48 Gender-Neutral Baby Names That Are So Cute You'll Squeal

From Cosmopolitan

ICYMI, it’s 2020! And more so than ever, people are engaging in open conversations about gender fluidity and actively working to break the very tired male/female binary—and that includes gender-neutral baby names. Like, there's so much stress already when it comes to giving your sweet bb offspring a name so why subject yourself to "traditionally" male and female names?

If you don't want to think about whether or not your bundle of joy's name is viewed as more feminine or masculine (f*ck those norms, really), then you've come to the right place.

Here, nearly 50 baby names that'll be a perfect for your future angel on earth—no matter their gender. (Pssst, it'll be hard to choose because we're obsessed with all of them.) Oh, and yes, this is your cue to throw out those outdated color-coded baby name books that your mom dusted off from storage. Who reads baby name books when Google exists, anyway? (Sorry, baby name book writers.

1. Reese

We may have to praise Reese Witherspoon's mother for giving her this name because she may just play a big part in making this favorite boy name one for girls as well!

2. Blake

Blake is often automatically associated with boys, but it definitely isn't that way anymore. Psh, ask Blake Lively!

3. Shiloh

Hebrew for "tranquil," Shiloh has been historically dubbed as a girl's name for a long time. Though as of recent, its also been used for bb boys!

4. Dakota

One of the top unisex names in the U.S., Dakota originates from the Native American community in the northern Mississippi Valley. It means "a friendly one."

5. Jamie

We've seen this one commonly used with both boys and girls throughout the years. It still stands as a very popular gender-neutral name.

6. Shawn

This name has English, Irish, and American origins. In English it translates to: from the shady grove. And in Irish and American it means gift from God. Its been popularly used as a boy's name, but it would be just as cute for a baby girl. It can also be spelled as Sean or Shaun.

7. Leslie

Derived from Scotland, the name Leslie translates to "garden of holly." Whether you want to name your new boy or girl this, it's perfect for either. We've seen stars like Leslie Mann and Leslie Jordan share the name!

8. James

I think we have Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds to thank for popularizing this rooted boy name for a girl's one too. They named their daughter and oldest child James and it's the cutest thing!

9. Cameron

Cameron has usually been a very likeable name for boys only, though, it's become a favored one for girls also. Can't help but think that maybe Cameron Diaz is the one who changed the game??

10. Billie

The name Billie has an English origin and has been a common name for boys. But girls can 100 percent have the name too! (Hi, Billie Eilish).

11.Quinn

An Irish name meaning “chief leader” or “intelligence,” Quinn has become slightly more popular with girls than boys in recent years. TBD on whether or not Glee had anything to do with that.

12. Elliott

This name has been popular with all babies for decades now. You can also opt to spell it with a single “t” or “l” to make it a little ~extra~ in a cute way.

13. Emerson

While the one used to skew more female (61 percent in 2013), it’s slowly on the come-up as a boys’ name too.

14. Finley

This is one of the few gender-neutral names that is truly unisex, meaning that it doesn’t skew heavily one way for boys or girls. As of 2018, the gender-split percentage was reported to be 58-girls, 42-boys.

15. Marlowe

Marlowe means “driftwood” and has historically been coded as a girl's name. In recent years, however, it's also becoming big with baby boys.

16. North

Obviously, Kim popularized this name when her and Kanye’s first child was born in 2013. However, baby name experts say it’s gaining momentum among dudes too. Plus, the nickname "Nori" is a grade-A option.

17. Kai

This name derives meaning in several different languages—“sea” in Hawaiian and “keeper of the keys” in Welsh—and is super popular right now.

18. Rory

You can now immortalize Rory from Gilmore Girls with your baby boy too. ;)

19. Arden

This is an English name meaning “valley of the eagle.” It’s currently being given to both baby boys and girls, although it tends to be almost twice as popular with girls.

20. Riley

It has an Irish origin and means “courageous.” Originally a popular name for boys, Riley for girls has grown so popular that it is the #1 female name starting with “R”.

21. Bailey

While it may forever be thought of as something that should be mixed with coffee, Bailey is still an adorable name for a baby. It’s popular with all the lil bbs but currently trends much higher for girls.

22. Jules

Often a nickname for Julie or Julia, Jules has become popular with the boys over the years as a nickname for Julian and as a stand alone name. Also, it’s the name of our fave gal from Euphoria.

23. Sage

Sage is of Latin origin and means “wise,” which is a pretty baller meaning behind a baby name if you ask me. It’s popular all-around, although slightly more with girls. Who wouldn’t want a brilliant bb?

24. Alex

Alex as a nickname for either Alexander or Alexandra has been huge pretty much since the dawn of time. That said, Alex on its own has been seeing a steady rise for both boys and girls over the years.

25. Kendall

Usually a girl’s name, à la Kendall Jenner, Kendall is of British origin meaning “Valley of the river Kent.” It’s been popular with boys too, though (ahem, Succession!).

26. Micah

Traditionally a boys’ name, Micah is now being given to girls as well—possibly as an alternative to the increasingly popular Michaela. It means “Who is like the Lord.”

27. Angel

Typically thought of as a boy’s name, Angel has been rising in popularity for everyone. Spice Girl Melanie Brown named her daughter Angel Iris, so it’s obv legit.

28. Kyle

Perhaps popularized by The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star, Kyle, which was typically a boys’ name, is now being given to little girls as well.

29. London

Becoming more popular for girls than boys now, London is still a perfectly pleasant name, honoring a beautiful British city (duh).

30. River

One of the most famous Rivers—actor River Phoenix—gave this name a traditionally male association. But since Kelly Clarkson decided to call her daughter River, it’s slowly increasing in popularity for little ladies.

31. Harper

Once the Beckhams named their only daughter Harper, it immediately shot up in popularity for girls, which checks out. But parents really like it for their little boys too as it ranks relatively well for both genders.

32. Charlie

Charlie has long been thought of as the nickname for Charles, but recently, it’s been a popular nickname for the name Charlotte.

33. Drew

Typically a boys’ name (save for the queen, Drew Barrymore), Drew is quite popular for little fellas. But expect to see lots of little girls named Drew running around in the upcoming years, now that Jessica Simpson gave it to her daughter Maxwell as a middle name.

34. Reagan

Reagan, which occasionally is spelled Regan, is more popular with girls, but certainly works as a boys’ name as well.

35. Logan

It’s damn near impossible to go to a park without running into a little Logan these days. The name has shot up in popularity over the past few years for both boys and girls.

36. Sawyer

Sawyer is more popular for boys (maybe thanks to Sawyer from Lost?), but stars like Sara Gilbert have taken to giving the name to their daughters, which, no doubt, will make it more popular for females in the next few years.

37. Taylor

Once typically used just for girls, Taylor—partly thanks to Taylor Lautner—has been climbing the ranks with boys. While the name may feel a little ’90s for some, Taylor Swift has put it on the map for a new generation. Unrelated, remember when Taylor Swift and Taylor Lautner dated?

38. Kennedy

The name Kennedy sounds trendy and classic for both genders, but is often thought of as a girls’ name. However, if name meanings are particularly important to you, you might want to steer clear of this one. Kennedy means “misshapen head.”

39. Hayden

This celebrity name (Hayden Panettiere and Hayden Christensen) is currently more popular with boys, but girls named Hayden aren’t far behind.

40. Nico

Actress Thandie Newton may have given the name Nico to her daughter, but it’s generally more popular with boys. Alternate spellings include Nikko and Niko, which are both chill.

41. Phoenix

The name of a place and the name of a bird, Phoenix is on-trend for boys and for girls. Former Spice Girl Mel B. is a fan—she gave the name to her daughter.

42. Jaden

More popular for boys—thanks to Will Smith and Jada Pinkett’s son—Jaden has risen in popularity quite a bit in the last few years, but girls rock it too!

43. Gray

The name Grayson for boys has been insanely popular in the last few years. But Gray is cute for everyone!

44. Jordan

Although it’s usually thought of as a boys’ name, Jordan makes it into the top 300 names for girls. The name skyrocketed to popularity in the ’90s during Michael Jordan’s heyday and is still going strong.

45. Skyler

Skyler—often spelled Skylar for girls—is popular for boys and girls alike. The name is actually a variation of the name Schuyler, which is a Dutch surname.

46. Sasha

Perhaps thanks to Sacha Baron Cohen (who pronounces it “Sasha”), the name Sasha is rising in popularity for boys. Still being most popular with girls, the name Sasha, interestingly means “defender of men.”

47. Rowan

Rowan, which means “little red head,” is popular among every gender. One of the most famous Rowans is Mr. Bean himself, British comedian Rowan Atkinson. So your kid'll have a great legacy there.

48. Parker

The preppy name, which actually means “park keeper,” is trending higher for boys. For girls, it’s still pretty hot, thanks in part to indie queen Parker Posey.

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