Many parents are choosing to break traditional gender norms when it comes to naming their children. While some are opting for gender-neutral names, others are choosing to give their daughters traditionally male names. This trend has become increasingly popular in recent years, with many celebrities leading the way by giving their daughters names like James, Wyatt, and Charlie.
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If you are considering giving your daughter a traditionally male name, you are not alone. In fact, there are many popular boy names that are now being used for girls. From names like Sawyer and Cameron to more unique choices like Lennon and Arlo, there are plenty of options to choose from.
This article will explore 100 popular boy names that are now being used for girls, providing inspiration and ideas for parents who are looking for a unique and unconventional name for their daughter.
Popular Boy Names for a Girl
As gender-neutral names continue to rise in popularity, more and more parents are opting for traditionally male names for their baby girls. Here are some popular boy names that have made the transition to being used for girls.
Check out our other perfectly curated lists of baby names:
- Popular Old-Fashioned Baby Girl Names
- Popular Old Fashioned Baby Boy Names
- Popular Modern Baby Boy Names
Names Starting with ‘A-B’ with Meaning
- Alex: meaning “defender of the people,” this unisex name has been a favorite for both boys and girls.
- Bailey: meaning “bailiff” or “law enforcer,” this gender-neutral name has gained popularity for girls.
- Ashton: meaning “ash tree town,” this name has been embraced by both boys and girls in recent times.
- Blake: meaning “fair-haired” or “dark,” this unisex name is trendy for both boys and girls.
- Addison: meaning “son of Adam,” this name has become a popular choice for girls in recent years.
- Bailey: meaning “bailiff” or “law enforcer,” this gender-neutral name has gained popularity for girls.
- Avery: meaning “ruler of the elves,” this name is still popular for both boys and girls.
- Blair: meaning “plain” or “field,” this unisex name has a timeless appeal for boys and girls.
- Brennan: meaning “descendant of the sad one” or “raven,” this name is versatile and suitable for both genders.
- Brooke: meaning “small stream” or “boundary,” this name is commonly chosen for girls but works well for boys too.
Names Starting with ‘C-D’ with Meaning
- Cameron: meaning “crooked nose” or “bent nose,” this unisex name is stylish for both boys and girls.
- Casey: meaning “vigilant” or “watchful,” this name is popular for both genders.
- Charlie: meaning “free man” or “strong,” this classic name is a charming choice for boys and girls alike.
- Dakota: meaning “friend” or “ally,” this name has Native American origins and is widely used for both genders.
- Devon: meaning “poet” or “defender,” this unisex name has a timeless appeal.
- Dylan: meaning “son of the sea” or “great tide,” this Welsh name is popular for both boys and girls.
- Eden: meaning “delight” or “paradise,” this name is favored for girls but works well for boys too.
- Elliott: meaning “the Lord is my God,” this name is suitable for both boys and girls.
- Emerson: meaning “son of Emery” or “bravery,” this name is unisex and continues to be trendy.
- Drew: meaning “wise” or “courageous,” this short and sweet name is loved by both boys and girls.
Names Starting with ‘E-F’ with Meaning
- Ellis: meaning “benevolent” or “kind,” this unisex name is an elegant choice for boys and girls.
- Emery: meaning “industrious” or “brave,” this name has a strong and positive vibe for both genders.
- Evan: meaning “young warrior” or “God is gracious,” this name is classic and works well for boys and girls.
- Finley: meaning “fair-haired hero” or “warrior,” this name is gaining popularity for both genders.
- Frankie: meaning “free” or “truthful,” this cute and versatile name is loved by boys and girls alike.
- Emerson: meaning “son of Emery” or “bravery,” this unisex name continues to be trendy.
- Eden: meaning “delight” or “paradise,” this name is favored for girls but works well for boys too.
- Elliot: meaning “the Lord is my God,” this name is suitable for both boys and girls.
- Finley: meaning “fair-haired hero” or “warrior,” this name is gaining popularity for both genders.
- Frankie: meaning “free” or “truthful,” this cute and versatile name is loved by boys and girls alike.
Names Starting with ‘G-H’ with Meaning
- Gray: meaning “gray-haired” or “wise,” this sleek and modern name is popular for both boys and girls.
- Greer: meaning “watchful” or “vigilant,” this unique and gender-neutral name has a cool vibe.
- Harper: meaning “harp player” or “minstrel,” this trendy name is widely chosen for girls but suits boys too.
- Hayden: meaning “fire” or “hedged valley,” this unisex name has a strong and energetic feel.
- Hadley: meaning “heath clearing” or “heather field,” this stylish name is suitable for both genders.
- Harley: meaning “hare’s meadow” or “rocky clearing,” this edgy name is popular for both boys and girls.
- Hunter: meaning “one who hunts,” this unisex name has a rugged and adventurous appeal.
- Hayden: meaning “fire” or “hedged valley,” this unisex name has a strong and energetic feel.
- Hadley: meaning “heath clearing” or “heather field,” this stylish name is suitable for both genders.
- Harper: meaning “harp player” or “minstrel,” this trendy name is widely chosen for girls but suits boys too.
Names Starting with ‘I-J’ with Meaning
- Indiana: meaning “land of the Indians,” this adventurous and unisex name has a cool, modern feel.
- Ira: meaning “watchful” or “faithful,” this short and strong name is suitable for both boys and girls.
- Isley: meaning “iron” or “vision,” this unique and unisex name has a futuristic appeal.
- Jordan: meaning “flowing down” or “descend,” this classic unisex name remains popular for both boys and girls.
- Jamie: meaning “supplanter” or “one who replaces,” this timeless name is beloved by both genders.
- Jules: meaning “youthful” or “downy,” this short and sweet name is a charming choice for boys and girls.
- Jordan: meaning “flowing down” or “descend,” this classic unisex name remains popular for both boys and girls.
- Jesse: meaning “gift” or “wealth,” this unisex name has a timeless and enduring quality.
- Indigo: meaning “deep blue dye,” this vibrant and gender-neutral name is a unique choice for both boys and girls.
- Jordan: meaning “flowing down” or “descend,” this classic unisex name remains popular for both boys and girls.
Names Starting with ‘K-L’ with Meaning
- Kendall: meaning “valley of the river Kent,” this unisex name has a sophisticated and modern appeal for both boys and girls.
- Keegan: meaning “descendant of Aodhagan” or “little fire,” this energetic and unisex name is popular for both genders.
- Kennedy: meaning “helmeted head” or “misshapen head,” this unique and unisex name has a presidential flair.
- Kelsey: meaning “ship’s victory” or “island of ships,” this unisex name has a strong and nautical charm.
- Logan: meaning “small hollow” or “descendant of the warrior,” this unisex name is popular for both boys and girls.
- Lane: meaning “path” or “small roadway,” this simple and unisex name has a classic charm.
- Leslie: meaning “garden of holly” or “gray fortress,” this unisex name has a timeless and elegant quality.
- Lennon: meaning “lover” or “dear one,” this unisex name is associated with musical greatness and suits both genders.
- Larkin: meaning “rough” or “fierce,” this unique and unisex name has a strong and modern appeal.
- London: meaning “fortress of the moon” or “wildlife enclosure,” this trendy and unisex name has an international flair.
Names Starting with ‘M-N’ with Meaning
- Morgan: meaning “sea circle” or “great brightness,” this unisex name has a strong and versatile appeal for both boys and girls.
- Madison: meaning “son of Maud” or “good son,” this popular unisex name is more commonly associated with girls.
- Mason: meaning “worker in stone” or “building worker,” this unisex name has a solid and enduring quality.
- Mackenzie: meaning “son of Coinneach” or “fair one,” this Scottish name is a popular choice for both boys and girls.
- Morgan: meaning “sea circle” or “great brightness,” this unisex name has a strong and versatile appeal for both boys and girls.
- Noa: meaning “movement” or “motion,” this short and sweet name is a popular choice for girls but also works for boys.
- Nolan: meaning “champion” or “noble,” this strong and handsome name is suitable for both genders.
- Mckenzie: meaning “son of Coinneach” or “fair one,” this Scottish name is a popular choice for both boys and girls.
- Nico: meaning “victory of the people” or “from the river Nikaia,” this short and stylish name is unisex.
- Nell: meaning “bright, shining light,” this short and sweet name is a lovely choice for girls but works well for boys too.
Names Starting with ‘O-P’ with Meaning
- Oakley: meaning “oak meadow” or “clearing with oak trees,” this unisex name has a nature-inspired charm.
- Ocean: meaning “vast sea” or “endless waters,” this serene and unisex name is a unique choice for both boys and girls.
- Onyx: a dark and stylish gemstone, this unique and unisex name has a modern and edgy appeal.
- Orion: meaning “hunter” or “rising in the sky,” this celestial and unisex name is both powerful and enchanting.
- Parker: meaning “park-keeper” or “gamekeeper,” this unisex name has a trendy and playful vibe.
- Peyton: meaning “fighting man’s estate” or “noble,” this unisex name has a strong and sophisticated appeal.
- Ocean: meaning “vast sea” or “endless waters,” this serene and unisex name is a unique choice for both boys and girls.
- Orion: meaning “hunter” or “rising in the sky,” this celestial and unisex name is both powerful and enchanting.
- Phoenix: meaning “dark red” or “mythical bird,” this unique and unisex name is associated with rebirth and renewal.
- Piper: meaning “pipe player” or “flute player,” this sweet and melodic unisex name has a playful charm.
Names Starting with ‘Q-R’ with Meaning
- Quinn: meaning “wise” or “counsel,” this unisex name has a sleek and modern appeal for both boys and girls.
- Quincy: meaning “estate of the fifth son” or “counsel,” this distinguished and unisex name has a timeless quality.
- Reese: meaning “enthusiastic” or “ardor,” this unisex name has a sweet and charming vibe for both boys and girls.
- Riley: meaning “courageous” or “valiant,” this unisex name is popular for both genders.
- Rowan: meaning “little red-haired one” or “tree with red berries,” this nature-inspired unisex name has a timeless charm.
- Reese: meaning “enthusiastic” or “ardor,” this unisex name has a sweet and charming vibe for both boys and girls.
- Riley: meaning “courageous” or “valiant,” this unisex name is popular for both genders.
- River: representing the flowing water, this nature-inspired unisex name is a serene and modern choice.
- Reagan: meaning “little ruler” or “descendant of Riagán,” this unisex name has a strong and presidential feel.
- Robin: meaning “bright fame” or “little bird,” this classic and unisex name is both timeless and endearing.
Names Starting with ‘S-T’ with Meaning
- Skylar: meaning “scholar” or “eternal life,” this unisex name has a modern and celestial charm.
- Sage: meaning “wise and judicious” or “herb,” this unisex name has a serene and nature-inspired quality.
- Sydney: meaning “wide island” or “wide meadow,” this unisex name has an international and sophisticated feel.
- Sawyer: meaning “woodcutter” or “one who saws wood,” this rugged and unisex name is trendy for both boys and girls.
- Sloane: meaning “raider” or “warrior,” this sleek and modern unisex name has a strong and sophisticated appeal.
- Sydney: meaning “wide island” or “wide meadow,” this unisex name has an international and sophisticated feel.
- Taylor: meaning “tailor” or “to cut,” this unisex name is a classic choice that suits both boys and girls.
- Spencer: meaning “steward” or “administrator,” this sophisticated unisex name has an aristocratic feel.
- Teagan: meaning “little poet” or “attractive,” this unisex name is sweet and charming for both boys and girls.
- Tristan: meaning “sorrowful” or “bold,” this classic and unisex name has a timeless and romantic quality.
Names Starting with ‘U-V’ with Meaning
- Unity: meaning “oneness” or “harmony,” this unique and unisex name has a positive and uplifting vibe.
- Urban: meaning “from the city” or “sophisticated,” this modern and unisex name has an urban appeal.
- Vale: meaning “valley” or “lively,” this short and sweet unisex name has a serene and natural charm.
- Vaughn: meaning “small” or “little,” this classic and unisex name has an elegant and sophisticated feel.
- Unity: meaning “oneness” or “harmony,” this unique and unisex name has a positive and uplifting vibe.
- Vivian: meaning “alive” or “lively,” this classic and unisex name has a timeless and elegant quality.
- Valen: meaning “strong” or “healthy,” this modern and unisex name has a fresh and energetic appeal.
- Vesper: meaning “evening star” or “nightfall,” this unique and unisex name has a mystical and romantic quality.
- Vaughn: meaning “small” or “little,” this classic and unisex name has an elegant and sophisticated feel.
- Vida: meaning “life” or “alive,” this simple and unisex name has a positive and vibrant energy.
Names Starting with ‘W-X’ with Meaning
- Wyatt: meaning “brave in war” or “little warrior,” this strong and unisex name has a rugged appeal.
- Winter: representing the season, this unique and unisex name has a cool and refreshing vibe.
- Wesley: meaning “western meadow” or “western clearing,” this classic and unisex name has a timeless charm.
- Wren: meaning “small bird” or “songbird,” this charming and unisex name has a sweet and nature-inspired quality.
- Whitney: meaning “white island” or “white meadow,” this unisex name has a sophisticated and elegant feel.
- Xanthe: meaning “yellow” or “blonde,” this unique and unisex name has a vibrant and colorful energy.
- Xander: meaning “defender of the people,” this strong and modern unisex name is a popular choice.
- Xyla: meaning “woodland” or “forest,” this distinctive and unisex name has a natural and mystical appeal.
- Xavier: meaning “bright” or “new house,” this classic and unisex name has a strong and sophisticated quality.
Names Starting with ‘Y-Z’ with Meaning
- York: meaning “yew tree estate” or “wild boar settlement,” this unisex name has a timeless and sturdy appeal.
- Yara: meaning “water lady” or “small butterfly,” this exotic and unisex name has a mystical and elegant quality.
- Yale: meaning “fertile upland” or “productive,” this unisex name has an intellectual and scholarly feel.
- Yael: meaning “mountain goat” or “strength of God,” this unique and unisex name has a strong and nature-inspired vibe.
- Zen: meaning “meditation” or “tranquil,” this short and unisex name has a calm and serene quality.
- Zara: meaning “princess” or “flower,” this elegant and unisex name has a regal and timeless appeal.
- Zephyr: meaning “west wind” or “gentle breeze,” this unique and unisex name has a cool and refreshing quality.
- Zion: meaning “highest point” or “monument,” this strong and unisex name has a powerful and spiritual vibe.
- Zoe: meaning “life” or “alive,” this classic and unisex name has a lively and vibrant energy.
Traditional and Powerful Boy Names for a Girl with Meaning
Choosing a name for a baby is a big decision, and some parents are looking for names that are unique and meaningful. One trend that has become increasingly popular in recent years is giving girls traditional boy names. Here are some traditional and powerful boy names for a girl with meaning.
Noah
Noah is a popular boy name that has been in the top 10 for several years. It means “rest” or “comfort,” making it a fitting name for a baby girl who will bring joy and peace to the family.
Oliver
Oliver is another popular boy name that has been in the top 5 for several years. It means “olive tree,” which is a symbol of peace and abundance. Giving a girl this name can be a nod to the biblical story of the dove bringing an olive branch to Noah’s ark as a sign of peace.
Levi
Levi is a Hebrew name that means “joined” or “attached.” It is a strong and powerful name that can be given to a baby girl as a way to symbolize the strong bond between parent and child.
Meaningful Names
When choosing a name for a baby girl, many parents want a name that has a special meaning. Some powerful boy names that have meaningful meanings include:
- Ethan: means “strong” or “firm”
- Gabriel: means “God is my strength”
- Isaiah: means “salvation of the Lord”
- Michael: means “who is like God”
- Samuel: means “heard by God”
Giving a girl one of these names can be a way to give her a powerful and meaningful name that will stay with her for a lifetime.
Social Security Rankings
The Social Security Administration keeps track of the most popular baby names every year. If you want to choose a name that is both traditional and popular, you can look at the rankings to see which names are trending. Some popular boy names that have become popular for girls include:
- Charlie: means “free man”
- Elliot: means “the Lord is my God”
- Finley: means “fair-haired hero”
- Jordan: means “to flow down”
- Logan: means “small hollow”
Giving a girl one of these names can be a way to give her a name that is both traditional and popular.
Creative and Unique Boy Names for a Girl with Meaning
Choosing a name for a baby is a big decision. For parents who want to go against the norm and choose a boy name for their baby girl, there are many unique options to consider. Here are some creative and unique boy names for a girl with their meanings.
Arlo
Arlo is a trendy name that has gained popularity in recent years. It is a unisex name that can be used for both boys and girls. Arlo has a meaning of “fortified hill” and is of Spanish origin. It is a great choice for parents who want a name that is both modern and gender-neutral.
Soren
Soren is a unique name that is perfect for a baby girl. It has a meaning of “stern” or “severe” and is of Danish origin. Soren is a great choice for parents who want a name that is both strong and feminine.
French Names
French names are known for their elegance and sophistication. They can be a great choice for parents who want a name that is both unique and beautiful. Some popular French names for boys that can be used for girls include Julien, Emile, and Auguste.
Willow
Willow is a beautiful name that has a meaning of “graceful” or “slender.” It is of English origin and is a great choice for parents who want a name that is both nature-inspired and gender-neutral.
Saoirse
Saoirse is an Irish name that has a meaning of “freedom.” It is a great choice for parents who want a name that is both unique and meaningful. Saoirse is a beautiful name that can be used for both boys and girls.
Elena
Elena is a popular name that has a meaning of “bright” or “shining light.” It is of Spanish origin and is a great choice for parents who want a name that is both classic and feminine.
Stella
Stella is a beautiful name that has the meaning of “star.” It is of Latin origin and is a great choice for parents who want a name that is both unique and timeless. Stella is a great choice for parents who want a name that is both strong and feminine.
Rare and Uncommon Boy Names for a Girl with Meaning
Choosing a unique name for a baby girl is a great way to make her stand out from the crowd. If you’re looking for rare and uncommon boy names that could work for a girl, consider the following suggestions.
Atlas
Atlas is a Greek name that means “to carry.” It is a unique name that is growing in popularity for boys, but it could also work for a girl. The name has a strong and powerful sound to it, making it a great choice for a girl who is destined for greatness.
Drew
Drew is a shortened version of the name Andrew, which means “manly.” It is a unisex name that is more commonly used for boys, but it could be a great choice for a girl who wants a strong and confident name. Drew Barrymore is a famous actress who has helped popularize this name for girls.
Nova
Nova is a Latin name that means “new.” It is a rare name that is growing in popularity for both boys and girls. Nova has a beautiful sound to it and is a great choice for parents who want a unique and modern name for their baby girl.
Aurelia
Aurelia is a Latin name that means “golden.” It is a beautiful and unique name that is growing in popularity for girls. Aurelia has a regal and sophisticated sound to it, making it a great choice for parents who want a name that sounds elegant and refined.
Maeve
Maeve is an Irish name that means “intoxicating.” It is a unique and beautiful name that is growing in popularity for girls. Maeve has a soft and gentle sound to it, making it a great choice for parents who want a name that sounds sweet and feminine.
Elizabeth
Elizabeth is a classic name that has been popular for centuries. It is a Hebrew name that means “God is my oath.” While it is more commonly used for girls, it could also work as a unique and uncommon name for a boy. Elizabeth has a timeless and elegant sound to it, making it a great choice for parents who want a name that will never go out of style.
Eliana
Eliana is a Hebrew name that means “my God has answered.” It is a unique and uncommon name that is growing in popularity for girls. Eliana has a beautiful and exotic sound to it, making it a great choice for parents who want a name that sounds both modern and timeless.
25 Other Names with Meaning
If you are looking for a unique name for your baby girl, you might want to consider some of these popular boy names. Here are 25 other names with meaning that might inspire you:
- Alex: Short for Alexander, which means “defender of the people”.
- Ashton: An English name that means “ash tree town”.
- Avery: A unisex name that means “ruler of the elves”.
- Blake: An English name that means “fair-haired”.
- Cameron: A Scottish name that means “crooked nose”.
- Casey: An Irish name that means “brave in battle”.
- Charlie: A diminutive of Charles, which means “free man”.
- Dakota: A Native American name that means “friend”.
- Drew: A short form of Andrew, which means “manly”.
- Ellis: An English name that means “benevolent”.
- Emerson: An English name that means “son of Emery”.
- Finley: An Irish name that means “fair-haired warrior”.
- Frankie: A diminutive of Francis, which means “Frenchman”.
- Hayden: An English name that means “heather-grown hill”.
- Jamie: A diminutive of James, which means “supplanter”.
- Jordan: A Hebrew name that means “to flow down”.
- Kai: A Hawaiian name that means “sea”.
- Logan: A Scottish name that means “hollow”.
- Morgan: A Welsh name that means “sea-born”.
- Parker: An English name that means “park keeper”.
- Quinn: An Irish name that means “wise”.
- Riley: An Irish name that means “courageous”.
- Rowan: An Irish name that means “little red-haired one”.
- Sawyer: An English name that means “woodcutter”.
- Spencer: An English name that means “steward”.
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Conclusion
Choosing a name for a baby girl can be a daunting task, especially when parents want to choose a name that is unique and meaningful. One way to achieve this is by considering boy names for a girl. The popularity of using boy names for girls has been on the rise in recent years, and it is not hard to see why.
According to the search results, many formerly 100% boy names are now being used for girls, from nicknames like Sam and Charlie to occupational or surnames such as Sawyer or McKinley to formerly masculine names such as Quincy and Jude that have become truly unisex. In fact, many traditionally male names have become popular for girls, such as Avery, Riley, Aubrey, Kennedy, and Skylar.
Some of the most popular boy names for girls include Olivia, Charlotte, Luna, Bella, Amelia, Sophia, Mia, Ella, Evelyn, Isabella, Emma, Ava, Isla, Harper, Ellie, Hannah, Aria, Lily, Aurora, Chloe, and Hazel. These names are not only unique and meaningful, but they also have a timeless quality that will stand the test of time.
Parents who choose to use boy names for their baby girl should not be afraid to be creative and think outside the box. They can also consider using a boy name as a middle name, or combining a boy name with a more feminine name to create a unique and beautiful name for their baby girl.
In conclusion, using a boy name for a girl is a great way to choose a unique and meaningful name for a baby girl. With so many options available, parents are sure to find a name that they love and that will suit their baby girl perfectly.
Iesha is a loving mother of 2 beautiful children. She’s an active parent who enjoys indoor and outdoor adventures with her family. Her mission is to share practical and realistic parenting advice to help the parenting community becoming stronger.