavenly or celestial
Favorite baby name Celin heart image baby boy sign Unisex Heavenly; Divine
Favorite baby name Cella heart image baby boy sign Unisex Heaven; A room; Inner chamber of a temple
Favorite baby name Cellan heart image baby boy sign Unisex Elated; Joyous
Favorite baby name Cello heart image baby boy sign Unisex Little violone
Favorite baby name Celsa heart image baby boy sign Unisex Heavenly, noble
Favorite baby name Celt heart image baby boy sign Unisex A musical and exotic name
Favorite baby name Celtic heart image baby boy sign Unisex Musical
Favorite baby name Celyn heart image baby boy sign Unisex Holly
Favorite baby name Cemre heart image baby boy sign Unisex Fire, spark
Favorite baby name Cenna heart image baby boy sign Unisex Bearer of loveliness
Favorite baby name Cennet heart image baby boy sign Unisex Paradise
Favorite baby name Ceola heart image baby boy sign Unisex The throat
Favorite baby name Ceon heart image baby boy sign Unisex Bright light
Favorite baby name Ceona heart image baby boy sign Unisex Goddess; Divine spirit
Favorite baby name Cerah heart image baby boy sign Unisex Radiant; Bright; Shining
Favorite baby name Cerberus heart image baby boy sign Unisex A multi-headed dog that guards the gates of the Underworld to prevent the dead from leaving
Favorite baby name Ceren heart image baby boy sign Unisex Gifted, blessed, treasure
Favorite baby name Cerenity heart image baby boy sign Unisex Peaceful; Serene
Favorite baby name Cereza heart image baby boy sign Unisex Cherry
Favorite baby name Cerin heart image baby boy sign Unisex Unique; Mysterious
Favorite baby name Cerine heart image baby boy sign Unisex Beloved; Cherished
Favorite baby name Cerridwen heart image baby boy sign Unisex Goddess of rebirth and transformation
Favorite baby name Cervantes heart image baby boy sign Unisex Courageous, influential, literary
Favorite baby name Cesiah heart image baby boy sign Unisex Pure; Innocent; Gentle
Favorite baby name Ceslee heart image baby boy sign Unisex A practical person
Favorite baby name Cessna heart image baby boy sign Unisex Aviation excellence
Favorite baby name Cessy heart image baby boy sign Unisex Blind
Favorite baby name Cezanne heart image baby boy sign Unisex An artist seeking freedom
Favorite baby name Cha heart image baby boy sign Unisex Graceful, sophisticated, and elegant
Favorite baby name Chachi heart image baby boy sign Unisex Cool; Great
Favorite baby name Chacho heart image baby boy sign Unisex Nickname for Ignacio
Favorite baby name Chaco heart image baby boy sign Unisex God Strengthens
Favorite baby name Chadda heart image baby boy sign Unisex Born in battle
Favorite baby name Chae heart image baby boy sign Unisex Colorful; Multicolored
Favorite baby name Chag heart image baby boy sign Unisex The one who is filled with love and compassion; a Goat
Favorite baby name Chaia heart image baby boy sign Unisex Life, living, vitality
Favorite baby name Chaila heart image baby boy sign Unisex A handsome and charming young individual
Favorite baby name Chainpreet heart image baby boy sign Unisex The one who is in love with the Moon
Favorite baby name Chaital heart image baby boy sign Unisex The one who has a sharp memory
Favorite baby name Chaitalee heart image baby boy sign Unisex New year celebration
Favorite baby name Chaitali heart image baby boy sign Unisex Owner of sharp memory
Favorite baby name Chaitaly heart image baby boy sign Unisex Consciousness; ability to feel
Favorite baby name Chaitanya heart image baby boy sign Unisex The one filled with radiance and life
Favorite baby name Chaithra heart image baby boy sign Unisex First month of the Spring season
Favorite baby name Chakrit heart image baby boy sign Unisex The intelligent one
Favorite baby name Chaley heart image baby boy sign Unisex Fine; Good; Favorable; Learned
Favorite baby name Chalise heart image baby boy sign Unisex A ceremonial drinking cup
Favorite baby name Challen heart image baby boy sign Unisex Shining Moon

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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