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 With the recent trends shifting towards unisex baby names, the traditional gender norms have been revoked.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 Chism heart image baby boy sign Unisex Child of Christ; Christian
Favorite baby name Chitleen heart image baby boy sign Unisex Absorbed in awareness
Favorite baby name Chivas heart image baby boy sign Unisex Goat-like
Favorite baby name Chiya heart image baby boy sign Unisex Life, energy, vitality
Favorite baby name Choice heart image baby boy sign Unisex A conscious decision; Selection
Favorite baby name Cholo heart image baby boy sign Unisex Diminutive of Francés; Frenchman
Favorite baby name Chon heart image baby boy sign Unisex Wealth; Prosperity
Favorite baby name Chona heart image baby boy sign Unisex God is gracious
Favorite baby name Chong heart image baby boy sign Unisex Loyal; Faithful
Favorite baby name Chriselle heart image baby boy sign Unisex Graceful and vibrant
Favorite baby name Chrishell heart image baby boy sign Unisex Christian warrior
Favorite baby name Chrislyn heart image baby boy sign Unisex A combination of Christ meaning "anointed" and Lyn meaning "lake"; Anointed lake
Favorite baby name Christensen heart image baby boy sign Unisex Derived from the son of Christian
Favorite baby name Christon heart image baby boy sign Unisex Christian; follower of Christ
Favorite baby name Chuma heart image baby boy sign Unisex Wealth; Fortunate
Favorite baby name Chun heart image baby boy sign Unisex The spring season; the season of blooms
Favorite baby name Church heart image baby boy sign Unisex Religious institution or place of worship
Favorite baby name Chy heart image baby boy sign Unisex Unique, vibrant, and energetic
Favorite baby name Chyla heart image baby boy sign Unisex Strong; Independent
Favorite baby name Chyra heart image baby boy sign Unisex Graceful
Favorite baby name Ciani heart image baby boy sign Unisex God is gracious
Favorite baby name Cianne heart image baby boy sign Unisex Gracious; Blessed
Favorite baby name Cihan heart image baby boy sign Unisex The universe; The world
Favorite baby name Cimone heart image baby boy sign Unisex Exalted, dignified
Favorite baby name Cina heart image baby boy sign Unisex Knowledgeable; Talented
Favorite baby name Cincinnati heart image baby boy sign Unisex From the Society of the Cincinnati
Favorite baby name Cinder heart image baby boy sign Unisex Ashes
Favorite baby name Cing heart image baby boy sign Unisex To touch; Faint noise
Favorite baby name Cinna heart image baby boy sign Unisex Spice; Sweetness; Warmth
Favorite baby name Cinque heart image baby boy sign Unisex Five or Freedom Fighter
Favorite baby name Cinta heart image baby boy sign Unisex Ribbon; Love
Favorite baby name Cio heart image baby boy sign Unisex Chief Information Officer
Favorite baby name Cion heart image baby boy sign Unisex Love; Affection; Fondness
Favorite baby name Ciona heart image baby boy sign Unisex Conception, Beginning, Creation
Favorite baby name Cire heart image baby boy sign Unisex Mysterious; Unique; Artistic
Favorite baby name Cirice heart image baby boy sign Unisex Ghostly or spiritual presence
Favorite baby name Citana heart image baby boy sign Unisex One who is a star in the sky
Favorite baby name Citlali heart image baby boy sign Unisex Star
Favorite baby name City heart image baby boy sign Unisex An inhabited place
Favorite baby name Ciya heart image baby boy sign Unisex Light; Blessing; Goddess Sita
Favorite baby name Cj heart image baby boy sign Unisex Abbreviation of first and middle names; J usually stands for Junior
Favorite baby name Claibourne heart image baby boy sign Unisex One who hails from the earth; born from the earth
Favorite baby name Claret heart image baby boy sign Unisex A dark purplish-red color
Favorite baby name Clarkson heart image baby boy sign Unisex Clark's son
Favorite baby name Clarrie heart image baby boy sign Unisex One who lives beside the river Clare, the longest river in the Lough Corrib
Favorite baby name Clayne heart image baby boy sign Unisex A town situated near a place called Clayland
Favorite baby name Clayre heart image baby boy sign Unisex One who is not only bright, but also famous and known by all
Favorite baby name Clear heart image baby boy sign Unisex Transparent; Unobstructed; Easy to perceive or understand
Favorite baby name Clearance heart image baby boy sign Unisex Approval or permission, often for a sale or action
Favorite baby name Cleaver heart image baby boy sign Unisex A large, heavy knife used for chopping meat.
Favorite baby name Clemmy heart image baby boy sign Unisex Gentle; Mild; Soft; Tender; Merciful; Pleasant
Favorite baby name Cleophus heart image baby boy sign Unisex Praises loudly; Famous for his reputation
Favorite baby name Cleotis heart image baby boy sign Unisex Glory of Hera
Favorite baby name Clever heart image baby boy sign Unisex Intelligent; Ingenious; Skillful
Favorite baby name Cline heart image baby boy sign Unisex Merciful; Gentle
Favorite baby name Clo heart image baby boy sign Unisex Green shoot; Blooming
Favorite baby name Cloyce heart image baby boy sign Unisex Victorious; Determined
Favorite baby name Clyden heart image baby boy sign Unisex Strong and intelligent
Favorite baby name Coa heart image baby boy sign Unisex Short; Simple; Unique
Favorite baby name Cobain heart image baby boy sign Unisex Fair person
Favorite baby name Cobe heart image baby boy sign Unisex Supreme; Strong; Victorious
Favorite baby name Coben heart image baby boy sign Unisex Supplanter or one who follows
Favorite baby name Cobi heart image baby boy sign Unisex Supplanter; He who replaces
Favorite baby name Cobin heart image baby boy sign Unisex Raven; Black as coal
Favorite baby name Cobra heart image baby boy sign Unisex Snake or venomous snake
Favorite baby name Coby heart image baby boy sign Unisex One who acts as a supplanter; One who replaces or takes place of someone else
Favorite baby name Coda heart image baby boy sign Unisex Tail
Favorite baby name Coden heart image baby boy sign Unisex Humble; Intelligent; Strong
Favorite baby name Coel heart image baby boy sign Unisex Hazel
Favorite baby name Coeur heart image baby boy sign Unisex The most vital organ of the human body; the heart
Favorite baby name Coffee heart image baby boy sign Unisex The dark one
Favorite baby name Cohan heart image baby boy sign Unisex Priest; Variant of Cohen
Favorite baby name Cohutta heart image baby boy sign Unisex Mountains; Sheds of poles
Favorite baby name Coi heart image baby boy sign Unisex Victory; Success
Favorite baby name Colibri heart image baby boy sign Unisex Hummingbird
Favorite baby name Coll heart image baby boy sign Unisex High; Lofty
Favorite baby name Collen heart image baby boy sign Unisex Victorious; Brave; Determined
Favorite baby name Collie heart image baby boy sign Unisex A breed of dog, usually with a long coat and often used for herding
Favorite baby name Collum heart image baby boy sign Unisex Dove
Favorite baby name Colly heart image baby boy sign Unisex Dark or black hair
Favorite baby name Collyns heart image baby boy sign Unisex Victory; Defender
Favorite baby name Colma heart image baby boy sign Unisex A dove; A stout bird that resembles a pigeon and is used as a symbol of peace
Favorite baby name Colombia heart image baby boy sign Unisex Derived from Christopher Columbus
Favorite baby name Columba heart image baby boy sign Unisex Dove, a bird resembling pigeon and a symbol for peace
Favorite baby name Comet heart image baby boy sign Unisex A celestial object consisting of a nucleus of ice and dust that, when near the sun, produces a visible atmosphere and often a tail
Favorite baby name Common heart image baby boy sign Unisex Ordinary; Familiar; Widely known or shared
Favorite baby name Como heart image baby boy sign Unisex How; Like
Favorite baby name Conary heart image baby boy sign Unisex A wise person; a man who is filled with knowledge
Favorite baby name Concord heart image baby boy sign Unisex Calm; Peace; Tranquility;Non-violence; Still and quiet
Favorite baby name Cong heart image baby boy sign Unisex Intelligent; one who has lots of wisdom and excels in every aspect
Favorite baby name Coni heart image baby boy sign Unisex Honorable; Experienced
Favorite baby name Conlee heart image baby boy sign Unisex Strength; Determination
Favorite baby name Conlin heart image baby boy sign Unisex A strong and determined leader
Favorite baby name Connelly heart image baby boy sign Unisex Descendant of Conall
Favorite baby name Connie heart image baby boy sign Unisex Constant; Steadfast
Favorite baby name Cooke heart image baby boy sign Unisex An English surname referring to a cook or somoene associated with cooking
Favorite baby name Cookie heart image baby boy sign Unisex Sweet biscuit
Favorite baby name Cooper heart image baby boy sign Unisex Maker of wooden vessels
Favorite baby name Cope heart image baby boy sign unisex Resilience and adaptability
Favorite baby name Copeland heart image baby boy sign Unisex A purchased land; A land that is bought

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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