Naming characters can be a big struggle for writers, and many people find it even more difficult to name non-binary, queer, gender non-conforming, or androgynous characters. How do you find the perfect unisex character names? Have no fear, you’re in the right place.
I’ve compiled a list of 78 unisex character names for writers to use in their novels, stories, and anything else. That’s 3 names for every letter of the alphabet.
No matter whether you’re writing an LGBTQ+ character or just want to try something different – maybe you’re looking to write a crime novel where the gender of a character is speculative or unclear – you can find all kinds of options for your characters here.
Oh, and if randomly-ordered lists bug you? Don’t worry. I’ve listed all the names alphabetically!
Is unisex the same as gender-neutral?
Unisex names, you ask? Why would I, a non-binary person, write a blog about unisex names?
Well, other than the fact that ‘unisex’ is searched for far more often than ‘gender-neutral character names’ (at the time of writing; I hope this changes!), I think it’s important to consider what ‘unisex’ means.
Many dictionaries define ‘unisex’ in terms of being ‘for both sexes’ or ‘by both males and females’. There are a few great dictionaries out there which use more inclusive language, like Dictionary.com (“of, designed, or suitable for any gender”) and the Free Dictionary (“Designed for or suitable to anyone regardless of one’s sex”).
Unfortunately, most of the more official dictionaries, like Merriam-Webster and Cambridge Dictionary, use very gendered language, at the time of writing.
Meanwhile, ‘gender-neutral’ as a term has risen in popularity and understanding over the past few years. While ‘unisex’ is still used in many contexts, not everyone understands that the two terms mean the same thing.
Shocking, right?
For the purpose of reaching a wider audience who are interested in using gender-neutral names but might default to searching for unisex names, this blog uses the term ‘unisex’ throughout.
For the people out there who aren’t as fond of the word: I’m sorry, and I get you. I’ve had to correct myself many times throughout writing this to substitute ‘unisex’.
The simple truth is this: ‘unisex’ is an outdated term now largely replaced by ‘gender-neutral’, which I completely agree with. But for many people, when looking for gender-neutral names, the term ‘unisex’ is still very prevalent.
So, below, you’ll find unisex character names, and all of them are equally described as gender-neutral too!
Unisex names for characters
Below you’ll find a list of 78 unisex character names for writers to use in their stories. Every letter of the alphabet is used, with three names per letter, even the trickiest of all: X.
- Andy
- Ashton
- Avery
- Beck
- Blair
- Blake
- Cade
- Cal
- Chance
- Darcy
- Drew
- Dylan
- Ellis
- Emery
- Evan
- Flores
- Flynn
- Frankie
- Gale
- George
- Griffin
- Harlow
- Harry
- Hollis
- Iggy
- Indie
- Irie
- Jackie
- Jasper
- Jules
- Kendall
- Kit
- Kyle
- Laurel
- Leo
- Levi
- Maddox
- Miles
- Miller
- Nico
- Norris
- North
- Oakley
- Owen
- Ozzy
- Paisley
- Parker
- Perry
- Quentin
- Quincy
- Quinn
- Remy
- Rhys
- Rowan
- Scout
- Spencer
- Sterling
- Theo
- Toby
- Tyler
- Uli
- Umber
- Uriah
- Val
- Vesper
- Vick
- Wes
- Whit
- Wren
- Xand
- Xavier
- Xi
- Yanis
- Yuki
- Yuri
- Zaire
- Zeke
- Zephyr
Looking for more character names for a story? Find more gender-neutral character names here or try these gender-neutral name lists for writers for every letter of the alphabet.
Using unisex character name ideas
There’s no requirement to use unisex, or gender-neutral, names for characters who identify as queer, but it can be very affirming to readers to see their names – especially chosen names – connected to characters who share their identity.
The above character name ideas are perfect for characters who identify as:
- non-binary
- transgender
- androgynous
- genderqueer
- agender
- gender non-conforming
- queer
Depending on your story, you might also want to consider whether the name you give them is one they were given at birth or chose later on in life. Many trans, non-binary, and intersex people choose a name that better fits their gender identity during their teenage or young adult years, but there’s no limit on when someone can try out a new name.
You might have a parent talk to their child about changing their name, and trying out some different options. Or a teenager could approach their friends and ask them to use a different name. Or perhaps an adult introduces themself with a name they’re trying out. You can even have characters later in life consider that they’d be more comfortable and confident with a new name.
Unisex names aren’t just for trans, non-binary, and intersex characters either. Embracing gender-neutral names promotes the idea that names don’t have to be gendered. It’s more important that people are comfortable with their identity – whether they’re a fictional character or not.
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