Long gone are the days when names such as Bailey and Riley were at the height of fashion. Sure, they’re still widely used, but the appeal has wavered now that college aged kids are the main demographic of these pioneer unisex names. But the attractiveness of a unisex name hasn’t faded with the trend. In fact, unisex names are taking the naming community by storm, as more and more people revert to a traditionally masculine name for their daughter, which turns a male name unisex. Although this is definitely a double standard for the boys, some of the resulting unisex names are picking up fast amongst parents for both genders. Here are 15 of the unisex names we’ve been seeing a lot of lately, complete with my commentary on the name. Enjoy!
Rowan- I keep seeing this gender-neutral name everywhere, and I think upcoming SSA data will reflect that. What I think is a major boost for this name is that it seems to truly be unisex, as opposed to Ever, which is much more popular with girls, or Hayden, which is much more popular with boys. With nicknames Ro, Winnie, and even Owen, I can see this moniker going far in upcoming years.
Finley- Although Finn got a jump start with the guys, the -lee ending of Finley pushed it over to Team Pink. I still personally prefer Finley as a boy name, but I do think that Finley will drift further into girl territory in the coming data due to not only the ending, but also parents’ desire to choose more masculine names for their daughters.
Rory- I was surprised to see in the SSA 2018 data that Rory was significantly more popular as a boy name than girl name. The main reason for my confusion was because of #44 girls name Aurora with the possible nickname Rory, but it makes sense that parents would choose a feminine full name for the more tomboy nickname Rory.
Remy- Remy is currently ahead for boys at #425, with the girls hovering just behind in the 500s range. But with the help of Emmy, there’s no telling if the girls will catch up next year. The only Remy I know is a girl, so I instinctively think of it as a girl's name, but I believe it would be an adorable name for a boy as well.
Elliot- As Ellie becomes more and more of a default nickname (for Eleanor, Elizabeth, Elsa, Ellery, Elaina), I expected Elliot to climb in use for girls. Nevertheless, Elliot still remains firmly in blue territory, but I wouldn’t be surprised if that changes in impending years.
Quinn- This mini-moniker is rocketing up the charts for girls, but at the expense of the opposite gender. As Quinn has gained in use for girls, Quinn for boys has plummeted, and I predict this pattern will continue in 2019 and 2020. I like Quinn for both genders, but I do believe that Quinn feels more like a girl name.
Sawyer- This occupational surname meaning wood cutter fits right in to the 2020 crowd. Although very popular for boys at the moment, the girls could very well eclipse this trendy moniker. My preferences for this name lean towards the boys’ side, but I can see Sawyer’s appeal for the girls, as well.
River- A gorgeous nature name that conjures up beautiful imagery, River has picked up speed in the past few years. Popular for both boys and girls alike, I can see this name leaning either way in terms of gender.
Sage- Sage for girls has already overshadowed her male counterpart, but Sage for boys continues to be in use, leading me to believe that it may have a comeback. If you ask me, I much prefer Sage on a boy, but I do understand the appeal of Sage as a girl name.
Reign- The Kardashian influence boosted the popularity of this nature-turned-royal word name. Kourtney really has a knack for taking popular names to the next level with her previous children Penelope and Mason. Despite the most famous bearer being male, the name has been more popular with the ladies due to the sound-alike girl name Raine’s success.
Parker- At #162 for girls and #96 for boys, Parker is truly a gender neutral name. Another occupational surname name, Parker feels very fresh and contemporary for both genders. A less popular alternative to this current appellation could be Palmer or Parks.
Phoenix- Another truly unisex name, this bird name feels just out-there enough for both male and female bearers. I find the nickname Pixie cutesy enough to seal the deal for a pet name as well if Phoenix seems too harsh for a baby/young child.
Hunter- Whether it be Katniss Everdeen or Davy Crockett, Hunters of both genders have dominated daycares and pop culture for a while now. Another career-related last-name-turned-first, Hunter has undergone a big boom of popularity recently as a gender neutral name.
Oakley- Nature names and trendy endings combine to create this stylish and unisex moniker. Oakley is more popular for the girls, but the boys aren’t too far behind. I’m betting that Oakley will make another leap up the charts next year for both genders.
Ellis- Like Elliot, Ellis has the sound of a girl’s name, but the past of a boy’s name. As of now, Ellis is sticking to his masculine roots, but this name is one high-profile birth announcement away from hitting it off as a girl’s name.
The line between feminine and masculine is even more blurred than ever, and our choices in baby names reflect that. Unisex names, though ambigious, do allow people to have more flexibility with their identity, something that many people value for their children. I hope that you found some names that you haven’t heard of before or that intrigue you!
Sincerely,
~Delphina Moon
Do you like unisex names? Why or why not? Did you find any names that you liked? Let me know below!
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