Gender-neutral baby names (sometimes called unisex names) have become a favourite choice for parents who want something modern, flexible and timeless. Whether you’re keeping your baby’s sex a surprise, choosing a name that feels more inclusive, or simply love names that don’t fit neatly into one category, there are more beautiful options than ever.
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In this 2026 list, you’ll find 150 gender-neutral baby names with a mix of classic, nature-inspired, stylish and rare choices. We’ll also share a few simple tips to help you narrow down your shortlist.
Why gender-neutral baby names are so popular right now
There’s no single reason parents choose a gender-neutral name, but these are some of the most common:
- Timeless appeal – many unisex names stay stylish for decades.
- Flexibility – the name can feel adaptable at every life stage.
- Modern sound – many gender-neutral names are short, fresh, and easy to spell.
- Family meaning – surnames and heritage names often work perfectly as unisex first names.
If you like exploring real naming trends and data, the ONS baby names release for England and Wales is a useful reference point for what parents have been choosing in recent years.
How to choose the right gender-neutral baby name
When you’re picking a name you’ll say thousands of times, these quick checks can really help:
- Say it out loud with your surname (and any middle names) to check the rhythm.
- Try the “full name test” – imagine calling it across a playground and writing it on a CV.
- Check spelling and pronunciation – especially if you want something easy for teachers and grandparents.
- Look at nicknames – do you like the natural shortened versions?
If you’re also thinking about middle names, you might like this post: 100 ideas for baby girl middle names for 2025. Many of those middle-name ideas work brilliantly with unisex first names too.
150 gender-neutral baby names for 2026
Below are 150 unisex baby name ideas, grouped by style to make browsing easier. Some names lean slightly more traditional in one direction depending on region and culture, but all are widely used as gender-neutral choices.
Modern short & stylish
- Ari
- Ash
- Avery
- Bailey
- Beau
- Billie
- Blaine
- Blair
- Bowie
- Brett
- Casey
- Charlie
- Chris
- Cody
- Cruz
- Dani
- Drew
- Eden
- Ellis
- Emery
- Frankie
- Harley
- Hayden
- Indie
- Jesse
- Jude
- Kai
- Kit
- Lane
- Lee
- Lennon
- Logan
- Luca
- Lux
- Mackenzie
- Marley
- Morgan
- Noa
- Oak
- Parker
Nature-inspired (fresh, calm, outdoorsy)
- Arrow
- Arden
- Aspen
- Bay
- Blue
- Briar
- Brook
- Cedar
- Clove
- Cove
- Cypress
- Dawn
- Dove
- Ember
- Everest
- Fern
- Field
- Finch
- Forest
- Glen
- Harbour
- Hazel
- Hollis
- Indigo
- Ivy
- Jasper
- Juniper
- Lake
- Lark
- Laurel
- Linden
- Meadow
- Ocean
- Onyx
- Orion
- Phoenix
- Rain
- Reed
- River
- Robin
Vintage & timeless unisex favourites
- Addison
- Adrian
- Alex
- Angel
- Aubrey
- August
- Cameron
- Clarke
- Dale
- Dylan
- Elliot
- Finley
- Georgie
- Jamie
- Jordan
- Kelly
- Leslie
- Lou
- Marion
- Micah
- Monroe
- Nico
- Noel
- Quinn
- Riley
- Rowan
- Sage
- Sam
- Sidney
- Sky
- Stevie
- Taylor
- Terry
- Toby
- Toni
- Val
- Wren
- Zion
- Zo
- Kitty
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Cool surname-style names (very 2026)
- Anderson
- Beck
- Bennett
- Campbell
- Carter
- Collins
- Dalton
- Dawson
- Denver
- Devon
- Easton
- Ellington
- Harlan
- Hendrix
- Hudson
- Jensen
- Johnson
- Keaton
- Kendall
- Kingston
- Langley
- Lawson
- Marin
- Miller
- Monaghan
- Murphy
- Porter
- Presley
- Reagan
- Remington
- Ridley
- Sinclair
- Spencer
- Sutton
- Thatcher
- Winslow
- Windsor
- Wilder
- Holliday
- Everly
Quick shortlist ideas (if you want something very “2026”)
If you want a super-quick shortlist, these tend to feel especially current: Rowan, River, Quinn, Ellis, Sage, Ari, Indie, Aspen, Wren, Emery.
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Final thoughts
Gender-neutral names can be a brilliant way to choose something modern and meaningful without feeling boxed in. Whether you’re drawn to nature names, vintage classics, or sharp surname-style options, the best choice is the one that feels right for your family when you say it out loud.
If you’re also getting ready to welcome a new arrival, you can browse our unisex baby hampers (perfect for celebrating new babies, baby showers, or thoughtful surprises for parents).
Want more name inspiration? You might also like: Top 100 unusual baby boy names for 2025.
