Music names

ALLEGRA is a delicate ballet-dancer name; ALLEGRO, which means a fast-paced movement in music, is stronger and more vibrant.

With its musical allusions, a harmonious possibility.

Aria is a multi-cultural name with two extremely popular versions: this more word-like one along with Arya, the spelling used for the feisty young heroine of Game of Thrones. There were about 6400 baby girls named Aria in the US last year alog with 2400 named Arya, which counted together places the name in the Top 10.

When actress Rachel Griffiths chose this highly unusual name for her son, many assumed it was a bizarre invention. But a noted Australian poet (Griffiths is an Aussie) is known by this name.

These days, it's more likely you'd call your daughter the popular Belle or Bella.

Musical term with a lot of energy.

The musical word name Cadence, seemed to come out of nowhere to zoom up the charts; it rose over 700 spots between 2002 and 2004, and showed up in the Top 200 in 2007. It's gone down in the popular names list since then, though. Some might see it as a feminine relative of the popular Caden. Kadence and Kaydence are also rising.

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

Calliope is the name of the muse of epic poetry -- and also the musical instrument on the merry-go-round. Bold and creative, it debuted in the US Top 1000 in 2016, and entered the Top 500 in 2023. Similar in rhythm and sound to Penelope with usable nicknames Callie, Clio, and Lola, it is no wonder it's on the rise.

Light and delicate musical name would make an unusual choice.

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.

A Caroline abbreviation that was wildly popular with Mom's generation...or Grandma's. At one time it was a name for baby girls born at Christmas. because of its association with Christmas carols.

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

This musical name would have to be spoken with a French accent--otherwise it would sound like a trendy boy's name, a la BRANSON.

Tuneful variation on the Claire names.

Cool, musical modern choice, especially as a middle name.

Dulcimer is an uncommon feminine name derived from the stringed musical instrument. The word itself has Latin origins in 'dulcis' meaning 'sweet' and 'melos' meaning 'song,' literally translating to 'sweet tune.' As a given name, Dulcimer emerged primarily in English-speaking countries during the folk music revival of the 1960s and 1970s but remains quite rare. It appeals to parents with musical interests or those seeking an unconventional nature-inspired name with artistic associations. The name conveys melodious qualities and a gentle, harmonious personality. Despite its rarity in official records, Dulcimer represents the tradition of musical instrument names alongside more common choices like Harmony or Melody.

An original musical possibilty for a lover of Chopin.

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