25 Trendsetting Gender-Neutral Baby Names

When we named Post-Gender Baby Names as our Number 1 trend for 2016, we were mostly just guessing. Oh sure, the guess was backed up by some strong cultural trends, from marriage equality to trans recognition, as well as a raft of celebrity baby names.

But when The New York Times asked us whether we could back up the trend with, you know, actual statistics, we weren’t entirely positive what we’d find. Baby name prognosticating is as tricky as any other kind of forecasting, relying as much on instinct as on science. Our gut told us that baby names that defied gender categories were on the rise for both girls and boys. But would the numbers bear that out?

Our discovery, as reported in The New York Times by Alex Williams: The number of babies with truly unisex names — those most evenly split between the sexes — has exploded in the past ten years. And boys are getting these post-gender names as often as girls, with 60 percent more babies getting gender-neutral names in 2015 than in 2005.

How do we define truly unisex baby names? Those with at least a 35/65 split between the sexes. Babies given names with wider gender splits — 20/80 or 90/10 — rose in number too, but less than 10 percent in the past decade.

The rise in babies with unisex names is even more dramatic if you look at the span of a generation, comparing 1985 and 2015. In that time, the number of babies with 35/65 unisex names rose 88 percent; with 90/10 names, 105 percent; and with 80/20 names, 157 percent — nearly triple.

The Top 25 Baby Names that are truly unisex, with their 2015 gender split, are:

1. Hayden (38 percent girls)

2. Charlie (48 percent girls)

3. Emerson (59 percent girls)

4. Rowan (35 percent girls)

5. Finley (60 percent girls)

6. River (38 percent girls)

7. Dakota (58 percent girls)

8. Skyler (55 percent girls)

9. Phoenix (37 percent girls)

10. Tatum (62 percent girls)

11. Justice (56 percent girls)

12. Milan (35 percent girls)

13. Lennon (57 percent girls)

14. Royal (36 percent girls)

15. Armani (43 percent girls)

16. Lennox (38 percent girls)

17. Oakley (48 percent girls)

18. Remy (37 percent girls)

19. Casey (39 percent girls)

20. Emory (62 percent girls)

21. Azariah (47 percent girls)

22. Landry (53 percent girls)

23. Briar (61 percent girls)

24. Baylor (43 percent girls)

25. Frankie (56 percent girls)

Another remarkable finding indicating that we are moving toward a greater acceptance of gender-neutral baby names: We’re using them more often for boys. The balance tipped from 48 percent of the Top 25 unisex names going to boys in 2005 to 54 percent of them going to boys in 2015.

In other words, parents are more likely today than they were 10 years ago to use a popular gender-neutral name for a boy, a refreshing turnaround.

Some specific names that are going in the boys’ direction: Casey, the Number 1 unisex name in 2005 when it was split evenly between the genders, is now over 60 percent male. Hollis and Remy have gone from half to two-thirds male, and Phoenix has risen from 60 to 67 percent male.

Celebrities can have a huge influence on the gender identity of names. Channing Tatum, for instance, has turned the image of his name from less than 10 percent male a decade ago to nearly 40 percent male now. Hayden Panettiere has done the same thing in the opposite direction, taking that name from only 11 percent to 38 percent female in the past 10 years.

But the celebrity influence doesn’t always take the gender direction you’d predict. Football star Peyton Manning‘s first name, for instance, has moved from just over half to three-quarters female in the past decade. And while the name Lennon is vastly more popular overall, its gender balance has shifted dramatically toward the girls, 57 percent female now vs. 14 percent a decade ago.

What’s your favorite gender-neutral name? Share it with us @BritandCo!

This post was previously published on Nameberry by Pamela Redmond Satran.

(Photo via Getty)

Have you ever read a book that changed your life? Whether it helps you empathize with other people better or it simply gets you to read a genre you never thought you would, new books hold so much power. That was my experience reading Emily Henry's People We Meet On Vacation the first time. I had never loved rom-coms before I was introduced to Emily Henry, and suddenly my world became so much more fun and romantic than it was before. And on July 9, the author announced her newest book Funny Story would be getting the movie treatment! Here's everything we know about the upcoming adaptation.

  • Emily Henry published Funny Story in April 2024, and the movie adaptation was announced in July.
  • The book follows Miles and Daphne, who decide to fake date after getting invited to their exes' wedding.
  • Emily Henry herself is writing the screenplay!

Who's in the Funny Story cast?

Dia Dipasupil/Amy Sussman/Getty Images

We don't have an official cast for the Funny Story movie yet, but my pick for Daphne is Lily Collins. And for Miles? Like most of the internet, I'm hoping we see Dylan O'Brien as Miles! He has the earnest, free spirit that make Miles so special — and he's totally down to do the movie if he gets the chance.

"I'm a fan of Emily Henry's, I've had friends who've turned me on to her books and I know a lot of them are now just beginning to get brought to the screen," he says on an episode of the Silence on Set podcast. "[Starring in Funny Story] is certainly not a no for me, I love the rom-com space, I've always wanted to do a rom-com and I feel like we're finally entering a little bit of a Renaissance with that...[But] I have no emails. Unless I've missed one."

Is there a Funny Story movie?

Amazon

Yes, we're getting a movie inspired by Emily Henry's Funny Story! The story follows children's librarian Daphne, who is stuck in her ex's hometown when he breaks off their engagement to get together with his childhood best friend Petra. With nowhere left to turn, Daphne moves in with Petra's ex Miles. Their friendship starts on shaky ground, but it doesn't take long for Daphne and Miles to come up with a plan to get back at their exes — if they don't fall for each other first.

Who's writing the script for Funny Story?

Emily Henry/Instagram

Emily Henry is writing the script for the Funny Story movie! She knows the material better than anyone so this script is going to capture the magic of the book perfectly.

Who else is involved?

Donald Tong/Pexels

While Funny Story doesn't have a director yet, we do know that Lyrical Media’s Alexander Black & Natalie Sellers and Ryder Picture Company's Aaron Ryder & Andrew Swett will produce.

When did Funny Story by Emily Henry come out?

Emily Henry/Instagram

Funny Story was released on April 23, 2024.

Let us know who you want to see in the Funny Story movie, and check out news on all The Emily Henry Books Being Turned Into Movies for more!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

This post has been updated.

Gisele Bündchen is a household name, no matter who her partner is — but it's no secret the supermodel made waves when she split from her football star husband, Tom Brady, in 2022. It's clear she's not holding on to the past, though. After dating Joaquim Valente for the past two years, the couple is officially expecting their first child together! Here's everything we know about Gisele's growing family!

Is Gisele Bündchen pregnant?

Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for Gaia Herbs

Yes! According to PEOPLE, an inside source told the outlet that the 44-year-old supermodel is officially expecting her third child. This is her first baby with current boyfriend, Joaquim Valente. The source said, "Gisele and Joaquim are happy for this new chapter in their life and they're looking forward to creating a peaceful and loving environment for the whole family."

Recently, a source told PEOPLE that Gisele's “excited to embrace this new chapter openly," and she's “received many positive messages and congratulations" since the news broke. While the source also noted that Gisele "wanted to keep the news private for as long as possible," they also explained that she "feels good" right now. According to them, she seems focused on her health by doing pilates and other exercises, meditating, and eating well! We're glad to hear Gisele's taking care of herself — and her baby — first!

Who is Gisele Bündchen's boyfriend?

Instagram/gisele

Joaquim Valente is a jiu-jitsu professional at his family-owned studio, Valente Brothers. The 34-year-old continues a decades-long tradition of teaching this martial art to future generations — and his girlfriend!

These two have been linked together since 2022, but didn't start officially dating until June 2023 according to PEOPLE. In 2024, a source also told PEOPLE that this wasn't "a serious love affair," but the tides have clearly turned since then.

In March 2024, Gisele The New York Times, “This is the first time I am seeing someone that was a friend of mine first." She then noted, “It’s very different. It is very honest, and it’s very transparent.” She also was quick to deny that there was any overlap with her ex-husband, stressing that these types of rumors happen "to a lot of women" who "have the courage to leave an unhealthy relationship."

As for the most current state of Gisele and Joaquim's relationship? A source told Page Six, “Their chemistry together has always been there and they have a lot in common. They've been in love for a while." That being said, sources also told Page Sixthat they don't think the pair will get married "anytime soon." Despite Gisele being "thrilled" to welcome another child, her friends tell the outlet that the couple will just "live together for now."

Regardless, we're also thrilled for these two, and we hope their new child brings them so much joy!

How many kids does Gisele Bündchen have?

Instagram/gisele

Gisele Bündchen and Tom Brady have two children together — Bejamin Rein (14) and Vivian Lake (11). According to Page Six, a source says that these two "really like" Joaquim Valente, as he's been living with them in Miami "for a while." We just know these two will be fabulous siblings to the new little one, given the way they show so much love to their parents!

When did Gisele Bündchen and Tom Brady get divorced?

Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue

Gisele Bündchen and Tom Brady officially divorced in 2022. However, according to Page Six, this all started back in 2020 when Tom wouldn't retire from the NFL — and according to a source from PEOPLE, their problems date back as long as 10 years! Regardless, it's clear Gisele's moved on to a new chapter in her life. Good for her!

Has Tom Brady said anything about Gisele Bündchen's new pregnancy?

Instagram/tombrady

While sources told TMZthat Gisele Bündchen told Tom Brady about her pregnancy before the news broke to the general public, other sources told Page Sixthat he only just found out "very recently" — and apparently, he didn't find out from Gisele. Sources explained to Page Six that the ex-spouses "talk when they have to." So I guess this situation didn't exactly qualify as having to talk...

Still, a source close to the situation explained to Page Six that Tom was "stunned" to find out about the news. “Tom knew that things were serious between Gisele and Joaquin but he never imagined they would be having a child together,” they said. "“It just wasn’t something that was on his radar. So when Gisele broke the news to him he was stunned, to say the least.”

Tom hasn't made an official statement about Gisele's pregnancy, but he did take to Instagram on October 28. The former football star posted an image of the sunset, three hearts, and The Chicks' cover of "Landslide." The Stevie Nicks original is all about the changes life brings, so Tom's seemingly alluding to the changes coming in his own life.

And that same Page Sixsource noted that Tom's “grown used to the idea and he’s happy for Gisele.” They said, “At the end of the day, Tom’s sole focus is on his children and his career. What Gisele decides to do with her own life is really none of his business.”

Whatever happens next, we hope that this modern family navigates this new chapter with grace and love!

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This post has been updated.

I love my mom so much, it sometimes feels like finding the "perfect" gift won't ever be enough to celebrate her greatness. I mean, she literally gave me life. Nevertheless, gifts serve as the ultimate act of appreciation. They don't always have to be perfect, but our curated list of gifts for mom comes pretty dang close!

To me, a gift is all about capturing the recipient's personality, style, and habits while adding a dash of uniqueness to truly make giving it feel special. These gifts for mom range from sentimental to practical, something moms of every kind will appreciate – whether it's your real mom, step mom, chosen mom, or even the 'mom' friend in your friend group.

Check out our top 50 favorite gifts for mom:

Nordstrom

Dyson Special Edition Airwrap Multi-Styler

The Dyson Airwrap is like the Lamborghini of hair tools. It's bougie, for sure, but it's oh-so good. This premier hair tool can dry and style strands simultaneously, all without heat damage. Mom can easily customize her hairstyle with the 6 attachments – she'll never need another blow dryer in her lifetime.

Amazon

Fellow Stagg EKG Pro Studio Electric Gooseneck Kettle

I use this kettle every single day, so I can confidently say it's well worth the splurge. If your mom's a major tea (or coffee!) drinker, she'll appreciate that this kettle heats up quickly, can hold its contents at a custom temperature for however long she wants, and provides a very even pour. It also just looks like a total work of art when it's sitting on the countertop, so it won't mess up whatever feng shui she's already got goin' on in her kitchen.

Nordstrom

UGG Tasman Slippers

As reliable as a gift house shoes can be, giving her a pair that'll actually last is a way better choice than opting for cheaper styles that'll crap out after a few months of use. These UGG slippers are super durable, thanks to their grippy outsoles. That way, she's not relegated to only wearing them inside the house – she can easily take them outside to check the mail or run errands. If your mom lives somewhere where it gets extremely cold in the winter, these wool-lined bad boys will also keep her toesies ultra-warm!

Soft Services

Soft Services Smoothing Set

Mom's new skincare routine is loading! This trio helps revive dry, flaky skin with a gentle exfoliating bar that doesn't dramatically strip the skin's moisture, a soothing gel exfoliant for the bod, and a lightweight lotion that delivers deep hydration for softer skin. Soft Services' packaging is also so beautiful and feels like a nice, somewhat-bougie upgrade from the products your mama may use on the daily.

e.l.f.

e.l.f. Celestial Winter 10-Piece Eyeshadow Palette

I know my mom goes crazy for an eyeshadow palette, which is why this one from e.l.f. caught my eye. Inspired by a winter's night sky, this 10-shade palette hosts the ideal mix of warm and cool tones, plus a good variety of matte, shimmer, and metallic hues. The range of this palette makes it a great fit for any eye color, too. This will allow her to create so many different looks in one easy-to-use product!

Anthropologie

BrüMate Era Straw Tumbler Water Bottle

I like to think of this water bottle as the famed Stanley tumbler but (dare I say it) so much better. I sip from it on the daily to hit my daily water intake goals, and it's an absolute delight – I know your mom will think so, too! What I love most about it is the leakproof lid. And it's not just one of those leakproof lids that's not actually leakproof, it really lives up to its name: I haven't spilled once! Plus, this bottle's stainless steel lining helps keep its contents cold for over 24 hours for an ice-cold sip every single time.

Baggu

Baggu Large Nylon Sling Bag

If your mother is a lady on the go, there's no question she's in need of a large bag to help her tote her stuff around. This pick from Baggu will definitely earn her major style points, as it emulates a lot of the trendy bucket bags we're seeing rise in popularity. I like that it offers the convenience of a large tote bag without the taxing upkeep of leather or suede – Baggu's signature nylon material is easily machine-washable when it's time for a refresh! This bag comes in 5 different colors so you can track down the one that really suits her vibe.

Dieux

Dieux Glow Trinity Skin Set

Every single skincare product from Dieux is super gentle, yet effective. This set includes their Baptism cleanser, Deliverance serum, and Instant Angel moisturizer, which all work wonders on their own, but operate better together. The cleanser is my personal favorite of the three – it always leaves my face feeling clean without really stripping any of its existing moisture. This power trio will save mom's dry winter skin in an instant!

Nordstrom

Breda Jane Bracelet Watch

Is it a bracelet? Is it a watch? This time, it's both. This style from Breda feels especially jewelry-like, but offers practical use by telling the time. I like how minimalistic the design is – mom will be able to rock it across all different kinds of looks, from workdays to dinner parties. The 14k-gold plate, quartz, and mother-of-pearl construction make it perfectly elevated and elegant as a gift.

Quince

Quince Mongolian Cashmere Crewneck Sweater

A good cashmere sweater can run you upwards of $100, but this style is just $50. Plus, it comes in 14 different colors. Mom will want to bathe in its "irresistibly soft" fabric all winter long!

Uncommon Goods

Uncommon Goods Modular Honeycomb Serving Set

This is the coolest gift idea for the hostess with the mostess! This innovative serving set connects magnetically, so mom can fashion it however she pleases. From busy get-togethers to chill movie nights at home, she'll be able to set out snacks in perhaps the most aesthetically-pleasing way possible. Once the snacking's over, each component conveniently stacks on top of one another for easy storage!

SeaVees

SeaVees Acorn Trainer Sneakers

Step up mom's shoe game with these sleek sneaks! I promise they're going to be one of the softest shoes she's ever (literally) step foot in. Though super lightweight, the thick, cushiony memory foam footbeds of these sneakers provide unparalleled comfort and support. Plus, the '90s-inspired sporty silhouette can work with a variety of outfits, thanks to the chilled-out color palette.

Flamingo Estate

Flamingo Estate Roma Heirloom Tomato Candle

'Heaven in a candle' is the only way I can accurately describe this scent. Encapsulating of "balmy summer nights in the garden, where tomatoes hang heavy from freshly watered vines and the leaves become their most fragrant," it burns the most delicious herby, peppery, potent smell. This makes a refreshing gift for the moms out there that simply can't stand floral- or vanilla-forward candles!

Amazon

Ember Temperature Control Smart Mug

Mom is too good for microwaved coffee. Help her keep her brew fresh with this self-warming mug! It can keep 14 ounces of liquid warm for up to 80 minutes on a single charge, or even a full day if she keeps it connected to the coordinating coaster. The set-up itself is very compact, so it can fit on her desk fuss-free.

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