14 Gender-Neutral Last Names You Can Use as First Names

Choosing a last name or surname as a first name (or given name) is not a new tradition. For some families, maiden names or other significant surnames are carried on as first names. In others, last names offer a unique, gender-neutral name, which can give you the freedom to pick your baby's name before knowing their sex. A gender-neutral can also give your child space to develop their own identity by avoiding stereotypes or expectations associated with sex or gender.

If you're looking for gender-neutral last names that could easily work for any child's first name, here are 14 options to consider.

01 of 14

Blaine

This Scottish-Irish surname, which means "slender" or "thin" in Gaelic, would be a great option for any child.

02 of 14

Cameron

Actress Cameron Diaz brought the name Cameron into the spotlight for girls, while characters like Ferris Bueller's BFF Cameron Frye and Modern Family's Cameron Tucker have kept it in the top 100 for boys.

03 of 14

Darby

Darby is a short-and-sweet last name that was a popular boy's title with English, Irish, and Norse heritage behind it. Today, it makes an interesting gender-neutral baby name.

04 of 14

Ellis

Ellis is a pick that could be a charming first name for either a boy or a girl. It means "benevolent" and works well for any little one. As a bonus: You're not likely to come across many other children who share the unique name!

05 of 14

Kennedy

A presidential name that's charmingly gender-neutral, Kennedy actually has a bit of a strange meaning: "misshapen head." Kennedy's currently trending higher for girls, but it's equally appropriate for boys.

06 of 14

Kiernan

Another Irish baby name pick, Kiernan means "little dark one." It still falls heavily in the boys' camp, but could be a sweet alternative to "Kiera" for girls.

07 of 14

Lee

This short-and-sweet surname could be an Anglicized version of the Chinese Li, or the English word for meadow. Lee is generally used as a middle name, but can easily pass as a unisex first name as well.

08 of 14

Lennon

Beatles fans have been naming their baby after John Lennon for years. Not only is the title charming, but it's also a classic way for music buffs to pay homage to their favorite band.

09 of 14

Mason

Once red-hot for boys, this occupational last name has become a favorite for girls, too. Even a few celebrities have used the name Mason for their kids (Kourtney Kardashian Barker, for example).

10 of 14

Parker

Actress Parker Posey helped this neutral last name score for the girls. But its connection to Spiderman's alter ego, Peter Parker, could make it a fitting choice for superhero fans as well.

11 of 14

Quinn

This short-and-sweet Irish surname means "intelligent." The name Quinn has become a quirky gender-neutral option with a surprisingly modern sound.

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Riley

If you count all the variant spellings (Rylee, Ryleigh, and so on), the name Riley has become one of the more trendy names for girls—and it still makes an appearance on the boys' side, too.

13 of 14

Sutton

Broadway star Sutton Foster brought this name into the spotlight for girls. But the moniker, which means "from the south farm" or "from the south homestead," can be given to any child.

14 of 14

Taylor

It has been said that singer-songwriter sensation Taylor Swift was given her name after the music icon James Taylor. This surname was extremely popular for both boys and girls in the 1990s to early 2000s, though it's starting to wane in the charts now. Still, if you are looking for a gender-neutral last name for your little one, you can't go wrong with Taylor.

More Baby Name Ideas

Don't see anything you like on the list? No problem: There are many other last names that could work for a baby from Blake to Emerson. Look through your family tree for inspiration, or even check public directories for gender-neutral last names. Eventually, you'll find the perfect pick for your little one.

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