Artist Names

Sean and Robin Wright Penn chose this name for their son to honor their friend Dennis Hopper; others might associate it with the painter Edward. Couldn't be more spirited.

Jackson is one of those names that's much more popular than you think, coming in near the top of our annual Playground Analysis, which ranks names by grouping all their spellings together. Last year, nearly 17,000 baby boys were named Jackson -- along Jaxon, Jaxson, Jaxxon, Jaxen, Jaxyn, Jaxsen, and Jaxsyn -- which counted together makes it the Number 3 boys' name.

Jasper originated as a variation of the Latin Gaspar, which ultimately derived from the Persian word ganzabara, meaning "bringer of treasure." As a given name, Jasper’s etymology is unrelated to that of the gemstone, which comes from a Semitic word meaning "speckled stone." Jasper is the usual English form for one of the Three Wise Men who brought gifts to the infant Christ according to medieval tradition and appears in the Bible as a reference to the stone itself in Revelations 4:3.

Contrary to popular belief, the name Kahlo has German origins, rather than Spanish. It derives from kahl, a German word meaning "bald." Mexican Artist Frida Kahlo was born to a German father, photographer Guillermo Kahlo.

The whimsical quality of the work of Swiss artist Paul Klee is somehow reflected in his name, although many would mispronounce it to rhyme with key. Say it like clay.

The whimsical quality of the work of Swiss artist Paul Klee is somehow reflected in his name, although many would mispronounce it to rhyme with key. Say it like clay.

Lautrec, shown here as a feminine name, is primarily known as a French surname, famously associated with the Post-Impressionist painter Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. As a given name, Lautrec is extremely rare and unconventional, particularly for girls. The name originates from a place name in southern France, derived from medieval Occitan language elements. It has an aristocratic, artistic quality due to its connection with the famous painter. Parents might choose this name to honor French heritage or artistic influences, or simply for its unique, sophisticated sound. The name has a strong, distinctive quality with its crisp ending consonant, making it stand out among more common French-inspired names. Its rarity ensures it remains a bold, memorable choice.

For centuries this name was associated primarily with the towering figure of Italian Renaissance painter-scientist-inventor Leonardo da Vinci, and was scarcely used outside the Latin culture.

Lin is a concise, versatile name with multicultural origins and meanings. In Chinese culture, it's a common surname and given name meaning 'forest' or 'jade' depending on the character used. In Welsh traditions, Lin represents 'lake' or 'waterfall,' while in Scandinavian contexts, it means 'lime tree' or 'gentle.' As a feminine given name in Western cultures, Lin often serves as a diminutive for names like Linda, Linette, or Caroline. Its simplicity and cross-cultural appeal have made it increasingly popular in an interconnected world. The name's brevity carries elegance and strength, making it practical across languages and cultures while still feeling distinctive. Lin's versatility allows it to convey both natural beauty and refined simplicity.

Intriguing spin on Margaret or Maggie, for admirers of French surrealist Rene Magritte.

Aristide Maillol was a French sculptor whose last name might be translated as a first.

Aristide Maillol was a French painter and sculptor whose last name might be translated as a first.

Manet is the accessible, attractive name of an Impressionist great; it could be the next Monet.

Could make a singularly creative choice inspired by modern Italian sculptor Giacomo Manzù.

Though it's close to the German and French form of Matthew, Mathis, this name of the great artist can work as well for girls.