Typically female names for boys

Like Harbor, one of the new generation of word names with appealing meanings, though (female) memoirist Haven Kimmel has tipped it decidedly toward the girls' side.

The charming vintage nature and color name Hazel has become popular for girls, but more than 30 baby boys were named Hazel in the US in a recent year. In fact, it's not a new thing for boys to be called Hazel. It ranked in the US Top 1000 from the late 1800s to the 1930s, peaking in 1891 when it briefly entered the Top 500, and again in 1920 when it was given to nearly 80 boys.

The only version that works for boys anymore is the Latinate Hilario or Ilario. Better to look to Felix for a happy-meaning name.

Jolly Holly has always been among the favorite names for Christmas babies, evoking the symbolic shrub with dark green leaves and bright red berries. And Holly is the flower for the month of December, so it's also among the perfect names for December babies. Holly is scarcely heard on baby boys, but Robin Tunney and Nicky Marmet used it as the middle name for their son Oscar.

Sure it makes a big statement, but if you can call your child Wren, Robin or Falcon, why not also Hummingbird. This pint-sized jewel of a bird is a lovely connotation for the baby that's full of energy and spirit.

Indigo is one of the most appealing and evocative of the new generation of color names. Color names have joined flower and jewel names -- in a big way -- and Indigo, a deep blue-purple dye from plants native to India, is particularly striking for both girls and boys. Although most people don't think of it like this, Indigo might also be considered among the most stylish Greek baby names in use today. Some cultural references: The Indigo Girls are a folk duo, 'Mood Indigo' is a classic Duke Ellington jazz composition, and there is a 1970's New Age theory that Indigo children possess special, sometimes supernatural abilities. Indigo is the name of a character in the Ntozake Shange novel Sassafrass, Cypress & Indigo, and was used for his daughter by Lou Diamond Phillips.

Io is most familiar to English speakers as a female name from Greek mythology, but in Japan it's used for both sexes.

Irie is an upbeat and modern name that originated as a Rastafarian term for "positive and powerful."

Multipurpose pet name serving Isidore, Isaac, Israel, and -- increasingly -- Isabel.

When Jade first took off as a given name back in the 1970's, it was in fact considered unisex. It ranked in the US Top 1000 first for boys, then for girls, 7 years later. By the 80's however, Jade was more familiar as a girls' name and by the 2000's, it was gone from the charts for boys.

One of the most enduring French names, this form of John has been borne by philosophers (Rousseau and Sartre), artists (Millet, Arp) and fashion designers (Gaultier) alike. Often used in a double name with the likes of Pierre, Paul, and Luc, it is a classic in its native country,

There are now more boys than girls given the name Joan each year in the US, although the two are distinct names. The masculine version, pronounced with the emphasis on the second syllable, is among the top names in Spain.

Jodie as a masculine name is a variant of Joseph, with Hebrew origins meaning 'God will increase' or 'God will add'. While historically a diminutive of Joseph, Jodie has become more commonly associated as a feminine name in recent decades. As a male name, Jodie remains relatively uncommon, offering a soft yet distinctive choice for boys. The name gained some recognition through male namesakes like American actor Jodie Foster (born Alicia Christian Foster), though her prominence actually contributed to the name shifting more toward feminine usage. For parents seeking an uncommon masculine name with a gentle sound and biblical roots, Jodie presents a unique option with historical precedent.

Julie as a masculine name represents an interesting cross-cultural usage, as it is predominantly recognized as a feminine name in English-speaking countries. As a masculine name, it may have roots in cultures where similar-sounding names like Jules (French) or Julio (Spanish) are used for men. Julie derives from the Latin 'Julius,' meaning 'youthful' or 'downy-bearded,' and has connections to the illustrious Roman Julian family. While extremely uncommon as a masculine name in English-speaking countries, this usage might reflect multicultural naming practices or family traditions. The name has a gentle, approachable quality regardless of gender. Its usage for boys might appeal to parents seeking gender-neutral options or those honoring specific cultural or family traditions.

June is a masculine name derived from the month of June, which was itself named for the Roman goddess Juno, the protector of women and marriage. While predominantly used for girls since the early 20th century, June has historical usage as a male name, particularly as a nickname for Junior. As a masculine name, June has never been common in the United States but represents the tradition of month names used for boys (like August and March). The name carries associations with early summer, warmth, and new beginnings. For men, June offers a gentle, nature-connected alternative to more conventional masculine names. Its simplicity, single syllable, and familiar quality make it accessible despite being unconventional for males in contemporary usage.

Juniper is a nature name that we really like. While it's trendiest for girls -- about 2500 baby girls were named Juniper in 2022 versus 34 baby boys -- the most notable Juniper in history was the saint Brother Juniper, a follower of Saint Francis renowned for his generosity. Blessed Junipero Serra, who founded the first of the California Missions, took his name from the earlier Saint Juniper.

Juno is a boy's name of Latin origin. Traditionally known as the Roman goddess of marriage and childbirth, Juno has crossed gender boundaries to become a distinctive masculine choice. The name carries associations with protection, vitality, and leadership. While relatively uncommon for boys, it has a strong, concise sound with its two syllables ending in a resonant 'o' that feels both classical and contemporary. Juno has gained some visibility through cultural references, including the popular film 'Juno,' though that featured a female protagonist. As parents seek unique names with historical roots, Juno offers boys a name with gravitas and a touch of mythology.

Jupiter's partner Juno has entered the mainstream, so it's possible that her divine mate could follow. But not necessarily for boys — Jupiter is currently mostly female in the US, thanks to its similarity to Juniper. Stars including Ed Sheeran and Ashley Tisdale recently welcomed daughters named Jupiter, which could shift the balance even more towards the girls.

A strong and energetic Turkish name with a positive meaning. Written with a dotted I in Turkish.

Kelley is primarily an Irish surname that evolved into a masculine given name. It derives from the Gaelic 'Ó Ceallaigh' meaning 'descendant of Ceallach,' an ancient personal name potentially meaning 'bright-headed' or 'troublesome.' While traditionally used as a boy's name, Kelley has become increasingly gender-neutral in modern usage, though it remains more common for males. The spelling with the extra 'e' distinguishes it slightly from the more feminine-leaning 'Kelly.' As a first name, Kelley gained modest popularity in the United States during the mid-20th century but has gradually declined since the 1980s. The name carries connotations of Irish heritage and is often associated with strength and resilience.