Let’s face facts here: Gay babies are in. And for every gay baby comes a gay baby name.
Everyone wants one, unless you’re a crazy-evil Southern Baptist who thinks depriving your kid of rainbow-colored crayons will keep them straight.
Gay kids are just like regular children. Except they like to do things like go to Elton John concerts and watch Auntie Mame (both versions!) with you on the sofa all afternoon.
All joking aside, forcing your child’s sexuality to fit your own personal preference is pretty creepy. But giving your child a name that says pizazz and style is a gift no matter their sexuality!
Here’s our guide to the best gay baby names around:
Gay baby names for boys:
Bruce
Basically, the gayest name of all time, so your child (and everyone you know) will know right away your personal preference. That said, as stereotypical as the name might be, it has a great pedigree. Just think of the Bruce’s Springteen, Willis, and Wayne. Plus, the name hasn’t been popular since the 50s, making it perfect for the Mommy looking to inject some Mad Men panache to their pride and joy.
Julian
A really trendy name right now (it’s the 48th most popular name in 2023), Julian conjures up images of Roman glory, conquest and wrestling. Or, if you’re a Trekkie, Dr. Julian Bashir from Deep Space Nine. All of which are very gay. Not to mention, the name’s shared with civil rights leader Julian Bond, giving it a classy counterculture patina.
Elliot
Say “Elliot” aloud and try to make it sound anything other than sing-song. Come on, we dare you. See? Doesn’t work. Add to that the fact that it’s the name of a boy who loves aliens, an imaginary dragon, and a sad and tragic singer-songwriter, and you can be pretty sure that a tyke named Elliot will grow up a starry-eyed dreamer.
Harvey
This name is more popular across the pond in England and the UK. Still, Harvey is a great gay baby name! When we hear this name, we think of the legendary politician Harvey Milk, who was the first openly gay man to be elected to public office in California. Plus, the song “Harvey” by Her’s (RIP) is obviously a gay love song, so we think this name fits perfectly on the list!
Baby names for girls:
Enid
Straight from the heart of Wales, Enid means “soul” or “life” and it’s back in action after a century-long nap. This name practically screams horn-rimmed glasses and a love of self-published zines. Enids are the type to hang out in Seattle’s coffee shops. And yes, they’re probably Coe’s BFF (keep reading for more on Coe).
Sandra
If you have a boy and a girl and live in Palm Springs, it would be a crime not to name one child Sandra and the other Bruce (see above). Take your mid-century modern obsession to it logical conclusion– and to the Dinah Shore Classic. You’ll be an instant hit. Just don’t be surprised when your child starts swearing at you about what a bitch Madonna is.
Lilith
Another great name with a queer and femme history. Just like the legendary Lilith, who refused to play by the rules and did her own thing, girls named Lilith are gonna be all about staying true to themselves, being strong-willed, and breaking free from the norm. And when those teenage years roll around, you might want to keep the therapist on speed dial!
Ellen
We actually think “Ellen” may be the gay equivalent of “A Boy Named Sue.” Should you name your daughter after daytime’s ex-dancing lesbian, you can be pretty sure she’ll wind up sleeping with every guy she can get her overcompensating hands on. Of course, the fact you dressed her in vests and tennis shoes her whole childhood probably didn’t help, either.
Gender neutral baby names
Quinn
It might just be the “qu” in the name that reminds us of “queer”. But Quinn seems like a fun, gender neutral name for a kid. It means “counsel” in Gaellic and, thankfully, Dr. Quinn: Medicine Woman has been off the air long enough that none of the kids on the playground will make fun of them.
Coe
Bet you’ve never heard this name before! Coe is the chosen name of one of our cherished guest editors, who, by the way, is as gay and gender fluid as they come. So, if you’re looking for a name that’s both uniquely cool and wonderfully gender-neutral, Coe is a great choice.
Alex
Selecting Alex as your baby’s name is basically giving them the VIP pass to the Name World theme park. It’s the all-access, front-of-the-line, no-hassle name choice – versatile, stylish, and lugging around zero extra baggage. Alex is the gender-neutral superstar of names. And guess what? It’s so timeless that even your great-great-grandkids will still be rockin’ it.
Jamie
To be completely honest, we might be a tad biased here because we’re crushing hard on someone named Jamie, who happens to be a fabulous non-binary, ultra-gay individual. But naming your baby Jamie opens up a world of possibilities – from the dashing “Jay” to the delightful “J,” or something in-between! Plus, with a name like Jamie, they might just follow in the artistic, musical, and literary footsteps of the incredible non-binary Jamie Stewart.
What would you name your gay baby? And what names scream queer to you? Let us know below!
Related:
5 of the gayest songs about a chick named Maria
It’s a super popular name that has inspired some super gay songs.
LISTEN: Punk pioneers The Replacements’ most straightforward love song is about a couple who’s anything but
The band’s timeless ’80s anthem “Androgynous” has been covered by Miley Cyrus, Joan Jett, and Laura Jane Grace.
Bringing up fabulously fierce gay babies, one newsletter at a time – subscribe to the Queerty newsletter for the ultimate LGBTQ+ parenting tips and more!
Ben
I met a high concentration of gay Nicholases, Andrews, Alexanders and Bryans, but I think this is just because these are very common names where I live (England). I’ve also met a couple of gay Jordans in my time – which sounds like a good gay name.
Oddly enough, Ashley is a man’s name here and has no homosexual connotations.
Me
First, enough with the stereotypes: “Gay kids are just like regular children, except they like to do things like go to classical music concerts and watch Auntie Mame (both versions!) on the sofa all afternoon. And who wouldn’t want an honest-to-goodness baby dyke to fix up your Rav 4?”
Yes, yes… “all in jest,” but damn…
Anyway, back to the names: For boys, MICHAEL has to be the gayest name ever. I’ve known SO many that I’ve had to differentiate them with certain monikers. There’s Chicago Mike, Mexican Mike, Grand Theft Auto Mike (yeah, true story), Gimp Mike (um… LONG story)… the list goes on.
Amber LeMay
Hung or not, Chad.
ggreen
For as gay A-holes Michael is hands down the winner with Steven/Stephen running a close second.
TikiHead
No way would a tasteful gay boy enjoy, much less watch the Lucille Ball version of Mame.
Hint
The prevalence of gay Michaels is just the law of averages. There are more straight Michaels than any other name as well. But yes, they are far more likely to be “Mikes”.
Padraic
I’ll take your Lillian and raise you a gay brother named Dashiell. Use their full names as much as possible, and they’ll be the two best literary/artfag kids on the block. Call them “Lilly” and “Dash,” and you’ve got a cute, femme-y “vaguely ethnic swan” and a sporty gay who lives up to his name on the track.
thisismikesother
@Me and @Amber LeMay :
Humorous dose of irony for today: my full name is michael chad, and i am a homo.
Grant
I seem to have met a preponderance of Seans/Shauns/Shawns. In fact, I’ve dated four of them, and have begun referring to them as Shaun 1, Sean 2, etc.
Japhy Grant
@TikiHead: Mister TikiHead, knowledge is power.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xykJHsZ7y4I
Michael W.
My first name is Michael.
Eminent Victorian
Look under your seats! Today, every guest gets a gay baby! [pandemonium].
dizzyspins
Ive met many gay guys named Colin, Christopher (NOT shortened to Chris) and Stephen (with a ‘ph’). But of course the gayest name of all is JEFFREY!!
unicorn rider
Hello…My name is Lance.
tavdy79
Jonas or Jonah (“man of peace”) would be a fabulously ironic name for a future drag-queen.
Louis (if you’re going for aristocratic/camp) Lewis (if you’re going for preppy/nerdy) Ludwig (if you’re going for butch/leatherman) or Louise (if you want a alternative to Sue)
Charlie, Teddy and Timmy are all wonderfully camp names as well.
tavdy79
I forgot to say: Julian and Enid both have another chunk of camp appeal: Julian was the name of one of Enid Blyton’s Famous Five, another of whom (George Kirrin) was sooooo the first major queer character in children’s literature.
Michael
I’ve known tons of gay Scotts on screen and in real life.
Of course this is coming from another Michael, who doesn’t mind Mike but detests Mikey.
Andrew Triska
FYI, the Landover Baptist site you linked to is a parody, not a real sect of Christianity. Don’t worry, though – there are plenty of crazier Christians out there.
loneboywonder
Are the musical “Mame” and “Auntie Mame” the same thing? I’ve never seen either, but have heard of the musical…this must be an old gay thing…I spent all day watching Power Rangers.
cruiser
@loneboywonder: No they are 2 seperate movies, “Mame” starred the great Lucille Ball, “Auntie Mame”(written by Patrick Dennis)is the story of the author growing with his Auntie Mame, the movie starred the one & only, the most fabulous Rosalind Russell(I highly recommend “Auntie Mame over “Mame.”
cruiser
Hey Japhy,
How about you get Scott Evans(Chris Evans’ HOT Gay brother)for a Morning Goods?! That would be soooo worht it.
The only problem is, if he IS that HOT the pictures might not survive long enough to make it to here. 😉
Chris
@lonebo
ywonder:
agreeing w/cruiser: see “Auntie Mame” it’s a masterpiece of comic timing and a real laugh riot….
Ryan
three words.
blow gabriel, blow.
also, as a Ryan, I find that about 95% of the other Ryan’s I have ever met in my life are big mo’s.
Joseph
I’ve already decided my son’s name is going to be Schuyler Nicholas. I haven’t yet told my future boyfriend.
Nicholas
I have to agree with most of the names discussed in the above comments… My name is Nicholas, I’m gay and I went to university with 4 other gays also named Nicholas – everyone had to call us by our first and last names to differentiate. My best friend (also gay) is named Shaun. I have an ex boyfriend named Michael and I know of countless other gays named Michael. In addition, I have 3 friends (all gay) named Stephen (and yes, dizzyspins had it right – it’s always Stephen with a ‘ph’)…
dgz
why do so many of us go by full name? e.g. Nicholas over Nick, Christopher/Chris, etc.? huh.
seitan-on-a-stick
How about Gay Gayer Gayerson? Now, that’s GAY!
RichardR
@dgz: As a Richard who grew up as “Dick,” well, there’s my reason.
I have a homophobic brother named Lindsey Lee (for a grandfather and a great uncle) and he was so freaked out being called Lindsey he changed it to just Lee, totally missing all the female Lee’s around.
So in his [diss]honor, I recommend both Lindsey and Lee, for either gender.
Carsen T.
My parents wanted to name the middle one Julian so badly, that when she came out as a girl, they called her Julie Ann. Usually my family just looks at the saint calendar and named us based on who’s saint day it was.
I hated my name, Catherine. I wanted a boy name, so badly as a kid. I kept on stealing other kids names in Kindergarten.
Brendan D.
I’ve known enough bitchy queens named “Glen” to recommend it, if that’s the kind of attitude you’re going for. Bonus points if it has an extra “n” on the end.
petted
I like Ethan and Drew – I think they have a nice ring to them (they’re a little preppy but hey I likes what I like).
Jack
I think Sebastian’s a pretty gay name, it’s very flowy. I knew a couple of Sebastians. Great bottoms, the both of them.
GSM
4 partners in my life. Michael, Michael, Jay and Alexander. Hmmmm……..
JC
Bless my mother for having a backup plan; with a first name of Joshua and 2nd name of Caleb I was destined for gayness. Can I get an amen!
TikiHead
Japhy,
Lucille Ball’s version was still horrid (but it was a musical, so that is gayer).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DWAEqwc-F-c
I highly recommend the book over either movie — very raunchy!
Jon B
I’m a really big fan of the names Tristan, Jaden, and Jake (yeah, I know it’s plane, but how can a guy named Jake not be adorable?). I’m pretty sure boys growing up with the first two are going to end up gay… the third just makes them grow up cute (do any of you know a Jake who isn’t cute? Remember, Jake not Jacob).
Sierra Ewing
I would name my Baby if it were a girl, Sunflower Leigh.
If it were to be a boy, his name would be Raine Thomas.
Stephen
@ggreen: It takes an A-hole to know an A-hole. :^D
Stephen
@Andrew Triska: What do you know about Unitarians?
Stephen
Question: What would be an un-gay name?
Bitch Republic
Every boy named Tyler I’ve ever met has been gay.
And I liked the Lucille Ball version of Mame, although it’s admittedly not as good as Auntie Mame.
http://www.BitchRepublic.net