Unisex Names - Are They The Right Choice For Today?

If you saw the name Carmen on a business card, would you assume it was a man or a woman? What about Tracy, Dale, or Brett? These names, along with many others, are offered up at many websites as being unisex names, appropriate for either a boy or girl. But should they be, and what should new parents think about when considering naming their new son or daughter a unisex name?

In fact, unisex naming seems to be a trend on the rise, and many expectant parents are indeed choosing these names for their children. However, it may not be the wisest idea, and a bit of thought toward the future will help to explain why. Think about how you and I meet people today. Is it often face to face? More likely, we are introduced to new acquaintances via a business card or, even more likely, by phone or over the internet. Without a face to put with the person's name, we are forced to make assumptions about their identity, and that includes their gender.

With gender neutral names such as those mentioned above it can be impossible to know for sure. Human nature being what it is, we tend to fall back on experience, meaning we will assume the gender based on the sex of those we have known by the same name. For instance, if you grew up with a girl named Jordan, you might make the assumption that the Jordan you just received an email from is a woman, which may or may not be true. I worked with a client a few years ago whose first name was Kelly... he changed his name because he said often when a new client called there would be this silence when they heard a man's voice.

Certainly, many unisex names do carry with them affirmations tending toward one gender or the other. That quality was built into the name at it's origination point. For example, the name Leslie has strong masculine qualities and it was used only for boys in the UK up until recently. Conversely, Dana has strongly feminine qualities. 

But, like it or not our first names do identify our gender. Think carefully before choosing a unisex name for your baby boy or girl. You don't want to inadvertently put them in an awkward position in the future, or limit their choices in any unforeseen ways.

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