'gender-neutral' originates from the combination of 'gender' and 'neutral', where 'gender' refers to the state of being male or female, and 'neutral' means not favoring either side.

'gender-neutral' evolved from the need to describe concepts, language, or policies that do not specify or favor any gender.

Initially, it referred to language or policies that did not specify gender, but it has expanded to include broader societal applications.