A nonbinary name is one that is gender-neutral and is commonly used by men, women and anyone in-between. There are many reasons why you might want to use a nonbinary name for your child or yourself.
Whether it’s to prevent gender stereotyping or because it’s desirable to have, choosing a nonbinary name is a great way to go in today’s modern world.
Continue reading and I’ll walk you through some of my favorite nonbinary names, including what they mean and why they’re compelling.
Addison
Addison originates from Old English and it means “child of Adam”.
Prior to the 1990s, the name was almost exclusively for boys. The name became popular for girls starting in the mid-90s and has been used for both genders ever since.
And names from the 90s are making a comeback.
Addison peaked in 2007 but it continues to a trendy and cool name up to this day.
One of the most famous Addison’s is Addison Riecke – an actress and Instagram influencer with almost 2 million followers. There’s also Addison Russell, a professional baseball player.
Ashton
Ashton is an English name and it means “from the town of ash trees”.
In the early 1900s, Ashton was one of the popular names in the country for boys. Ever since 2002, it has placed in the 200 names for boys and reached its peak rank of 76 in 2004.
In 1986, Ashton popped up on the top 1,000 names for girls. It shot up to 260 in 1989 but dropped back down to just the top 1000 in 2006.
The TV and movie actor Ashton Kutcher is perhaps the most famous Ashton. Ashton Shepherd is a famous country music singer-songwriter.
Cameron
Cameron is a Scottish name and, believe it or not, means to “have a crooked nose.”
The name is generally more popular for boys than for girls. Ever since 1987, the name has been in the top 100 for boys. It reached its peak in 2000 at the 31 spot.
In 1980, Cameron made its way to the top 1,000 list for girls and hit its most popular year in 1999.
There’s Something About Mary, starring Cameron Diaz, came out in 1998. As one of the highest-grossing films of the year, it makes sense why Cameron was such a popular name around this time.
Aside from Cameron Diaz, there’s also Cameron Crowe, who directed wildly popular films including Say Anything…, Jerry Maguire, and Almost Famous.
Emerson
Emerson is an English name and it means “child of Emery.”
At the start of the 1900s, Emerson was popular as a boy’s name. It then dropped off but came back in fashion around the year 2000.
Emerson saw its biggest year in 2018 when it was placed at number 143 for boys.
In 2002, it reached the top 1,000 list for girls and continues to rise in the ranks. It had its best year in 2017.
Emerson Brooks is a popular television actor who has appeared on popular TV shows including The Last Ship, NCIS: LA, and The Orville. Emerson Ansley is a rising Tik Tok star.
Jayden or Jaden
Jayden is a Hebrew name and means “thankful to God.”
It wasn’t until 1994 when this name made it into the top 1,000 names for boys. It continues to rise and managed to make it to the top 10 names from 2009 to 2013. It climbed all the way to number 4 in both 2010 and 2011.
In 1998, it made its way into the top 1,000 for girls and peaked at 172 in 2007.
Jaden Smith, the actor and son of Will Smith, is perhaps the most famous person with this name. Jayden Bartels is a film actress and singer.
Keegan
Keegan is an Irish name that means “small, fiery one.” The name is actually the English modification and translation of the Irish clan name MacAodhagain. The MacAodhagains were the family who upheld the law in Ireland in the Middle Ages.
Keegan is typically seen more as a boy’s name than a girl’s name. It hit the top 1,000 list for boys in 1979 and peaked in the year 2007. Keegan is climbing for girls but still hasn’t hit the top 1,000.
Keegan-Michael Key is one of the stars of the popular comedy sketch show Key and Peele. Keegan Connor is a Canadian actress who stars in the television show Beggars and Choosers.
River
River is a modern English name and means “flowing body of water.”
It’s equally popular for boys and girls and was made popular by actor River Phoenix, the mysterious teen heartthrob who starred in such critically acclaimed films as Stand By Me and My Own Private Idaho.
The name continues to grow in popularity and reached 244 for girls and 197 for boys in 2018.
River Blackstock is the name of Kelly Clarkson’s daughter.
Taylor
Taylor is originally an English name and it means “garment maker.”
For more than 100 years, Taylor has been a popular name for boys. From 1988 to 1998, it was among the top 100 names for boys. Starting in the 1980s, Taylor became popular for girls too.
In fact, between 1993 and 1998, Taylor was among the top 10 most popular names for girls.
It continues to be a trendy and beloved name for all genders to this day.
Singer Taylor Swift and actor Taylor Lautner are two of the most popular Taylors today.
Figuring Out the Right Nonbinary Name
Obviously, there are a ton of great nonbinary names out there. When picking a name, you should feel comfortable with the way it sounds and what it means. It’s not something that you want to rush into.
In the end though, it’s important to remember that a name is just a name. As RuPaul says, “We’re all born naked and the rest is drag.”
Need more ideas? Get 101 of the BEST nonbinary names ever, provided as a PDF that you can download, print, save for later, or share with a friend.
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Up Next: 101 Gender Neutral Names that Will Knock Your (Baby) Socks Off
Who knows yet says
Im 11 do u wanna be friends?-
Adrien says
Hi everyone, I feel if you tell your closes freinds first than slowly talk about the subgect to your parents and whats it about they will feel more open to understand you. It also helps to talk about it to people of the same sexuality.
Chloe says
Hi I’m currently trying to figure out what name I would like to go by if anyone could help that would be great im looking for something that doesn’t suggest me to be a boy nor girl I’d appreciate any suggestions
a non-binary peep says
So, I’m 13 and have been thinking about my gender for a while. I’ve decided that I like they/them pronouns and I’m looking into names now. Only thing is, I don’t know how to come out. My mum isn’t homophobic or transphobic in any way but she just doesn’t take me seriously about, well- anything. I’m definitely going to tell her soon anyway and just hope she doesn’t make me feel too weird, we have a strange relationship. I’m not really expecting help, but it’s just nice to see other non-binary people around my age, so hi people 🙂
Keegan -_- says
HIIII my name is Keegan and i am trying to find out a way to tell my family that i am non binary and it has been hard anddd i found uot that i was non binary last year.
Kirsten Lambert says
it’s great you figured that out but do not rush it wait till you feel comfotable then tell them and know you will be exepted either way and if you’r parents don’t approve your community will
~Lyrics
bowie says
There are so many nonbinary kids here in this thread??? No one I grew up with knew they were nonbinary until later in life (I’m actually here helping a friend pick out their new name now!), so this is awesome. I hope y’all are being safe out there and taking your time exploring and understanding yourself and your identity! You don’t have to have it all figured out.
P.S. Your community is rooting for you 🙂
Kirsten Lambert says
that’s great you should be proud
:( says
hello, uhm.. i dont know my name yet! but thats fine. Im 11 and im turning 12 in august. 3 months ago i found out im non-binary and like i really want to tell my grandma but she’s probably gonna say im to young to know things like that, and apparently i have to be 18 and older to know that. Im thinking about telling her when im almost 13 :(.:(
Kirsten Lambert says
hi im 12 and a half and im non-binary and cant figure out a name please help!
Taylor Anne says
Hi,
I like the name Charlie, but you might not. Here are some others:
Alex
Taylor
Kai
River
Ocean(a lot of water names)
Ash
Chris/Kris
Jaymie/Jackie/Jessie
I hope that helped! 🙂
bee says
hello im bee but maya in school bee is just a nickname! I noticed i was non-binary because i never liked”girl clothing”like skirts and dresses!
River says
That might not mean you are non-binary, you could be a tomboy, but I do respect you
Kai says
Hi, I’m Kai and I’m 11 almost 12 in 3 days. I’ve recently found out that I’m non-binary and I have told my family except my grandma because she is supportive of my mom’s friend but when it comes to other people she is disgusted the only people that know that I’m non-binary is my mom, my friends, and my sister. I also have recently changed my name to Kai. I told everyone except my grandma of course and I’m very comfortable with my name and my pronouns. Everyone has been addressing me by my name I’ve recently changed. I wanna tell my grandma but I wanna know how to tell her.
admin says
Hi Kai – Thanks for this message and congrats on coming out to so many of your family members. Have you checked out this article yet? It might provide a few helpful tips: https://cadehildreth.com/how-to-come-out-as-nonbinary/
However, as it mentions, some family members might not be ready to be “invited in” yet and that’s ok too. Good luck and stay in touch.
Cade
Elyzzybeth says
Hi I’m 13 and I identify as non-binary. My parents call me their daughter, but I just hate the girly title. I haven’t told my parents yet because they’re homophobic and I feel like if I were older they would kick me out. I just want to be comfortable with my name. Can I get some help from you guys?
Yuki/Azume/River? says
Hey i just realised im non binary not long ago! I havent figured out my name yet but im going with Yuki Azume or river, Im still not sure but i might still change my mind. Anyways im 11 almost 12 and i really want to help you, i havent came out yet either but i think that you should come out to your friends first as they will most likely understand you more. My parents are also homophobic and only my friends know that I am pansexual and nonbinary my cousin also knows but nobody else. So my advice is to come out to your friends and let them call you a name of your choice. It is all up to you! I wish I could come out to my parents but I think imma hold off for a few years until im old enough and have courage. MY parents say im too young so imma hold off for a few years until im older and they will most-likely understand me better. It was nice getting this off my chest and i hope some of this helped you and also if you have some cool name ideas could you pls reply to this with them?
Maci says
I’m 10, and Whenever I think of my gender I never want to answer. My mom and dad call me their daughter but I just hate the title. I also don’t like dresses & skirts or boy shorts& t-shirts and I just wish I could have no gender but telling my parents would…..be to scary. These names help get to the start my telling my parents that I want a certain name! Thank you!
Mariella says
I’m also scared. I want to tell my mom I have no gender, but my moms always wanted a little girl, I’m 11. I don’t know what I want my name to be tho.
Dakota says
Hey! I’m 14 and identify as non-binary, but I’m not out to my family yet. Right now I’m only out to my friends, but in the beginning, I started off just by having my closest friends try different pronouns while talking and I even had my best friend use different names. After a while, I realized that they/them/theirs was WAY more comfortable and the name Dakota fit with me really well. I’d suggest trying this out and just ease the topic onto your close friends that you can trust. Remember to come out when it feels right and when you know you’ll be safe and accepted. <3
Dakota says
Check out the definitions of agender and non-binary! Try out different pronouns and names with close people that you can trust! Come out when you’re ready and try not to stress over gender too much. I know it’s difficult and it can be extremely stressful and confusing, but you’ll get there eventually! <3