In modern Spanish there are several ways of forming masculine and feminine nouns referring to humans. The article discusses how the “New Grammar of the Spanish Language” (2009), the first academic grammar since 1931, marks new shifts in the category of gender in Spanish animate nouns. These changes are particularly important in common gender nouns referring to job titles. Some major changes occur in common gender nouns referring to humans, particularly names of female professions and occupations. There are occurrences of gender specific nouns with a pronounced gender ending; some unchangeable nouns referring to humans start to change their meanings. The Royal Spanish Academy, however, defends generic masculine as a most essential function of masculine gender. The codification is based on the concept of polycentric and variable norm, and it combines conventional and innovative approaches.