Common and Neuter Gender

A noun which stands for the name of a thing without life,is said to be the Neuter Gender.,that is ,of neither gender.

eg......desk,chair,ball,knife

The noun child may be used both for a male child and a female child.Nouns which may be used  both for males and females are said to be of the Common Gender.

eg........ friend,cousin,pupil,parent,person