Badass Unisex Names That You’re Gonna Love

If you’re looking for the perfect name that’ll keep people guessing, we have’em here. Giving your baby (or yourself) a gender neutral name is preferred by a lot of us that don’t necessarily believe in forcing gender rules on anyone.

Below I’ve listed some of my favorite badass unisex names, as well as the origin and meaning of the name. Good luck!

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Max – German, English, and Aboriginal origin. This baby name means “greatest“.

Although it used to be considered exclusively a boys name – Mark Zukerburg changed the game when he welcomed his new daughter Max in 2015.

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Monroe – Scottish origin. Meaning “from the mouth of the roe“.

This unisex name was sensationalized by Marilyn Monroe, but works just as well for a male name. It abbreviates well to Mony or Roe (which the nickname is even MORE important than the full name – trust me).

Parker – English origin. Meaning “keeper of the park“.

Parker has some powerful masculine fiction references (**cough Peter Parker), but it’s also a popular name for certain celebrities since the eighties.

Landry – French and English origin. Meaning “ruler“.

Although I had never heard of this name, it’s apparently in the top 1000 baby names (but in the second five hundred – so it’s still not that popular which makes it PERFECT).

Remi – A unisex baby name of French origin. This name means “oarsmen“.

This is actually one of my favorite unisex names – although the meaning is certainly not that exciting. It’s becoming more popular, and according to some sources has been in the top 500 baby names for the last couple of years.

Jordan – This name has a Hebrew origin. Meaning “one who descends” or “to flow down”

Jordan is still used more often as a boy name – although personally I’ve known more girls with the name. You can switch it up by using a different spelling (just don’t go too crazy with it) and spell it Jorden or Jordyn.

River – English origin. Meaning “body of water“

Every time I hear this name I think of the pop song by Bishop Briggs (which you should listen to if you haven’t btw) and it seems like a very strong name to me. If you like nature-esque names this should definitely be on your list to consider.

Gabrielle (or Gabriel)- French origin. Meaning “God is my strength“

This Italian version of this name for females is more popular right now (Gabriella), but that doesn’t sound as much like a unisex name. Some spellings appear more feminine and masculine. My advice? Do what you want with it.

Indigo – This baby name is of Greek origin. The meaning is “Indian dye“

Personally I think this is one of my favorites of the “color” names. To me, it seems better suited as an “artsy” kind of name – and it’s typically given to girls but plenty of people still use it for a boy name.

Harper – A name that is probably of Scottish origin. Meaning “a person who plays the harp“

Harper originally started out as a surname. Then it was used as primarily a boys name, then a girls name. Interestingly, it was rarely heard before the 21st century.

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Harlow – English origin. Meaning “army“

This lovely unisex name was popular in the early 1900’s, but basically fell off of the charts in the late 1970s. It it regaining popularity now, although not quite at the levels it was at the first time it became popular.

Bentley – This unisex name has an English origin, and means “meadow with coarse grass”

This cute name actually came from a reader suggestion who has a daughter named Bentley. I thought it was adorable so I added it to the list. 🙂

Kyler – A baby name with an Irish origin. Meaning “A place-name that refers to the narrows; a protector of people and good.”

Pretty much the only mildly famous person I was able to find named Kyler was a random football player, so luckily you won’t have to worry about your baby’s name being associated with some random weirdo who happens to be famous and share their name.

Frankie – English and Latin origin. This baby name is a short form of Francis, which is an English form of the name Francesco (Italian), from the Latin name Franciscus, which means “French”.

This was another name that was popular in the early 1900’s but that has since waned. It’s more commonly used as a nickname for a more proper name such as Frances or Francine.

Hayden – This name is of English origin. Meaning “hay valley“

Since 2000 this name has become more popular for boys, and has stayed within the top 300 boy names. For girls, it is a little less popular, but still hovers within the top 500 names .

Jamie – Hebrew origin. This name is a form of James, which means “supplanted, seizing by the heel”

Jamie is in the top 1000 names for both boys and girls (and has been for at least 20 years). It certainly seems to be more popular with girls, but it’s definitely used frequently for either.

Alex – A baby name of Greek origin. Meaning “defender, protector of man“

I had a friend in middle school named Alex. She would change the spelling of her name on a monthly basis..although sometimes it was unrecognizable. My point is – you have a lotta options here. Just don’t go too crazy with it.

Charlie – German origin. Meaning “free man” or “beautiful” (depending on the source – I like the second one better).

Charlie is actually the most popular unisex name..and it’s given pretty equally to both males and females. This name makes me think of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory..which Charlie was a pretty cool character so this definitely counts as a badass unisex name.

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Finley – This baby name is of Scottish origin. Meaning “white, fair, warrior, hero“

Finley is more popular in the United States as a girl name, but in the UK it’s more popular as a boy’s name. It started as a surname, and is cool enough that Shakespeare gave it to MacBeth’s father.

Emery – A gender neutral baby name of German origin. Meaning “brave, powerful“

This name is more frequently used as a girl’s name (in the top 100 in 2018), and it’s still in the top 1000 boy names. It was most popular in the late 1800’s, and has dwindled down since then (although it IS making a comeback).

Morgan – Welsh origin. This name possibly means “sea” or “circle“.

This is a great unisex name – it’s simple, easy to spell, and can be very masculine or feminine in the right circumstances. Interestingly, a common complaint among women named Morgan is that their name gets mispronounced to “Megan”.

Dakota – This name is borrowed from the name given to the tribes of northern Plains Indians, also known as Lakota and Sioux. Meaning “friend“, “friendly”, “allies”.

Dakota was originally a Native American name given to females. The name gained popularity for males and was the 56th most popular name in 1995. Now, it is a name given to females more often, with it being in the top 300 names for girls.

Bobbi – English and Scottish origin. Meaning “modern“.

I had an old boss named Bobbi – and I loved it (it fit her perfectly). This badass unisex name used to be used to shorten Robert or Roberta, but it is frequently used as a given name by itself now.

Taylor – French and English origin. Meaning “to cut“.

Ever since the rise of Taylor Swift (kind of kidding) Taylor has gained popularity as a girl name. Regardless – it has a nice nickname that goes along with it (Tay) so definitely give it some consideration. It’s used 75 percent of the time as a girl name, with 25 percent of Taylor’s being male.

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Shay – A name with Irish origin. Meaning “hawk like” or “stately“.

Shay was originally used for males, with it being a shortened form of the name Seamus or Shane. For girls, it’s often used as a nickname for the name Shaylee. If you go with the spelling Shai, this is actually the name of the Egyptian god of fate (fitting for a baby, isn’t it?)

Rory – Goidelic origin. Meaning “red haired king“.

Rory is a name well-loved by many fiction lovers. Whether you’ve heard this name used as a female name on Gilmore Girls, or as the trusty sidekick to the Dr in Dr. Who (which you need to see if you haven’t), the name holds a loving place in many of our hearts.

Chandler – This baby name is of English origin. Meaning “a maker and seller of candles“

Googling this name brings up the familiar character Chandler Bing first. It’s in the top 1000 names for both girls and boys, although it’s a little more commonly used as a male name.

Channing – Irish and English origin. Meaning “people of Cana” or “wolf cub“

Channing was made popular by our very own Channing Tatum, but don’t let that stop you from using this as a girl’s name too. In fact, plenty of new moms list this name as one of their favorite badass unisex names for BOTH genders.

Kendall – A gender neutral name of English origin. Meaning “royal valley“.

Unfortunately (at least I think so) there is an association of this name with Kendall Jenner. If you aren’t a fan, that’s okay. It’s been in the top 500 names so there’s plenty of other associations to be made with the name.

Keaton – English origin. Meaning “place of hawks“

Keaton is more often used as a male name, but it’s still used for females. It gained popularity in the 1980’s and has held fairly steady. It’s in the top 1000 names for males.

Elliot – Old English origin. Meaning “God on high; my God is Jehovah“

This unisex name is used more frequently in males, and is actually in the top 200 names for males right now. That gives it the perfect amount of being “hip”, while still being pretty rare. Your little one won’t meet very many other Elliot’s.

Tyler – French and English origin. Meaning “tile or brick maker/layer“

Tyler started to become popular in the early 1990’s, and reached a peak in 1996. Since then, it still remains on the top 1000 name list, but it’s much less popular now. It’s used less commonly with girls, and reached a peak in the late 1990’s.

Merryn – A baby name with a Irish origin. The meaning of this name is unknown.

Merryn is much less common of a name, but is used for girls more frequently than boys. Personally I think it has a nice ring to it and definitely will consider it if we have another baby.

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Lane – A surname of English, French, and Irish origins. Meaning “spear” or “descendant of the warrior”

A girl’s name I’ve always loved is Laney – and Lane would be the nickname we’d probably use. It’s more commonly used as a male name, but it’s becoming more popular with females.

Ryan – This name is of Irish origin. Meaning “little king“

Ryan is used in the top 50 names for boys, and in the top 400 for girl names. It was most popular in 1988, but it’s remained on the radar of top 1000 baby names for the last 30 or 40 years.

Dylan – This baby name has a Welsh origin. Meaning “son of the sea” or “son of the wave“

Dylan was originally used as a male’s name, but it is becoming more common in females, with it used most in 2003. Now the popularity of this unisex name has dropped off, but it’s still in the top 600 names for girls.

Avery – A surname of English origin. Meaning “elf ruler“

Avery was originally considered a boy name but has become more popular for families to name their girls. This is a medieval name that shows us up in children’s stories, like Charlotte’s Web.

Andy – From the Greek name “Andreas”, which means “man like” or “brave“

Although the name Andy brings back magical memories of toys that come to life, it also makes a very pretty girl name.

Tony – English origin. Meaning “praise worthy, flourishing“

The name Tony rings of “Tony Stark” to me..and although this was definitely the most messed up Avenger – he was still my favorite. IRL, all the Tony’s I’ve known have been female. It works either way.

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Eren – A baby name of Turkish origin. Meaning “saint“

Eren is an old and classic name that’s been modified and reassembled for years. In this old turkish form, the name is almost a blank slate for those who don’t know one. Give your baby a chance to be unique without appearing obscure for the sake of originality.

Rowan – Gaelic origin. Meaning “little red head“

Rowan and similar names have cropped up all over fantasy fiction lately. The name seems nautical to me, tapping into the “rowing” factor. It takes strength and determination to row for any period of time, and this makes Rowan a very strong name in my eyes.

Presley – An English surname. Meaning “priest clearing“

You don’t have to like Elvis to enjoy this name. If you do, that’s definitely a bonus. As a boy, I see a strong, straight-laced man. As a woman, I see refinement and strength of will.

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Justice – Latin origin. Meaning “fairness, rightfulness“.

This name makes me think of Justice League…or the justice system. Pretty badass if you ask me.

Billie – This baby name is of English origin. Meaning “resolute protection“

Billie’s long been used as an abbreviation for William. Recently, particularly in England, the name has sprung up as a feminine name and has found solid roots in our culture.

Harley – English origin. Meaning “hare’s meadow“

Harley’s taken on a life of it’s own since the advent of Harley Quinn. Beyond that, there is an easy reference to the free spirit planted on the back of a motorcycle, charging into the sunset.

Jayden – Although the origin and meaning of this gender neutral baby name isn’t totally known – it’s thought to be of Hebrew origin, and is derived from the Biblical name “Jonathan, which means “thankful“.

Will Smith named his son Jaden, but adding that “y” makes it look a little more feminine. Either way, if you don’t like the nickname “Jay” you should consider reconsidering this unisex name.

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Oakley – Anglo-Saxon origin. Meaning “clearing” or “wood“

I’m probably not the only one who thinks straight back into the American past with Annie Oakley and the wild west. If that’s not you, there’s also the reference to flora with oak, which is an incredibly strong and versatile wood.

Casey – This name is of Irish origin. Meaning “vigilant, watchful” 

Casey is a beautiful and powerful name that lends itself incredibly well to either gender. You have several spelling options, too.

Cory – Irish origin. Meaning “from the hollow“

Cory is an interesting name, as it’s historically only leaned more toward the masculine. Imagery is of a clean ocean and a living world beneath.

Wren – A name of English origin. Meaning is in relation to the species of bird.

The name Wren draws very dark imagery, without that really making much sense. It feels akin to Raven (which is also a great name, although a bit hard). Truthfully, a wren is an amazing bird and needs no comparison.

Quinn – A baby name with Irish origin. The name is derived from “conn” meaning “wisdom, reason, intelligence“.

Quinn was one of the first unisex Irish names, and it’s used most often in girls now. Personally, all of the Quinn’s I have known identified as male, so definitely don’t let the fact that it’s used most often with girls deter you.

Ash – English origin. Meaning “ash tree“

Ash can have so much context, depending on your background. There are video game characters, a type of tree that is hardy and beautiful, and let’s definitely not forget the obvious: Evil Dead. Need I say more.

Jessie – Hebrew origin. This baby name has the meaning of “gift“

Jessie can easily be used as a shortening of many names, both masculine and feminine. It is a laid back name, with a very casual round of images that follow.

Arden – An English unisex name. The meaning of the name is “valley of the eagle”.

This name bears a striking resemblance to Ardent..which is a rather interesting word to look at (it means enthusiastic or passionate btw). Usually used as a female name.

Logan – This name is of Scottish origin. Meaning “little hollow“

There are some awesome references that come with the name Logan. From mindblowing science fiction from the seventies to the widespread lore of Wolverine, Logan can evoke a lot of emotion whether g

A TIP FOR PICKING THE PERFECT BADASS UNISEX NAME

When picking a name – think about the spelling you want to use. As I mentioned in my baby naming tips video above, don’t pick something that is ridiculously hard to spell.

On that same note, be aware that some spellings are more commonly used with male or female people. Now, it doesn’t really matter what spelling you use, but it’s still worth keeping in mind just in case you do mind.

A QUICK NOTE…

I wanted to mention that if you don’t like the meaning of your child’s chosen name, Google it. There are often multiple claimed origins and meanings of names, so it’s pretty easy to switch it out for something you DO like.

Please don’t yell at me if you don’t agree with the origin or meaning listed. 😉 I did MY research, but again – there are multiple meanings and origins listed for most names.

WRAPPING UP BADASS UNISEX NAMES

I want to wish you the best of luck with choosing a name. Feel free to drop the name you choose in the comment section below, or let me know if I missed one of your favorites. I’m happy to add more to the list. 🙂

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