Artistic Baby Names

Paul Cézanne was a French post-Impressionist painter whose intriguing surname is of uncertain origin, although it may be related to Suzanne (from the Hebrew Shoshana, "lily"). It has been used as a girls' name in South Africa, due to its familiar -anne ending.

Wonderful nickname name most often associated in this country with Dutch modernist painter Mondrian. Pronounced PEET.

An architectural take on Noel. Knoll honors Florence Knoll, the Michigan-born modernist architect and furniture designer. Her namesake company still produces her designs today.

Associated with iconic British designer and retailer Terence Conran, who had an international impact on household design. Makes a nice variation on Conrad.

Because of shoe designer Manolo Blahnik, this has become a generic term for pricey stilettos, as in "I must have those Manolos."

This name has not one but two impressive cultural connections: collage artist Joseph Cornell and photographer Cornell Capa--not to mention Cornell University.

Passion for the Spanish painter Goya may transcend the difficulty of this name -- just don't say it in a Jewish community.

Creative choice relating to the Lithuanian-born expressionist painter known for his bold, vibrantly colored canvases.

Surname of French architect Jean Nouvel that became a given name when Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie used it as the middle name of their daughter Shiloh.

This name of a famous Parisian fashion designer known for her sophisticated 1920s and 30s style could translate into a pretty American baby name.

In Cool Names, we cite this as an "Artist Name," for twentieth-century abstract painter Grace Hartigan, though for you it may just be an upbeat Irish surname.

A nickname-sounding surname associated with Russian sculptor and architect Naum Gabo. When model/actress Milla Jovovich gave her daughter the middle name Gabo, she explained that it was a combination of her parents' names--Galina and Bogie.

This euphonious Italian Italian name for boys, often associated with the painter Modigliani, makes a recommended creative choice. The Spanish tend to spell it Amadeo.

Japanese-born fashion designer Issey Miyake, known for his techno-clothes, could provide baby naming inspiration.

Influential designer Miuccia (nicknamed Miu Miu) Prada's surname is much better known here than her first.

This unusual name, which is jauntier than Chris when used as a diminutive of Christopher, is associated with the Bulgarian installation artist of that name, responsible for wrapping many public institutions and known especially for The Gates of Central Park and Running Fence. Christo is his full given name.

The name of the great Italian Renaissance sculptor known as Donatello (but born DONATO), is one that could easily emigrate to modern America, just like sister DONATELLA.

A vivacious Latin alternative to the superpopular Sierra.

Mcqueen is a masculine surname-turned-first-name with Scottish Gaelic origins. Derived from 'Mac Shuibhne' meaning 'son of Suibhne' (a personal name meaning 'well-going' or 'pleasant'), it carries connotations of distinction and uniqueness. The name gained modern recognition through cultural references like the fictional character Lightning McQueen from Pixar's 'Cars' franchise and fashion designer Alexander McQueen. Though uncommon as a first name, Mcqueen appeals to parents seeking distinctive options with a strong, memorable quality. Its usage reflects contemporary trends of adopting surnames as given names, offering both heritage connections and modern style.

An undiscovered cousin of Garrett and Gerard. Gerrit has some merit, especially for its arty credentials as the name of several Old Master painters.