When selecting a name for your baby, there's a lot to consider. Do you name your child after a family member? Have you thought through any negative potential nicknames or connotations? Does it flow with your last name? Does it hold special meaning to you and your partner?
Ultimately, any name you choose must feel right to you and your family. And for those who are looking for a nonbinary baby name, there are lots of options to consider that are rising in popularity.
A nonbinary name (or gender neutral name) is one that is not associated with one particular gender. Choosing a nonbinary name is becoming increasingly popular with parents who do not wish to project a gender identity on their child before they are old enough to decide for themselves, as well as those who are not finding out the sex of their baby until they give birth.
If you are looking for a nonbinary baby name (or you simply want to expand your options beyond the most popular baby names), here are 20 non-binary baby names that are staging a huge comeback.
At Wild Sky Media, we recognize that not all pregnancies and parenting journeys look the same. Thatβs why across all our sites β CafeMom, LittleThings, Mom.com, and MamΓ‘sLatinas β we are committed to using inclusive language as much as possible, recognizing that all forms of parenting are valid and celebrating the shared experiences and unique differences among moms, dads, nonbinary and noncisgender parents, and all forms of caregivers.
RILEY
If you're looking for a nonbinary name with a strong meaning, Riley is a great option that means "courageous." Originally an English and Irish surname, it is now popular for both boys and girls. It was even the 33rd most-popular girl name of 2020, according to The Social Security administration. The name also has several different spelling variations including Rylee and Ryleigh if you'd like to change things up!
LINCOLN
Most commonly associated with the 16th president of the United States, Abraham Lincoln, the name β now considered nonbinary β was originally an English boys' name that translated to "town by the pool." Not the coolest meaning, we must admit, but it has risen in popularity after universally adored Hollywood couple Kristen Bell and Dax Shephard named their first daughter Lincoln in 2013.
RYAN
The name Ryan β once solely a boys' name but now nonbinary β is of Irish origin meaning "little king." Cracking the Top 500 names for girls in 2015, it reached the 450th spot in 2020 (it sits at an impressive No. 57 for boys as of 2020). Other spelling variations include Ryann and Rion.
KINSEY
An English name meaning "king's victory," this gender neutral name is a strong option for all children. With the fluidity of Lindsay and the structure of Kingsley, it went from virtually unused in 2005 to being the 59th most-popular girl name in 2020. Now that's a king's victory.
NOVA
Nova, a Latin unisex name meaning "new," is another increasingly popular option that signifies a new life coming into the world. According to Nameberry, "Nova had some reasonable degree of popularity at the turn of the last century and into the early 1930's and is now making a comeback. Nova Pilbeam, the star of one of Hitchcock's early British films, had family ties to Nova Scotia."
GENESIS
The name of the first book of the Bible, Genesis is a great nontraditional, nonbinary name. Whether you're very spiritual, huge fans of the English rock band from the 1970s and '80s, or you just like the sound of it, Genesis is a sound choice that brings to mind many different connotations for different families.
CAMERON
While it may have the misfortune of meaning "crooked nose," this Scottish moniker was originally a boys' name before Charlie's Angels star Cameron Diaz made it an acceptable girls' name. Now, it's a nonbinary option we love. (Fun fact: rapper Wiz Khalifa's real name? Cameron Jibril Thomaz.)
KENNEDY
The name Kennedy is closely associated with the grace and charisma of the Kennedy family, one of America's most famous dynastic political families. This stately, three-syllable name would make a wonderful nonbinary choice for any child. You just may want to ignore the fact that it translates to "misshapen head." Yes, really.
ANGEL
No matter what life brings or how they identify in the future, your baby will always be your little Angel. So why not name them just that? Of Spanish and English origin, Angel used to be more commonly used for boys but is now firmly nonbinary. Even Spice Girl Melanie Brown named her daughter Angel!
JORDAN
This beautiful Hebrew name meaning "flowing down" is a nonbinary option that references the River Jordan, but it's not used solely by religious families. Famous Jordans include Jordan Knight of New Kids on the Block fame and Jordan Peele, the award-winning actor and filmmaker behind Get Out.
QUINN
Quinn is a strong, uncommon name of Irish origin. Translating to "chief leader" and "intelligence," it's both trendy and filled with meaning. Appropriate for children of all genders, actress Sharon Stone named her son Quinn and Quinn Fabray was one of the lead female characters of the popular TV series Glee.
EMERY
For parents looking for a nonbinary name with a meaning that encourages children to always keep trying no matter what, Emery is a perfect choice. A German name that means "industrious," it's a nontraditional variation of the more typically gendered names of Emma and Emmett.
PARKER
Traditionally an English surname, Parker has emerged as a sophisticated two-syllable first name parents love. Translating to "park keeper," it's most known thanks to actors Parker Posey (You've Got Mail) and Parker Stevenson (the original Baywatch series).
KAI
A Hawaiian name that means "sea," Kai (pronounced "kye") is simple for little ones to spell yet unusual enough to ensure they'll be the only one in their class with this beautiful name. In addition to its Hawaiian origins, Kai also has Japanese, Navajo, Maori, and Scandinavian roots.
JADE
Just entering the top 100 baby names in the US at the 97th spot in 2020, Jade is of Spanish origin. The green stone that bears this name is said to protect the wearer from harm and attract good luck and friendship. As if it couldn't get any cooler, it's rock star-approved! The Rolling Stones' Mick Jagger named one of his eight children Jade.
WESLEY
Wesley, most popular as a boys' name in the 1970s, has been staging a serious comeback in recent years! An English name meaning "western meadow," there are lots of famous Wesleys you may have heard of. Wesley Snipes, Wes Anderson, and Wes Craven are all well-known Hollywood Wesleys.
PEYTON
Most associated with legendary football star Peyton Manning, this nonbinary children's name is of English origin. While it means "fighting-man's estate," it is not overtly masculine and has come to be accepted as both a girls' name and a boys' name.
REAGAN
Despite it being an Irish name name meaning "little king," Reagan is a nonbinary name that has become increasingly popular in recent years. Mostly known thanks to Ronald Reagan, the 40th president of the United States, William Shakespeare named one of the daughters in King Lear Regan.
SAWYER
We are big fans of this gender neutral English name that has been picking up some serious steam in recent years. Translating to "woodcutter," this popular surname was chosen by Roseanne actress Sara Gilbert for her daughter Sawyer Jane, while director Steven Spielberg named his son Sawyer Avery.
CHARLIE
The name Charlie has long been a shortened version of the boys' name Charles and girls' name Charlotte, but in recent years it has been given prominence as a name all on its own. While it means "free man," it's actually more popular for baby girls than boys, but makes for a perfect nonbinary option as well.
