Artist baby names combine so many appealing qualities. Taking inspiration from a favorite artist adds meaning to a name choice. They feel original and creative, and their sounds? Undeniably on-trend.
Most of the artist baby names on this list come from painters. Layer in photographers, architects, and creatives from similar fields, and the list is nearly endless.
Not every surname works. When I wrote the original version of this post in 2015, I noted:
I’ve always been fascinated by Judy Chicago. But if I named my kiddo Chicago, you’d think of the Windy City or the sports teams, not The Dinner Party.
What a difference a Kardashian makes! Still, Chicago remains – overwhelmingly – a place name.
While these are all surnames, there’s no reason to overlook artist-inspired first names. Gems like Jasper, Leonardo, Ansel, Georgia, and Paloma abound in the art world. But many of those feel at least slightly more familiar, and perhaps not as instantly tied to the artists themselves.
These artist baby names bring to mind the creative powerhouse that inspired them, but still feel wearable for a child today.
AVEDON
Total births in 2022: fewer than five
Total births in 2017: fewer than five
Richard Avedon was one of the twentieth century’s most famous fashion photographers. He made his name at Vogue, but later in his career began to photograph Civil Rights workers and protestors opposed to the Vietnam War. He photographed Marilyn Monroe, as well as former president Eisenhower and poets Ezra Pound and Allen Ginsburg. It’s not a common surname, and its origins have proved elusive. But Avedon appeals for a few reasons. It fits with all of those Ava and Avery inspired rarities: Avonlea, Avalon, Aveline, Avila. But second, it seems like one of the few Av- names that really2works for a son, an alternative to new favorites Sullivan and Donovan. Bonus? The nicknames Von or even Van work nicely.
CALDER
Total births in 2022: 88 boys
Total births in 2017: 105 boys
Alexander Calder’s kinetic sculptures – also known as mobiles – make this a powerfully creative name. Calder studied engineering and designed toys when he was younger. After becoming established as an artist, he was commissioned to design everything from wraps for airplanes and a BMW to jewelry. Alexander’s grandfather, father, and mother were all noted artists, so this surname carries quite a bit of artistic surname name style. It’s originally a place name, found in Scotland and England. While many will find it artistic, it’s equally well-known as an ice hockey name, thanks to Frank Calder, the first president of the National Hockey League, for whom the Calder Cup and Calder Memorial Trophy are named.
CASSATT
Total births in 2022: fewer than five
Total births in 2017: fewer than five
Another obscure surname, the most famous bearer is well known: painter Mary Cassatt. American by birth, she moved to Paris in the 1860s and would eventually become part of the Impressionist movement. Her works are notable for depicting women, especially mothers and children. Cassatt has no history of use as a given name, but feels like a marriage of Cassandra and Juliet, or maybe a masculine form of any of the Cass- names.
CEZANNE
Total births in 2022: fewer than five
Total births in 2017: fewer than five
Paul Cezanne is often credited with bridging the nineteenth and twentieth centuries in art. He studied with Impressionist Camille Pissarro, but his work evolved into something new. He’s especially known for his still lifes, and his focus on geometric form would inspire artists like Picasso. As a given name, Cezanne is slightly more common than some on this list. About three dozen girls have been given the name since the 1960s. And yet, Cezanne illustrates why artist baby names can work so well. It’s got that great ‘z’ sound, is familiar but exotic, and would likely be seen as a positive, creative choice.
KAHLO
Total births in 2022: 10 boys
Total births in 2017: 5 boys
Frida Kahlo is among the most famous female artists of the twentieth century, thanks in part to Salma Hayek’s much-lauded turn as the artist in 2002 biopic Frida. Kahlo’s father immigrated to Mexico from Germany, making the name an interesting mix of cultures, one with uncertain origins. With that bright ‘o’ ending, Kahlo feels like a more daring alternative to Arlo or Cleo. Since the artist is female, it seems like a possibility for a daughter. But so far, the very few Kahlos tend to be boys. Maybe that’s because it sounds quite a bit like boy names, from Kylo to Cal to Karl. It’s a powerful, vivid name, and one that works equally well for a son or a daughter.
MAGRITTE
Total births in 2022: fewer than five
Total births in 2017: fewer than five
Born in Belgium, Rene Magritte became one of the most famous surrealist painters of his age. As names go, it is immediately connected to the artist. And yet, Magritte sounds like a possible given name. It shortens to Maggie, and shares the -ett ending sound of Elliott and Scarlett, Beckett and Juliette.
MATISSE
Total births in 2022: 26 boys
Total births in 2017: 17 boys
Colorful Matisse probably traces its roots to Matthew, via Matthias, which became the surname name Mathis in French. While Avedon or even Calder might not be instantly recognizable, Matisse’s works are so well known that it immediately brings to mind the bright, vibrant images of the artist. Mat- names are close to Mad- names, and so very accessible, making Matisse a sound-cousin to names from antique Matilda to modern Maddox. Matisse is used in similar numbers for boys and girls across the last century, though it is quite rare. It’s creative, but accessible.
MAXFIELD
Total births in 2022: fewer than five
Total births in 2017: 8 boys
Philadelphia native Maxfield Parrish became one of the most successful painters and illustrators of the early twentieth century. And while we think of Maxfield as his first name, he was actually born Frederick. He later adopted the family surname, Maxfield, as his first. It fits in with all of the many Max names, but remains nicely distinctive.
MONET
Total births in 2022: 39 girls
Total births in 2017: 36 girls
Monet is probably the most popular on this list of artist baby names, peaking as a given name for girls in the 1990s – though it never quite cracked the US Top 1000. Claude Monet was one of the founders of Impressionism, and his artwork is widely known and easily recognized. The surname comes from personal names ending in the sound, like Edmond. Monet also feels like a girl’s name in the key of other French choices like Renee and Desiree. The phonetic respelling Monae saw some use, too, with singer-actor Janelle Monae raising its profile.
MIRO
Total births in 2022: 17 boys
Total births in 2017: 14 boys
Artist Joan Miro was a Surrealist painter and sculptor. He was born in Barcelona, in the Catalonia region of northern Spain. The name’s roots are elusive. It might come from a given name. Mireia is a Catalan feminine given name, borrowed from an Occitan name invented by a nineteenth century poet, and best known to us as the more modern French Mireille, from the Latin mirar – to admire. This makes them cousins to Shakespeare’s Miranda. Lucy Lawless has a son named Judah Miro. It makes a bold and unexpected middle, but given our love of o-ending names, Miro works every bit as well as a first, for a daughter or a son.
REMINGTON
Total births in 2022: 1,438 boys and 779 girls
Total births in 2017: 1,507 boys and 759 girls
We tend to hear Remington as a gun name. That – and the easy, unisex nickname Remy – likely explains much of the name’s appeal. Except Remington also brings to mind Frederic Remington, who captured the American West in both sculpture and painting. Turns out that Frederic was cousin to Eliphalet Remington, the gunmaker. And perhaps both help define the name’s appeal, too.
TURNER
Total births in 2022: 172 boys and 20 girls
Total births in 2017: 202 boys and 16 girls
Another very popular entry on this list, Turner has had a good run in recent years – particularly for boys. It fits right with names like Carter and Hunter, an occupational surname. In this case, a turner worked with a lathe to fashion objects out of wood. (Or sometimes another medium.) But the truly artistic Turner was nineteenth century English landscape painter William Turner. And also nineteenth century English landscape painter JMW Turner – who also preferred to go by William. The latter is sometimes considered the first truly modern painter.
WINSLOW
Total births in 2022: 50 boys and 87 girls
Total births in 2017: 26 boys and 38 girls
Nineteenth century landscape artist Winslow Homer remains one of the most influential American artists of his time. And while Winslow was his first name, it fits neatly on this list. It’s a little like Harlow and Marlowe, plus offers built-in nickname Winnie. That makes Winslow an option for a daughter or a son, one with just enough artistic sheen to feel creative.
WYETH
Total births in 2022: 9 boys
Total births in 2017: 11 boys
Andrew Wyeth is among the best-known painters of the mid-twentieth century. His most famous work, Christina’s World, is even spoofed in The Simpsons. It once felt less than usable, thanks to pharmaceutical company Wyeth, the makers of household names like Advil and Robitussin. But the company has since been sold, and that helps make Wyeth feel more wearable. It also seems like a creative spin on Top 100 favorite Wyatt. And, hey – Theo, Thea, Lilith, and Ethan prove that the ‘th’ sound in names can be very attractive.
Fun fact: four of these names are Mazur siblings. There’s actress Monet Happy Mazur, plus brothers Cezanne, Matisse, and Miro. There’s also a cousin named Epic. That’s quite the family tree!
Would you consider any of these artist baby names as a first or a middle? What would you add to the list?
Originally published on June 12, 2015, this post was revised substantially and re-posted on June 25, 2018. More updates were completed on May 9, 2020; January 13, 2022; and June 25, 2023.
Calder sounds perfectly acceptable to me similar to Logan. Yves Klein is one of my favourite artists in terms of his Art, History and the story behind him he was well ahead of his time, Yves would be interesting or even Klein.
One of my daughter’s preschool classmates was an adorable little boy named Dali.
That’s a great name!
I immediately thought of an Italian sculptor I read a book about: Rembrandt Bugatti. He was an artist AND he was named after a famous artist. He created beautiful little animal sculptures. I wonder what nickname could go with Rembrandt, though… Bran/Brand/Brandt maybe? Rem? I’m not really sure about it…
Miro is also a Maori name for a type of tree, which is probably the inspiration for Lucy Lawless’s son, given she is a New Zealander
Thanks, Jess!
Frederic Remington was THE sculpter who captured the Wild West in bronze. His works are easily identifiable and masterful.
Nowdays, Remington is closely associated with the gun, but it has an artistic bent, too.
Remy works for either gender (according to the stats).
I know a Cyan whose father is a graphic designer… it’s not the name of a famed artist, but it is artistic. There’s a teen at school whose middle name is Monet; her parents are art lovers. Both wear well on the girls!
Rex Roy is one of my favorite artists; we’ve considered naming a son after him.
Renoir could also be a lovely name
That’s a really good addition to the list, Arianna!
An old friend of mine has a son named Wyeth. His older sister is named Calliope. Yes, the mother’s an artist.
I have always had a soft spot for Magritte, who is one of my favorite artists. “Magritte” sounds like a modern twist on Margaret, which is a family name.
Excellent suggestion, Denisha! I think Magritte definitely feels like an update for Margaret/Margot/Marguerite.
My best friend’s son is named Parrish after the artist Maxfield Parrish, and he was almost named Maxfield according to her.
As for the names listed, I would use as either first or middle name, it would depend on any number of factors. I used to love Monet long ago, but now not so much. I would most definitely consider using Matisse, Calder, or Miro, especially Matisse and Miro. Either of them because my beloved maternal grandfather went by his middle name Michael, so an M name to honor him is all the better. Plus Miro makes a good alternative to the now oh so popular Milo, a favorite name of mine.
As for Cassatt, while I love her paintings, and I wouldn’t balk at the name being used. I think cassette, probably because I have a huge collection of music cassettes. Cezanne, I am not much of a fan, of it as a name. I think Kahlo and Wyeth would be interesting choices but not names I would choose to name a child.
I just thought of ‘Rodin” (pronounced “Roh-Dinn”) after the famous sculptural artist Auguste Rodin of many very famous pieces of renowned artwork such as “The Thinker” would work well for a boy, but could be unisex, too.
I also have liked Pollack (pronounced “Paul-Lick” for some time after Jackson Pollack, the famous painter and innovator of a new method involving dripping paints onto large canvases.
Edgar Degas has been my favorite artist since I was a young child and first saw his works on a particularly special day my mother took me only (my older brother stayed back with our Dad at a business conference nearby-he got to test out new tech devices/toys geared way for more boys that day instead) and since I was a girlie girl and my mom an intellectual tomboy ah heart still, it is one of my favourite first memories of a wonderful day out being just Mom & myself! ☺
Reading your post, I thought of Degas (pronounced “Day-gawh”) and it’s possibility for a middle name slot for a future child of mine someday…
I think because of the light ‘a’ sound at the end, I think of it working better for a girl’s middle name!
Oh, and I adore Matisse (it could also honor my wonderful older brother, Matthew, in a certain way as well!
Honestly, I have liked the name Wyatt for about 15 years now and Wyeth appealed to me right away-until I immediately thereafter thought of the association with the pharmaceutical drug manufacturer company of the exact same name and spelling (Wyeth).
What’s the correct pronunciation for Rodin? I’ve always heard it said as RO-dahn