I’ve compiled 156 names for nonbinary characters to help you choose the perfect name for your characters. Whether you’re just trying to use gender-neutral names more or actively writing nonbinary characters, I hope you’ll find some names to use here.
Gender-neutral names, also called nonbinary names, are names that are traditionally used for both AFAB (assigned female at birth) and AMAB (assigned male at birth) children. They’re also names that are chosen by trans, nonbinary, genderfluid, and other trans+ people.
If you find you have too much choice, try writing a brief scene where the character introduces themself. Then replace their name with your different choices, until you find one that works.
How to choose a name for a nonbinary character
Before we get on to the list, let’s think about how to choose a name for a nonbinary character.
One of the patterns you’ll find while scrolling through this list is how many names are related to nature in some way. From names of colours to references to birds and animals, many nonbinary people who choose their own name gravitate towards nature.
Part of this is because nature feels more neutral and less gendered than traditional names, especially in the Anglosphere (UK, US, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand). Another thing to consider is how people perceive names.
You’ll find some names on this list that you perceive as masculine or feminine. Names like Brucie or Freddy might be typically used for men in your community, while Hillary and Marion might be typically used for women.
It’s my belief that any name can be used for any character, regardless of gender. But unconscious bias and associations we have within our culture shapes how we view gender. If you want to name a nonbinary character a name strongly considered to be masculine – like Alexander or Charles – then you can! Nobody is stopping you.
This kind of subversion can also be done intentionally. Think of the BBC Sherlock scene where Sherlock incorrectly deduces that Watson’s phone is from his brother. He does this because Harry is traditionally associated with men.
Whatever you decide, try to find a name that fits the character. The names you’ll find in this post are predominantly full names, but many can also be used as nicknames. Sometimes, nicknames can be a great way of giving a character a familiar name, and you don’t have to think about their full name at all.
List of 156 names for nonbinary characters
Find below a massive list of 156 names for nonbinary characters, with 6 names for each letter of the alphabet. Most are rare or unique, but all have historically been used either for nonbinary people or for both AFAB and AMAB children.
There may be some unique gender-neutral names below that will help your characters stand out and be more memorable.
Names starting with A
- Adi
- Aeon
- Albion
- Aphelion
- Arley
- Azure
Names starting with B
- Bergen
- Bex
- Bodie
- Brecken
- Briar
- Brucie
Names starting with C
- Callaway
- Carlen
- Chase
- Clover
- Cosmo
- Cruise
Names starting with D
- Dallis
- Danner
- Deck
- Deon
- Dorien
- Dru
Names starting with E
- Ed
- Elian
- Ellery
- Ember
- Eryn
- Evren
Names starting with F
- Faven
- Fen
- Fergie
- Flor
- Frances
- Freddy
Names starting with G
- Gail
- Garner
- Gene
- Giovanni
- Gracyn
- Gwyn
Names starting with H
- Hadleigh
- Halyn
- Harl
- Henrie
- Hillary
- Hutton
Names starting with I
- Idell
- Iker
- Imri
- Isaak
- Issie
- Iz
Names starting with J
- Jael
- Jan
- Jaylin
- Jesper
- Jools
- Jupiter
Names starting with K
- Kady
- Kellen
- Kester
- Kinsley
- Kon
- Kyre
Names starting with L
- Landry
- Larkin
- Leaf
- Loren
- Lumen
- Lyric
Names starting with M
- Mal
- Marion
- Maxie
- Meridian
- Micah
- Moss
Names starting with N
- Nath
- Nev
- Nike
- Noir
- Novena
- Nyx
Names starting with O
- Oaklyn
- Oden
- Onslow
- Orion
- Oskar
- Otis
Names starting with P
- Pan
- Payton
- Peregrine
- Pip
- Pom
- Preston
Names starting with Q
- Quade
- Quarl
- Quenby
- Quillon
- Quint
- Quixley
Names starting with R
- Raleigh
- Redell
- Remington
- Rin
- Rook
- Rune
Names starting with S
- Sandy
- Seneca
- Sheridan
- Skye
- Starlin
- Syd
Names starting with T
- Taleisin
- Tate
- Terri
- Timber
- Trace
- Troian
Names starting with U
- Ukiah
- Ulick
- Umar
- Unicus
- Uren
- Urvil
Names starting with V
- Vail
- Valo
- Vaness
- Vern
- Vin
- Viveka
Names starting with W
- Waelyn
- Wave
- Westry
- Windsor
- Wister
- Wylie
Names starting with X
- Xaden
- Xandros
- Xen
- Xiao
- Xo
- Xylo
Names starting with Y
- Yalian
- Yarden
- Yen
- Yona
- Yuli
- Yvill
Names starting with Z
- Zack
- Zaiden
- Zayn
- Ziggy
- Zoie
- Zyan
More names for nonbinary characters
Haven’t found the perfect name? Try my other name resources: