Musical names

If Viola is a credible girl's name, why not the mellow Cello for a boy.

A musette is both a dance and an antique instrument, but the name is most associated with the classic opera La Bohème.

Cadenza takes the popular CADENCE and gives it a more operatic flourish.

A Danish variant of Kaja (Kaya) or a Cornish word name derived from kaja "daisy".

The literal meaning of Adagio is 'at ease.' Adagio's use for a slow musical passage or ballet is contradicted by its lively sound and feel.

One of the more prominent by-products of reality TV, via Disney.

Mandolin may seem like an outlandish choice for a name, but since BANJO has been used as a baby name, all the instruments in the band seem to be auditioning for a place on birth certificates. This one comes with a real name nickname, MANDY.

It's usually preceded by the letter 'A'--as in 'a capella'--singing without accompaniment, and probably has never been used as a girl's name, but in this anything-goes naming climate, we're putting it out there as a possibility.

Lute is a rare feminine name with both musical and literary origins. As a musical reference, it comes from the stringed instrument that was popular in Renaissance and medieval periods. The word derives from the Arabic 'al-'ud,' which traveled through European languages before reaching English. As a name, Lute has a delicate, artistic quality and may appeal to parents with musical interests or those seeking a short, distinctive name with cultural depth. While uncommon in contemporary usage, it carries a melodic simplicity and vintage charm. The name also occasionally appears as a nickname for Luther, though its usage as a standalone feminine name has its own unique character and appeal.

Minuet is delicate, dancey, and lacy, with a Masterpiece Theatre feel. Is Minuet a real name? Not really, though similar-sounding French names such as Minette and Manette are.

Toccata is delicate and musical yes, but still somehow unappealing.

Light and delicate musical name would make an unusual choice.

Fanciful, edging toward bizarre.

An original musical possibilty for a lover of Chopin.