Celebrity Names · Names from the Arts and Pop Culture
By Sophie Kihm · Updated September 2026
Across 8 pages
of 8
Irish surname
If you love the venerable Southwestern painter but feel Georgia's gotten too overheated, you might want to go all the way to this Irish surname in the fashionable O' family.
Swedish and Dutch variation of Klaes, form of Nicholas
"victory of the people"
Pronounced klaus, this spelling of the name is associated in this country with the major Pop Art sculptor Swedish-born Claes Oldenburg, known for his colossal public sculptures of everyday objects…
Slavic
"one who carries Christ"
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…
Chinese surname
For admirers of modernist architect I. M.
Latin surname
The renowned Argentina-born architect Cesar Pelli, designer of some of the world's tallest buildings, could provide naming inspiration for an architectural family.
Italian surname
Surrealist artist, inspired creative choice.
Music name
If Banjo can be a name, why not Piano? Could be inspired by prize-winning architect Renzo Piano.
Artist name
A middle name idea to honor surrealist painter Francis.
Spanish artist name
A worthy honoree that would place a too-heavy expectation on a child, probably subjecting him to ridicule. Try Pablo instead.
Dutch, diminutive of Pieter or Peter, Greek
"rock"
Wonderful nickname name most often associated in this country with Dutch modernist painter Mondrian. Pronounced PEET.
"bridge"
A surname not particularly suitable as a first name, even though it's attached to influential architect Gio Ponti--and it is Sophia Loren's married name.
Spanish surname
A plausible unisex name, inspired by Basque fashion designer Paco (actually born Francisco Cuervo)--who was known for his 1960s "Unwearables "--metal-linked plastic dresses and designs for the…
English
"stream where does drink"
Smoking jacket-wearing British surname, with artistic ties to Sir Henry Raeburn, Scottish romantic painter.
Dutch, diminutive of Remment, Remmert, or Remmelt
The Dutch are fond of short nickname names, and this one is tied to influential and provocative architect Koolhaas, born Remment. Could also be short for Remington or Remy.
Artist surname
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…
A creative alternative to the dated Robin, and also a reference to the famed Della Robbia family of Florentine Renaissance artists.
Benvenuto Cellini, the great Italian sculptor and writer -- a true Renaissance man -- could inspire this creative choice.
Spelling variation of Sergeant, Latin
"to serve"
One of the few military ranks used as a name, as in Kennedy in-law and Peace Corps creator Sargent (born Robert Sargent) Shriver. There's also a more creative, artistic association with painter John…
Italian, variation of Simona
"harkening"
An elaborate Italian name associated with fashion designer Simonetta Colonna, a key figure in the emergence of Italian haute couture.
French artist name
Creative choice relating to the Lithuanian-born expressionist painter known for his bold, vibrantly colored canvases.
