Unisex baby names have been on the rise for a while now, with parents looking to everything from family traditions to current events to help inspire their choices.
While it’s no surprise that cute baby names frequently top the most popular baby name lists. Equally some unique baby names and popular French names also make great baby name choices, as do these gender-neutral baby names.
In the UK, unisex names like Dylan, Frankie, Harley, Teddy, Riley, Harper, Robin all feature in the top 100 popular names compiled by the Office for National Statistics.
Stephanie Lowe, Goodto.com Family Editor says: “Going for a gender-neutral name can sometimes be a practical choice if you don't want to find out the sex of your baby. Plus, going with a unisex moniker means your child won’t have their gender defined by their name. These kinds of names are a firm favourite of mine to choose from, they're just so versatile.”
Here are Stephanie’s top ten unisex baby names;
Top ten unisex baby names
- Addison
- Blake
- Eden
- Gray
- Hero
- Jules
- Peyton
- Ray
- Sky
- Teddy
Child Psychologist, Lee Chambers tells us; "Choosing a baby name is a challenging task. Unisex baby names can be a way to create an accepting identity. Generally speaking, parents who choose unisex names are likely to model being open and welcoming with their parenting style. This can certainly come with benefits in a child having confidence in being who they are. Having a gender-neutral name can help to cultivate resilience and curiosity."
100 unisex baby names
Addison Origin: English | Style: Modern | Pronunciation: Add-i-son Meaning: Original a surname meaning son of Adam, this unisex baby name has become more popular in recent years.
Alex Origin: Greek | Style: Classic | Pronunciation: A-lex Meaning: A shortened version of Alexander, meaning man's defender and warrior.
Amory Origin: German | Style: Modern | Pronunciation: A-mor-ee Meaning: Derived from the Old German name Amalric, Amory means brave and powerful. The name was introduced into the UK by the Normans.
Andy Origin: Latin | Style: Classic | Pronunciation: An-dee Meaning: The diminutive of Andrew for boys or Andrea for girls, this unisex name derives from the Greek name Andreas, which means warrior.
Arlo Origin: English | Style: Boho | Pronunciation: Ar-lo Meaning: Arlo is derived from Old English or Anglo-Saxon meaning fortified hill. Jeremy Clarkson's daughter Emily gave birth to her first child and chose this name for her daughter.
Ash Origin: English | Style: Modern | Pronunciation: Ash Meaning: A gender neutral name of English origin, it literally means ash tree. The longer version Ashley is also a great unisex name if you prefer something longer.
Aubrey Origin: French, German | Style: Vintage | Pronunciation: Aw-bree Meaning: This magical sounding name would make the perfect choice for a Christmas-born baby, as it means elf ruler.
August Origin: Latin | Style: Classic | Pronunciation: Ow-guwst Meaning: The name comes from Emperor Augustus, who ruled during the Roman Empire and whose name in Latin means magnificent.
Avery Origin: English | Style: Classic | Pronunciation: Ave-er-ree Meaning: A medieval name, Avery originated in the Middle Ages as the Norman-French pronunciation of the Alfred. It means ruler of the elves.
Bay Origin: Latin | Style: Boho | Pronunciation: Bay Meaning: Originally used as an English surname, Bay comes from Latin origins and means someone with chestnut or auburn hair.
Billy Origin: English | Style: Vintage | Pronunciation: Bill-ee Meaning: Short for William (or Wilhelmina), this unisex name has a real retro appeal thanks to the likes of Billie Holiday and film director Billy Wilder. It means resolute protection.
Blake Origin: English | Style: Boho | Pronunciation: Bleyk Meaning: Blake is fast becoming popular with both boys and girls – thanks to actress Blake Lively. It comes from the Old English black – which means black, or blac meaning white, pale.
Briar Origin: English | Style: Boho | Pronunciation: Brye-ur Meaning: Actors Rachel Bilson and Hayden Christensen named their daughter Briar Rose, which very much has fairy-tale connotations, however this sweet nature-inspired name is also becoming popular for boys. It means thorny patch.
Brice Origin: Scottish | Style: Modern | Pronunciation: Bri-ce Meaning: Original a Scottish surname, this unisex name would suit anyone looking for something a little more unique. It means speckled or freckled and can also be spelt Bryce.
Cameron Origin: Scottish | Style: Vintage | Pronunciation: Kam-uh-ruhn Meaning: While it doesn't have the prettiest of meanings - crooked nose - this unisex name became extremely popular thanks to Cameron Diaz. Originally a Scottish surname, there are many ways to spell this unisex name including Kameron, Kamron and Camryn.
Campbell Origin: Scottish | Style: Modern | Pronunciation: Cam-bell Meaning: While the most famous Campbell was once probably soup, this unisex name has slowly morphed into a cool choice for parents who want something different. It means crooked mouth.
Charlie Origin: English | Style: Classic | Pronunciation: Char-lee Meaning: The diminutive of Charles or Charlotte, Charlie means free man. Alternative spellings include Charli and Charly.
Dakota Origin: Native American | Style: Modern | Pronunciation: Dah-kow-taa Meaning: Dakota comes from a Native American Sioux tribe and means friend or ally. Even though it's a popular name for both boys and girls, the most famous Dakotas are probably female - Dakota Fanning and Dakota Johnson.
Daryl Origin: English, French | Style: Vintage | Pronunciation: Dar-uhl Meaning: This cute unisex baby name means open or darling. Can also be spelt Darrell, as in Darell Rivers from Enid Blyton's boarding school tales, Mallory Towers.
Dara Origin: Hebrew, Irish | Style: Classic | Pronunciation: Da-rah Meaning: In Hebrew, Dara means pearl of wisdom. In Irish it means oak tree.
Devon Origin: English | Style: Classic | Pronunciation: Dev-en Meaning: Devon comes from an English surname originating for those people who came from Devon in southwest England.
Drew Origin: English, Scottish | Style: Classic | Pronunciation: Droo Meaning: A shortened version of Andrew, this unisex name means manly or wise. While it was traditionally a boy's name, Drew Barrymore brought it to the forefront as a great name for girls as well!
Dylan Origin: Welsh | Style: Boho | Pronunciation: Dih-luhn Meaning: In Welsh mythology, Dylan was a sea god who made the waters of Britain and Ireland weep when he died. It means son of the sea.
Eddy Origin: English | Style: Modern | Pronunciation: Edd-ee Meaning: A diminutive of Edward, this short and sweet gender-neutral name means wealthy guardian.
Eden Origin: Hebrew | Style: Classic | Pronunciation: Ee-den Meaning: A popular biblical name for both boys and girls, Eden is the paradise where Adam and Eve live so it’s not surprising that Eden means place of pleasure!
Eli Origin: Hebrew | Style: Classic | Pronunciation: Ee-lye Meaning: This short unisex name comes from the Hebrew aly, meaning high or uplifted. A good biblical name, Eli featured in the Old Testament as the last judge of Israel.
Elliott Origin: Hebrew | Style: Classic | Pronunciation: Ell-ee-ot Meaning: Originally derived from biblical Hebrew, it means the Lord is my god.
Ellis Origin: Welsh | Style: Vintage | Pronunciation: Ell-is Meaning: While Emily Bronte took on the male pseudonym Ellis Bell when she wrote Wuthering Heights, Ellis has continued to become a much-loved unisex name. It means benevolent.
Evan Origin: Welsh | Style: Modern | Pronunciation: Ell-is Meaning: Is it the Welsh version of John? Or the Scottish form of Euan? Regardless, this name is rising in popularity for both boys and girls - and means God is gracious.
Forest Origin: French | Style: Boho | Pronunciation: Fo-ruhst Meaning: A great name for any nature-loving parents, Forest comes from Old French and literally means woods or woodsman. Can also be spelt Forrest.
Fox Origin: Latin | Style: Classic | Pronunciation: Fox Meaning: Initially popularised by the character Fox Mulder on The X Files in the early ‘90s, this cute animal name would suit either gender.
Frankie Origin: Latin | Style: Modern | Pronunciation: Frank-ee Meaning: A version of Frank, Francis, or Franklin, Frankie means Frenchman or free man. Singer and TV personality Frankie Bridge has helped boost the popularity of this unisex name for girls.
Freddie Origin: English, German | Style: Modern | Pronunciation: Fred-ee Meaning: A diminutive of Frederick, Friedrich or Alfred, Freddie means magical counsel or peaceful ruler.
Gale Origin: Hebrew | Style: Vintage | Pronunciation: Gey-l Meaning: A shortened version of girl's names Abigail or Gail, this unisex name is derived from the Hebrew for my father is joyful. This spelling saw a surge in popularity thanks to Liam Hemsworth's character Gale Hawthorne.
Galen Origin: Greek | Style: Vintage | Pronunciation: Gey-len Meaning: Galen is a unisex name, meaning peaceful, calm and healer. A must for sci-fi fans, Galen Erso was a character in one of the more recent Star Wars films!
Glen Origin: Scottish | Style: Classic | Pronunciation: G-len Meaning: Traditionally a man's name, it means a narrow valley. A popular name solely for boys at the start of the century, celebrities such as actress Glenn Close have helped make it a unisex name.
Gray Origin: English | Style: Vintage | Pronunciation: Gr-ay Meaning: A colour name suitable for both boys and girls, it's a shortened version of Grayson, which means the son of the bailiff.
Harley Origin: English | Style: Vintage | Pronunciation: Har-lee Meaning: Derived from the Old English ‘hara’ meaning hare and ‘leah’ meaning woodland or meadow, this name has long been popular with parents who are motorbike enthusiasts! Harley Quinn, the DC Comics anti-hero, has helped boost the popularity for this name for girls as well.
Harper Origin: British | Style: Modern | Pronunciation: Har-pur Meaning: With its musical meaning of harpist or minstrel, perhaps it’s no surprise that Spice Girl Victoria Beckham chose this musical name for her only daughter? While this has only recently entered into the mainstream, it was first made famous by To Kill A Mockingbird novelist Harper Lee in 1960.
Haven Origin: English | Style: Boho | Pronunciation: Hay-ven Meaning: Derived from the Old English ‘haefen’, Haven means a safe place or refuge. Jessica Alba chose the name for her daughter Haven Marie, born in 2011.
Hero Origin: Greek | Style: Boho | Pronunciation: Heer-ro Meaning: Chosen by presenter Myleene Klass for her first-born daughter, this Greek name is a great choice for either a boy or girl. Hero was a priestess of Aphrodite in Greek mythology, so it's surprising it means demi-god.
Hunter Origin: English | Style: Modern | Pronunciation: Hun-tur Meaning: An occupational name, which means hunter or pursuer, this modern name has seen a huge rise in popularity in the UK in recent years.
Indigo Origin: Greek | Style: Boho | Pronunciation: In-dee-go Meaning: An interesting colour name for both sexes, indigo is a deep blue-purple dye from plants native to India.
Ira Origin: Hebrew | Style: Boho | Pronunciation: Eye-rah Meaning: An Old Testament name, this three-letter baby name means watchful.
Jade Origin: Spanish | Style: Modern | Pronunciation: Jay-de Meaning: One of the few gemstone names that is suitable for both girls and boys, it comes from the Spanish ‘piedra de la ijada’, which means stone of the colic as it was believed that the jade stone could cure colic in babies by being placed on their tummies.
Jamie Origin: Hebrew | Style: Classic | Pronunciation: Jay-mee Meaning: While Jamie comes from the Hebrew name of James, which means supplanter, the nickname Jamie was a 19th century Scottish invention. Actor Jamie Foxx, chef Jamie Oliver and actress Jaime King are just some famous celebrities with this name.
Jay Origin: Latin | Style: Classic | Pronunciation: Jay Meaning: This name may sound ultra-modern but it dates back to the 18th century and means jaybird.
Jesse Origin: Hebrew | Style: Classic | Pronunciation: Jess-ee Meaning: Of Hebrew origin, Jesse means gift. From outlaw Jesse James to modern day Justice League actor Jesse Eisenberg – it’s a name that has stood the test of time.
Jordan Origin: Hebrew | Style: Classic | Pronunciation: Jor-dan Meaning: The River Jordan is the name of a holy river in the Bible so it’s probably no surprise the name Jordan means down flowing.
Journey Origin: English | Style: Modern | Pronunciation: Juh-nee Meaning: Parenthood sure is a one heck of a journey, so this unusual unisex name could be perfect for your little one! An alternative spelling is Journee.
Jules Origin: Latin | Style: Classic | Pronunciation: Jools Meaning: Popular in France, this unisex name comes from Julius and means youthful, soft or downy.
Kelsey Origin: English | Style: Modern | Pronunciation: Kel-see Meaning: While this name is derived from Old English, it's only recently jumped in popularity since the beginning of the Noughties. It means Cenel Island or ship's victory.
Kendall Origin: English | Style: Modern | Pronunciation: Ken-dall Meaning: Originating from a 19th Century surname, this unisex name means valley of the river Kent (which confusingly is an area in Cumbria and not Kent!)
Kelly Origin: Irish | Style: Boho | Pronunciation: Kell-ee Meaning: Kelly comes from the Old Irish word ceallach, which means warrior.
Kerry Origin: Irish | Style: Classic | Pronunciation: Keh-ree Meaning: The perfect name if you baby comes out with a shock of dark hair as it means black-haired!
Kit Origin: Arabic | Style: Vintage | Pronunciation: Kit Meaning: A diminutive of Christopher or Katherine, Kit means pure or follower of Christ. Popular in the late 19th century, Game Of Thrones actor Kit Harrington has given the name a new surge in popularity.
Kyle Origin: Scottish | Style: Modern | Pronunciation: Kile Meaning: In the Top 20 for most of the '90s (perhaps thanks to actor Kyle MacLachlan), this unisex name means a narrow spit of land.
Kyrie Origin: Greek | Style: Modern | Pronunciation: KEE-ree-yay Meaning: Kyrie, which can be used for both girls and boys, means lord and comes from a Christian prayer entitled Kyrie Eleison.
Lake Origin: British | Style: Boho | Pronunciation: L-ai-k Meaning: Originally, a surname, lake is the geographical term for an inland body of water. American actress Lake Bell has popularised it as a first name in the last few years.
Lumi Origin: Finnish | Style: Modern | Pronunciation: Loo-mee Meaning: A cute name for snow, this wintry name is perfect for both boys and girls.
Marley Origin: English | Style: Modern | Pronunciation: Mar-lee Meaning: Despite being a ghost in Dicken's A Christmas Carol, this unisex name means pleasant meadow.
Max Origin: Latin | Style: Classic | Pronunciation: Max Meaning: Derived from Maximilian, a Latin name that originated from the Roman family name Maximus, this short and sweet gender-neutral name means greatest.
Micah Origin: Hebrew | Style: Classic | Pronunciation: My-cah Meaning: A strong biblical name, this derivative of Michael means who resembles God.
Morgan Origin: Welsh | Style: Vintage | Pronunciation: Mor-gan Meaning: A popular name for boys in the Victoria era, Morgan has become an equal opportunities name in recent years. It means sea circle, sea born or sea song so perfect if you live by the coast!
Niko Origin: Finnish | Style: Modern | Pronunciation: Nee-ko Meaning: This Finnish version of Nicholas is a great unisex name and means victory of the people.
Oakleigh Origin: English | Style: Boho | Pronunciation: Oh-klee Meaning: A name for any nature-loving parents, Oakleigh means meadow of oak trees.
Orion Origin: Greek | Style: Boho | Pronunciation: O-ri-on Meaning: In Greek mythology, Orion was a mighty hunter, turned into a constellation by Zeus. A gender-neutral star-related name, it means rising in the sky or dawning.
Parker Origin: English | Style: Modern | Pronunciation: Par-kah Meaning: This occupational name that means park keeper was chosen by Frankie Bridge for her son in 2013.
Peyton Origin: English | Style: Modern | Pronunciation: Pay-ton Meaning: An old surname, this unisex name has become more popular in recent years. It means fighting-man's estate.
Quincy Origin: French, Latin | Style: Vintage | Pronunciation: Quin-see Meaning: A quirky Q name is great for anyone looking for something a little different. It means estate of a fifth son, but also makes a fabulously stylish name for little girls.
Quinn Origin: Irish | Style: Modern | Pronunciation: Kwin Meaning: A modern take on a popular Irish surname O'Cuinn and forename Conn, which means wisdom or chief.
Raleigh Origin: English | Style: Vintage | Pronunciation: Rah-lee Meaning: Could you have a little explorer on your hands if you choose this gender-neutral name? Explorer Sir Walter Raleigh gives this name some class but the cute meaning - meadow of roe deer - means it's also perfect for nature lovers.
Ray Origin: English | Style: Boho | Pronunciation: Meaning: What could be a better name than this for you little ray of sunshine? It means beam of light.
Reese Origin: Welsh | Style: Modern | Pronunciation: Ree-s Meaning: While Reese Witherspoon has made this a more popular choice for girls, it's long been a popular boy's name, especially in its Welsh form of Rhys. It means ardour or enthusiasm.
Reign Origin: English | Style: Modern | Pronunciation: Rain Meaning: A very royal sounding name, it's grown hugely in popularity over the last ten years. Other variations include Rain, Raine or Rayne.
Remi Origin: French | Style: Modern | Pronunciation: Rai-mee Meaning: The meaning of Remi is oarsman and has recently been made popular by Bond baddy, Remi Malek.
Ren Gender: Japanese | Style: Modern | Pronunciation: Ren Meaning: This cute baby name suitable for a boy or girl means lotus. In Japan, the lotus is the Buddhist symbol of purity and perfection.
Riley Origin: Irish, English | Style: Modern | Pronunciation: Righ-lee Meaning: Originally an English and Irish surname, Riley means rye clearing or courageous.
River Origin: English | Style: Boho | Pronunciation: Riv-ur Meaning: Actor River Phoenix definitely made this unisex name popular back in the '80s, and this free-flowing name still packs a punch today.
Robin Origin: Latin | Style: Boho | Pronunciation: Robb-in Meaning: This gender-neutral name (which can also be spelt Robyn) means bright or fame.
Rowan Origin: Irish | Style: Boho | Pronunciation: Row-an Meaning: While a rowan is a kind of tree, it also has its roots in Gaelic and means little redhead, so perfect for any auburn babies!
Royal Origin: English | Style: Modern | Pronunciation: Roy-al Meaning: If it's good enough for Lil' Kim's daughter, it's good enough for us! A truly modern unisex name that will impart a little bit of royalty into the family!
Ryan Origin: Irish | Style: Classic | Pronunciation: Ry-ann Meaning: A common boy's name, how about choosing this one for a girl's name with a bit of a difference? It has a very regal meaning as well - it means little king.
Sage Origin: Latin | Style: Boho | Pronunciation: Sey-jh Meaning: This herb-related name means wise – a great choice to give your child as they begin on their journey through life.
Sailor Origin: Hebrew | Style: Vintage | Pronunciation: Say-lore Meaning: Ahoy there! This nautical-inspired name is perfect for any sea loving parents. It also has the A-list thumbs up - both Liv Tyler and Christie Brinkley have children named Sailor.
Sam Origin: Hebrew | Style: Classic | Pronunciation: Sam Meaning: Sam is a short form of the biblical boy's name Samuel and of the girl's name Samantha. It means told by God.
Sandy Origin: Scottish, English | Style: Vintage | Pronunciation: San-dee Meaning: Ditch the old-fashioned Sandra for this much cooler name instead, which is actually a diminutive of Alexander. And like that name, it means defending men.
Sasha Origin: Russian | Style: Modern | Pronunciation: Saa-Shaa Meaning: This Russian version of Alexander means man's defender. Can also be spelt Sacha or Sacha.
Sawyer Origin: English | Style: Vintage | Pronunciation: Soy-er Meaning: It originated as an occupational name for a woodcutter and was originally a surname but is fast becoming a popular unisex first name.
Shay Origin: Hebrew, Irish | Style: Modern | Pronunciation: Shay Meaning: The perfect name for the gift of your newborn baby as it means gift or stately.
Shiloh Origin: Hebrew | Style: Modern | Pronunciation: Shy-lo Meaning: This name of a biblical town jumped up in popularity in 2006 when Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie chose it for their daughter. It means peace or abundant joy.
Sky Origin: English | Style: Boho | Pronunciation: Sky Meaning: Adding an e at the end of this nature-inspired name makes it slightly more feminine, but the three-letter variation makes a lovely unique name for both genders.
Stevie Origin: Greek | Style: Classic | Pronunciation: Stee-vee Meaning: Related to the Greek name Stephen, this cool unisex name means crown. Famous people with this name include Stevie Wonder and Stevie Nicks.
Storm Origin: English | Style: Modern | Pronunciation: Stawm Meaning: A great nature-inspired name, Storm is a powerful Marvel superhero - one of the X-Men. It's also a popular name in Denmark and Norway where it's derived from the surname, Stromr.
Sydney Origin: French | Style: Vintage | Pronunciation: Sid-nee Meaning: While Sydney is a popular city in Australia, the name actually has French origins and means Saint Denis.
Teddy Origin: French | Style: Classic | Pronunciation: Teh-dee Meaning: Teddy means wealthy protector, brave people, or God's gift. Normally related to boys’ names such as Ted, Edmund and Theodore, Robbie Williams bucked the trend when he named his eldest daughter Theodora, choosing to refer to her as Teddy.
Wallace Origin: French | Style: Vintage | Pronunciation: Wall-iss Meaning: Hugely popular in the 1920s, this adorable vintage name means a Welshman. It can also be spelt Wallis, as in Wallis Simpson, who the King of England abdicated from the throne for.
Whitney Origin: English | Style: Modern | Pronunciation: Whit-nee Meaning: Originally an English surname, it means white island. A popular name in the US in the '80s thanks to singing icon Whitney Houston, it can be shortened to the very cute Whit.
Winter Origin: English | Style: Boho | Pronunciation: Win-ter Meaning: This seasonal unisex name is perfect for any baby born in the wintry season!
Yen Origin: Vietnamese | Style: Modern | Pronunciation: Yen Meaning: A super tranquil name, it means peace, safe or stand still.
