Choosing a name for your baby used to feel straightforward — pink or blue, traditional or trendy. But these days? More and more parents are falling in love with names that work beautifully for any child, regardless of gender. Social Security Administration data show plenty of names that are truly shared: in 2025, Charlie went to 2,460 boys and 2,160 girls, and Tatum to 1,736 boys and 1,661 girls.
Maybe you're keeping baby's gender a surprise, or perhaps you simply love the freedom and flexibility that comes with a name like River or Sage. Whatever draws you to unisex names, you're in excellent company — and you've got some amazing options ahead of you.
Why Parents Are Choosing Gender-Neutral Names
The shift toward unisex baby names reflects something deeper than just trendy parenting. Many parents want names that give their children room to grow into whoever they're meant to become.
Plus, there's something beautifully practical about these names — they work seamlessly in professional settings and social situations throughout a person's entire life.
Nature-Inspired Unisex Names Taking Root
Nothing captures the current naming zeitgeist quite like nature names. River was given to 3,139 boys and 1,401 girls in 2025. The name's flowing sound appeals to parents seeking something both strong and gentle — and yes, Kelly Clarkson chose it for her daughter back in 2014.
Sage now leans toward girls: 1,853 girls and 684 boys in 2025. This herb-inspired name carries connotations of wisdom that many parents find irresistible. Rowan, with its Irish roots meaning "little red one," leans toward boys (5,212 boys and 1,240 girls in 2025) and has that lovely connection to the rowan tree, traditionally believed to offer protection.
Then there's Phoenix — dramatic, powerful, and surprisingly versatile. With 1,027 boys and 567 girls in 2025, it's the kind of name that makes a statement for either. Spice Girl Melanie Brown chose it for her daughter.
More Nature Names Worth Considering:
Ocean brings that breezy, limitless feeling many parents crave (375 boys and 345 girls in 2025). Sky offers similar appeal with its simple, soaring quality. For something more grounded, consider Cedar or Aspen — both evoke strength and natural beauty without feeling too trendy.
Modern Virtue Names with Timeless Appeal
Virtue names aren't new, but the modern crop feels fresh and intentional. Justice has found its footing as a truly balanced choice (193 boys and 162 girls in 2025), while True appeals to parents wanting something short, sweet, and meaningful. Khloé Kardashian's choice of True for her daughter certainly didn't hurt its popularity among girls, though it actually goes to slightly more boys (211 boys and 158 girls in 2025).
Honor carries that lovely gravitas parents seek, and it's close to even: 88 boys and 75 girls in 2025. What many don't realize is that Honor has deep historical roots — it appeared in English-speaking countries as early as the 1600s, making it both vintage and contemporary.
For parents drawn to slightly longer virtue names, Journey has become popular, though mostly for girls (757 girls and 79 boys in 2025). There's something hopeful about naming your child after life's adventure itself, don't you think?
Short and Sweet: One-Syllable Wonders
Sometimes the most powerful names come in small packages. Max works beautifully for any child — whether short for Maxwell, Maxine, or standing proudly on its own. As a given name, though, it goes almost only to boys: 2,025 boys and 41 girls in 2025.
Blair brings Scottish heritage and a crisp, confident sound. It has become mostly a girls' name, though: 1,806 girls and 70 boys in 2025. Blake is as balanced as names get, with 1,080 boys and 1,035 girls.
Don't overlook Gray — it offers that modern, streamlined feeling without being too minimalist. It still leans toward boys (128 boys and 22 girls in 2025), but parents of girls appreciate its sophisticated simplicity too.
International Flavors: Names That Cross Borders
Some of the most beautiful unisex names come with rich cultural backgrounds. Kai means "sea" in Hawaiian — no wonder it's become such a favorite worldwide. In the US it goes mostly to boys (3,768 boys and 234 girls in 2025); Jennifer Connelly chose it for her son.
Ari brings Hebrew origins ("lion") with a modern, approachable sound. It's particularly interesting because it works as a full name or nickname — Ariana Grande goes by Ari, while many boys named Ari aren't short for anything else.
From Scandinavia comes Soren, meaning "stern" in Danish but feeling anything but harsh in practice. It is still mostly a boys' name (665 boys and 38 girls in 2025), but its literary connections (hello, Kierkegaard) and distinctive sound work for anyone.
More Global Gems:
Emery has German roots meaning "brave" or "powerful," and it shows how gender perceptions can evolve: once mostly male, it went to 3,208 girls and 305 boys in 2025. Finley brings Irish charm with its meaning of "fair warrior" — with 1,017 boys and 753 girls in 2025, it's one of the most evenly shared names.
Vintage Names Making a Comeback
What goes around comes around, and several traditionally unisex names are having major moments. Avery is one of the most popular of them. With English origins meaning "ruler of elves," it went to 5,267 girls and 1,156 boys in 2025 — quite a shift from its historically male usage.
Riley is shared too, though it leans toward girls (4,441 girls and 1,666 boys in 2025). Its English roots meaning "rye clearing" (it's also an Irish surname, Reilly) feel both grounded and optimistic. Many parents tell us they love how Riley sounds professional enough for a boardroom but playful enough for a playground.
Then there's Cameron, the Scottish name meaning "crooked nose" that somehow sounds incredibly appealing anyway. It leans toward boys (4,348 boys and 614 girls in 2025), proving that some names have lasting appeal across gender lines.
Creative Spelling Variations and Modern Twists
While traditional spellings often work best professionally, some parents enjoy adding personal touches to classic names. Jordyn offers a twist on Jordan, though it's mostly a girls' spelling (826 girls and 63 boys in 2025). Rylee puts a modern spin on Riley and goes almost only to girls, so purists who want a shared name might prefer the original spelling.
For parents seeking something truly unique, consider names like Briar (English for "thorny shrub"), Remi (French origin, meaning "oarsman"), or Cypress (the evergreen tree). These names feel fresh without being too invented — they have real roots and beautiful meanings.
Celebrity Influence on Unisex Name Trends
Let's be honest — celebrity baby names definitely influence our choices, and unisex names have gotten some high-profile love lately. Beyond the obvious picks like True Thompson, consider how names gain momentum through famous families.
Shiloh Jolie-Pitt helped popularize this Hebrew name meaning "peaceful," while Dakota Johnson (yes, her first name is unisex too) represents how these names age beautifully. Even Drew Barrymore shows how a traditionally masculine name can become completely gender-neutral over time.
Practical Considerations for Choosing Your Name
Beyond loving how a name sounds, think about practical matters too. Will it work with your last name? How does it sound with potential sibling names? Many parents find it helpful to imagine introducing their child in various settings — "Please welcome Dr. River Johnson" or "This is Jordan, our project manager."
Consider nickname potential as well. Names like Alexander/Alexandra that become Alex, or Samuel/Samantha that become Sam, offer built-in flexibility. Your child might appreciate having options as they grow.
The Complete List: 100 Unisex Names
Every name below was given to both boys and girls born in the US in 2025, and at least 1 in 10 of them went to the less common sex, according to Social Security Administration data. Each name appears once, organized by style:
Nature & Earth: River, Sage, Rowan, Phoenix, Ocean, Sky, Cedar, Aspen, Sunny, Storm, Vale, Brook, Oakley, Everest, Arden, Sol
Virtue & Concept: Justice, True, Honor, Peace, Merit, Brave, Legacy, Lyric, Halo, Reign
Short & Strong: Blake, Gray, Shay, Reese, Quinn, Wren, Drew, Kit, Rory, Jessie
International Heritage: Ari, Finley, Rio, Milan, Eden, Ellis, Ira, Yael, Amari, Amani, Azariah, Ariel, Shiloh
Classic Revival: Avery, Riley, Cameron, Jordan, Taylor, Morgan, Casey, Jamie, Kelly, Robin, Lynn, Jean, Charlie, Frankie, Spencer, Skyler, Hayden, Peyton, Alexis, Quincy, Parker, Emerson, Emory, Tatum, Sawyer
Modern & Creative: Briar, Remi, Indigo, Sutton, Bellamy, Lennox, Armani, Cypress, Onyx, Royal, Echo, Remington, Sevyn, Karsyn, Layne, Kamari, Amiri, Dakota, Dallas, Denver, Memphis, Salem, Murphy, Campbell, Hollis, Landry
Remember, the perfect name is the one that feels right for your family. Whether you're drawn to nature, virtue, heritage, or something completely unique, trust your instincts. After all, you're not just choosing letters and sounds — you're giving your child the first gift they'll carry through life.
