26 Gender-Neutral Baby Names (One For Each Letter Of The Alphabet)
What’s In a Name?
For over 5,000 years, names have been—in its simplest form—proper nouns, a way to address one another, or used to command attention. In reality, names have a complex and meaningful power to them. For some, birth names are intertwined with long-storied backgrounds, reminding us of our rich family history or heritage. For others, birth names are identities and the ways in which we’re perceived in the world—and vice versa.
As a child (and even young woman), my name was often mispronounced or butchered entirely—and I would accept it. But inspired by the likes of Erikan Obotetukudo and Uzo Aduba, today I make sure to provide the correct pronunciation every time. Our names hold personal power and meaning, and they deserve to be respected.
Now more than ever, gender-neutral names are widely accepted and respected—open to interpretation and uninhibited from the binary. We’ve found 26 baby names from around the globe, derived from values like strength, joy, and kindness, whose power will permeate beyond sex or gender.
Amari (Uh-mahr-ee)
Origin | African-Yoruba
Meaning | Strength
Billie (Bill-ee)
Origin | English
Meaning | Protection
Cahaya (Cuh-eye-uh)
Origin | Indonesian
Meaning | Light
Devin (Dev-inn)
Origin | Latin
Meaning | Poet
Emery (Em-ree)
Origin | German
Meaning | Brave, powerful
Finley (Fin-lee)
Origin | Scottish
Meaning | Warrior
Gael (Guy-ell)
Origin | Celtic
Meaning | Joyful
Hudson (Hudd-sin)
Origin | German
Meaning | Hug
Izumi (Ee-zoo-mee)
Origin | Japanese
Meaning | Fountain, spring
Jamari (Juh-mahr-ee)
Origin | Arabic
Meaning | Handsome, beautiful
Kai (Kye)
Origin | Chinese
Meaning | Victory
Lennon (Len-on)
Origin | Irish
Meaning | Lover
Marley (Mar-lee)
Origin | English
Meaning | Meadow
Nour (Noor)
Origin | Arabic
Meaning | Divine light
Ode (Oh-d)
Origin | English
Meaning | Poem, lyric
Pax (Packs)
Origin | Latin
Meaning | Peace
Qadan (Cuh-dan)
Origin | Mongolian
Meaning | Cliff
Riley (Rye-lee)
Origin | Irish Gaelic
Meaning | Valiant, lively
Shay (Shea)
Origin | Irish Gaelic
Meaning | Admirable
Taj (Taaj)
Origin | Sanskrit
Meaning | Crown
Uri (Yur-ee)
Origin | Hebrew
Meaning | Flame
Valen (Val-in)
Origin | Latin
Meaning | Strong, healthy
Wisam (Wiss-um)
Origin | Islamic
Meaning | Attractive
Xiao (Sh-yaow)
Origin | Chinese
Meaning | Dawn, morning
Yildiz (Yil-dizz)
Origin | Turkish
Meaning | Star
Zorion (Zoh-rye-in)
Origin | Portuguese/Basque
Meaning | Happy
Do you know of any other pronunciations of these names? Do you have a favorite gender-neutral name? Share them in the comments below!
Henah Velez (she/her) is an Editor at The Good Trade. She holds a Master's in Social Entrepreneurship and is a proud Rutgers grad. Originally from NJ, Henah’s now in Santa Barbara, CA, where she loves shopping small, hanging with her pets, or traveling. Say hi on Instagram!
