Composer names

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's middle name could make an interesting pick for music-loving parents--if only in middle place. Amadeus is the title of a Peter Shaffer play which became an award-winning film in 1984.

Although there are plenty of Bachs in the world besides Johann Sebastian, everyone will assume you're honoring the great composer -- and why not.

Despite the light, pretty sound of Bella for a girl, the boys' name Bela has dark and mysterious undertones, thanks to Dracula actor Bela Lugosi. Béla is also the first name of composer Bartók.

A melodic choice for lullaby-lovers.

Claude is a soft-spoken French name that conjures up the pastel colors of Monet and harmonies of Debussy. In France, it is used for girls as well, in fact in the Tracy Chevalier novel Lady and the Unicorn, the protagonist is a female Claude.

A pared-down version of the Anglo-Saxon names Æthelgar and Ælfgar. It's very rarely used, but might appeal for the connection to English classical composer Edward Elgar, or just for its distinctive vintage sound, as an alternative to Edgar.

Franz is the German equivalent to Francis, and you'll be hard-pressed to find a Franz outside of countries with Germanic origins. In America the name is often associated with celebrated author Franz Kafka, who was born in Prague.

The adopted surname of iconic songwriting brothers George and Ira (born Gershovitz) might make a nice musical middle name.

Gray-bearded name heard primarily in Sweden and Germany.

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