Choosing a name for your baby is an important decision that will stay with them for life. In recent years, gender-neutral and unisex names have become increasingly popular. These names allow children more flexibility and freedom to define themselves as they grow. With over 200 creative options to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect gender neutral name for your little one in 2024.
Understanding Gender Neutral Names
Gender-neutral or unisex names are given to babies regardless of their sex assigned at birth. They offer an alternative to more traditional “gendered” names that are usually seen as masculine or feminine. Gender neutral names allow children to develop their own identity without the constraints or assumptions that can come with a very feminine or masculine name.
Historically, using gender neutral names was uncommon in Western cultures. But views have shifted, especially in recent decades. A 2019 study revealed that over 30% of parents have considered or would consider a gender neutral name. There are also more options now as names like “Quinn,” “Taylor,” and “Parker” have joined old favorites like “Jamie,” “Jesse” and “Alex.”
Choosing a unisex name allows your child to avoid potential gender bias and gives them the space to tap into all aspects of their personality regardless of their biological sex. It’s also ideal if you prefer not to have your baby’s sex widely known before they’re born. Ultimately, the choice empowers children to determine their own self-expression.
Top 50 Trending Unisex Names for 2024
Here are 50 of the most fashionable unisex names we expect to be big in 2024:
Avery – Of French origin meaning “ruler of the elves”
Riley – Irish name meaning “courageous”
Rowan – From an Irish last name, related to Rowan trees
Remy – French for “oarsman”
Quinn – Popular Irish surname meaning “wise”
Sawyer – Occupational name referring to someone who saws wood
River – Nature name referring to a flowing body of water
Phoenix – Mythical bird that arises from ashes, symbolic of renewal
Justice – Virtue name meaning moral rightness and fairness
Dakota – Native American tribe name meaning “friend” or “ally”
Finley – Gaelic name meaning “fair-haired warrior”
Lyric – Name derived from lyrical poetry and song
Oakley – Nature name referring to oak trees
Parker – Old English occupational name meaning “park keeper”
Dylan – Welsh name meaning “son of the sea”
Sutton – Originating from a British surname meaning “south town”
Logan – Gaelic name meaning “small hollow”
Skyler – An invented name reminiscent of the sky’s limitlessness
Harlow – Old English surname meaning “army hill”
Spencer – Occupational name for a dispenser of supplies
Cassidy – Irish name meaning “curly-haired”
Ellis – Medieval version of the name Elijah, meaning “the Lord is my God”
Reign – To rule over, symbolic of power and leadership
Genesis – Biblical term meaning “origin”
Winter – Seasonal name symbolic of coziness and new beginnings
Zion – Hebrew place name for the promised land/utopia
Legend – Means someone of great renown and iconic status
Vale – Refers to a valley; symbolic of humility
Phoenix – Mythical bird rising from the ashes, symbolic of renewal
True – Virtue name for that which is real, genuine, accurate
Royal – Name indicating nobility, prestige and elegance
Justice – Moral rightness, equality, fair treatment of all
Ocean – Vast body of water, symbolic of depth and force
River – Flowing body of water, represents tranquility
Forest – Lots of trees clumped together
Rain – Water falling from clouds before touching the ground
Sky — The space above the earth where birds fly and clouds drift
Snow — Frozen, fluffy ice crystals that fall in cold weather
Cloud — Fluffy floating clumps in the sky on a breezy day
Stone — Small piece of rock, maybe found near a crystal clear creek
Moon — Glowing celestial orb circling the earth every lunar cycle
Star — Glowing balls of plasma billions of lightyears away
Dawn — The very first rays of sunlight peeking over the horizon
Dusk — Twilight hour right before the sinking of the setting sun
Maple — Gorgeous green and red-leaved tree that oozes sweet sap
Aspen — Tall trembling tree with heart-shaped leaves
Rainier — Majestic snow-capped peak in Washington state
Summit — Topmost point and highest tippy top of a mighty mountain
Sequoia — Gigantic and stately redwood tree species
Terrain — Physical geographic ground features of field, hill or forest
The key factors to consider when selecting a unisex name include:
Initials – Choose initials that flow and sound good with their surname.
Meaning and Origins – Pick something meaningful that celebrates family backgrounds.
Potential Teasing – Ensure the name does not easily lend itself to mocking nicknames.
Pronunciation and Spelling – Opt for something intuitive people can easily say and spell to avoid frustration.
Flexibility – Give them options like short and long forms.
When choosing, be thoughtful, but don’t obsess endlessly. Focus on your child’s personality and what you hope for them. With an open mindset, you’re sure to find something special.
Making the Name Your Own
While gender neutral names offer flexibility, you can also customize traditional names:
Feminize male names with extra vowels or “a” endings, like Mathea instead of Matthew.
Masculinize female names by dropping vowels like Josephina into Joseph.
Blend name halves into new creations. (Eli + Sam = Elsem)
Fuse names from family members or reverse a surname used as a first name.
Derive cute nicknames or initials from a longer name.
No matter what, give your baby a name spoken with love. The right fit will come in time as you get to know your child!
Resources and Tools for Baby Name Selection
Naming a baby can be fun with the right guidance. Helpful resources include:
Social Security Lists – Track name popularity nationwide
Baby Name Wizards – Parental perspectives on real name experiences
International Baby Name Surveys – Insight into global naming trends
Baby Name Enthusiasts Forums – Share ideas and get feedback from fellow parents
Baby Naming Apps and Generators – Interactive tools suggesting ideas based on your tastes
Baby Name Almanacs – Expert analysis on latest naming fads and advice
Children’s Literature Classics – Iconic character names that have stood the test of time
Conclusion
In the age of fluid understandings of gender, unisex names empower children with wide-open freedom. By choosing outside the gender binary, you grant your child the beautiful opportunity to learn who they are without limitations or prescribed notions of who they should be.
