How do you feel about unisex baby names?

Question

Just getting a general idea here... How do you feel about unisex/ androgynous baby names for a child? There are so many unsex names out there that are so adorable. Do you think a girl could carry a unisex name perhaps better than a boy?

My husband has a unsex name and hates it. When people read his first name they always assume he's a female... However we are pregnant and compliling a list of baby names. So far, the girl names that we love are all unisex names. What is your opinion on unisex names?

Thanks ya all.

Edit: Our name list for a baby girl consists of three unisex names:

Jensen
Rory
Taylor

I love the name Riley as it was my grandmothers name, but Riley was the name of the baby we miscarried in May. Thank you all for your great answers, opinions and name lists. I am jotting more down as you are answering my question :)

Answer 1

I like some unisex names for some sex
For example, Riley is a 50 name for a girl, even know it's a unisex name, I think naming a boy a popular girl name is wrong. Hunter is a unisex name, hate if for a girl, but it's also a semi popular name, and when you see it you think of boy

Here are some unisex names
Avery, could be used for boys
Ashley, popular girl name, not for a boy
Ryan, popular boy name, not for a girl
Sasha, a unisex name, unless your are Russian, to girly for a boy
Hayden, I love for a girl, got for either
Harley, could be either
Jaycee, could be either
Lesley, for a girl, popular girl name
Haley, popular girl name, not good for a boy
Taylor, popular girl name
Tyler popular boys name
Darly, I like for both
Drew, I like for both
Brynn, I like for both
Quinn, I like for both
Jordan, I know as many boys and girls with this name, popular for both
Payton, I like for a girl
Peyton, I like for a boy, since a lot of boys are being named it after a football player
Elliott, is a boy names, even if it's a unisex name
Casey, for a boy, Kaci for a girl
Corey/Cory for a boy, Corie for a girl
Devan, for either
River, for a boy, never for a girl
Anaya, for either
I hope this helps
I think some names are fine for either sex, others should only be one sex

Answer 2

Depends on WHAT unisex name you choose. I have a friend named Fran (Francis). He doesn't like the name because it is associated with the feminine.

My name is Robin, which is typically a girl's name in the US, but more often a boys name in the UK. Though I have known a couple of guys with the name, like the baseball player Robin Ventura.

A girl can carry off a name that's considered masculine better than a boy can carry off a name considered feminine.

Common names like Pat, Chris, Aaron/Erin, Peyton, etc., are much less likely to be associated with one gender over another. When looking at unisex names, these may be the best ones to consider.

As a woman, having a unisex name can be an advantage in the job market. A prospective employer won't necessarily assume that the resume he or she is looking at belongs to a female.

Whatever you do, find names that both you and your husband like. Good luck!

Answer 3

I actually quite like many underused names that truly are unisex, or even certain intriguing, unexpected masculine names when used for girls.

However, I strongly dislike the trendy, overused, "bandwagon" sort ... most of which were NEVER classically used for both genders, but still get tossed around as "cute, unisex baby names!" LOL Madison, for instance, is clearly masculine, as are most (not all) -son names. It wasn't even commonly used for girls prior to the mid-80s (thank you film industry LOL), but regularly appeared on the masculine side nearly every year from 1880 to the 1950s. I'd say that constitutes a classic male choice, wouldn't you? ;)

Certainly, many use the argument that many traditional male names are now considered almost exclusively female, but look at their examples! Leslie (always a unisex surname, by the way), Ashley, Kelly, Jamie, etc. -- all of which were quite trendy, popular 70s/80s choices that already seem quite overused and dated. Just as today's girls named Madison, Avery, "Jayden," Taylor and Jordan will ... though many consider them to be already! LOL

So if you're referring to less expected unisex choices that would be intriguing rather than already-overused and predictable, I quite like them. But I personally don't care for the trendy, dime-a-dozen sort. Just not my style at all.

Answer 4

I love unisex names and I agree with Christina. They give the girl a kind of strength I think. But I wouldn't really name a boy Ashley or anything like that. I like them better with girls. I love the name Riley a lot too but I understand why you can't use it.

Answer 5

I love most unisex names but I like certain names better for a boy than a girl and vice versa. For example: I like Cameron as a girls name and Morgan as a boys name.

Best wishes!

Answer 6

I absolutely love unisex names! I could go as far as giving a girl the name "Ryan". Some of my favorites are Taylor, Jensen, Rory, Jamie, Hayden and Peyton. I do agree that probably a girl could carry it better. My middle name is "Drew" and I love it!!!!

~ Kelsi

Answer 7

I think some unisex names were made more for girl more than a boy and vice versa. By that being said I do like unisex names. If the name you choose is unisex, go for it. There is nothing wrong with it at all.

Some unisex names I like are:

Addison
Ashton
Avery
Bailey
Brooklyn
Cameron
Campbell
Camryn
Casey
Charlie
Dakota
Devin
Dominique
Emerson
Harley
Hayden
Jaiden
Jaidyn
Jamie
Jaylin
Jessie
Jordan
Justice
Kasey
Kayden
Kendall
Kennedy
Logan
London
Micah
Morgan
Parker
Payton
Peyton
Phoenix
Quinn
Reagan
Reese
Riley
Ryan
Rylee
Sage
Shannon
Shea
Sidney
Skylar
Skyler
Taylor
Teagan
Tyler

Answer 8

there are soo mnay unisex names even in our country and most of them are fine i guess. 1 of my friend has a name that is used for both mae and female and i never see him or any1 concerned about it.
I guess they are just fine,its upto the person to do whatever he needs to do in case some1 makes fun of it,well u have to agree people even make fun of our names who aint unisex. They make fun of everyones name lol. so carry on with that. it shouldnt be nay problem

Answer 9

I like unisex names.. for girls. I am in love with the name Dylan for a little girl. Or Tyler. Just my opinion!

Answer 10

I think it benefits women (job interviews etc) eliminates bias.

And I have a name that is very girly (ends with "ique") and yet I still get mail sometimes to Mr. so that is just life.

Being a male Kelly, Shannon, or Leslie though could be tougher. Have to be cool to handle that..