Top 200+ Gender-Neutral Names for Trans People

A gender-neutral name offers freedom from traditional gender expectations, providing a sense of authenticity and individuality.

This list includes a wide range of names to suit different tastes and styles, whether you’re drawn to modern favorites, nature-inspired choices, or timeless classics.

Nature-Inspired Gender-Neutral Names

River
Wren
Cedar
Ash
Sage
Phoenix
Ocean
Forest
Robin
Onyx
Flint
Koda
Rowan (already listed, skipping)
Basil
Sunny
Birch
Everest
Arbor
Moss
Brook

Classic Gender-Neutral Names

Sidney
Corey
Kelly
Terry
Kerry
Jody
Tracy
Dana
Kim
Noel
Leslie
Pat
Lynn
Shelby
Marion
Jessie
Hollis
Jean
Gale
Jan

Unique and Modern Gender-Neutral Names

Zephyr
Ridley
Tatum
Lux
Everest
Zev
Royal
Indigo
Sutton
Basil
Scout
Artemis
Marlowe
Shiloh
Jett
Sailor
Fallon
Easton
Lennox
Aspen
Zion
Xenith

Names with Strong and Empowering Meanings

Gideon
Amari
Atlas
Dante
Elijah
Xavier
Micah
Zane
Pax
Tobin
Sebastian
Isaac
Lucian
Victor
Caelan
Jayden
Maxwell
Leon
Eero
Nolan
Thatcher
Valor

Gender-Neutral Names Inspired by Historical Figures

Alan
Anderson
Billie
Bayard
Elliot
Jesse
Frankie
Monroe
Hollis
Blair
Carey
Tracy
Adrian
Emory
Bailey
Kendall
Lennon
Taylor
Quinn
Noel
Shiloh
Robin
Marley
Drew
Sage

Short and Simple Gender-Neutral Names

Ari
Gray
Kit
Lux
Jett
Lou
Oak
Rue
Zen
Ray
Ty
Max
Cal
Sam
Blu
Cam
Lee
Bo
Fin
Sol

Place-Inspired Gender-Neutral Names

Dakota
Brooklyn
Paris
Phoenix (already listed, skipping)
London
Sydney
Aspen (already listed, skipping)
Dallas
Denver
Milan
Holland
Salem
Raleigh
Cairo
Havana
Ireland
Israel
Kenya
Montana
Rio
Alaska
Nevada

Vintage and Retro Gender-Neutral Names

Charlie
Glenn
Cary
Sandy
Lou
Darcy
Jodie
Chris
Arden
Merrill
Gale
Noel
Hollis
Jean
Jules
Laurie
Robin
Leslie
Lane
Vic

Mythology-Inspired Gender-Neutral Names

Artemis
Echo
Zephyr
Frey
Loki
Astra
Pax
Juno
Nyx
Phoenix (already listed, skipping)
Sol
Orion
Eos
Calypso
Ceres
Thalassa
Selene
Dione
Astraea
Helios

Culturally Diverse Gender-Neutral Names

Akira (Japanese)
Niko (Greek)
Tova (Hebrew)
Sami (Arabic)
Kiran (Indian)
Ayla (Turkish)
Mika (Japanese/Scandinavian)
Elia (Italian/Spanish)
Dani (Spanish)
Noa (Hebrew)
Asa (Japanese/Hebrew)
Teva (Hebrew)
Ines (Spanish/Portuguese)
Bela (Hungarian)
Iman (Arabic)
Taji (Swahili)
Loren (Spanish/Italian)
Yuki (Japanese)
Omari (Swahili)
Ren (Chinese/Japanese)

The Rise of Gender-Neutral Names in Modern Society

The growth of gender-neutral names is part of a broader cultural shift toward individual freedom and authenticity. These names are not just labels but a reflection of society’s evolving values.

Moving Beyond the Binary

Traditional naming practices tied names directly to gender roles, limiting self-expression. Today, there is a move toward breaking free from those constraints. Names like Rowan, Riley, and Skylar offer individuals the ability to define their identity on their own terms.

A Rejection of Conformity: These names represent a refusal to conform to outdated norms.
Empowerment Through Choice: Parents are choosing names that let their children grow into their identity, rather than being boxed in by gender expectations.

Changing Societal Perceptions

The rise of these names mirrors a broader acceptance of diversity. People are no longer confined by binary ideas of male and female, and that freedom is reflected in how they name their children or themselves. Names now serve as a statement of values rather than tradition.

Why Gender-Neutral Names Are Gaining Popularity

The increasing adoption of gender-neutral names isn’t just about aesthetics; it is deeply tied to the desire for inclusivity and equality. These names resonate with people who want to step away from societal boxes.

Inclusivity at Its Core

Gender-neutral names are a way to challenge stereotypes and promote acceptance. By choosing names that work for anyone, parents and individuals send a message of equality.

Reducing Bias: A name free of gender assumptions prevents preconceptions about someone’s character or abilities.
Creating Space for Identity: A name offers room to explore personal identity without the limitations of societal labels.

A Reflection of Social Change

As the conversation around gender becomes more open, names follow. The rise in gender-neutral names is part of a larger cultural wave that values individuality over conformity.

The Influence of Social Movements: Advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights and gender equality has played a significant role in this shift.
Breaking Ties With Tradition: Younger generations are redefining what matters when naming children, focusing on personal values over family customs.

How Media and Pop Culture Influence Naming Trends

The media and pop culture play a pivotal role in shaping how names are perceived. Celebrities, fictional characters, and influencers introduce new ideas, making names more appealing.

Celebrities as Trendsetters

When high-profile individuals choose names, they spark curiosity and normalize the idea.

Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds: Choosing the name James for their daughter challenged conventions.
Elliot Page: The actor’s public transition and choice of a neutral name brought attention to the importance of authentic self-representation.

Fictional Characters Shaping Perceptions

Books, TV shows, and movies featuring characters with proper names help challenge stereotypes. For many, these characters offer a fresh perspective on naming practices.

Examples in Media: Names like Quinn and Jordan gained popularity through their association with memorable characters.
Representation Matters: Seeing characters with neutral names normalizes their use, creating a ripple effect in real life.

The Social Media Effect

Social media platforms amplify naming trends like never before. Hashtags, influencers, and viral posts spread ideas about names across the globe.

Inspiration From Influencers: Online creators often set trends by embracing gender-neutral names for themselves or their children.
Global Conversations: Platforms like TikTok and Instagram bring attention to names that transcend borders and stereotypes.

FAQs

What are the legal steps for changing to a gender-neutral name?

The process of changing a name legally varies by country and region. Typically, it involves filing a name change application, paying a fee, and sometimes publishing the name change in a local newspaper. You may also need to update official documents like your ID, passport, and bank accounts after the change is approved.

Can a gender-neutral name affect job opportunities?

Many studies suggest that names can influence first impressions. Gender-neutral names may reduce bias in hiring by avoiding assumptions about gender. However, societal perceptions vary, and the impact largely depends on the workplace culture and industry.

Are there any gender-neutral naming traditions in non-Western cultures?

Yes, many cultures have longstanding traditions of gender-neutral names. For example, in India, names like “Kiran” and “Ashwin” are widely used across genders. In Japan, names such as “Ren” and “Akira” are common. These traditions highlight how naming conventions can vary globally.

How can I explain my choice of a gender-neutral name to family or friends?

You can share that your name reflects your personal identity and values. Emphasize that the choice is meaningful to you, and explain the significance of breaking away from traditional gender norms. Offering context about the name’s meaning or origin can help others understand your perspective.

Are gender-neutral names becoming the norm for future generations?

While it’s unlikely that gender-neutral names will entirely replace traditional ones, their popularity is growing steadily. Younger generations are more open to embracing diversity in all forms, including naming practices, which suggests that neutral names may become more common over time.

The Bottom Line

Gender-neutral names offer people a way to define themselves without boundaries or expectations. They reflect a growing desire to focus on individuality rather than outdated norms. Choosing such a name is a meaningful act of self-expression, whether for a child or yourself.

It’s a step toward embracing a future where identity is shaped by personal truth, not by limitations.