Gray, Everlyn, Quinn: Gender-neutral baby name ideas

Choosing a name for a mini human is tricky, particularly if you don’t yet know the sex of your unborn baby.

Thankfully, one of the biggest trends in baby names (aside from ‘Peaky Blinders’ and monikers from eras gone by) is to choose a gender-neutral moniker that could be used for either sex.

Spotting that trend, baby clothing firm JoJo Maman Bébé, which has almost 100 stores across the UK, Ireland and the US, has put together a list of gender-neutral or unisex names for parents to consider.

The proposed the list of 18 names was shared on the brand’s website and includes more traditional names such as Max and Robin, as well as some more unique choices, including Remi and Everlyn.

The firm, suggests the trend could be linked to the breaking down gender boundaries as well as parents being set on a name before finding out whether they’re having a boy or a girl.

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But whatever, the origin of the gender-neutral name rise, the company predicts it is a trend that is here to stay and has provided some inspo for mums-and-dads-to-be who like the idea of an either gender moniker.

While traditionally thought of as a boys’ name Teddy could also be used for girls too, while River, the name of Jamie Oliver’s youngest son, would be a great name for “easy-going baby” of either sex “who is destined to go with the flow.”

Babies named Wren after the bird will 'go on to do great things', the blog post advises, while the brand suggests Rowan, which means 'little redhead', would be a great option for boys and girls born with auburn locks.

The brand suggests the name Gray (or Grey) makes a change from the vibrant colour names usually reserved for girls, such as Violet and Scarlet and while popular as a middle name, also makes a great first name for either gender.

Blair is another name that has done the boy to both shift. Having previously been mainly reserved for boys, iconic Gossip Girl character Blair Waldorf has seen the moniker spike in popularity for baby girls.

Other names suggested are Avery, which comes from the Old English for 'ruler of the elves' - which the posts says could be a popular choice for newborns expected near Christmas. Ditto the name Robin.

JoJo Maman Bébé’s 18 Gender-neutral baby name ideas:

River

Gray

Quinn

Wren

Rowan

Avery

Robin

Aubrey

Remi

Evelyn

Max

Indigo

Albie

Bailey

Blair

Jude

Teddy

Everly

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It isn’t the first time gender-neutral baby names has been cited as a trend. Last year a survey of 1,466 British parents by online marketplace, OnBuy.com, revealed that almost half (45%) of British people would choose a unisex name, with over a quarter (27%) admitting they would choose a gender neutral name just to follow trends.

Among the most-popular choices are Teddy, Robin and Noel for girls, alongside Carol and Aubrey for boys.

Almost two in five (37%) of young parents are considering using a gender crossover name, making it the third most popular trend last year.

Noah, Charlie and James are the top three favourite unisex names in England and Wales.

While other, less familiar unisex names include: Arlo, Reggie, Ruby and Dylan.

Harper, which is the name of David and Victoria Beckham’s daughter, also gets the nod on the most popular list.

Other monikers that are more traditionally associated with girls, but can also be given to boys include Evelyn and Erin.

While, Max, Logan and Finley are some of the most popular choices for names that used to be associated with baby boys but now apply to both sexes.

No doubt the rise of either-sex names can also be attributed to the celebrity likes of Kimye – Chicago, North and Saint, Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds – Ines and James, and Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis – Wyatt, who are all flying the flag for unisex monikers.

For those parents-to-be still not sure if unisex names are for them, consider the fact that if the gender of your baby is still unknown you only have to pick one name that could apply whether you go on to have a little boy or a little girl.