Top 4 Recommendations

Names We Love for You

Each name carefully selected to match your style, honor your heritage, and sound beautiful with Anderson.

Our Top Recommendation

Rowan

/ˈɹoʊ.ən/

Little red-haired one; also the rowan tree, known for protection2 syllablesNature & EarthIrishScottish Gaelic

The complete package: nature roots, gender-neutral ease, Celtic depth, and a perfect match with Sage and Anderson.

Nicknames

RowRo
#2Nature & Earth

Linden

/ˈlɪn.dən/

Linden tree; associated with love and community in European folklore

For the family that wants to be truly distinctive. Linden is recognizable but rare, with beautiful European folklore behind it.

2 syllablesEnglishGermanic

Nicknames

LinLindy
#3Nature & Earth

Juniper

/ˈdʒuː.nɪ.pɚ/

The juniper tree or bush; evergreen, resilient

The sunniest option. Juniper brings energy and warmth, with built-in nicknames like Juno or June.

3 syllablesLatinEnglish

Nicknames

JunoJuneJuni
#4Nature & Earth

Hazel

/ˈheɪ.zəl/

The hazel tree; associated with wisdom and inspiration

The most popular option, beloved for good reason. Best if you're less concerned about strict gender neutrality.

2 syllablesEnglishOld English

Nicknames

Haze
Food for Thought

Things to Consider

Every name has its nuances. Here's what you might want to think about.

  • 1

    Rowan is the most balanced gender-neutral option but is also the most common of the group (#109).

  • 2

    Linden's -en ending echoes Anderson's -son ending, which some may find slightly repetitive.

  • 3

    Juniper currently leans feminine in usage, which may matter if gender neutrality is a priority.

  • 4

    Hazel is popular (#28) and reads almost exclusively as a girl's name.

Decision Guide

If You're Torn Between Names

Loving multiple names is wonderful! Here are some ways to help you decide.

If you find out the sex before birth, revisit the list. Rowan and Linden hold up best across genders.

Write 'Sage and ___' on a piece of paper and stick it on the fridge for a week. The one that still makes you smile wins.

Consider the playground test: can you easily call this name across a park without feeling self-conscious?

If one name keeps popping into your head when you picture your child at age 5, trust that instinct — it's your subconscious doing the work.

Other Names We Loved
1

Briar

Lovely but the 'Br' start felt slightly harsh with 'Anderson.'

2

Alder

Great tree name but too similar in sound to 'Anderson.'

Save & share your results

Download a beautiful PDF to share with your partner, or share online.

“A name is a gift you give your child that they'll carry forever.”

Congratulations on this exciting journey, Anderson family!