We’re busting that gender box wide open with boys’ names that are perfect for your little lady!
Once upon a time, baby girls were given “girl” names and baby boys were given “boy” names, and boring. Boring! It’s all very boring. The truth is the days of pink, blue and gender norms are behind us. (Horray for everything!)
So in celebration, we’ve rounded up 10 traditional boys’ names we love for girls because hey – if it’s a good name, it’s a good name. Good names shouldn’t be discriminated against based solely on gender, and to prove it, here are our favorites that are good for everybody.
1) Jordan
Like the river itself, “Jordan” has sustained. Meaning to “descend” or “flow down” (yep, like a river) in Hebrew, the name was revived after a few hundred years on the outs (specifically from the Middle Ages until more recently) and found its groove in the second half of the 20th century where it’s now a name for boys and girls. (Also: a great way to pay tribute to Michael and/or Space Jam, obviously.)
2) Elliott
From the male name “Elias” (of the medieval times), “Elliott” now works as a way to pay tribute to author T.S., or the little boy from E.T. who broke all of our hearts. You also don’t have to opt for traditional spelling: a friend of mine spelled her daughter’s name, “Elliett,” just to keep things original.
3) Billie
True, Billie Holiday is point proof that “Billy” can work for either boys or girls, and the difference in spelling also adds a little extra depth. (Where “Billy” seems like a nickname, and “Billie” seems like the real McCoy.) Stemming from “William” and meaning “resolute protector,” “Billie” is hardly a “cute” name despite its ending – just see Billie Piper, who’s taking the British arts world by storm.
4) Chandler
First, here’s the perfect way to pay tribute to everybody’s favorite Friends character. Second, it’s the ideal way to pay tribute to workmanship, since its English origins come from the description, “candle maker”. And anybody can be a candle maker – boys or girls. (Naturally.)
5) Aubrey
If I can’t include a shout-out to Drake in a baby name article, well then I’m just doing it wrong. So yes, Drake’s real first name is Aubrey, which is almost as great as the actress/comedian Aubrey Plaza, whom Drake’s been quite vocal about his crush on. The meaning? “Rules with elf wisdom” (amazing), and was introduced to England from France courtesy of Aubrey de Vere, a friend of William the Conquerer. Things will never be the same.
6) Dorian
While Dorian Gray was a boy in Oscar Wilde’s novel (as we all know), it’s still a name that still works for girls thanks to its uniqueness and originality. With its meaning being “descendent of Doros” (who was a Greek god), “Dorian” connotes strength – something any and all genders need much of. (Just keep your daughter away from any portraits made of her.)
7) Logan
“Logan” may be the name of Veronica Mars’ boyfriend, but this Scottish name can easily go either way, especially in an era of baby names that end with the letter “n.” (See: “Brooklyn,” “Terri-Lynn,” and even “Devon.”)
8) Frances
While “Frances” is traditionally spelled with an “is” ending when used on boys, this feminized version still means “free” – which is perfect since you’re also free to spell your daughter’s name in the masculine form, because this is the 21st century. What a difference a little time makes! (Not.) But now she’s born free!
9) Adrian
In lieu of the traditionally female “Adrienne,” there’s “Adrian,” a Latin name that means “dark.” (So this is for when you hope your baby will grow up to be a witch.) In Shakespearean lingo, the name belongs to a lord in “The Tempest,” thus making it official: if you name your daughter “Adrian,” she will grow up to be even cooler than Angelina Jolie as Maleficent.
10) Blaine
Forget everything you thought you knew about David. The origins of “Blaine” are actually Celtic, and mean “slender.” Whereas its Scottish meaning translates to “the son of disciple Blaan”. Well, today that son is a daughter. And that daughter has a super-strong-sounding name.
