Emilia, Noah, or Charly? Current Developments of Boys’, Girls’ and Gender-Neutral Names in Germany and Other (European) Countries

This study analyses the relationship between given names and gender in Germany and other (European) countries. To this end, the development and use of gender-neutral names in Germany is presented based on existing studies and my own new research and compared with the Netherlands, Denmark, Norway, France, England/Wales, and the United States. It becomes clear that, despite progressive social changes to traditional gender role concepts, gender-neutral names are still a marginal phenomenon in Germany and other European countries analyzed. Current trends in German boys’ and girls’ names are then highlighted. It is noticeable that the names are converging phonologically. Similar developments, albeit at their own pace and with their own characteristics, can also be seen in the other countries analyzed. This phonological convergence of boys’ and girls’ names appears to be an alternative to gender-neutral names, with which parents are reacting to changing gender perceptions and reducing gender-specific labelling in naming.