15 Totally Unisex Baby Name

Posted on: May 31st, 2017\""by Ruth Fitzpatrick

Full disclosure: this Nameslist contributor is only a very recent convert to unisex names. It's not that we hold a firm belief in super gendered names; it's just often names given the 'unisex' label still always have a noticeable masculine or feminine slant to them, or have a cultural bias that goes against them. Michael, for instance, was used as a girls' name for much of the 20th century, albeit much more sparingly than for boys. But with nearly 14,000 baby boys given the name last year alone, calling it unisex seems a bit of a stretch. Naming your daughter Michael in the 21st century will work, but it's definitely making a statement. But after much researching, we're finally convinced that unisex can really work! Here are 15 of our favorites:

Frankie Pet form of Frank, Frances or Francesca (among many others!), Frankie works perfectly as a name in its own right for any little boy or girl.

Darcy Though used mainly today as a girl's name, Darcy will fit any dapper little gentleman thanks to its association with the hero of Pride and Prejudice.

Luca A boy's name in its European homeland, Luca is very much beginning to be seen as a legitimate unisex name.

Bell More robust than Belle and more sonorous than Beau, there's something about Bell which really intrigues us. Could be the perfect choice for any new baby, regardless of gender.

Parker A name that is rising in popularity for both sexes: last year it was #217 for girls and #87 for boys. It has an outdoorsy, adventurous ring to it; we think this is a stand out choice.

Mars The hyper-masculine Roman god of war might seem like a strange choice for either gender, but we're sure it will work. We're well used to initial Mar- names for girls, so it doesn't seem a particularly big leap to bestow this on your daughter. And all children love the night sky! This name will remind everyone of the big red planet, and could be a super cool badge of honor over the next decade or so as various space agencies race to (wo)man a mission to circumnavigation Mars!

Delaney Meaning 'dark challenger', Delaney is currently a widespread and relatively popular girl's name, but with its strong Irish pedigree and playfully powerful sound, there's no reason it couldn't be used for your newborn son.

Reeve A refined, monosyllabic name which might prove to have a greater crossover appeal than the more popular Reese.

Echo Echo was a beautiful Greek nymph in classical mythology, but this dynamic name will only seem unique rather than unsuitable if given to a baby boy. We like it because it draws up plenty of connotations with nature and natural elements, but hasn't yet been snapped up as a nouveau hipster chic name. (Shhhhhh! We won't say anything if you don't!)

Auden A very lofty and dignified name to give your son or daughter, it means 'old friend' and was of course the surname of the much celebrated poet. For your son, it could be used as an alternative to the uber-popular Aiden. It sounds more compelling and compact than Audrey or Aubrey, and with some recent celebrity endorsements behind it, we think this name could be one to watch.

Perry A traditionally male name which now sounds fresh and fun when given to a baby girl.

Sawyer In the top 100 for boys, Sawyer has been making rapid inroads in the girls' list also, entering into the top 250 for the first time in 2016. Definitely a suave and original choice.

Onyx Most of the gemstone names feel a little too feminine for a little boy to bear, but not Onyx. It's a striking looking name that sounds alluringly exotic for a girl, and boisterously vigorous for a boy.

Quinn One of the most popular unisex names with the added pull of that unusual initial-Q. It means 'chief leader, intelligence' in Irish Gaelic; this Quinn is for the win!

Shiloh A name which really deserves far greater use! It's a traditionally male name, from the Hebrew for 'tranquil'. Celebrity endorsement in the last decade has ensured its use as a girl's name now also.

Tags :
Baby Names Baby Naming Ideas Unisex Names
Magnificent Name Options With You In Mind!