​
​
Advanced Search

musical names

jj1010
By jj1010
Updated Tue May 23 2023
  1. Allegra

    • Origin:

      Italian

    • Meaning:

      "joyous"

    • Description:

      In music, the term allegro means "quickly, lively tempo," which makes this quintessential Bohemian ballet dancer's name all the more appealing. Allegra is one of the most distinctive yet accessible girl names starting with A.
  2. Aria

    • Origin:

      Italian and Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "air; song or melody; lion"

    • Description:

      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.
  3. Arietta

    • Origin:

      Compound name, variation of Harriet

    • Meaning:

      "little song; little lion; home ruler"

    • Description:

      A name that is either inspired by the classic Harriet - and by the character Arrietty in The Borrowers - or, a compound name, merging Aria or Ari with Etta.
  4. Bell

    • Origin:

      English and Scottish occupational name

    • Meaning:

      "ringer of the bell"

    • Description:

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

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "rhythm, beat"

    • Description:

      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.
  6. Calliope

    • Origin:

      Greek mythology name

    • Meaning:

      "beautiful voice"

    • Description:

      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.
  7. Calypso

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "she who hides"

    • Description:

      This hyper-rhythmic name has two evocative references. In Greek mythology, she was an island nymph, a daughter of Atlas, who delayed Odysseus from returning home. It is also a genre of West Indian music, originating in Trinidad and Tobago and largely popularized in the States by Harry Belafonte.
  8. CYMBELINE
    • Dulcimer

      • Description:

        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.
    • Echo

      • Origin:

        Greek mythology name

      • Meaning:

        "echo or sound"

      • Description:

        Although this is traditionally seen as a female name, via the classical mythological nymph who pined away for Narcissus until all that remained of her was a disembodied voice — it can also be used for boys. Remember that old song, 'Little sir echo, how do you do?'
    • Ellington

      • Origin:

        English place-name and surname

      • Meaning:

        "Ellis's town"

      • Description:

        Ellington is a swinging musical name, evoking the jazzy and elegant persona of the Duke (born Edward Kennedy Ellington). While that reference may seem to make Ellington a male name, it is also occasionally used for girls.
    • Elodie

      • Origin:

        French, variation of Alodia, German

      • Meaning:

        "foreign riches"

      • Description:

        The lyrical and melodious Elodie, a Nameberry favorite, is starting to rise through the US popularity charts for the first time since the 1880s. It's a uncommon member of the trending El- family of names, which includes Ella, Eloise, and Eleanor.
    • Harmony

      • Origin:

        Word name

      • Meaning:

        "harmony"

      • Description:

        If Melody and Lyric are on your style sheet, the peaceful Harmony, popularized by Buffy the Vampire Slayer, should be too. Girls names starting with the "Har" sound like Harper, Harley, and Harlow have been trending in recent years. This musical choice fits right in, and it is no wonder that Harmony has been in the Top 200 since 2014.
    • Haydn

      • Origin:

        German

      • Meaning:

        "heathen"

      • Description:

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

      • Origin:

        Greek

      • Meaning:

        "lyre"

      • Description:

        Lyra is a name with ancient and celestial roots that's finding new popularity thanks to its starring role in Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials series, seen in the movie The Golden Compass. Simple yet unique, Lyra hits the sweet spot between too popular and too unusual.
    • Lyric

      • Origin:

        Greek

      • Meaning:

        "of the lyre; songlike; a personal, emotive poem"

      • Description:

        Associated with poetry, pop music, and the Greek lyre, Lyric has a light and zippy sound to it. Currently more popular for girls in the US, it was in the Top 1000 for boys between 2007 and 2020. Currently given to around 170 boys each year, for every baby boy called Lyric, there are three girls given the name.
    • Madrigal

      • Origin:

        Latin

      • Meaning:

        "song for unaccompanied voices"

      • Description:

        Madrigal might be a pretty and highly distinctive choice for a child of a musical family--or for the parent looking for a less conventional path to the nickname Maddie than Madeline or Madison . Definitely more striking than Cadence or even the increasingly popular Aria.
    • Melodee

      • Description:

        Melodee is a feminine name representing a phonetic spelling variation of Melody. Derived from Greek origins meaning 'song' or 'music,' this name maintains the musical essence of its traditional counterpart while offering a distinctive spelling. The variant ending with 'ee' rather than 'y' gained modest popularity in the United States during the mid-20th century, particularly in the 1950s and 1960s when creative spellings became fashionable. Melodee conveys qualities of harmony, sweetness, and artistic sensibility. Like its traditional counterpart, Melodee suggests a musical, lyrical personality. Though less common than Melody, this spelling variation continues to appeal to parents seeking a familiar name with a slightly unconventional presentation.

    • Otis

      • Origin:

        Variation of Otto, German

      • Meaning:

        "wealthy"

      • Description:

        Otis has real appeal for parents attracted to its catchy O initial and combination of strength and spunk. The appealing hero of the British TV show Sex Education has done much to propel Otis into the forefront of cool names.
    • Piper

      • Origin:

        English occupational name

      • Meaning:

        "pipe or flute player"

      • Description:

        Piper is a bright, musical name that entered the list in 1999, one year after the debut of the TV series Charmed, which featured a Piper, and it's been a consistent riser since. Piper Kerman is the memoirist whose prison experiences provided the basis for the hit Netflix series Orange is the New Black.