Rocker and Rapper Baby Names

Rapper M.I.A. announced this as her newborn son's name, which may or may not be a joke.

Chosen by one musician, Todd Rundgren, for his son, but unlikely to be emulated by others.

Even if you're hoping for a fiery child, this seems like playing with fire. One celebrity--Steve Vai--was bold enough to use it for his son.

Madelyn is the most popular, phonetically-clear spelling of the lovely and stylish French name. Madilyn edges it toward Marilyn, though that isn't necessarily a bad thing.

Makes hot name Finley kind of Phyllis-like -- which is not a good thing.

Similar to but distinct from Samara, this pretty name was chosen for his daughter by rapper LL Cool J. It's the name of an ancient Palestinian city, located in present-day Jordan, and is associated with the Biblical story of "The Good Samaritan" who came from Samaria. Derived from shamar meaning "to guard" this name was chosen for 100 girls in 2023 in the US.

Notably used by rapper M.I.A. for her son in 2009.

Not only did rocker John Mellencamp name his son Speck, but he appended the middle name Wildhorse to it.

Creative spelling of Cadence notably used by T-Pain for his son in 2009.

Frank is cool again. Frankie is cute. But frankly, Frankito is a couple of diminutives too many.

We had Egypt listed as a girls-only place-name until singer Alicia Keys and rap producer husband Swizz Beatz used it for their son...and why not? Egypt certainly works as well for a boy as for a girl, similar in sound as it is to Elijah.

Name of a major figure in Indigenous history, Quanah Parker, a Comanche chief who became a judge on the Court of Indian Affairs.

Epik is a new word name used by Princess Love and Ray J for their baby boy. Fifteen baby boys were named Epic, the usual spelling of the word, last year, so maybe Epik is to Epic as Erik is to Eric. While Epic in the classic sense refers to a long narrative poem, today it's more likely a slang word used in place of grand or amazing.

Lithe and leonine name chosen for her daughter by singer Erykah Badu -- whose other child has the number name Seven.

Tenzan is a variation of Tenzin, a name with special significance for Buddhists, being the first name of the Dalai Lama.

Funky, boyish, old-style combo name chosen for their daughter by hip couple Donna D'Ericco and Nikki Sixx.