15 Gender-Neutral Last Names That Make Cool First Names

If you're having a hard time settling on the perfect baby name, we've got you covered. Consider these gender-neutral last names that can work for both boys and girls.

Historically, choosing a "last name" for a baby's first name lets the birthing parent's maiden name—or another important family moniker—be carried forward in a meaningful and significant way. But opting for a traditional surname has other benefits as well.

For example, many last names are gender neutral, which allows you the freedom to pick your baby's title without knowing their sex at birth. It will also give your child space to develop their own identity, while avoiding stereotypes or expectations associated with either biological sex.

If you're looking for gender-neutral last names that could easily work for any child's first name, here are 15 options to consider.

01 of 14

Blaine

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

02 of 14

Cameron

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Actress Cameron Diaz brought this name into attention 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

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This short-and-sweet last name was a popular boys' title with English, Irish, and Norse heritage behind it. Today, it makes an interesting gender-neutral baby name.

04 of 14

Ellis

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This pick 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

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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

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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

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

08 of 14

Lennon

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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

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

10 of 14

Parker

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Actress Parker Posey helped this baby 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

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This short-and-sweet Irish surname means "intelligent." It's become a quirky gender-neutral option with a surprisingly modern sound.

12 of 14

Riley

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If you count all the variant spellings (Rylee, Ryleigh, and so on), 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

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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/Tyler

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These two occupational surnames have been extremely popular for both boys and girls in the 1990s to early 2000s—though they're 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 or Tyler.

Don't see anything you like on the list? No worries—there are many other last names that could work for a baby. For instance, not included in this list are Blake, Hudson, Emerson, and more. 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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