Fictional characters are a rich source of inspiration for gender-neutral baby names. From literature to movies, TV shows, and comics, these names carry stories, values, and creativity. Here are 50 options that work for any gender, categorized by their origins:
- Books: Names like Jo (Little Women), Scout (To Kill a Mockingbird), and Finn (The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn) reflect independence and timeless appeal.
- Movies: Options such as Jules (Pulp Fiction), Remy (Ratatouille), and Rey (Star Wars) have gained popularity through memorable characters.
- TV Shows: Names like Alex (Grey's Anatomy), Quinn (Glee), and River (various dramas) showcase the influence of television on naming trends.
- Fantasy/Comics: Mythical and bold choices like Phoenix (X-Men), Arya (Game of Thrones), and Zephyr (Greek mythology) offer a sense of uniqueness and individuality.
These names are perfect for parents looking for options that break away from traditional gender norms while connecting to beloved fictional worlds. Explore the full list for inspiration!
50 Gender-Neutral Baby Names From Fiction: Books, Movies, TV & Fantasy
1. Books
Classic literature has gifted us some fantastic gender-neutral names, often inspired by characters who challenge norms and embody independence, moral strength, and individuality. Here’s a list of names drawn from timeless books, along with the reasons they stand out:
| Name | Source | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Jo | Little Women | Jo March, short for Josephine, breaks societal expectations and remains a bold, enduring choice. |
| Scout | To Kill a Mockingbird | Jean Louise "Scout" Finch is sharp, brave, and unapologetically herself - a name symbolizing independence. |
| Sawyer | The Adventures of Tom Sawyer | A part of the popular last-name-as-first-name trend, it exudes an adventurous and free-spirited vibe. |
| Finn | The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn | Short and adaptable, Mark Twain’s curious wanderer gives this name a sense of exploration. |
| Ariel | The Tempest | Shakespeare’s magical being, portrayed as both male and female, makes this name versatile and timeless. |
| Charlie | Charlie and the Chocolate Factory | Roald Dahl’s kind-hearted protagonist lends this name a friendly and approachable feel across genders. |
| Nemo | 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea | Meaning "nobody" in Latin, this name carries a subtle uniqueness with an aquatic twist. |
| Jordan | The Great Gatsby | Jordan Baker helped cement this name’s gender-neutral appeal during the Jazz Age. |
| Jem | To Kill a Mockingbird | Short and sharp, Jeremy "Jem" Finch gives this name strong literary roots. |
| Brett | The Sun Also Rises | Lady Brett Ashley turned this traditionally masculine name into a bold, gender-neutral option. |
| Marlowe | Doctor Faustus | Inspired by playwright Christopher Marlowe, this name is gaining popularity as a modern unisex literary choice. |
| Valentine | The Two Gentlemen of Verona | A Shakespearean gem that feels timeless and refreshingly rare. |
| Gatsby | The Great Gatsby | A striking last-name-as-first-name pick that’s bold, literary, and distinctive. |
Names like Scout Finch and Jo March highlight how characters can inspire choices that challenge societal norms. The trend of using last names as first names - like Sawyer, Marlowe, and Gatsby - adds a contemporary, balanced touch to these literary-inspired picks. Up next, we’ll dive into how movies have continued to influence the rise of gender-neutral names.
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2. Movies
Movies have played a major role in popularizing gender-neutral names, often catapulting them into mainstream popularity. A memorable character can take a name from relative obscurity to the US Top 1,000 charts within a year of a film's release.
| Name | Source | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Jules | Pulp Fiction | With French roots meaning "youthful", this name carries a cool, adaptable vibe that suits any gender. |
| Remy | Ratatouille | Sparks curiosity and creativity, blending an adventurous spirit with a foodie flair. |
| Robin | Robin Hood | Meaning "bright fame", this timeless name has been embraced by people of all genders for decades. |
| Willow | Pocahontas | Rooted in nature, it feels poetic and grounded, offering a sense of whimsy and strength. |
| Arlo | The Good Dinosaur | Radiates warmth and curiosity, giving off a friendly and approachable energy. |
| Ariel | The Little Mermaid | Known as a princess name in the U.S., it also has male roots in other cultures and literary ties to Shakespeare's The Tempest. |
| Elliott | E.T. | A timeless choice with a soft, classic sound that works perfectly for any child. |
| Rey | Star Wars | Simple yet bold, this name offers flexibility with alternate spellings like "Ray". |
| Sullivan | Sullivan's Travels | A surname-turned-first name that echoes the glamor of old Hollywood. |
Movies, much like literature, provide a treasure trove of names that resonate with modern parents. Disney films, in particular, have been instrumental in shaping trends, with characters often embodying qualities like bravery, wisdom, and independence. Animated films have proven to be just as influential as live-action ones - names like Remy and Arlo highlight how these characters leave a lasting impression. Whether it’s the edgy charm of Jules or the serene beauty of Willow, cinema continues to inspire names that feel both timeless and modern. Up next, we’ll look at how television shows contribute to this naming trend.
3. TV Shows
Television has a strong influence on naming trends. With TV signals reaching 96.5% of U.S. homes, character names get incredible exposure. Sophie Kihm, Editor at Nameberry, sums it up well:
"The names of television characters, from the days of the Western and early soap operas, have always been influential, with life mirroring the small screen and vice versa."
Here are 13 gender-neutral names that have gained popularity thanks to TV:
| Name | Source | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Alex | Taxi, Grey's Anatomy | Means "Defender of the People." Ranked #153 in 2018, with 2,505 babies named Alex that year. |
| Quinn | Scandal, Glee | Irish for "intelligence" or "chief leader." About 80% of babies named Quinn are girls, while 20% are boys. |
| Charlie | Lost, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia | English for "free person" - a versatile name that suits any gender. |
| Sawyer | Lost | A surname-turned-first name meaning "wood cutter", showcasing TV's knack for reimagining last names. |
| Peyton | One Tree Hill | English for "noble" or "dignified" - a name that’s both soft and strong. |
| Cameron | Halt and Catch Fire, Modern Family | Seen on screen as both a tech innovator and a lovable family figure, making it a flexible option. |
| Blair | Gossip Girl, The Facts of Life | Scottish for "plain" or "field" - a chic and understated choice. |
| Riley | Grey's Anatomy | Irish for "courageous", giving it a modern and energetic vibe. |
| Cassian | Andor (Star Wars series) | U.S. usage more than doubled between 2022 and 2023, making it one of the fastest-growing names. |
| Watson | Elementary | As Ali Velez, Staff Writer at BuzzFeed, notes, "Watson is a character's last name, but it totally works as a fresh, gender-neutral name for your little smartypants". |
| Archer | Archer | Another surname-turned-first name that exudes confidence and charm across genders. |
| River | Various contemporary dramas | A nature-inspired name that has become a favorite for non-binary and gender-neutral naming. |
| Sage | Various contemporary series | Like River, it draws from nature - calm, grounded, and free of gender constraints. |
TV shows often turn surnames into first names, and it works brilliantly. Names like Quinn, Sawyer, Watson, and Archer started as last names but now feel fresh and approachable as first names. It's a winning formula: recognizable yet distinctive. Up next, we’ll dive into gender-neutral names inspired by fantasy and comic books, continuing this trend.
4. Fantasy/Comics
Fantasy and comic book names carry a sense of myth and storytelling, blending purpose, mystery, and narrative into a single word.
With over 343 gender-neutral fantasy names to choose from, there's no shortage of options that balance both masculine and feminine qualities. These names allow for personal expression and individuality, offering a perfect fit for those who want something bold yet meaningful.
One popular trend in this category is word-based naming. Names like Storm, Phoenix, and Onyx skip traditional gender associations and instead focus on being striking and memorable.
| Name | Source | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Phoenix | Inspired by X-Men characters | Symbolizes rebirth and resilience in one powerful word. |
| Storm | X-Men | Elemental and commanding, this name feels strong, free, and gender-neutral. |
| Raven | Teen Titans (DC Comics) | Mysterious and gothic, its popularity has grown with fantasy adaptations. |
| Nova | Marvel Comics | Latin for "new", it evokes brightness and the idea of a fresh start. |
| Arya | Game of Thrones | Fierce and independent, this name has become a modern favorite. |
| Emrys | Arthurian legend | A Welsh name meaning "immortal", steeped in ancient myth and rarity. |
| Nyx | Greek mythology / Percy Jackson | The goddess of night, this name is short, celestial, and full of dark energy. |
| Rowan | Various fantasy novels | Nature-inspired with a calm yet strong essence. |
| Zephyr | Greek mythology / fantasy fiction | Meaning "west wind", it feels airy, free-spirited, and perfectly neutral. |
| Briar | Sleeping Beauty retellings / fantasy | A nature name with a wild, thorny edge - soft yet strong. |
| Onyx | Fantasy/comics | A gemstone name with a bold, dark tone, increasingly popular as a non-binary choice. |
These names reflect the influence of literature, cinema, and mythology, blending timeless appeal with a modern edge. Whether it's a grounded option like Rowan or a cosmic choice like Nova, these names strike a balance between whimsy and strength. Rooted in nature and myth, they offer lasting appeal beyond passing trends.
Conclusion
Fiction provides not just a treasure trove of memorable names but also a deep connection to timeless stories and values. As Charlotte Ahlin aptly stated:
"I think we're all pretty clear at this point that gender is a social construct - there is, in fact, no biological reason that girls should have names ending in 'a' and boys should have names ending in 'o.'"
Gender-neutral names inspired by fiction reflect a broader shift in how we think about identity and naming. From literature to fantasy, these names often carry meanings tied to bravery, independence, or the promise of a new beginning - linking individuals to shared stories and cultural moments.
Nameberry's 2026 trend forecast, released in October 2025, highlights the growing influence of romance-fantasy fiction on baby naming. Names like Evander, Thoren, and Rune are already becoming popular. Fiction doesn’t just mirror trends; it actively shapes them, offering endless inspiration for those seeking a name with depth and resonance.
If you're still searching for the right name, dive into the world of fiction - whether it's novels, comics, or films - for something truly personal. For couples navigating this journey together, NameHatch is a helpful tool. Its AI-powered swipe interface lets you filter names by style, origin, or vibe - like nature-inspired or mythical categories - so you can build a shared shortlist effortlessly. These 50 names are just the beginning; the perfect name is out there, waiting to tell its story.
FAQs
Which of these names are truly unisex in the U.S.?
The following names are commonly seen as gender-neutral in the U.S.: Jo, Scout, Charlie, Nemo, Artemis, Ariel (used across genders), Piscine, Theo, and Dany.
Additionally, these names are almost equally popular for all genders: Amari, Ash, Blake, Phoenix, River, Robin, Sage, Spencer, Tatum, Devon, and Shannon.
Will a fiction-inspired name feel too trendy later?
Names inspired by fiction can either feel tied to trends or stand the test of time, depending on their origin. Pop culture often propels some names into temporary popularity, while others, drawn from mythology or classic literature, tend to retain their timeless charm. Opting for names connected to nature, celestial themes, or virtues can also give them a lasting resonance. Tools like NameHatch can help you discover and narrow down names that align with your preferences, making the selection process more personal and meaningful for your family.
How can we shortlist names together in NameHatch?
NameHatch takes the stress out of choosing baby names with your partner. It uses a fun, Tinder-style swipe interface that lets both of you browse and pick names individually. When you both swipe right on a name, it’s instantly added to a shared shortlist. Whether you’re on your phone or desktop, this tool makes it easy to keep track of and narrow down your favorite names together.
