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 With the recent trends shifting towards unisex baby names, the traditional gender norms have been revoked.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 Alyaan heart image baby boy sign Unisex Exalted
heart image Alyan heart image baby boy sign Unisex Tall and Healthy
heart image Alyas heart image baby boy sign Unisex Protector or guardian
heart image Alyiah heart image baby boy sign Unisex To ascend; Rising
heart image Alyka heart image baby boy sign Unisex Strong and graceful
heart image Alykhan heart image baby boy sign Unisex A handsome and lovely spirit from heaven
heart image Alyla heart image baby boy sign Unisex Unique; Sophisticated; Mysterious
heart image Alynn heart image baby boy sign Unisex Renowned; Noble; Gracious
heart image Alyosha heart image baby boy sign Unisex Defender of man
heart image Alyra heart image baby boy sign Unisex Iris flower; Lily; Cheerful
heart image Alyrah heart image baby boy sign Unisex Water; Noble
heart image Alyria heart image baby boy sign Unisex Elegant; Mystical; Enchanting
heart image Alyssum heart image baby boy sign Unisex One appearing like a carpet of snow and is worth beyond beauty and sanity
heart image Alyus heart image baby boy sign Unisex Unique; Mysterious; Powerful
heart image Alyx heart image baby boy sign Unisex Defender of humankind
heart image Alyzah heart image baby boy sign Unisex Noble; Respectable; Intelligent
heart image Am heart image baby boy sign Unisex Immortal
heart image Amaanat heart image baby boy sign Unisex A prized possession
heart image Amaani heart image baby boy sign Unisex Trustworthy, hopeful, desired
heart image Amaara heart image baby boy sign Unisex Eternal; Beloved; Victorious
heart image Amabilis heart image baby boy sign Unisex A beautiful and loving person
heart image Amable heart image baby boy sign Unisex Lovable
heart image Amadis heart image baby boy sign Unisex A lover of God
heart image Amael heart image baby boy sign Unisex Healer, messenger, angelic
heart image Amai heart image baby boy sign Unisex Sweet
heart image Amair heart image baby boy sign Unisex Noble, Leader
heart image Amais heart image baby boy sign Unisex Beloved; Cherished
heart image Amaiya heart image baby boy sign Unisex Pleasant; Kind; Beautiful
heart image Amaka heart image baby boy sign Unisex Queen of ravishing beauty
heart image Amala heart image baby boy sign Unisex One who is pure
heart image Amalah heart image baby boy sign Unisex Delicate, noble, and timeless
heart image Amalinder heart image baby boy sign Unisex A God-like figure with a pure heart
heart image Amaljeet heart image baby boy sign Unisex Pure victory over the negative
heart image Amalle heart image baby boy sign Unisex Variant of Amelia; One who has the power to work
heart image Aman heart image baby boy sign Unisex Peace and calm; A feeling of security
heart image Amana heart image baby boy sign Unisex Faithful and loyal warrior
heart image Amanah heart image baby boy sign Unisex One who attracts trustworthiness and loyalty; One who pays respect to Allah
heart image Amanat heart image baby boy sign Unisex Prized possession
heart image Amane heart image baby boy sign Unisex Peaceful, serene, tranquil
heart image Amani heart image baby boy sign Unisex Wishes; Desires; Peace
heart image Amania heart image baby boy sign Unisex Desire; Aspiration
heart image Amanita heart image baby boy sign Unisex Peaceful; Divine; Mushroom
heart image Amansaroop heart image baby boy sign Unisex Embodiment of peace
heart image Amanta heart image baby boy sign Unisex To express, Versatile and creative
heart image Amany heart image baby boy sign Unisex Leader; Insightful; Wishful
heart image Amanya heart image baby boy sign Unisex God's divine gift; God's special gift
heart image Amarachi heart image baby boy sign Unisex God's grace
heart image Amaranth heart image baby boy sign Unisex Unfading; Everlasting
heart image Amarbir heart image baby boy sign Unisex A brave personality
heart image Amare heart image baby boy sign Unisex A person sent by God to love
heart image Amaree heart image baby boy sign Unisex Loving; Beloved
heart image Amaretta heart image baby boy sign Unisex Sweet; Beloved; Precious
heart image Amargeet heart image baby boy sign Unisex Eternal song
heart image Amargun heart image baby boy sign Unisex Eternal
heart image Amari heart image baby boy sign Unisex Promised by God; Strength; Courage; Immortal
heart image Amaria heart image baby boy sign Unisex God has promised; Pledged by God
heart image Amariah heart image baby boy sign Unisex Promised by God
heart image Amarice heart image baby boy sign Unisex Strong; Noble
heart image Amarie heart image baby boy sign Unisex Beloved; Loved
heart image Amariel heart image baby boy sign Unisex Divinely blessed messenger
heart image Amarii heart image baby boy sign Unisex Strength; Builder
heart image Amarine heart image baby boy sign Unisex A gem called aquamarine
heart image Amariya heart image baby boy sign Unisex Exalted, Beloved, Eternal
heart image Amariyah heart image baby boy sign Unisex Gift from God
heart image Amarprem heart image baby boy sign Unisex An unfading love
heart image Amarta heart image baby boy sign Unisex The ultimate immortality
heart image Amaruka heart image baby boy sign Unisex The son of an immortal
heart image Amaruq heart image baby boy sign Unisex Grey wolf
heart image Amary heart image baby boy sign Unisex One who is strong and determined
heart image Amaryah heart image baby boy sign Unisex Gift from God
heart image Amarys heart image baby boy sign Unisex A variant of the name Amarissa; Given by the god
heart image Amas heart image baby boy sign Unisex One who is hard working, raw, and soft
heart image Amat heart image baby boy sign Unisex Wonderful love of God
heart image Amaterasu heart image baby boy sign Unisex Shining in heaven
heart image Amaura heart image baby boy sign Unisex Elegant, gentle, and enchanting
heart image Amavi heart image baby boy sign Unisex We love; I loved
heart image Amazon heart image baby boy sign Unisex Large river in South America
heart image Ambellina heart image baby boy sign Unisex Sacrifice; Powerful
heart image Ambhasa heart image baby boy sign Unisex Running water; One of the many names of Goddess Parvati
heart image Ambr heart image baby boy sign Unisex One with an adapting and mature nature
heart image Ambrey heart image baby boy sign Unisex Immortal; Forever
heart image Ambriel heart image baby boy sign Unisex Angel of communication
heart image Amea heart image baby boy sign Unisex Gift from God
heart image Ameelah heart image baby boy sign Unisex Trustworthy, virtuous, gracious
heart image Amei heart image baby boy sign Unisex Beloved, beloved friend
heart image Ameka heart image baby boy sign Unisex A down-to-earth person
heart image Amel heart image baby boy sign Unisex Hope; Inspiration
heart image Ameli heart image baby boy sign Unisex Industrious; Striving
heart image Amella heart image baby boy sign Unisex Sweet; Loving; Gentle
heart image Amelle heart image baby boy sign Unisex Noble and strong
heart image Amelot heart image baby boy sign Unisex Arthur's castle
heart image Amelyn heart image baby boy sign Unisex One who is serious and intellectual
heart image Amen heart image baby boy sign Unisex Assent or so be it
heart image Amenadiel heart image baby boy sign Unisex God's faithful messenger
heart image Amenda heart image baby boy sign Unisex Beloved; Worthy of love
heart image Amene heart image baby boy sign Unisex A unique name
heart image Amenpreet heart image baby boy sign Unisex The one comprising of love and peace
heart image Amere heart image baby boy sign Unisex Prince; Ruler
heart image Americus heart image baby boy sign Unisex A home ruler
heart image Amerson heart image baby boy sign Unisex Son of Emery

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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