Unisex baby names have been trending since 2015. According to BabyCenter’s global editor-in-chief Linda Murray, this trend is “reflecting a larger cultural shift.”
“Millennials are an open-minded and accepting group, and they don't want their children to feel pressured to conform to stereotypes that might be restrictive,” Murray explained.
Last year, names such as Karter, Quinn and Reese began climbing the charts for both sexes, and the year before that it was Riley, London, Harper and Owen.
So what about in 2016? Here are our picks for the best unisex baby names this year.
Best Unisex Baby Names Of 2016
Emery(01 of15)
Open Image ModalMeaning: brave, industriousWe love that this name is short and sweet and has an adorable nickname, Emmy. For a more masculine-sounding name that's still gender-neutral, try Emerson. (credit:Getty)
Blair(02 of15)
Open Image ModalMeaning: dweller on the plainWhile the name Blair has become incredibly popular among girls, it is still a strong, edgy name for boys. (credit:Getty)
Parker(03 of15)
Open Image ModalMeaning: park keeperParker fits two hot baby name trends. It’s unisex and is a last name used as a first name. (credit:Getty)
Rey(04 of15)
Open Image ModalFrankie(05 of15)
Open Image ModalMeaning: Frenchman or free manThis name is gaining favour among celebrities. Just ask Drew Barrymore who chose this name for her daughter. Frankie is an alternative to the name Frances or Francis, which are also great unisex names. (credit:Getty)
Addison(06 of15)
Open Image ModalMeaning: son of AdamThough originally a boy name, Addison has quickly become acceptable for girls, likely because of its similar sound to Madison. Plus, Addy is an adorable nickname for either sex. (credit:Getty)
Brett(07 of15)
Open Image ModalMeaning: from BrittanyBrett is short, sweet and just plain cool. While commonly associated with boys, Ernest Hemingway put this name on the map for girls with his character Lady Brett Ashley in “The Sun Also Rises.” (credit:Getty)
Spencer(08 of15)
Open Image ModalMeaning: keeper of provisionsThis friendly name works well for boys and girls. Kelsey Grammer chose this name for one of his daughters. (credit:Getty)
Brooklyn(09 of15)
Open Image ModalMeaning: place nameWhile commonly associated with girls, Brooklyn Beckham is proving that guys can rock this name, too. For a more masculine-sounding name, try Brook, which is just as cool and unique. (credit:Getty)
Casey(10 of15)
Open Image ModalMeaning: brave in battleFun fact: Casey is an Irish surname. While the moniker might seem a little outdated as a girls’ name, it gets a fresh revamp when used for boys. (credit:Getty)
Cameron(11 of15)
Open Image ModalMeaning: crooked noseCameron Diaz is the most famous woman to bear this male moniker. For those who want a more feminine spelling, try Camryn. (credit:Getty)
Alexis(12 of15)
Open Image ModalMeaning: defenderWhile this name is mostly associated with girls today, Alexis actually has a strong history with boys. Alexis is the name of an ancient male saint. It’s alternative Alexius is also the name a number of Byzantine emperors. (credit:Getty)
Luca(13 of15)
Open Image ModalMeaning: variation of LukeLuca is a fresh alternative to the girl name Luna, and can be used for both sexes. (credit:Getty)
Ashton(14 of15)
Open Image ModalMeaning: ash treeYou can’t deny that Ash is a cool nickname. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile and will fit a baby boy or girl perfectly. (credit:Getty)
Kennedy(15 of15)
Open Image ModalMeaning: helmeted chiefThis is another trendy choice, despite it’s odd meaning. Kennedy is not only a great unisex name, but is an Irish last name that has quickly gained popularity. (credit:Getty)
As parents become more creative with their baby name choices, it only makes sense that they’re turning to gender-neutral names as well, says Laura Wattenberg, the name expert who is behind the site Baby Name Wizard.
“Parents are inventing names and using words or last names as first names that have no traditional gender,” she told Fit Pregnancy.
Additionally, celebrities are likely another contributing factor to the rise in popularity of unisex names. In the past few years, we’ve met Jessica Simpson’s daughter Maxwell, Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher’s daughter Wyatt, and Ryan Reynolds and Blake Livley’s daughter James.
As you can see, this trend has especially taken off for girls. According to Wattenberg, choosing gender-neutral names for girls is a way for parents to combat sexism.
In fact, a 2009 study from South Carolina’s Clemson University showed that women with traditionally male names were more successful in jobs of power, such as a lawyer or judge.
So what about boys? Unfortunately, boys that are given names traditionally used for girls, such Ashley or Shannon, are more likely to misbehave once they reach puberty, according to 2010 research by David Figlio of Illinois’ Northwestern University.
This is especially true if the boy is in the same class as a girl with the same name. So what’s the solution? Make sure unisex names are as gender-neutral as possible.