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.

Gray-bearded name heard primarily in Sweden and Germany.

As heavy as a marble bust of Beethoven.

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.

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.

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

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

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.