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Composer names

alexa400
By alexa400
Updated Thu May 25 2023
If you're looking for a name with some serious musical credibility look no further. Names inspired by renaissance/baroque/classical/romantic/20th century etc. composers
  1. Claude

    • Origin:

      French from Latin

    • Meaning:

      "lame; enclosure"

    • Description:

      Claude is a soft-spoken French name that conjures up the pastel colors of Monet and harmonies of Debussy. In France, it is used for girls as well, in fact in the Tracy Chevalier novel Lady and the Unicorn, the protagonist is a female Claude.
  2. Ives

    • Origin:

      English variation of Yves

    • Meaning:

      "yew wood"

    • Description:

      Smooth and sleek one-syllable name, sometimes suggested for Sagittarius boys.
  3. Amadeus

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "lover of God"

    • Description:

      Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's middle name could make an interesting pick for music-loving parents--if only in middle place. Amadeus is the title of a Peter Shaffer play which became an award-winning film in 1984.
  4. Igor

    • Origin:

      Old Norse via Russian

    • Meaning:

      "warrior"

    • Description:

      Musical association with Igor Stravinsky, but also Dr. Frankenstein's right-hand man.
  5. Franz

    • Origin:

      German variation of Francis, Latin

    • Meaning:

      "Frenchman or free man"

    • Description:

      Franz is the German equivalent to Francis, and you'll be hard-pressed to find a Franz outside of countries with Germanic origins. In America the name is often associated with celebrated author Franz Kafka, who was born in Prague.
  6. Verdi

    • Origin:

      Italian

    • Meaning:

      "green"

    • Description:

      This is an outside possibility for opera-lovers, with the additional eco/color factor.
  7. Gustav

    • Origin:

      Teutonic

    • Meaning:

      "staff of the Goths"

    • Description:

      Gray-bearded name heard primarily in Sweden and Germany.
  8. Sergei

    • Origin:

      Russian variation of Sergius

    • Description:

      Common Russian name of one of that country's most beloved saints, known for his kindness and gentility.
  9. Ludwig

    • Origin:

      German

    • Meaning:

      "famous warrior"

    • Description:

      As heavy as a marble bust of Beethoven.
  10. Elgar

    • Origin:

      Anglo-Saxon

    • Meaning:

      "spearman"

    • Description:

      A pared-down version of the Anglo-Saxon names Æthelgar and Ælfgar. It's very rarely used, but might appeal for the connection to English classical composer Edward Elgar, or just for its distinctive vintage sound, as an alternative to Edgar.
  11. Haydn

    • Origin:

      German

    • Meaning:

      "heathen"

    • Description:

      Some music-minded parents might consider this especially as a middle name, to honor the great Austrian composer.
  12. Lalo

    • Description:

      Lalo is a warm, friendly masculine name with multiple cultural origins. In Spanish-speaking communities, it often serves as a diminutive for Eduardo (Edward) or Gonzalo. The name also appears in Native American cultures, particularly Hopi, where it can mean 'water coming down.' In Hawaiian contexts, Lalo can mean 'below' or 'down.' The name's brevity and repeating 'l' sound give it a melodic, approachable quality that travels well across languages. While not ranking among the most common names in the United States or Europe, Lalo has maintained steady popularity in Latin American countries and Hispanic communities. Its cross-cultural versatility and friendly sound contribute to its enduring appeal.
  13. Gershwin

    • Origin:

      Musical name

    • Description:

      The adopted surname of iconic songwriting brothers George and Ira (born Gershovitz) might make a nice musical middle name.
  14. Bela

    • Origin:

      Czech

    • Meaning:

      "white"

    • Description:

      Despite the light, pretty sound of Bella for a girl, the boys' name Bela has dark and mysterious undertones, thanks to Dracula actor Bela Lugosi. Béla is also the first name of composer Bartók.
  15. Bach

    • Origin:

      German

    • Meaning:

      "dweller near the brook"

    • Description:

      Although there are plenty of Bachs in the world besides Johann Sebastian, everyone will assume you're honoring the great composer -- and why not.
  16. Vaughan

    • Origin:

      Welsh

    • Meaning:

      "small"

    • Description:

      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.
  17. Ravel

    • Description:

      Ravel is a masculine name with diverse origins. Most prominently, it's recognized as a surname, famously borne by French composer Maurice Ravel. As a given name, it has Hebrew roots where it can mean "teacher" or "rabbi." In French contexts, it might relate to the verb "raveler," connected to unraveling or untangling. The name has a sophisticated, artistic quality due to its musical association, while maintaining a clean, modern sound with its two syllables and strong ending. Ravel remains uncommon as a first name in most countries, making it a distinctive choice. The name strikes a balance between being recognizable and unique, with an international appeal that works across different cultures. Its brevity and strong consonant sounds give it a contemporary feel despite its traditional origins.

  18. Brahms

    • Origin:

      German surname from Abraham, Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "father of multitudes"

    • Description:

      A melodic choice for lullaby-lovers. Brahms might also make a trendy s-ending nickname for Abraham.
  19. Purcell

    • Description:

      Purcell is a masculine name derived from an English and Irish surname with Norman French origins. The surname comes from 'porcel' meaning 'little pig' or 'piglet,' possibly originating as a nickname or occupational name for someone who raised pigs. As a first name, Purcell remains extraordinarily rare, appealing to those seeking unusual surname-based options. The name gained some cultural recognition through association with Henry Purcell, the celebrated 17th-century English composer. Purcell has a dignified, classical quality with its connection to musical history, while its unusual nature as a first name offers distinctiveness. The name combines aristocratic English associations with a slightly rustic undertone from its etymological connection to farming traditions.
  20. Wagner

    • Origin:

      German occupational name

    • Meaning:

      "wagon maker"

    • Description:

      Whether pronounced like the wag of a tail or as the correct German VAHG-ner, this might be something a devoted opera buff could consider as a middle name.