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A list of gender-neutral alternatives for when “mom” or “dad” don’t fit who you are
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Being a parent can be both wonderful and challenging, especially if you’re nonbinary or gender-nonconforming. What do you call yourself, for instance, when words like “mom” or “dad” don’t apply to you, but “parent” certainly does? Well, Mx., we’re here to help! We’ve compiled a list of some new and clever gender-neutral parent names, plus some ways to create one for yourself. Go through these names and choose one that suits you—or use this list as inspiration for a special name that’s unique to you and your family.
Things You Should Know
- Doddy, Maddy, Poppy, and other combinations of “Mommy” and “Daddy” can be clever twists on gendered parent names.
- Creative and made up names like Zizi, Sasa, and Mimi are perfect if you prefer something with no connection to gendered names.
- Names from other cultures can work too: Pamá, Mapí, and Maizinho are all combinations of Spanish or Portuguese words—perfect for nonbinary Latinx parents.
- Nicknames, first names, and even traditional gendered names like “mom” and “dad” are perfectly valid choices too.
Steps
Section 1 of 4:
Hybrid Names
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Doddy. Here’s one adorable combo of “Daddy” and “Mommy.”
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2Maddy. Another version of Daddy + Mommy. This one happens to be a nickname for both Madelyn and Madison. [1] X Research sourceAdvertisement
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3Mapa. Like Mama and Papa, fused into one.
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4Poppy. This twist on “pop” also happens to be the name of a beautiful red flower. [2] X Research source
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5Mobby. A blend of Mommy + Daddy, with a tiny hint of “Bobbie.”
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6Dama. Like “mama” and “dada” combined. This one happens to be a formal word for “lady” in Spanish, but it has no such meaning in English! [3] X Research source
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7Noddy. Not quite “mommy,” not quite “daddy,” but still 100% “parent.”
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Section 2 of 4:
New and Creative Names
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Zizi. Pronounced “Zee-zee,” this one’s a play on Ze/Zir, a gender-neutral pronoun that anyone can use. [4] X Research source
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2Momo. This one has a touch of “mom” in it, but the extra “o” adds something new.
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3Mimi. Another “m” name that pays tribute to many Mimis from LGBT history and lore—from Mimi Márquez to Mimi Imfurst.
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5Nommy. A nod to “mommy” and “nonbinary,” all in one.
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7Zaza. This one’s just cute. And besides, there’s something about the letter “Z” that’s both endearing and subversive—perfect for those who subvert the gender binary every day.
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8Abba. Pronounced “Ahh-Bahh” like a sheep’s bah, or “ABBA” like the iconic band.
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9Nony. Like “Nanny,” but with a twist.
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10Wawa. This one’s super easy for babies to pronounce, just like “Dada” or “Mama.” Keep reinforcing it and it’ll become their name for you. [7] X Research source
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11Obi. Pronounced “Oh-Bee.” Star Wars fans, this one’s for you.
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12Ren. This name is very easy to pronounce, and is a cute way to shorten "parent"
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Section 3 of 4:
Names from Other Cultures
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Pamá. Pronounced “pah-MAH,” with emphasis on the last syllable. If you’re Latinx, you’ll know that this one is a blend of “mamá” and “papá,” common names for “mom” and “dad” in Spanish and Portuguese. [8] X Research source
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2Mapí. A combination of “mamí” and “papí,” the words for “mommy” and “daddy” in many Latinx cultures.
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3Pamita. Pronounced “Pah-MEE-tah,” this one is a fusion of “mamita” and “papito,” two more Spanish words for “mommy” and “daddy”
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4Pamito. Another twist on “mamita” and “papito.”
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5Maizinho. Pronounced “My-zee-nyoo,” this one is a blend of “Paizinho” and “Mãezinha,” two Portuguese words for “Father” and “Mother.” [9] X Research source
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6Didi. This one sounds a little like the English word “daddy,” but it’s also a respectful word in Hindi for “older woman.” [10] X Research source
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Section 4 of 4:
Gendered Names and Other Options
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Mom and Dad. Nonbinary parents can still go by “mom” or “dad” if they want to, just as some non binary people still enjoy wearing dresses or ties. Your name, like your outfits and pronouns, is yours to decide.
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2Papa and Mama. If “papa” and “mama” occupy a special place in your heart, you can use either or both—regardless of your assigned gender at birth.
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3Your nickname. If everyone you love calls you “Mikey,” why not your children too? [11] X Research source
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4A special nickname used by your kids. If you go by “Ollie” and your infant child mispronounces it as “Orrey,” let it stick. Whatever name they give you, it’ll be yours to keep. No gender required.
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References
- ↑ https://nameberry.com/userlist/view/47752
- ↑ https://www.farmersalmanac.com/poppy-flower-facts-symbolism-and-gardening-tips
- ↑ https://www.spanishdict.com/translate/dama
- ↑ https://pronoun.fandom.com/wiki/Ze/Zir
- ↑ https://www.quora.com/What-is-a-gender-neutral-term-for-daddy-or-mommy
- ↑ https://nameberry.com/babyname/sascha
- ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/c812m.html
- ↑ https://www.spanishdict.com/translate/mam%C3%A1
- ↑ https://www.portuguesepod101.com/blog/2019/12/06/portuguese-family-words/
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