Choosing the name of your baby is among the first major choices that a parent is going to make and I can tell that it is overwhelming. And in case you are inclined towards gender neutral names, you are not the only one.
The number of families that prefer unisex names is higher than ever before as they are fresh, flexible, and unlabeled. I have compiled this list of gender neutral names and their meanings and origins because I hope you will find that one that matches your little one perfectly.
What Are Gender Neutral Names?

Gender neutral name is any name that can not be associated with either masculinity or femininity. They are gender neutral names, i.e., any individual of any gender will be comfortable using them. Imagine such names as Avery, Jordan, Riley and Quinn.
They are also referred to as unisex names, androgynous names, genderless names and even, non gender names. The name is different, yet the concept is similar. These are names that leave your child space to become whatever he or she is supposed to be, not names that crates them up.
Why Are Parents Choosing Gender Neutral Names?

It is not an illusion, and the statistics support the trend. A study conducted by BabyCenter showed that about 17 percent of infants born over the past few years were given a unisex name, as opposed to only 8 percent in 1980s. According to Nameberry, gender-neutral searches have also increased by 88 percent in the last several years.
I believe that one of the major reasons is that parents nowadays do not want the name of their child to describe assumptions, but rather personality. Neutral names allow children to self-introduce without facing the risk of people developing a perception about them prior to handshakes. It is also the reason why the names of genders that are fluid and androgynous names have become popular among adults who like new names which feel more natural.
How to Choose a Gender Neutral Name for Your Baby

Discovering an appropriate neutral name is not a matter of going through a list. Minimal steps will rescue you later by second-guessing.
Think About Sound, Flow, and Initials

Recite the entire name, last, first, and middle. Does it slip off the tongue or does it trip? I never leave out the initials either, as you do not want your kid to spell something clumsy with his monogram. Short first names such as Kai are compatible with longer last names and longer first names such as Ellison even out a short surname.
Research the Meaning and Origin First

A name may sound beautiful, but have a meaning that you had not anticipated. I have witnessed parents fall in love with a name just to find out that it has a meaning that does not relate at all to what they thought it would be. Spend five minutes on searching the origin. It gives the name a more deliberate feel and your child would one day love the meaning behind it. That is a good place to start should you love rare names with deep meanings.
Most Popular Gender Neutral Names in 2026

If you are wondering what are some gender neutral names that are trending right now, here are the top picks based on recent Social Security Administration data and naming trend reports. These are the gender neutral names parents are actually choosing.
- Logan: Scottish origin, meaning “little hollow.” Currently the most popular unisex pick in the US.
- Avery: English origin, meaning “ruler of elves.” A longtime favorite among androgynous names.
- Riley: Irish origin, meaning “courageous” or “valiant.”
- Charlie: English origin, meaning “free person.” Used almost equally for boys and girls at 50.3% female.
- Parker: English origin, meaning “park keeper.” A surname turned first name with major crossover appeal.
- Rowan: Irish and Gaelic origin, meaning “little redhead” or “rowan tree.”
- River: English origin, meaning “flowing body of water.” A beautiful pick if you love nature-inspired baby names.
- Quinn: Irish origin, meaning “wise” or “counsel.”
- Finley: Scottish and Irish origin, meaning “fair warrior.”
- Cameron: Scottish origin, meaning “crooked nose.” Do not let the meaning fool you, this name is gorgeous.
- Angel: Greek origin, meaning “messenger of God.”
- Jordan: Hebrew origin, meaning “to flow down.” Inspired by the River Jordan.
- Kai: Hawaiian origin, meaning “sea.” Also has roots in Japanese, meaning “forgiveness.”
- Sawyer: English origin, meaning “woodcutter.” Got a huge boost from pop culture.
- Emerson: English origin, meaning “son of Emery.” Works beautifully for any child.
- Dakota: Native American (Sioux) origin, meaning “friendly one” or “ally.”
- Hayden: English origin, meaning “heather-covered hill.”
- Reese: Welsh origin, meaning “enthusiasm” or “ardor.”
- Sage: Latin origin, meaning “wise.” Also a fragrant herb, perfect for nature names lovers.
- Blake: English origin, meaning “dark” or “fair.” If you are drawn to names that mean dark, Blake is a strong pick.
Cute Gender Neutral Names

Looking for something soft and sweet? These cute gender neutral names have a gentle sound that works for any baby.
- Ari: Hebrew origin, meaning “lion.” Short, warm, and easy to say.
- Sunny: English origin, meaning “sunshine” or “cheerful.”
- Wren: English origin, meaning “small bird.”
- Robin: English origin, meaning “bright fame.”
- Kit: English origin, short for Christopher or Katherine, meaning “pure.”
- Bobbie: English origin, meaning “bright fame.” A playful classic.
- Frankie: English origin, meaning “free one.” One of the best gender neutral nicknames around.
- Eden: Hebrew origin, meaning “paradise” or “delight.”
- Pip: English origin, meaning “lover of horses.”
- Lark: English origin, meaning “songbird.” Cheerful and charming.
- Remy: French origin, meaning “oarsman” or “remedy.”
- Beau: French origin, meaning “beautiful” or “handsome.”
- Marley: English origin, meaning “pleasant meadow.”
- Jamie: Scottish origin, meaning “supplanter.”
- Carey: Irish origin, meaning “from the fort on the hill.”
If you enjoy names with a cheerful vibe, you might also want to check out our guide to names that mean sun for more bright and happy options.
Cool Gender Neutral Names

These picks have edge, attitude, and personality. If you want a name that sounds effortlessly cool, this section is for you.
- Phoenix: Greek origin, meaning “dark red” or “reborn from ashes.” If you love symbolism, explore our list of names that mean rebirth.
- Blaze: English origin, meaning “flame.”
- Ryder: English origin, meaning “knight” or “mounted warrior.”
- Jett: English origin, meaning “black gemstone.”
- Nova: Latin origin, meaning “new.” Also an astronomical term for an exploding star. Fits right in with space-inspired baby names.
- Harley: English origin, meaning “hare’s meadow.”
- Zion: Hebrew origin, meaning “highest point.”
- Atlas: Greek origin, meaning “to carry.” A name that carries weight and strength.
- Lennox: Scottish origin, meaning “elm grove.”
- Storm: English origin, meaning “tempest.” Fans of bold names should also see our names meaning lightning and storm collection.
- Onyx: English origin, meaning “black gemstone.”
- Rogue: English origin, meaning “unpredictable.”
- Sloane: Irish origin, meaning “warrior” or “raider.”
- Arrow: English origin, meaning “a projectile.” Sharp and modern.
- Cruz: Spanish origin, meaning “cross.”
Unique and Rare Gender Neutral Names

Desire something which your child will not share with three other students in the classroom? Such gender neutral names are infrequent choices that have lovely meanings.
- Zephyr: Greek origin, meaning “west wind.”
- Indigo: Greek origin, meaning “Indian dye” or the deep blue color. A name straight out of our hippie-inspired baby names list.
- Arden: English origin, meaning “valley of the eagle.”
- Seren: Welsh origin, meaning “star.”
- Lior: Hebrew origin, meaning “my light.”
- Marlowe: English origin, meaning “driftwood.”
- Amari: Yoruba origin, meaning “strength.” Also Hebrew, meaning “eternal.”
- Vesper: Latin origin, meaning “evening star.”
- Cypress: Greek origin, meaning “the cypress tree.”
- Rune: Norse origin, meaning “secret” or “mystery.”
- Ira: Hebrew origin, meaning “watchful.”
- Sorin: Romanian origin, meaning “sun.”
- Briar: English origin, meaning “thorny patch.” Earthy and unexpected.
- Liora: Hebrew origin, meaning “light for me.”
- Cove: English origin, meaning “small bay.”
Short Gender Neutral Names

Sometimes less is more. These short gender neutral names are one or two syllables and pack a punch.
- Kai: Hawaiian origin, meaning “sea.”
- Ash: English origin, meaning “ash tree.”
- Jay: Latin origin, meaning “jaybird.”
- Sam: Hebrew origin, meaning “heard by God.”
- Lee: English origin, meaning “meadow.”
- Max: Latin origin, meaning “greatest.”
- Tate: English origin, meaning “cheerful.”
- Ren: Japanese origin, meaning “water lily” or “lotus.” A lovely Japanese name with a simple sound.
- Noel: French origin, meaning “Christmas” or “birthday.”
- Lane: English origin, meaning “a small path.”
- Drew: Welsh origin, meaning “wise.”
- Sky: Norse origin, meaning “sky” or “cloud.”
- Vale: Latin origin, meaning “valley.”
- Reed: English origin, meaning “red-haired.”
- Jules: French origin, meaning “youthful.”
Classic Gender Neutral Names

These are classic gender neutral names which have stood the test of time and they are not old. They are the type of names that your grandma would love.
- Morgan: Welsh origin, meaning “sea-born” or “sea defender.”
- Taylor: English origin, meaning “tailor” or “cutter of cloth.”
- Casey: Irish origin, meaning “vigilant” or “watchful.”
- Leslie: Scottish origin, meaning “garden of holly.”
- Dana: Multiple origins, meaning “from Denmark” (English) or “wise” (Celtic).
- Shannon: Irish origin, meaning “old and wise.”
- Pat: Latin origin, meaning “noble.”
- Terry: German origin, meaning “ruler of the people.”
- Kim: English origin, meaning “noble” or “brave.”
- Kerry: Irish origin, meaning “dark-haired.”
- Aubrey: French and German origin, meaning “elf ruler.”
- Kendall: English origin, meaning “valley of the River Kent.”
- Tracy: Irish origin, meaning “warlike.”
- Jessie: Hebrew origin, meaning “gift.”
- Lynn: Welsh origin, meaning “lake.”
Nature-Inspired Gender Neutral Names

There are some of the most gorgeous neutral names of a gender that are used in nature. These picks are natural, organic and grounded. Did you have more ideas? Our nature names guide has more than 350 ideas.
- Rowan: Irish origin, meaning “little red-haired one” or the rowan tree.
- Sage: Latin origin, meaning “wise” or the herb.
- River: English origin, meaning “stream of water.”
- Willow: English origin, meaning “willow tree.”
- Linden: English origin, meaning “linden tree.”
- Juniper: Latin origin, meaning “young” or the evergreen shrub.
- Oakley: English origin, meaning “oak meadow.”
- Bryn: Welsh origin, meaning “hill.”
- Cedar: English origin, meaning “cedar tree.”
- Robin: English origin, meaning “bright fame” and the songbird.
- Ivy: English origin, meaning “climbing vine.”
- Alder: English origin, meaning “old” or the alder tree.
- Wren: English origin, meaning “small bird.”
- Fern: English origin, meaning “a green plant.”
- Hazel: English origin, meaning “hazel tree.” For more picks like this, check out our names that mean star list.
Modern and Trending Gender Neutral Names

These are the up-and-coming gender neutral names gaining traction right now. If you want something current but not overused, this section is your sweet spot.
- Ellis: Welsh origin, meaning “benevolent.”
- Oakley: English origin, meaning “oak clearing.”
- Arlo: Spanish origin, meaning “between two hills.”
- Remi: French origin, meaning “oarsman.”
- Sutton: English origin, meaning “southern homestead.”
- Palmer: English origin, meaning “pilgrim.”
- Reign: English origin, meaning “rule” or “sovereignty.”
- Lennon: Irish origin, meaning “dear one” or “sweetheart.”
- Rio: Spanish origin, meaning “river.”
- Milan: Slavic origin, meaning “gracious” or “dear.”
- Monroe: Scottish origin, meaning “mouth of the River Roe.”
- Bellamy: French origin, meaning “beautiful friend.”
- Hollis: English origin, meaning “near the holly trees.”
- Saylor: German origin, meaning “rope maker.”
- Orion: Greek origin, meaning “rising in the sky.” A stunning space name that works for everyone.
Gender Neutral Names From A to Z

The list of gender neutral names is presented below in alphabetical order. Where you want gender neutral names that begin with A, or gender neutral names that begin with B, or with any other letter, you will find them all here. This is the longest I could make up of unisex name.
Gender Neutral Names That Start With A
- Addison: English, meaning “son of Adam”
- Ainsley: Scottish, meaning “one’s own meadow”
- Alex: Greek, meaning “defender of the people”
- Ali: Arabic, meaning “supreme” or “exalted”
- Amari: Yoruba, meaning “strength”
- Andi: English, meaning “brave”
- Ari: Hebrew, meaning “lion”
- Ariel: Hebrew, meaning “lion of God”
- Ash: English, meaning “ash tree”
- Aspen: English, meaning “quaking tree”
- Aubrey: French/German, meaning “elf ruler”
- August: Latin, meaning “great” or “magnificent”
- Avery: English, meaning “ruler of elves”
Gender Neutral Names That Start With B
- Bailey: English, meaning “bailiff” or “berry clearing”
- Bellamy: French, meaning “beautiful friend”
- Billie: English, meaning “resolute protector”
- Blair: Scottish, meaning “field” or “plain”
- Blake: English, meaning “dark” or “fair”
- Blaze: English, meaning “flame”
- Bobbie: English, meaning “bright fame”
- Briar: English, meaning “thorny patch”
- Brooklyn: English, meaning “broken land”
- Bryn: Welsh, meaning “hill”
Gender Neutral Names That Start With C
- Caelan: Irish, meaning “slender”
- Cameron: Scottish, meaning “crooked nose”
- Campbell: Scottish, meaning “crooked mouth”
- Carey: Irish, meaning “from the fort on the hill”
- Casey: Irish, meaning “vigilant”
- Cedar: English, meaning “cedar tree”
- Charlie: English, meaning “free person”
- Coby: English, meaning “supplanter”
- Cove: English, meaning “small bay”
- Cruz: Spanish, meaning “cross”
- Cypress: Greek, meaning “the cypress tree”
Gender Neutral Names That Start With D
- Dakota: Native American (Sioux), meaning “friendly one”
- Dallas: Scottish, meaning “meadow dwelling”
- Dana: Multiple origins, meaning “from Denmark”
- Darcy: French, meaning “dark one”
- Denver: English, meaning “green valley”
- Devon: English, meaning “deep valley dwellers”
- Drew: Welsh, meaning “wise”
Gender Neutral Names That Start With E
- Eden: Hebrew, meaning “paradise”
- Ellis: Welsh, meaning “benevolent”
- Ellison: English, meaning “son of Ellis”
- Emerson: English, meaning “son of Emery”
- Emery: German, meaning “brave” or “powerful”
- Ezra: Hebrew, meaning “helper”
Gender Neutral Names That Start With F
- Fallon: Irish, meaning “leader”
- Fern: English, meaning “green plant”
- Finley: Scottish/Irish, meaning “fair warrior”
- Frankie: English, meaning “free one”
Gender Neutral Names That Start With G
- Greer: Scottish, meaning “watchful” or “alert”
- Gale: English, meaning “cheerful” or “a strong wind”
- Glenn: Scottish, meaning “valley”
Gender Neutral Names That Start With H
- Harley: English, meaning “hare’s meadow”
- Harper: English, meaning “harp player”
- Hayden: English, meaning “heather-covered hill”
- Hollis: English, meaning “near the holly trees”
Gender Neutral Names That Start With I
- Indigo: Greek, meaning “Indian dye”
- Ira: Hebrew, meaning “watchful”
- Ivory: English, meaning “white” or “pure”
Gender Neutral Names That Start With J
- Jamie: Scottish, meaning “supplanter”
- Jay: Latin, meaning “jaybird”
- Jesse: Hebrew, meaning “gift”
- Jordan: Hebrew, meaning “to flow down”
- Jules: French, meaning “youthful”
- Juniper: Latin, meaning “young” or “evergreen”
- Justice: English, meaning “righteous”
If you are browsing names by letter and want more options starting with J, our boy names that start with J guide has over 350 choices, many of which cross gender lines.
Gender Neutral Names That Start With K
- Kai: Hawaiian, meaning “sea”
- Kelsey: English, meaning “island of ships”
- Kendall: English, meaning “valley of the River Kent”
- Kennedy: Irish, meaning “misshapen head” (it sounds better than it means!)
- Kerry: Irish, meaning “dark-haired”
- Kim: English, meaning “noble”
- Kit: English, meaning “pure”
Gender Neutral Names That Start With L
- Lane: English, meaning “a small path”
- Lark: English, meaning “songbird”
- Lee: English, meaning “meadow”
- Lennon: Irish, meaning “dear one”
- Lennox: Scottish, meaning “elm grove”
- Leslie: Scottish, meaning “garden of holly”
- Linden: English, meaning “linden tree”
- Lior: Hebrew, meaning “my light”
- Logan: Scottish, meaning “little hollow”
- Lynn: Welsh, meaning “lake”
Gender Neutral Names That Start With M
- Mackenzie: Scottish, meaning “child of the wise leader”
- Marley: English, meaning “pleasant meadow”
- Marlowe: English, meaning “driftwood”
- Max: Latin, meaning “greatest”
- Milan: Slavic, meaning “gracious”
- Monroe: Scottish, meaning “mouth of the River Roe”
- Morgan: Welsh, meaning “sea-born”
Gender Neutral Names That Start With N
- Noel: French, meaning “Christmas”
- Nova: Latin, meaning “new”
- Nico: Greek/Italian, meaning “victory of the people”
Gender Neutral Names That Start With O
- Oakley: English, meaning “oak meadow”
- Onyx: English, meaning “black gemstone”
- Orion: Greek, meaning “rising in the sky”
Gender Neutral Names That Start With P
- Palmer: English, meaning “pilgrim”
- Parker: English, meaning “park keeper”
- Pat: Latin, meaning “noble”
- Peyton: English, meaning “fighting person’s estate”
- Phoenix: Greek, meaning “dark red” or “reborn from ashes”
Gender Neutral Names That Start With Q
- Quinn: Irish, meaning “wise” or “counsel”
Gender Neutral Names That Start With R
- Reed: English, meaning “red-haired”
- Reese: Welsh, meaning “enthusiasm”
- Reign: English, meaning “rule”
- Remi: French, meaning “oarsman”
- Ren: Japanese, meaning “water lily”
- Riley: Irish, meaning “courageous”
- Rio: Spanish, meaning “river”
- River: English, meaning “flowing water”
- Robin: English, meaning “bright fame”
- Rogue: English, meaning “unpredictable”
- Rowan: Irish, meaning “little redhead”
- Rune: Norse, meaning “secret”
- Ryder: English, meaning “knight”
Gender Neutral Names That Start With S
- Sage: Latin, meaning “wise”
- Sam: Hebrew, meaning “heard by God”
- Sawyer: English, meaning “woodcutter”
- Saylor: German, meaning “rope maker”
- Shannon: Irish, meaning “old and wise”
- Sky: Norse, meaning “sky”
- Skyler: Dutch, meaning “scholar”
- Sloane: Irish, meaning “warrior”
- Storm: English, meaning “tempest”
- Sunny: English, meaning “sunshine”
- Sutton: English, meaning “southern homestead”
Gender Neutral Names That Start With T
- Tate: English, meaning “cheerful”
- Taylor: English, meaning “tailor”
- Terry: German, meaning “ruler of the people”
- Toby: English, meaning “God is good”
- Tracy: Irish, meaning “warlike”
Gender Neutral Names That Start With U
- Uri: Hebrew, meaning “my light”
Gender Neutral Names That Start With V
- Vale: Latin, meaning “valley”
- Vesper: Latin, meaning “evening star”
Gender Neutral Names That Start With W
- Willow: English, meaning “willow tree”
- Wren: English, meaning “small bird”
Gender Neutral Names That Start With X
- Xen: Greek, meaning “stranger” or “guest”
Gender Neutral Names That Start With Y
- Yael: Hebrew, meaning “mountain goat” or “to ascend”
Gender Neutral Names That Start With Z
- Zephyr: Greek, meaning “west wind”
- Zion: Hebrew, meaning “highest point”
Gender Neutral Nicknames

There are other times when you need a commonplace and simple name, which can be used by anybody.
These are gender neutral nicknames that are ideal when used as standalone names or also as short names. They are simple to pronounce, simple to write and simply enjoyable.
- Alex: Short for Alexander or Alexandra, meaning “defender of the people.”
- Sam: Short for Samuel or Samantha, meaning “heard by God.”
- Jo: Short for Joseph or Josephine, meaning “God will increase.”
- Ash: Short for Ashton or Ashley, meaning “ash tree.”
- Max: Short for Maxwell or Maxine, meaning “greatest.”
- Kit: Short for Christopher or Katherine, meaning “pure.”
- Lou: Short for Louis or Louise, meaning “famous warrior.”
- Nicky: Short for Nicholas or Nicole, meaning “victory of the people.”
- Frankie: Short for Frank or Frances, meaning “free one.”
- Bobbie: Short for Robert or Barbara, meaning “bright fame.”
- Charlie: Short for Charles or Charlotte, meaning “free person.”
- Billie: Short for William or Wilhelmina, meaning “resolute protector.”
- Jamie: Short for James or Jamilah, meaning “supplanter.”
- Remy: Can stand alone, French origin, meaning “oarsman.”
- Ari: Can stand alone, Hebrew origin, meaning “lion.”
Gender Neutral Names UK

Looking in the UK or adorable to British names? These are the gender neutral names UK parents are obsessed with at the moment. Trends in naming in Britain are skewed towards last names as first names and old fashioned choices in a subtle manner.
- Rowan: Very popular across the UK. Irish/Gaelic origin, meaning “little redhead.”
- Finley: A Scottish and Irish favorite, meaning “fair warrior.”
- Darcy: French origin, meaning “dark one.” Big in Britain thanks to Mr. Darcy, of course.
- Jude: English origin, meaning “praised.” Timeless and understated.
- Sasha: Russian origin, meaning “defender of mankind.”
- Rory: Irish and Gaelic origin, meaning “red king.”
- Brooke: English origin, meaning “small stream.”
- Quinn: Irish origin, meaning “wise.”
- Ellis: Welsh origin, meaning “benevolent.” Very strong in Wales and across England.
- Robin: English origin, meaning “bright fame.” A name the British have loved for centuries.
- Frankie: English origin, meaning “free one.”
- Carey: Irish origin, meaning “from the fort on the hill.”
- Dale: English origin, meaning “valley.”
- Lindsay: Scottish origin, meaning “linden tree island.”
- Ashley: English origin, meaning “ash tree meadow.”
For more cultural name inspiration, our guides to Irish baby names and Korean boy names offer wonderful options that cross gender lines.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
Here are a few frequently asked questions for your convenience.
What Is the Number 1 Unisex Name?
According to the latest SSA statistics and reports on naming, Logan is now in the first place as the most popularity unisex name in the USA. It is in the top of boys as well as the girls lists. Others that follow are Avery, Riley, and Charlie. The ranking varies slightly every year and therefore there is always a necessity to refer to the recent statistics.
What Is the Rarest Gender Neutral Name?
Some of the gender neutral names that are not easy to find are Zephyr (meaning west wind), Vesper (meaning evening star) and Lior (meaning my light in Hebrew). They are not ordinary names in playgrounds and at the same time they have beautiful meanings. Something quite peculiar, however, must be thought after in foreign culture, as Ren (Japanese: water lily) or Seren (Welsh: star).
Are Gender Neutral Names Becoming More Popular?
Yes, and it is not even close. The trend of unisex names has been gaining momentum over decades, but it has been gaining momentum in a very sharp manner. According to babycenter, about 17 percent of babies are now named using a neutral name, which is more than twice the proportion in the 1980s. The pattern displays a larger cultural shift to flexibility and inclusivity of naming. Androgynous names and gender ambiguous names are not ghetto anymore.
What Are Good Gender Neutral Names for Twins?
You would like them to match with each other and not too matchy. The following are some of my favorable gender neutral name pairings: Rowan and River (both nature), Avery and Riley (both rhyme), Kai and Ren (both brevity and foreignness), Quinn and Blake (both punchy and strong), Sage and Briar (both earthy and grounded). Check out our names meaning storm for more bold pairings.
Can Any Name Be Gender Neutral?
Technically, yes. It is people who are gendered by names. However, in reality, there are names that have a great cultural connotation. Certain names, such as James or Elizabeth are deeply gendered to the majority of the population, despite the fact that no one is prohibited to use them. The list of these gender neutral names contains already popular names that will not make your child confused and corrected all the time.
What Are Some Gender Fluid Names for Adults?
Adults who are seeking to find their identity typically seek name ideas of gender fluid names or transgender names that seem authentic. Sage, Quinn, River, Alex, and Arden are the most popular. These are common names that would not raise any eyebrows but the names do not represent a specific gender. In our nonbinary names guide, you are able to further explore the 500+ choices sorted by letter.
Closing Thoughts
Choosing a name is personal. There is no right or wrong answer, just the name that feels like home when you say it. I hope this list of gender neutral names helped you narrow things down.
Jessica Fuqua is a mom of two who writes about the messy, beautiful reality of raising kids. She believes parenting advice should feel like a conversation with a friend, not a lecture. When she’s not writing, she’s probably reheating the same cup of coffee for the third time.