These Gender Neutral Names Are Rare Gems Only Used a Few Times Last Year
Every year, the U.S. Social Security Administration releases a list of the most popular baby names in the nation, compiled from the previous year’s data. The majority of people only focus on the top ten most popular names, but the actual list in its entirety is extensive — we’re talking thousands of names (after all, there are over 3.5 million babies born in the United States annually!). If a name was given to at least five babies in any given year, that name makes the list.
Since we at SheKnows are certifiable name nerds, we love diving in to find the hidden gems that were only given to a handful of babies. We’ve already covered the rare boy names and rare girl names from the past year — but if you’re looking for a gender neutral name that will fit the bill no matter what kind of baby you’re having, this is the list for you. These unique unisex names will be a standout without being weird; your kid will likely be the only one with that name in their class, but won’t be teased for having a name that’s totally “out there” (like … I don’t know … Techno Mechanicus Musk, maybe?).
Whether you use the SSA’s baby name popularity list as a guide to find the popular names everybody is loving or the more unique names that are flying under the radar, it’s a valuable resource. But it’s huge and can be overwhelming — which is why we’ve done the digging, so you don’t have to.
Find all the inspiration you need in the SheKnows baby name database!
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Addis
While the name Addis is English for “son of Adam,” it was only given to five boys last year. However, 182 girls were given that name! Like its longer version, Addison, it’s a name that truly works for any gender.
Alvie
While the name Alvie means “noble friend; friend of the elves,” it’s actually not a well-known name. It’s such a fun and lively name, but it was only given to nine boys and five girls last year.
Arai
Did you know that only five girls (zero boys!) were named Arai in 2023?! It’s actually a Japanese surname meaning “new residence,” and isn’t there something so cool about that for a first name?
Arys
While only five boys and five girls were named Arys, it’s become a beloved pick in small circles. Not only is Arys the name of a George R. R. Martin’s Game of Thrones character, but it’s also an alternate spelling to Eris.
Ayers
Only five boys were named Ayers in 2023, which is so shocking because it’s such a cool, unique name. It’s old English for “heir,” which works for rich boy names, too!
Bayou
The name Bayou is actually of Choctaw, Native American origin, which means “small stream.” In 2023, five boys (and no girls) were given this unique and distinctive nature name.
Burke
Burke is an ancient name that is so good for both sexes, from the word burg, meaning “fortress.” In 2023, 52 boys were named Burke, and so were five girls.
Carden
Carden is a unique, earthy name that actually means “wool carder” in English. In 2023, quite a few families added an ultra-cool Carden into their families, with 17 boys and just five girls.
Chancey
Wanna add some “fortune” to your newborn? Well, look no further than the name Chancey, which literally means “fortune, gamble.” Oddly enough, only five girls were named this, but it’ll work for either sex!
Elwyn
Elwyn gives off all of those cool, elvish vibes, and it’s slowly becoming a fav. It’s Welsh for “noble friend, elf friend,” and 22 boys (and five girls!) were named Elwyn in 2023.
Endry
If you love the name Henry, but wanna shake things up, you can’t go wrong with Endry; in fact, the name Henry is where Endry comes from. Only five boys, and zero girls, were named this in 2023, but it’s such a stunning name for everyone!
Fable
For the magical newborns, the name Fable is perfect. The name means “a legendary story of supernatural happenings,” and if that’s not a good omen, we don’t know what is. Plus, it’s still not very known since only five boys and 27 girls were named Fable in 2023.
Greeley
Greeley is not only an upbeat, lively, unisex name, but it’s still super unique. In fact, only five girls — and no boys — were named Greeley last year! It’s a surname that means “scarred,” so if you’re concerned about names with a negative meaning, there are plenty of other choices!
Haddon
Another popular boy name that has turned unisex is Haddon. It’s English for “heathery hill,” and that’s just so serene. While 42 boys were named Haddon, only five girls were named this in 2023. Can you believe it?!
Iver
Both folksy and vibey, the name Iver just oozes coolness. Plus, the meaning is also quite cosmic because it combines Norse elements to mean “yew wood” and “archer.” While 79 boys were named Iver last year, only five girls were given the name!
Jora
Want a majestic name with an even cooler meaning? Look no further than Jora. This name means “autumn rain” and it’s such a unique unisex pick. In fact, less than 15 kids total were named Jora in 2023: only five boys and nine girls.
Kamai
Kamai is actually Japanese for “kettle well,” so immediately, it gives a warm, cozy vibe. Only 13 boys and five girls were named Kamai in 2023.
Keelan
Keelan is an Irish name meaning “slender and fair,” and it’s such a beautiful pick for both sexes. In fact, it was more popular than other picks, with 58 boys named Keelan. However, only five girls were given the name!
Massey
Massey is a chic variation of the name Macy, which means “hill.” It gives the name a unisex spin, which was kept in mind when five girls were named this in 2023.
Portland
Like Paris Hilton, we adore city names; and Portland is such a trendsetting one. Surprisingly, though, it’s still quite rare to find someone named this, with only six boys and five girls being named Portland in 2023.
Renny
Renny means “little prosperous one,” and honestly, that’s kinda adorable. Surprisingly, only eight boys and five girls were named Renny last year.
Sable
Sable is such a cozy, warm name that instantly makes you think of chilled-out days at home. It was mainly known as a girl’s name, with 25 girls being named Sable last year, but in the same year, five boys were also given this sweet name.
Searcy
Searcy maybe an ancient name — it’s a habitational surname given to people from a region in France called Sercy or Cersay — but it’s such a cool one we hope to see more of, especially since only five girls were given that name in 2023.
Toryn
Yes, “chief!” That’s right, the unique name of Toryn means “chief.” How powerful! It’s also becoming a beloved unisex name because in 2023, 15 boys were given the name, and so were five girls.
Werner
Werner is a German name meaning “protecting army,” and it’s a fresh, lively name that was shockingly only given to five boys, and no girls, in 2023.
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