Pee goes on the stick, the stick says "pregnant," and then reality sets in: There's a baby on the way! There's so much excitement as thoughts of pregnancy reveals, baby showers, and preparing for the little one come to mind. Then it hits like a ton of bricks: This little human will need a name and unless the kid changes it, it'll follow them their whole lives. No pressure! The good news is, it's 2019 and the baby-naming game is so much more open than it was before. And wanting to raise strong, inclusive, feminists, both boys and girls included, is also on a lot of mom's to-do-lists. Combine these two and find a gender neutral name with feminist roots. Because who wouldn't want to be named after a boss b*tch?
Now, there's lots of options out there. There's hipster baby names, lots of gender neutral names, and even names for baby girls who are going to be future presidents. There's always a few names that started a "boy" names but now work for girls. And a few "girl" names that work for boys. But what about the using the names of feminists throughout history? Not just their first names, either. Their last names, an act that would stand as a symbol of fighting against the patriarchy in itself as women often give up their last names in marriage. Given how many feminist men out there understand the importance of the work of these feminists, agreeing to one of these names will be piece of cake. And the baby boy or girl bestowed with it will feel the strength of their namesake their entire lives. Check out the options we picked out below. Happy choosing!
ANGELOU
One must live under a rock not to know who Maya Angelou is, but we're looking at her in a whole new light. The author and poet's last name is poetic in itself, and can work for a girl or boy.
AUSTEN
Austin is a popular boy name already, but throw an "e" in there to honor "Jane Austen" and it'll work for anyone. Austen is another writing great, behind the books Sense and Sensibility and Pride and Prejudice.
YURI
It doesn't get any stronger and intersectional than Yuri Kochiyama. She is an Asian American human rights and social justice activist who had been held in one of the Japanese internment camps during World War II. Like the sound of Yuri yet?
BENAZIR
Benazir Bhutto was the first female prime minister of Pakistan, a Muslim nation, in 1988. She wasn't a completely smear-free leader, but during her tenure, she launched a campaign for open elections. She sadly was assassinated by a suicide bomber in 2007.
BILLIE
Billie is already proof that her name can work for any gender. The tennis star has advocated for the equal rights for women in tennis throughout her career.
BRONTE
Love the classic novel, Jane Eyre? Thank the Bronte sisters for that, Anna, Charlotte, and Emily. The three were writers from England and ended up contributing to the literature cultural cannon in a big way.
CHRISTIE
I've only met one male Christie in my life, but he's a pretty cool guy. Other kids with Agatha Christie's namesake will be, too. The crime writer (another reason to like her) was behind the Miss Marple detective books, among others.
CLINTON
Former senator, secretary of state and women's activist Hillary Clinton comes with a strong name. It makes sense as she's a strong woman. Name a kid "Clinton" and no doubt they'll drip with excellence.
COPELAND
It's a pretty big deal to be named after Misty Copeland. Almost as big of a deal it is to be the first African American female principal dancer in the American Ballet Theater. She's so cool, there's a Barbie made for her.
DALY
If there's a strong love of STEM in the family, then a name inspired by Marie M. Daly is a big honor. Daly was the first African American woman in history to get a doctorate degree in chemistry.
FLANNERY
Flannery O'Connor was a writer known for her short stories, including Geranium. According to Biography, she often wrote about religion, specifically about her experiences being a Catholic in the South.
FRANKIE/FRANK
OK, so Anne Frank wasn't Anne Frankie, but adding an "ie" is a fun way to make a name fun and fit for boys and girls if "Frank" doesn't work for a little girl. Anne clued in the entire world to her strength and dignity being secluded during the Holocaust and left us a piece of history in the form of her diary.
HARI
OK, so this one is for the sex-positive parents out there, which should be everyone! Mata Hari was an exotic dancer who also doubled as a spy. Her biography literally lists her as dancer/spy. Yeah, she was pretty badass.
KAHLO
Frida Kahlo was an artist from Mexico and is considered "one of the greatest." Known for her self-portraits, she once said she painted them because she was alone and knew herself best. Everyone needs Kahlo's confidence. Pass some of it on with her name.
KELLER
Hellen Keller proved that it's possible to live an amazing life even with major disabilities, in her case, deafness and blindness. She earned a bachelor's degree and was an activist.
KENNEDY
Jackie Kennedy Onassis is most known for being the wife of President John F. Kennedy, but she exemplified ultimate strength when he was shot and killed right next to her. According to her biography, she rejuvenated the White House art.
MONROE
Marilyn Monroe made her way from humble beginnings to Hollywood stardom. She had an aura of confidence so strong everyone was drawn to her.
PARKS
Rosa Parks helped to make huge strides in racial equality during the Civil Rights movement when she refused to give up her spot on the bus. Her last name would make a great variation from the common "Parker."
ROWLING
One of the most prolific writers of our time, J.K. Rowling brought us the Harry Potter series. She goes by the J.K. moniker, which could also work as a name, but Rowling is also one that we could see on the attendance books in a few years. But Hermione works, too.
RUSSELL
Bibi Russell used to be a fashion designer and model, but she is now a Honorary Goodwill Ambassador, UNESCO Artist for Peace. According to the UNESCO site, she organized "a fashion show entitled 'Survivors’ Runway' dedicated to all women and girls who live in fear of gender-based violence."
TONI
Toni Morrison (born Chloe Anthony Wofford) is a Nobel Peace prize-winning writer known for her work speaking to the black, female experience. She wrote Beloved (which Oprah Winfrey starred in) and Song of Solomon.
WALKER
Another novelist and poet, Alice Walker is most famously known for the book, and later movie, The Color Purple. It was so good, it won a Pulitzer Prize.
ROWAN
Rowan Blanchard is the youngest namesake feminist on this list, but very much deserving of her placement on it. The Girl Meets World star is one of the first Gen Z actresses in her circle to speak out on women's issues.
