Jazz Baby Names

  1. Stan
    • Origin:

      Short form of Stanley
    • Meaning:

      "near the stony meadow"
    • Description:

      One of the old-school nicknames -- think Ray, Vince, Frank -- that's on the brink of coming back into style. Name him Stanislav or Constantine and he'll have a groovier long form to fall back on.
  2. Elvin
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "noble friend"
    • Description:

      Elvin had his peak in the 1920s — which was when jazz musician Elvin Jones was born — but parents are still using it for over 100 boys a year. That's less than Kelvin, but more than Delvin.
  3. Herbie
    • Description:

      Herbie is a diminutive form of Herbert, a Germanic name combining 'hari' (army) and 'berht' (bright), meaning 'bright warrior' or 'illustrious soldier.' Popularized in the mid-20th century, Herbie gained notable recognition through jazz musician Herbie Hancock and the fictional Volkswagen Beetle in Disney's 'The Love Bug' films. The name has a friendly, approachable quality with a vintage charm that evokes mid-century Americana. Though its popularity has declined since its peak in the 1950s and 60s, Herbie retains nostalgic appeal as a nickname. It exemplifies the trend of shortened, affectionate forms that became independently used given names in their own right.
  4. Hawkins
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "hawk"
    • Description:

      A surname that originated as a diminutive of Hawk.
  5. Nat
    • Origin:

      English, diminutive of Nathan or Nathaniel
    • Description:

      Just the kind of old-fashioned nickname coming back into style.
  6. Kenton
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "the royal settlement"
    • Description:

      Although Kenton has the trendy K beginning and on ending, and a jazz reference to Stan Kenton, it still manages to sound stiff and old-fashioned.
  7. Coltrane
    • Origin:

      Irish surname
    • Meaning:

      "descendant of Coltarán"
    • Description:

      The great sax player John Coltrane could be a cool naming inspiration for a jazz fan.
  8. 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.
  9. Jaz
    • Origin:

      English, diminutive of Jasmine or Jasper
    • Description:

      Unisex variation of Jazz or Jasper that couldn't say it more plainly. Used for their daughter by tennis couple Steffi Graf and Andre Agassi.
  10. Marylou
    • Origin:

      English, combination of Mary and Lou
    • Meaning:

      "drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved + famous battle"
    • Description:

      Truncated form of Marylouise.
  11. Jarrett
    • Origin:

      English variation of Garrett
    • Description:

      Got some notice as a Jared alternative, has musical association with pianist Keith Jarrett.
  12. Joplin
    • Origin:

      English surname
    • Meaning:

      "son of Job"
    • Description:

      Used as a first name for a handful of girls every year, Joplin could be seen as a distant cousin of other -lin names, like Caitlin, Brooklyn and Braelynn. We think it works even better as a musical middle name possibility for fans of Janis... or Scott. Both great connections — albeit very different from one another.

  13. Wynton
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "friend's farm"
    • Description:

      This spelling of Winton has gotten considerable buzz via jazz musician Wynton Marsalis.
  14. Lionel
    • Origin:

      French
    • Meaning:

      "young lion"
    • Description:

      Lionel is yet another traditional boy's name entering the girls' column--at least once-- via prizewinning novelist Lionel (born Margaret Ann) Shriver.
  15. Basie
    • Origin:

      Scottish surname, meaning unknown
    • Description:

      Basie is a fabulous jazz name to honor the Count, whose birth name was William, the influential pianist, organist, bandleader and composer who led his band for almost fifty years.
  16. Gillespie
    • Origin:

      Scottish
    • Meaning:

      "bishop's servant"
    • Description:

      Sometimes heard as a first name in Scotland, particularly among the Campbell clan.
  17. Tyree
    • Origin:

      Scottish
    • Meaning:

      "from Tyrie"
    • Description:

      Hundreds of families have adopted this Scottish name, attracted by its trendy Ty beginning and upbeat second syllable. (Tyrell and Tyrese are also increasing in popularity. ) Tyree Glenn was a great jazz trombonist.
  18. Bechet
    • Origin:

      French surname
    • Description:

      Woody Allen used this name for his daughter to honor jazz hero Sidney Bechet -- and it could work for a boy as well.
  19. Brubeck
    • Origin:

      German surname
    • Meaning:

      "dweller beside a brook"
    • Description:

      The surname of the late great American jazz pianist and composer Dave Brubeck could make a cool, jazz-inspired name for a baby boy.
  20. Blakey
    • Origin:

      English surname and place name
    • Meaning:

      "white or dark"
    • Description:

      Variant of Blake, borne by the great jazz drummer Art Blakey.