Jazz Baby Names

Ellington is a swinging musical name, evoking the jazzy and elegant persona of the Duke (born Edward Kennedy Ellington). While that reference may seem to make Ellington a male name, it is also occasionally used for girls.

Herbie is a diminutive form of Herbert, a Germanic name combining 'hari' (army) and 'berht' (bright), meaning 'bright warrior' or 'illustrious soldier.' Popularized in the mid-20th century, Herbie gained notable recognition through jazz musician Herbie Hancock and the fictional Volkswagen Beetle in Disney's 'The Love Bug' films. The name has a friendly, approachable quality with a vintage charm that evokes mid-century Americana. Though its popularity has declined since its peak in the 1950s and 60s, Herbie retains nostalgic appeal as a nickname. It exemplifies the trend of shortened, affectionate forms that became independently used given names in their own right.

A surname that originated as a diminutive of Hawk.

Free and fun name if you don't want to be pinned down to Noelle, Pasqua, or Valentine.

Unisex variation of Jazz or Jasper that couldn't say it more plainly. Used for their daughter by tennis couple Steffi Graf and Andre Agassi.

Sometimes heard as a first name in Scotland, particularly among the Campbell clan.

Just the kind of old-fashioned nickname coming back into style.

Lionel is yet another traditional boy's name entering the girls' column--at least once-- via prizewinning novelist Lionel (born Margaret Ann) Shriver.

Truncated form of Marylouise.

Got some notice as a Jared alternative, has musical association with pianist Keith Jarrett.

This familiar but never popular Welsh surname name might be a good Sean alternative-- and we're starting to hear some berrybuzz about it. Vaughn is an alternate spelling.

One of the old-school nicknames -- think Ray, Vince, Frank -- that's on the brink of coming back into style. Name him Stanislav or Constantine and he'll have a groovier long form to fall back on.

Hundreds of families have adopted this Scottish name, attracted by its trendy Ty beginning and upbeat second syllable. (Tyrell and Tyrese are also increasing in popularity. ) Tyree Glenn was a great jazz trombonist.

The surname of the late great American jazz pianist and composer Dave Brubeck could make a cool, jazz-inspired name for a baby boy.

This spelling of Winton has gotten considerable buzz via jazz musician Wynton Marsalis.

Woody Allen used this name for his daughter to honor jazz hero Sidney Bechet -- and it could work for a boy as well.

The great sax player John Coltrane could be a cool naming inspiration for a jazz fan.

Basie is a fabulous jazz name to honor the Count, whose birth name was William, the influential pianist, organist, bandleader and composer who led his band for almost fifty years.

Used as a first name for a handful of girls every year, Joplin could be seen as a distant cousin of other -lin names, like Caitlin, Brooklyn and Braelynn. We think it works even better as a musical middle name possibility for fans of Janis... or Scott. Both great connections — albeit very different from one another.

Variant of Blake, borne by the great jazz drummer Art Blakey.