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 With the recent trends shifting towards unisex baby names, the traditional gender norms have been revoked.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 Alayza heart image baby boy sign Unisex Noble and graceful
heart image Alazar heart image baby boy sign Unisex Gift of God
heart image Alba heart image baby boy sign Unisex Sunrise
heart image Albaqa heart image baby boy sign Unisex One who comes from the open valley
heart image Albee heart image baby boy sign Unisex Noble; Intelligent
heart image Albel heart image baby boy sign Unisex Different
heart image Albi heart image baby boy sign Unisex White, bright, noble
heart image Albie heart image baby boy sign Unisex From Alba; Bright; Noble
heart image Aldean heart image baby boy sign Unisex Old friend
heart image Aldi heart image baby boy sign unisex Old one, elder
heart image Aleali heart image baby boy sign Unisex Noble; Gracious
heart image Aleara heart image baby boy sign Unisex Joyful and radiant
heart image Alee heart image baby boy sign Unisex Graceful, intelligent, independent
heart image Aleenah heart image baby boy sign Unisex Noble and graceful
heart image Aleesa heart image baby boy sign Unisex Noble and graceful
heart image Aleese heart image baby boy sign Unisex God is my oath
heart image Aleeta heart image baby boy sign Unisex Truth
heart image Alef heart image baby boy sign Unisex First letter of the Hebrew alphabet
heart image Aleha heart image baby boy sign Unisex Ascender; She who rises
heart image Aleiah heart image baby boy sign Unisex Exalted; Sublime
heart image Aleira heart image baby boy sign Unisex Noble; Noble warrior
heart image Aleja heart image baby boy sign Unisex Defender; Helper of mankind
heart image Alekai heart image baby boy sign Unisex Protector; Defender
heart image Alekay heart image baby boy sign Unisex Creative and unique
heart image Aleni heart image baby boy sign Unisex Light
heart image Alenia heart image baby boy sign Unisex Strength; Creativity; Independence
heart image Alera heart image baby boy sign Unisex Noble; Majestic
heart image Alerie heart image baby boy sign Unisex Eagle ruler
heart image Alese heart image baby boy sign Unisex Protected; Defender
heart image Alessi heart image baby boy sign Unisex Noble; defender of mankind
heart image Alesya heart image baby boy sign Unisex Noble; Graceful; Beautiful
heart image Alexcia heart image baby boy sign Unisex Defender; Protector of mankind
heart image Alexiah heart image baby boy sign Unisex Angel from the heavens
heart image Alexiana heart image baby boy sign Unisex Defending man
heart image Alexiel heart image baby boy sign Unisex Graceful; Strong; Dvine
heart image Alezay heart image baby boy sign Unisex Beauty of light; Radiant; Beautiful
heart image Alham heart image baby boy sign Unisex Inspiration; Revelation
heart image Alhambra heart image baby boy sign Unisex Red or crimson castle
heart image Aliam heart image baby boy sign Unisex Exalted; Noble; Highest social standing
heart image Alias heart image baby boy sign Unisex A false or alternate name used for concealment; Anonymity
heart image Aliece heart image baby boy sign Unisex Graceful; Kind-hearted; Noble
heart image Alien heart image baby boy sign Unisex A being from another planet or universe
heart image Aliera heart image baby boy sign Unisex Noble; Strong; Elegant
heart image Aliese heart image baby boy sign Unisex Graceful; Noble; Kind
heart image Aliha heart image baby boy sign Unisex Peaceful and gentle
heart image Alike heart image baby boy sign Unisex Similar; Resembling each other
heart image Alila heart image baby boy sign Unisex Heavenly; Loftily
heart image Alinah heart image baby boy sign Unisex Graceful; Noble; Serene
heart image Alireza heart image baby boy sign unisex Excellent or noble
heart image Alishan heart image baby boy sign Unisex Noble mountain
heart image Alius heart image baby boy sign Unisex Other or different
heart image Aliviah heart image baby boy sign Unisex Olive
heart image Aliyan heart image baby boy sign Unisex Exalted, noble, and victorious
heart image Aliyanah heart image baby boy sign Unisex Noble, exalted
heart image Aliyanna heart image baby boy sign Unisex Graceful and noble
heart image Aliyas heart image baby boy sign Unisex Exhalted; Noble
heart image Alizah heart image baby boy sign Unisex Joyful, exalted
heart image Alizeh heart image baby boy sign Unisex Joyful and enthusiastic
heart image Alizey heart image baby boy sign Unisex Joyful; Blissful
heart image Alizza heart image baby boy sign Unisex Joyful and lively
heart image Allaya heart image baby boy sign Unisex Graceful, courageous, and noble
heart image Allea heart image baby boy sign Unisex Noble; Kind
heart image Alleah heart image baby boy sign Unisex Noble; Exalted
heart image Allee heart image baby boy sign Unisex Graceful; Harmonious
heart image Allena heart image baby boy sign Unisex Bright; Attractive; Noble
heart image Alleria heart image baby boy sign Unisex Elevated; Confident; Elegant
heart image Allery heart image baby boy sign Unisex Unique and uncommon
heart image Alleya heart image baby boy sign Unisex Exalted; Sublime
heart image Allina heart image baby boy sign Unisex Noble; Unique; Graceful
heart image Allora heart image baby boy sign Unisex Now; Then
heart image Allyna heart image baby boy sign Unisex Noble; Kind-hearted; Influential
heart image Allyza heart image baby boy sign Unisex Noble; Honorable; Trustworthy
heart image Almeer heart image baby boy sign Unisex High; Noble
heart image Almin heart image baby boy sign Unisex Desire for knowledge and wisdom
heart image Aloni heart image baby boy sign Unisex Oak tree or oak grove
heart image Alopa heart image baby boy sign Unisex An impeccable being propagating fresh challenges and purposes
heart image Alornerk heart image baby boy sign Unisex Under-feet
heart image Alpha heart image baby boy sign Unisex Beginning
heart image Alphege heart image baby boy sign Unisex A high Elf having intellectual and spiritual superiority over others
heart image Alphie heart image baby boy sign Unisex Elf counsel
heart image Alphy heart image baby boy sign Unisex Unique; Endearing
heart image Alred heart image baby boy sign Unisex Name of an Italian saint; a counsel and strong-willed person renowned in battlefield
heart image Alsha heart image baby boy sign Unisex Gift of God; Variant of Alicia
heart image Alsie heart image baby boy sign Unisex Noble; Kindly
heart image Alta heart image baby boy sign Unisex High; Elevated
heart image Altalune heart image baby boy sign Unisex Above the moon
heart image Althaf heart image baby boy sign Unisex One who is elegant and graceful
heart image Alto heart image baby boy sign Unisex High; Tall; The second highest vocal range in music
heart image Aluel heart image baby boy sign Unisex Brave; Determined; Hopeful
heart image Aluka heart image baby boy sign Unisex An ebony person who is inventive, restless, determined
heart image Alula heart image baby boy sign Unisex First born
heart image Alva heart image baby boy sign Unisex His highness; Sublime; Elf
heart image Alvah heart image baby boy sign Unisex The fair one
heart image Alverda heart image baby boy sign Unisex Elf counsel; Wise counsel
heart image Alveva heart image baby boy sign Unisex One who is authentic and compassionate
heart image Alvey heart image baby boy sign Unisex Elf wisdom; Magical counsel
heart image Alvia heart image baby boy sign Unisex Noble war
heart image Alvine heart image baby boy sign Unisex A wise companion
heart image Alvon heart image baby boy sign Unisex An elf who defends mankind
heart image Alwyne heart image baby boy sign Unisex Magical friend

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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