gender neutral names I personally like

  1. Laika
    • Origin:

      Russian
    • Meaning:

      "little barking one"
    • Description:

      The name of the first dog in space is the quintessential Russian dog name, equivalent to Fido or Rover. Fittingly, it derives from the verb layat', meaning "to bark".
  2. Landon
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "long hill"
    • Description:

      Landon is a popular surname name; it's been dropping slightly in recent years but has surpassed its once more popular rhyming cousin Brandon. For some it may bring back nostalgic memories of Little House on the Prairie 's understanding Pa, played by Michael Landon.
  3. Landon
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "long hill"
    • Description:

      A Top 100 boy name in the US, Landon feels more unisex than other popular boys' names starting to be used for girls.
  4. Lark
    • Origin:

      Bird name
    • Description:

      In one recent year there were 60 baby girls in the US named Lark....and only eight baby boys. But there's no reason this bird name can't also be masculine, especially given that Robin is making a comeback for boys and Sparrow is a notable starbaby boy (he's Nicole Richie and Joel Madden's son).
  5. Lark
    • Origin:

      English bird name
    • Description:

      Lark is getting some new and well-deserved attention as a post-Robin and Raven bird name. Although it was first recorded as a name in the 1830's, it has never appeared on the Social Security list.
  6. Leaf
    • Origin:

      Nature name
    • Description:

      The nature boy version of the Scandinavian Leif, which actually means "heir". In the creative-naming Phoenix family, Leaf is the former name of the actor we know as Joaquin.
  7. Leaf
    • Origin:

      Nature name
    • Description:

      Leaf is a hippieish choice that, for girls, still retains an evergreen quality.
  8. Leander
    • Origin:

      Greek
    • Meaning:

      "lion-man"
    • Description:

      Leander was once an almost unknown name, however, with the popularity of Leo and the rise of Leandro, it now feels like a perfectly accessible alternative to Leon or Alexander. In Greek legend, Leander was the powerful figure who swam across the Hellespont every night to visit his beloved Hero, a priestess of Venus.
  9. Leander
    • Origin:

      Greek
    • Meaning:

      "lion man"
    • Description:

      Usually a male name, but given to a small handful of girls throughout the 20th century. The similarity to Leanne gives it extra traction for girl, though we'd recommend Leandra instead.
  10. Leandre
    • Origin:

      French form of Leander, Greek
    • Meaning:

      "lion-man"
    • Description:

      Leandre, the French form of the name of a Greek mythological figure, the doomed lover of Hero, is gaining modern notice in France. Leandre is one of many leonine names, including Leopold, Leo, Leonie, and Leon, that are fashionable now.
  11. Lennox
    • Origin:

      Scottish
    • Meaning:

      "elm grove"
    • Description:

      Lennox is an aristocratic and powerful Scottish surname name made truly special by that final x. The worldwide fame of British boxer--World and Olympic champion--Lennox Claudius Lewis brought the name into the spotlight as a first name, while as a last it's tied to Eurythmics singer Annie L.
  12. Lennox
    • Origin:

      Scottish
    • Meaning:

      "elm grove"
    • Description:

      Lennox is one of the new breed of surname names on the rise as a Scottish name for girls as well as boys. The final x makes the name a bit masculine a la Max and Felix, but female inspirations include Eurythmics' Annie Lennox, Mary Lennox in The Secret Garden, and Lennox Scanlon in sitcom Melissa & Joey.
  13. Lex
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Alexander
    • Meaning:

      "defending men"
    • Description:

      Cool short form of Alexander, fresher than Alex and less trendy than Xander... for now.
  14. Lex
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Alexis and Alexandra
    • Meaning:

      "man's defender"
    • Description:

      Lex is still used mostly for boys, but like Alex, may cross over with the rising popularity of all long forms of the name. Lexi is another, more feminine option.
  15. Linden
    • Origin:

      Variation of Lyndon
    • Meaning:

      "linden tree hill"
    • Description:

      The graceful, natural image of the verdant shade tree transcends any connection with President Johnson.
  16. Linden
    • Origin:

      English tree name
    • Meaning:

      "tree of the genus Tilla"
    • Description:

      Though this name of a sturdy tree that can live for centuries was quite popular for boys in the first half of the twentieth century, at this point in time we can see Linden as a fresh-sounding possibility for a little girl named to honor an Aunt Linda. Early pagans and Christians embraced the Linden as a holy tree, thought to aid healing and often planted near churches. The Linden is the mythological symbol of truth, peace, and justice; court cases and marriage ceremonies were often held beneath Linden trees. The Linden tree is associated with the goddess Freya.
  17. Lowry
    • Origin:

      English and Scottish surname
    • Meaning:

      "from Laurentum"
    • Description:

      This artistic surname name derives from a diminutive of Laurence/Lawrence, and was famously borne by the English painter LS Lowry.
  18. Lowry
    • Origin:

      Welsh or English and Scottish surname
    • Meaning:

      "from Laurentum"
    • Description:

      Alternative spelling of the Welsh name Lowri, a form of Laura.
  19. Luka
    • Origin:

      Russian; Serbian; Croatian; Slovene
    • Meaning:

      "man from Lucania"
    • Description:

      Luka is one of the coolest names in recent years, following suit of its cousin Luca which is now a Top 50 name. Luka is on its way up the charts and may crack the Top 100 in the very near future. Luka has a lot going for it — it is following the tails of Lucas and Luke which have been enjoying significant popularity for years. It also boasts the very current "-ah" ending sound that feels fresher than ever for boy names, from Noah to Ezra to Judah. The "k" in the middle gives an extra edge as well. This spelling is the traditional form of Luke in various Eastern European countries.
  20. Luka
    • Description:

      Luka as a feminine name represents a gender-switched variation of the traditionally masculine Luka/Luca, which derives from the Latin 'Lucius,' meaning 'light' or 'illumination.' While Luka remains predominantly masculine in most cultures (particularly popular in Eastern European countries like Croatia and Slovenia), its use for girls has emerged as part of the trend toward gender-neutral naming. The feminine Luka carries a modern, international appeal with its melodic sound and simple spelling. The name's connection to light gives it an uplifting quality, while its cross-cultural presence (appearing in Slavic, Italian, and Japanese naming traditions) adds versatility. Though still uncommon for girls, Luka fits alongside other formerly masculine names like Riley and Avery that have gained acceptance for both genders.