If you’re searching for the perfect short unisex name, you’ve come to the right place. Short names are ideal for those who prefer a simple or minimalist style, and gender-neutral names have become increasingly popular as parents seek to give their children freedom from gendered expectations. This list of gender-neutral names includes options that are short and sweet, with their meanings and origins.
Whether you’re looking for a two-letter name, a three-letter name, or a four-letter name, you’ll find plenty of options to choose from. There are also one-syllable names, cute short names, and unique options to consider. As someone who has spent countless hours researching gender-neutral names for my own children, I can attest that this list is the result of hundreds of hours of research.
Key Takeaways
- This list includes a variety of short unisex names with their meanings and origins.
- Short names are perfect for those who prefer a simple or minimalist style.
- Gender-neutral names are becoming increasingly popular as parents seek to give their children freedom from gendered expectations.
2-Letter Short Gender Neutral Names
If you’re looking for a short and sweet name that is gender-neutral, then 2-letter names are a great place to start. Here are three 2-letter names that are perfect for your little one.
1. Bo
Bo is a gender-neutral name with Scandinavian roots. It means “to live” and is also a Chinese surname. Bo can be used as a nickname for names like Bodhi or Boaz.
| Gender | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Unisex | To live |
2. Jo
Jo is a versatile name that works well as a nickname for both male and female names. It means “God is gracious” and can be used as a standalone name.
| Gender | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Unisex | God is gracious |
3. Ty
Ty is a unisex name that is more commonly used for boys. It can also be used as a nickname for names like Tyler or Tyra. Ty has an international origin and means “tiler.”
| Gender | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Unisex | Tiler |
These 2-letter names are short and sweet, making them a great choice for parents who want a simple and gender-neutral name for their child.
3-Letter Gender Neutral Names
If you’re looking for a short and sweet name that is gender-neutral, then you might want to consider a 3-letter name. These names are easy to pronounce, memorable, and versatile. Here are some of the most popular 3-letter gender-neutral names that you might want to add to your list.
Ace
Ace is a Latin name that means “one” and “unity.” It was once a nickname but has gained popularity as a given name since the 2000s. The name has a strong and confident sound and could be a great choice for parents who want a name that stands out.
Bay
Bay is a nature name that means “sea inlet.” It is a concise and easy word name that fits in well with other fashionable names like Crew and Navy. This name has a calming and soothing sound and could be a great choice for parents who want a name that evokes a sense of peace and tranquility.
Eli
Although Eli is more commonly seen as a boy’s name, it also works as a girl’s name given it is a natural nickname to popular girl names like Elizabeth and Eliana. It comes from Hebrew meaning “elevated.” Eli is a timeless name that has been around for centuries and could be a great choice for parents who want a name with a rich history.
Ira
Ira is a short gender-neutral name of both Hebrew and Sanskrit origins. In Sanskrit, it means “earth” or “wind God,” and in Hebrew, it means “watchful.” This name has a strong and powerful sound and could be a great choice for parents who want a name that conveys strength and resilience.
Jax
Jax means “God is gracious,” and it rose to prominence as part of the Jackson name trend. While more common for boys, it is also used for girls, often as a nickname for Jacqueline or Jackie. This name has a modern and trendy sound and could be a great choice for parents who want a name that feels fresh and new.
Lux
Lux is a name meaning “light” that comes from Latin roots. With its ending -x and gender neutrality, the name has a lot of appeal for fashionable parents. This name has a sophisticated and elegant sound and could be a great choice for parents who want a name that feels luxurious and glamorous.
Pip
Pip is a short unisex name and nickname that means “horse lover.” Most commonly known for the Dickens’ character, Pip works as a nickname for Phillip, Piper, or Pippa. This name has a playful and whimsical sound and could be a great choice for parents who want a name that feels lighthearted and fun.
Rio
Rio is a short unisex name meaning “river” in Spanish. The name has only recently started to enjoy some popularity, entering the boy’s list only in 2020. This name has a cool and laid-back sound and could be a great choice for parents who want a name that feels adventurous and free-spirited.
Rue
Rue is an adorable short gender-neutral name that means “to regret” in English (it also is the word for “street” in France). Rue saw an uptick after the name was featured prominently in Hunger Games. Before that, you may have associated the name with saucy Golden Girl, Rue McClanahan. This name has a vintage and classic sound and could be a great choice for parents who want a name that feels timeless and charming.
Sky
Sky is a gender-neutral name with a hippie vibe. This nature name has never gained as much popularity as its cousin names Skyler and Skylar. If you like a hippie vibe, then you might want to check out our list of 75 Hippie Names. This name has a dreamy and ethereal sound and could be a great choice for parents who want a name that feels otherworldly and mystical.
Tru
Tru is a modern name that is a play off the word “true” and means “loyal one.” It now ranks higher than its more classic formal name, Truman. This name has a strong and confident sound and could be a great choice for parents who want a name that feels bold and assertive.
These 3-letter gender-neutral names are perfect for parents who want a name that is short, sweet, and versatile. Whether you’re looking for a name that is trendy, classic, or unique, there is a 3-letter name that is perfect for your little one.
4-Letter Short Unisex Names
Looking for a short and sweet name that is gender-neutral? Here are some great 4-letter unisex names that you can consider.
15. Cade
Cade is an English name that means “round.” It is a popular name for boys and girls alike. If you are looking for a full name option, you can consider Caden for boys and Cadence for girls.
16. Cary
Cary is a 4-letter unisex name that has roots in both Latin and English. It means “pure” or “stream.” While it was a mid-century favorite, it has fallen out of fashion today. A Cary today would very likely be the only Cary in their class.
17. Drew
Drew is a Welsh name that means “wise.” It is a diminutive of the name Andrew. While it has always been a more common boy’s pick, it has steadily been given to girls since the 1990s, perhaps thanks to Drew Barrymore. In recent times, the name’s popularity has been trending down for boys and up for girls.
18. Ezra
Ezra was previously a male name that is trending towards gender neutrality. It entered the top chart for girls in 2018 and has been on the rise since. The name comes from Hebrew meaning “God helps.” Like Elliott and Emerson before it, Ezra has that soft sound that appeals to girl parents looking for a crossover boy’s name.
19. Lane
Lane is an English name that means “pathway.” The spelling Lane is much more popular among boys, but girls have some great Lane’s in pop culture like Rory’s best friend on the Gilmore Girls. Layne is the more commonly seen spelling for girls.
20. Rene
Rene is a French name that means “reborn.” It peaked in popularity for girls well before it did for boys (1967 vs. 1983). Often boy parents shy away from names that are heavily associated with girls, with Rene being a lovely exception to the trend.
21. Ryan
Ryan is an Irish name that means “little king.” It was wildly popular, especially for boys, in the 1980s. Even as it was a top 20 boy’s name, it managed to hold on to its unisex-status as it continued to rank in the 300s for girls.
22. Sage
Sage is a 4-letter unisex name that has two great associations. First, it is an earthy and botanical nature name in honor of the herb. Second, it means having “profound wisdom.” It’s no wonder it’s shooting up the charts for both genders.
23. Tory
Tory is an English name that means “victory.” While it is gender-neutral, you may associate it more with girls given its use as a nickname for Victoria (in fact, it’s only ever charted as a given name for boys!).
24. Winn
Winn is a 4-letter unisex name that comes from Welsh and English and means “friend” and “fair.” It is perhaps a personal favorite short unisex name. Winn also makes our list of 25 formal names for the nickname Winnie.
25. Yael
Yael is a Hebrew name that means “to ascend.” It is currently rare but is waiting to be discovered by parents looking for unique biblical names.
Consider these 4-letter short unisex names for your little one. They are simple, yet unique and can be a great choice for parents looking for a gender-neutral name.
One-Syllable Gender Neutral Names
If you’re looking for a short and sweet name that is gender-neutral, then a one-syllable name might be just what you need. Here are some one-syllable unisex names that are crisp and concise.
26. Ash
Ash is an English name that means “ash tree.” It is a fully neutral name, free of any gender associations. This name has a simple yet elegant feel to it, making it a great choice for parents who want a name that is both unique and easy to pronounce.
27. Gale
Gale is a unisex name that was popular in the 1930s and 1940s. The name can reference wind strength, an English surname, or a shortened version of Abigail. Although it has fallen out of fashion, it still remains a great choice for parents looking for a short and sweet name that is gender-neutral.
28. Grey
Grey is a neutral name coming from Britain that means “grey-haired.” The name has a modern and sleek feel to it, making it a popular choice for parents who want a name that is both timeless and contemporary. Grey is the more popular spelling, but the American-spelling Gray is also on the rise.
29. Jove
Jove is a rare name that comes from Latin and means “Jupiter.” This spacey gender-neutral name has a unique and celestial feel to it, making it a great choice for parents who want a name that is both unusual and meaningful.
30. Lee
Lee is a traditional English name that means “meadow.” It is one of the few names that has stayed decidedly gender-neutral over the last century. Lee has a simple and classic feel to it, making it a great choice for parents who want a name that is both timeless and versatile.
31. Sol
Sol is a bright and shining one-syllable unisex name that means “sun.” The name comes from Spanish, though it can also be a nickname for the Hebrew name Solomon. Sol has a warm and cheerful feel to it, making it a great choice for parents who want a name that is both unique and uplifting.
32. Wren
Wren is a unisex name that means “small bird.” Although it is much more popular for girls, it still remains a great choice for parents looking for a short and sweet name that is gender-neutral. Wren has a natural and whimsical feel to it, making it a great choice for parents who want a name that is both playful and charming.
Overall, these one-syllable gender-neutral names are perfect for parents who want a name that is both short and sweet. They have a simple yet elegant feel to them, making them a great choice for parents who want a name that is both unique and easy to pronounce.
Cute Short Unisex Names
If you’re looking for a short and sweet unisex name for your baby, you’re in the right place. Here are some cute and gender-neutral names that you can consider for your little one.
33. Dana
Dana is a timeless name that means “God will judge.” It was equally popular for both boys and girls in the 1950s, but it became more popular for girls in the 1970s. If you’re looking for a classic name that works for both genders, Dana is a great choice.
34. Eden
Eden is a popular name with biblical roots that means “delightful.” It’s a simple formal name that can be shortened to the cute nickname, Edie. Eden is a great choice if you’re looking for a name that is both classic and modern.
35. Iggy
Iggy is a fun and unique name that means “fiery one.” It’s a gender-neutral name that is perfect for parents who want to get in on the nicknames-as-given-names trend. If you’re looking for a name that is playful and light, Iggy is a great option.
36. Jean
Jean is an antique name that means “God is gracious.” While it’s more commonly associated with grandmas in the U.S., it’s the masculine equivalent of John in France. Jean is a great choice if you’re looking for a name that is both vintage and timeless.
37. Joey
Joey is a gender-neutral name that is a common nickname for classic names like Joseph, Joanna, and Josephine. It has Hebrew roots and means “God will increase.” If you’re looking for a name that is both classic and modern, Joey is a great option.
38. Joss
Joss is a gender-neutral name with German roots that means “one of the Goths.” It’s a diminutive of the more popular name, Jocelyn, and has remained a rare name. If you’re looking for a name that is unique and has a cool edge, Joss is a great choice.
39. Kit
Kit is a short and sweet name that is a nickname for two classic names: Katherine and Christopher. It’s a unique name that would make a great nonbinary name for a baby. If you’re looking for a name that is simple and easy to pronounce, Kit is a great option.
40. Lael
Lael is a short and sweet name that means “belonging to God.” It started as a boy’s name but became a popular crossover name for girls because of its soft sound with only vowels and L’s. If you’re looking for a name that is both spiritual and modern, Lael is a great choice.
41. Nova
Nova is a gender-neutral name that has blazed through the popularity charts for girls. It means “star that suddenly increases its light output tremendously.” Nova is a great choice if you’re looking for a name that is both celestial and modern.
42. Ray
Ray is a gender-neutral name that means “counseling protector.” It’s a short and sweet name that is more gender-neutral with the spelling “Ray” than with “Rae,” which is more commonly given to girls. If you’re looking for a name that is both strong and gentle, Ray is a great option.
43. Remy
Remy/Remi is a gender-neutral name that is blazing up the charts. It means “oarsman” and is believed to have roots in the Latin name Regimius meaning “rower.” Remy is a great choice if you’re looking for a name that is both playful and classic.
44. Rory
Rory is a gender-neutral name that means “red king.” It became more popular after the run of Gilmore Girls, which featured the endearing main character, Rory. Rory is a great choice if you’re looking for a name that is both Irish and modern.
45. Shea
Shea is a soft and gentle name that means “dauntless one.” It’s a gender-neutral name that comes from Irish roots. Shea is a great choice if you’re looking for a name that is both strong and gentle.
46. Yuri
Yuri is a gender-neutral name that means “farmer” or “reason.” It leans masculine with its Russian roots, but it’s more often seen as a girls’ name in Japan. Yuri is a great choice if you’re looking for a name that is both worldly and modern.
These cute short unisex names are perfect for parents who want a name that is both classic and modern, strong and gentle, and playful and spiritual.
Short Rare Unisex Names
If you’re looking for a unique and concise gender-neutral name, then you’re in the right place. Here are some short rare unisex names that are perfect for your little one.
Cove
Cove is a modern and strong name meaning “safe harbor.” Despite being a new name, it has already gained popularity as a gender-neutral name.
Dell
Dell is a favorite gender-neutral name for many parents due to its short and sweet nature. The name comes from English and means “small valley.”
Halo
Halo is a word name that has recently gained popularity, especially among girls. It means “divine light” and is a perfect choice for parents looking for a unique and rare name.
Lark
If you’re a nature lover, then Lark is the perfect name for your little one. It means “songbird” and is a unique choice among other bird-themed names.
Luan
Luan is a name of many origins and meanings, given to both genders. In Irish, it means “warrior,” in Portuguese, it means “moon,” and in Chinese, it means “bird.”
Luz
Luz has moderate popularity for girls since the 1950s, but it still feels new and trendy. The name means “light,” and its Spanish and Portuguese origins make it a perfect choice for parents looking for a unique and concise name.
Lynx
Lynx is a cool and concise name that means “wild cat.” The name has an X in it, making it trendy and unique.
Moon
Moon is a rare word name that has the potential to take off any minute. It’s a name used in Korea, and like most word names, it doesn’t have a strong gender association.
Navy
Navy is a new non-binary name meaning both the color blue and “fleet of ships.” While it works for both boys and girls, its popularity is rising faster among girls.
Onyx
Onyx is a cool and trendy name that has been considered a non-binary name meaning “black gemstone.” The name’s voguish -yx ending makes it a perfect choice for parents looking for a unique and concise name.
Oslo
Oslo is a unique city name that has a soft sound and a great nickname, Ozzy. It’s a perfect choice for parents looking for a unique and rare name.
Rain
Rain is a rare nature name that feels like it could take off any minute. It fits in well with trendy word names like Sage and Ember and has many alternative spellings like Rayne and Rainn.
Tove
Tove is an Old Norse name that means “beautiful Thor.” It’s more common for girls, but it’s still occasionally given to boys. In the U.S., it’s so rare that people are not likely to associate a gender with the name.
Ulu
Ulu is a short gender-neutral name with two different origins. It can be a variation of the masculine name Ulric and mean “wolf power.” From its African origins, it means “second-born daughter.”
These short rare unisex names are perfect for parents looking for a unique and concise name for their little one.
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