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HelpDo you think flower/gemstone girl names can be unisex names?
I think is that in theory it would work well.
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As other people said, generally yes, but for varying reasons, I don't think they all work equally well.
I was curious, so I looked up usage in the US for names mentioned so far plus some other similar ones (it's based on data from 2021 so fairly recent):
Being used only as masculine (unless too rare to count):
Flint, Obsidian, Valerian
Being used for both but at least 20x more likely for boys:
Jasper
Being used for both but at least 10x more likely for boys:
Alder, Oleander, Jet
Being used for both:
Lotus, Diamond, Garnet, Onyx, Aspen, Rowan, Cedar, Aster, Briar, Sage, Linden, Basil, Sequoia
Being used for both but at least 10x more likely for girls:
Emerald, Ivory
Being used for both but at least 20x more likely for girls:
Ruby, Iris, Jade, Juniper, Hazel, Ash, Jewel, Willow
Currently only being used for girls (unless too rare to be counted): Hyacinth, Lily, Rose, Pearl, Marigold, Opal, Sapphire, Celestine, Dandelion, Bryony, Coral, Violet, Holly, Tansy, Daisy, Jasmine, Amaranth, Amethyst, Cherry, Lavender, Rosemary, Olive, Lilac, Azalea, Amber, Laurel, Clover, Fern, Ebony, Honesty, Saffron, Yarrow - of those, I know Opal, Pearl, Fern, and Hyacinth have historically been used as men's names. I could see Marigold, Sapphire, Clover, Dandelion, Honesty, Violet, Ebony, Bryony, Saffron, Yarrow, Amaranth, Amber, Amethyst, Laurel as masculine fairly easily.
Of rare ones not being used much for either gender, I like Topaz, Thyme, and Coriander as unisex/masculine. There's a guy named Almond in my extended family tree, but I don't know how I feel about that one.
I was curious, so I looked up usage in the US for names mentioned so far plus some other similar ones (it's based on data from 2021 so fairly recent):
Being used only as masculine (unless too rare to count):
Flint, Obsidian, Valerian
Being used for both but at least 20x more likely for boys:
Jasper
Being used for both but at least 10x more likely for boys:
Alder, Oleander, Jet
Being used for both:
Lotus, Diamond, Garnet, Onyx, Aspen, Rowan, Cedar, Aster, Briar, Sage, Linden, Basil, Sequoia
Being used for both but at least 10x more likely for girls:
Emerald, Ivory
Being used for both but at least 20x more likely for girls:
Ruby, Iris, Jade, Juniper, Hazel, Ash, Jewel, Willow
Currently only being used for girls (unless too rare to be counted): Hyacinth, Lily, Rose, Pearl, Marigold, Opal, Sapphire, Celestine, Dandelion, Bryony, Coral, Violet, Holly, Tansy, Daisy, Jasmine, Amaranth, Amethyst, Cherry, Lavender, Rosemary, Olive, Lilac, Azalea, Amber, Laurel, Clover, Fern, Ebony, Honesty, Saffron, Yarrow - of those, I know Opal, Pearl, Fern, and Hyacinth have historically been used as men's names. I could see Marigold, Sapphire, Clover, Dandelion, Honesty, Violet, Ebony, Bryony, Saffron, Yarrow, Amaranth, Amber, Amethyst, Laurel as masculine fairly easily.
Of rare ones not being used much for either gender, I like Topaz, Thyme, and Coriander as unisex/masculine. There's a guy named Almond in my extended family tree, but I don't know how I feel about that one.
This message was edited 3/22/2024, 8:48 PM
I like Almond for both genders. It sounds soothing.
Absolutely, although I think some sound more feminine or masculine than others. For example, I wouldn't name a son Rose, Lily or Marigold, but I would consider Iris, Foxglove or Lotus.
Out of feminine gemstone names, Topaz, Opal and Diamond would probably "translate" better onto boys than say Pearl, Sapphire or Ruby. Putting boy names on girls is seen as more socially acceptable though. Giving a boy a "girl" name is risky but the urge to do it is so strong LOL.
Out of feminine gemstone names, Topaz, Opal and Diamond would probably "translate" better onto boys than say Pearl, Sapphire or Ruby. Putting boy names on girls is seen as more socially acceptable though. Giving a boy a "girl" name is risky but the urge to do it is so strong LOL.
This message was edited 3/22/2024, 8:05 PM
Sure, in theory it works. A lot of nature names that we now consider for girls only, like Holly and Garnet, were once used on boys too. More obscure/less popular choices could probably work well.
If the name is very popular it could be trickier. But it's not impossible. I recently watched a show with an adult male character called "Jade" (a firmly female name to me) - it was odd at first but I got used to it pretty quickly.
If the name is very popular it could be trickier. But it's not impossible. I recently watched a show with an adult male character called "Jade" (a firmly female name to me) - it was odd at first but I got used to it pretty quickly.
Depends on the name. Even if they're not used traditionally as names, the names of flowers especially usually strike me as having a particular gender. For example, Abelia, Ixora, and Junellia seem feminine and Lupin, Oleander, Linden, Yarrow and Hawthorn strike me as masculine. I find that even when the name of a flower sounds maybe gender neutral or even masculine, it will still end up being a feminine name because flowers themselves I suppose are more typically seen as feminine and people are more likely to name their daughters after them. For example, Dandelion, and Aspen are both plant names that I have heard used as masculine names on actual people, but they are used more frequently for girls and on this website they are listed as feminine. Dianthus, Coriander and Alyssum seem masculine to me, but it is also listed as feminine. Some to me are definitely gender neutral, like Aster and Ash. So for flowers, it really depends. A lot of flowers are named after mythological figures, or might have a history as a name before being used on plants, so I think in such cases the traditional gender of the name determines its use. For example, Rose has a history as a feminine name apart from being the name of a flower. Same with all the flowers named after nymphs.
As for gemstone names, I think that really depends. Ruby defintitely seems feminine to me, as Jasper masculine (because it has a history as a masculine name apart from the stone). Much of the rest seem like they could work on anyone in theory. I think maybe Opal could work on a boy?
As for gemstone names, I think that really depends. Ruby defintitely seems feminine to me, as Jasper masculine (because it has a history as a masculine name apart from the stone). Much of the rest seem like they could work on anyone in theory. I think maybe Opal could work on a boy?
This message was edited 3/22/2024, 12:06 PM
Nicknames could be a factor sometimes. Dandelion shortens so conveniently to Dan, and Dianthus is very close to Diane/Diana. Ashley is gender neutral, just like Ash! Linden seems fem to me, like Helen and Karen; but there's always Alan, Aiden and dozens of others to spoil the association.
You've met someone named Dandelion? What were they like?
I never met him in person, but he was someone I know's dad.
I know a girl whose nickname is Dandelion. It's legally Danielle but she's preferred Dandelion since she was a kid. I think its strange personally but to each their own. This girl is an artist by trade.
This message was edited 3/22/2024, 5:58 PM
Alyssum seems feminine to me because of Alyssa.
Depends I guess. I could totally see a name like Garnet on a guy but I could never imagine a boy named Lily. Then again, times are changing. Any name could be used by anyone, and honestly I think that's really cool. Can't wait to meet a boy named Rose in 2034 lol.
Names like Jasper and Flint are already seen as boy names. Beryl and Onyx seem gender neutral. I don't see Esmerelda seamlessly switching from girls to boys, but Safir is a boy name.
Trees seem more gender neutral than flowers although a few flowers like Aciano work well for boys. Basil and Oleander are generally boy names. I think if you want a flower name for a boy the key would be to find one that isn't already popular for girls.
Trees seem more gender neutral than flowers although a few flowers like Aciano work well for boys. Basil and Oleander are generally boy names. I think if you want a flower name for a boy the key would be to find one that isn't already popular for girls.
I think in theory, yeah, but you'd probably have a hard time with Ruby, Rose, Lily, and Linnea in reality.
There are quite a few names that fall into those categories that are considered masculine or at least would not invite confusion.
Aster
Jonquil
Alder
Cedar
Linden
(Insert other tree names)
I also know in some parts of the world, even English speaking, Jade is gender neutral.
Onyx and Garnet could also pass as masculine.
I do think it’s important that parents realize that binary names do exist, and while as an adult you may think it’s sweet to name your boy Ruby or Lily, the child may not appreciate always having his gender assumed to be female based on a traditionally feminine name. There are lots of other ways to teach a child to be non-conforming.
Aster
Jonquil
Alder
Cedar
Linden
(Insert other tree names)
I also know in some parts of the world, even English speaking, Jade is gender neutral.
Onyx and Garnet could also pass as masculine.
I do think it’s important that parents realize that binary names do exist, and while as an adult you may think it’s sweet to name your boy Ruby or Lily, the child may not appreciate always having his gender assumed to be female based on a traditionally feminine name. There are lots of other ways to teach a child to be non-conforming.
I think people are kind of primed by now to expect unusual names, so it would probably be fine.
Parents with a point to prove (Look at us, so modern and gender-neutral!) might well try, but until the rest of the world catches up with them, it would be doing their son no favours.
It's old-fashioned in some places.
I might cave and make the "weird" name a second middle name.. I'll become the people I don't like, giving their kids long ass names.
No