The Surge of Non-Binary Baby Names: Here's Why

Overview
The popularity of non-binary baby names is on the rise, and experts are weighing in on this trend. As millennials take the reins of parenthood, the embrace of gender-neutral names has become more prevalent. In fact, BabyCenter proclaimed 2015 as the year for gender-neutral baby names, with a report by Net Credit indicating an astonishing 88% increase in such names from 1985 to 2015. By 2018, Nameberry noted that names like Harper, traditionally a male name, had displaced Abigail from the top ten girls’ names for the first time in 17 years.

Currently, non-binary baby names are emerging as a popular choice among parents who wish to remove gender associations from their children’s identities. But what sets non-binary names apart from gender-neutral ones? Here’s the lowdown.

While there is some overlap between gender-neutral and nonbinary names, nonbinary names are those that are genuinely devoid of gender identity, used almost equally for all genders. Unlike names like James or Charlie—which have increasingly been used for both boys and girls—nonbinary names can include surnames used as first names, nature-inspired names, or names based on places, as well as entirely new names without any historical or cultural connotation.

Celebrities have also contributed to this trend, with examples like Emma Stone and Dave McCary naming their daughter Banks, or Beyoncé and Jay-Z choosing the name Rumi for their daughter. These names, while they may carry personal or cultural significance, don’t align with traditional gender binaries.

Whether the trend for nonbinary names will reshape naming conventions on a larger scale remains to be seen. However, many new parents are drawn to the idea of choosing a completely gender-neutral name for their children, even if they maintain conventional gender labels when referring to them.

“Parents often want to avoid putting pressure on their child’s gender identity with their name,” says Mia Tanner, founder of the parenting site Modern Families. “A gender-neutral name allows children the freedom to identify as male, female, or anything in between when they are older, which can feel empowering.” Tanner further adds that many parents view the traditional gendered naming system as outdated, believing that children should be treated equally from birth. This shift reflects a growing understanding of gender fluidity and the fact that not everyone identifies with the gender assigned to them at birth, prompting more parents to seek names that embody this evolving perspective.

Alex Morgan, author of Naming Your Newborn, emphasizes the desire for unique names among parents today. The continuous rise of celebrities opting for unconventional names, along with the accessibility of names from various cultures, are fueling this trend. Moreover, there’s a significant number of parents who intentionally select non-gendered names as part of a broader movement advocating for children to grow up free from gender labels—a movement often referred to as “theybies.”

While Tanner anticipates that nonbinary names will continue to gain traction, she believes they won’t completely replace enduring classic names like Charlotte or James, which have remained popular for generations. According to the Social Security Administration, gendered names still dominate the U.S. naming landscape.

Just like our understanding of gender is evolving, so too are naming trends. It’s important to remember that the meanings and associations of names can shift over time. Names once deemed masculine, such as Ashley or Leslie, have transitioned to be more commonly associated with females. Historically, many names were selected based on religious beliefs or familial ties, but it wasn’t until 1947 that Americans began to choose names based on personal preference.

Choosing a name for your child might seem daunting, but what matters most is selecting one that resonates with you, regardless of current trends. Embrace the journey of parenthood as you see fit.

For more insights on this topic, check out this article on our blog. Additionally, if you’re exploring the world of home insemination, Cryobaby offers valuable information, while the NHS provides excellent resources on pregnancy and home insemination.

Possible Search Queries

Summary

The rise of non-binary baby names reflects a growing trend among parents seeking to eliminate gender associations from their children’s identities. Experts highlight that these names allow for greater freedom in self-identification, as society’s understanding of gender evolves. While traditional names remain popular, the movement towards non-gendered names is gaining momentum, encouraging parents to consider a name that resonates with their values and beliefs.

Keyphrase: Non-binary baby names
Tags: [“home insemination kit”, “home insemination syringe”, “self insemination”]

The Surge of Non-Binary Baby Names: Here’s Why

Possible Search Queries

Summary