Harlowe, Atlas, and Sailor are just a few of the cute unisex baby names that are now getting entered on birth certificates. Baby naming in 2023 may not look like what it used to. More recently, parents have been moving away from using traditional gender-specific names and exploring monikers that may not ascribe to just one gender.
In the past 20 years, gender-neutral names have been on the rise. School rosters are no longer filled with the usual lineup of Kimberlys, Timothys, and Ashleys but with Ryans, Averys, and Rivers. The shift toward androgynous names has parents avoiding the usual trends and finding a name that they think will truly best fit their child.
Check out the charming gender-neutral names parents are choosing.
More from Mom.com: How to Explain Gender Neutrality to Your Child
Popular vs. unique: Why gender neutral?
Lindsey
Popularity rank in the US: No. not ranked (boys), No. not ranked (girls)
Meaning: Lincoln's marsh
While Lindsey is a more common English name for a male, here in the U.S. it has been a popular name for females spelled “Lindsay."
Cameron
Popularity rank in the US: No. 62 (boys), No. 468 (girls)
Meaning: Crooked nose, crooked stream
This Scottish name has the sporty nickname Cam that works with either gender.
Parker
Popularity rank in the US: No. 93 (boys), No. 113 (girls)
Meaning: Keeper of the forest or park
Parker's more popular with boys than girls, perhaps because it has a slightly tomboyish edge. It's still fitting for a girl, and it's a timeless name.
Sawyer
Popularity rank in the US: No. 114 (boys), No. 216 (girls)
Meaning: Woodsman
This name tends to fly under the radar, and it is perfect for those parents who want a name that's not too common.
Unisex baby name meanings
Beyond the joy of choosing a name that sounds good, the meaning of a name can help create the foundation of a child. So, see how these meaningful names not only sound good but offer a solid path for a baby to grow on.
Avery
Popularity rank in the US: No. 210 (boys), No. 19 (girls)
Meaning: Ruler of the elves
Admittedly, the original Old English meaning of Avery — "ruler of the elves" — might not have any real-world significance for you unless you're a "Lord of the Rings" superfan. In any case, this is a simple name with a slightly aristocratic air.
