gender neutral names I personally like
- Daniell
Description:
Daniell is a masculine name primarily serving as a variant spelling of Daniel, which comes from Hebrew meaning 'God is my judge.' This alternative spelling adds distinction to the traditional biblical name while maintaining its strong historical and religious connections. The name Daniel appears in the Old Testament as a prophet known for wisdom and faith. The Daniell variant likely emerged as a surname or to indicate 'son of Daniel' before being adopted as a given name. While less common than the standard spelling, this variation offers a subtle uniqueness while preserving the familiar sound and meaning. It carries the same dignified qualities as Daniel with a slightly more uncommon presentation.
- Daniell
Description:
Daniell is a feminine name that functions as a variant spelling of Danielle, the female form of Daniel, which comes from Hebrew meaning 'God is my judge.' This alternative spelling gives the traditional name a distinctive appearance while maintaining its familiar pronunciation. Daniell emerged as parents sought ways to personalize common names, offering a subtle variation that stands out on paper. The name carries the biblical heritage and strength of Daniel while adapting it for feminine use. Though less common than Danielle, Daniell maintains the same warm, approachable quality while adding a touch of uniqueness. The name peaked in popularity during the 1980s-90s but remains in use.
- Dany
Description:
Dany is a versatile name used for boys, particularly as a diminutive form of Daniel, meaning 'God is my judge' in Hebrew. This simplified spelling variation offers a more modern, casual alternative to Danny. The name has gained international appeal, being recognized across multiple cultures and languages including French, Czech, and Spanish-speaking regions. As a standalone name, Dany has a friendly, approachable quality with its short two syllables and easy pronunciation. The name experienced modest popularity in the late 20th century, and received additional recognition from characters in pop culture. Parents may choose Dany for its simplicity, international portability, and casual contemporary feel.
- Dany
Origin:
French, diminutive of DaniÈLleDescription:
Sometimes used on its own. See DANI.
- Darron
Description:
Darron is a masculine name that likely developed as a variation of Darren or Darin, which themselves may have originated from the Irish surname Ó Dairin. The name has also been associated with the Greek name Doros, meaning 'gift.' Darron gained modest popularity in the United States during the 1960s and 1970s, though it has always remained less common than its variant Darren. The name has a strong, modern sound while maintaining a traditional feel. The double 'r' gives it a distinctive look in writing, while phonetically it carries a certain strength. Today, Darron offers parents a somewhat uncommon choice that still sounds familiar and accessible within English-speaking countries.
- Darron
Description:
Darron as a feminine name is quite unusual, as it's traditionally used as a masculine name. It typically represents a variation of Darren or Daren, which has Irish and Gaelic origins meaning 'great' or 'little oak.' This spelling with double 'r' and 'on' ending creates a distinctive version of the more common Darren. While predominantly given to boys, some parents may choose it for girls seeking a strong, gender-neutral option. The trend of traditionally male names being adopted for females could explain its occasional feminine usage. With its solid consonant sounds and straightforward pronunciation, Darron conveys strength regardless of gender, though it remains quite rare as a feminine choice.
- Daya
Origin:
HindiMeaning:
"compassionate"Description:
There is some controversy over the origin and meaning of this name, though most reputable sources define it as a Hindi name meaning kindness or compassion. Also spelled, Daia, other sources say it may mean "joy" or be a Hebrew name with the meaning "bird of prey". It has recently been made familiar through the character of Daya Diaz on Orange is the New Black .
- December
Origin:
English word nameMeaning:
"tenth month"Description:
Although this month name was used only for girls in a recent year, there's no reason it can't work for both genders. For a holiday baby, more original than Noel and more universal than Christmas.
- December
Origin:
English word nameMeaning:
"tenth month"Description:
Cooler than April, May, or June, but also a tad icy. December gets its name from the number ten as the old Roman calendar only had ten months, and as now, December was the last.
- Dee
Origin:
Nickname for any girl name that starts with DDescription:
Dee is a slight midcentury nickname that might be short for Deanna or Denise, but might be too slight for today's strong, independent female.
- Derin
Origin:
Variation of Darren, IrishMeaning:
"little great one"Description:
A rare, gender-neutral take on Darren. As a feminine name, Derin has Turkish roots.
- Derin
Origin:
TurkishMeaning:
"deep, profound"Description:
A top name in Turkey, where it ranks in the Top 30 for baby girls.
- Devan
Description:
Devan is a masculine name with multiple cultural origins, making it an interesting cross-cultural choice. In Sanskrit, it derives from "deva" meaning "divine" or "god," while in Irish it's a variant of Devon, originally a place name referring to the county in England. The name has gained moderate popularity in the United States since the 1980s as parents sought modern-sounding alternatives to traditional names. Devan has a contemporary feel while maintaining a connection to ancient traditions. It's sometimes used for girls as well, though less commonly. The name conveys strength and uniqueness without being too unconventional, balancing modern appeal with subtle cultural depth.
- Devan
Description:
Devan as a feminine name represents an interesting crossover from traditionally male usage. While more common as a boy's name with roots in Irish and Sanskrit origins, Devan has gained traction as a girl's name in recent decades. In Irish contexts, it derives from 'Devin' meaning 'poet' or as an anglicized form of 'Damháin,' while in Sanskrit it relates to 'divine' or 'heavenly.' As a feminine name, Devan offers a modern, slightly androgynous quality that appeals to parents seeking gender-neutral options. Its popularity for girls saw modest growth in the 1990s and early 2000s but remains relatively uncommon, giving it distinction without being completely unfamiliar. The name balances strength and softness in its sound and associations.
- Deven
Description:
Deven is a masculine name with multiple cultural origins. In Sanskrit, it means "divine" or "godlike," while some consider it an Irish variant of Kevin, meaning "handsome beloved." Others view it as a modern spelling variation of Devon, which refers to the English county. Deven gained moderate popularity in the United States during the 1980s and 1990s, offering parents a name with cross-cultural appeal and contemporary sound. The name provides a balance of strength and accessibility without being overly common. Its versatility allows it to work well across different cultural backgrounds, making it appealing to parents seeking a distinctive yet familiar-sounding name for their son. Deven continues to be used, though less frequently than during its peak.
- Deven
Description:
Deven as a feminine name represents an interesting gender crossover, as it's more commonly recognized as a masculine name in most cultures. With Sanskrit origins, Deven derives from 'deva' meaning 'divine' or 'god-like.' It has also developed as an alternative spelling of Devon, connecting it to the beautiful English county. For girls, Deven offers a contemporary, slightly androgynous option with a melodic sound. The name gained modest popularity for girls in America during the 1980s and 1990s, reflecting the trend toward traditionally male names for females. Its dual cultural origins provide versatility, while its uncommon usage for girls makes it distinctive without being difficult to pronounce or understand.
- Devin
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"poet"Description:
Devilishly handsome, Devin arrived as Kevin was moving out. Not to be confused (though it often is) with the English place-name Devon. While both Devin and Devon are flagging somewhat for boys, the names have dropped out of the Top 1000 for girls, making it more a masculine and less a unisex name these days.
- Devin
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"poet"Description:
Used far more for boys with this spelling, but still has a nice impish Irish feel for a girl.
- Devon
Origin:
English place-nameDescription:
Devon, spelled like the lovely seaside county in Britain that inspired the name, has crashed since its heyday around the Top 100 in the 1990s. Despite its use as a female name, for example for Devon on the TV show The 4400, Devon continues to be far more popular for boys than for girls.
- Devon
Origin:
English place-nameDescription:
This spelling of Devon, as opposed to Devin or Devan, makes it a pretty and popular British place-name, evoking the beautiful county of farmlands and dramatic seascapes and moors in southwest England. A stylish ambi-gender name particularly well used in the early nineties, Devon remains an attractive option--though be aware that at this point in time, it is used more frequently for boys.