For parents-to-be who are looking for a name that embodies music, artistry, and innovation, why not explore the names of jazz legends? These individuals helped create our modern musical landscape and left behind legacies of songs, performances, and cultural touchstones sure to inspire todayâs families. These names range from the uncommon to the popular, with plenty of Anglo surnames and retro sounds. And even those who do not know a lot about jazz may still enjoy these harmonious names. There are definitely quite a few names on this list that we have never thought of before.
So for parents who want to think outside of the box, they may find what they're looking for in this list. Inspiring musical legends such as Duke Ellington, John Coltrane, Dizzy Gillespie and Miles Davis may just be the name inspiration people never knew they needed. There have been cute baby names that come from all sorts of musical backgrounds, such as rock stars and even boy bands. Since jazz has been around the late 1800s, it only makes sense that there is a long running list of people who can give us some name inspiration. Whether mom wants something short and easy, like Byrd, or totally unique, like Django, this list of jazz names has some pretty great options. And although it features mostly boy names, some of these sound just as wonderful for a girl, like Parker or Gillespie. Here are 15 jazzy baby names that make our hearts sing. Stylish and substantial, these names are sure to hit all the right notes.
DJANGO
Although some may connect this dashing name to Quentin Tarantino's Western film, music aficionados are sure to appreciate Django's jazz roots. Guitarist Django Reinhardt reportedly took his stage name from the Romani phrase for âI awake.â Djangoâs distinctive old-fashioned sound may appeal to fans of vintage choices.
ELLINGTON
This English place name and surname feels sophisticated and refined, but it can be made friendlier by nicknames such as Ellie, Tony, or Duke. The great jazz bandleader and composer Duke Ellington makes an admirable namesake, though modern jazz fans may also appreciate Elling (as in Kurt).
ROLLINS
Originally a diminutive of Roland, Rollins is a spirited option with a familiar sound — and might make a nice alternative to Collins or Riley. Known as the âgreatest living improviserâ in jazz, Sonny Rollins has been majorly influential to generations of aspiring musicians.
COLTRANE
An Irish surname believed to derived from âyoung horse,â Coltrane balances masculine strength and contemporary style. John Coltrane was an early pioneer of âfree jazzâ along with his wife and sons, and he remains one of the few musicians to have been given a Pulitzer Prize for his jazz contributions.
BYRD
A thoroughly musical choice, Byrd honors Donald Byrd, an American jazz and R&B trumpeter. However, fans of the âThe Byrdsâ will appreciate their own jazz connection — Miles Davis helped the band sign its first record deal. A surname derived from bird-keeping, this lovely name combines natural elements with a respectable English style.
CALLOWAY
Energetic and memorable, Calloway is a transferred surname believed to come from the French caillou, or âpebble.â Bandleader and scat singer Cab Calloway was known for his iconic performances at the Cotton Club in Harlem, and his legacy lives on in jazz singing worldwide.
PARKER
The most popular name on this list, Parker has become an attractive unisex option in Anglophone communities for its simplicity and accessibility. It could work well as a subtle tribute to Charlie Parker, a jazz saxophonist and composer who helped pioneer the bebop music style.
COLEMAN
Derived from âColeâs man,â or âservant of Nicholas,â this pleasant surname also lends itself to the sweet nickname Cole. One of the first jazz tenor saxophonists was Coleman Hawkins, who was instrumental in developing swing, big band, and bebop music.
GILLESPIE
Bright and lively Gillespie could make a daring choice alongside similar Irish picks such as Kennedy or Callahan. It comes from a phrase meaning âservant of the bishopâ and offers retro nicknames such as Gil or Gilly. One of the greatest jazz trumpeters in the United States was Dizzy Gillespie, who received his stage name from his wild and unpredictable performances.
BASSIE
Although the etymology of the surname Basie is murky, itâs believed to be derived from Sebastian — and would make a great unexpected nickname for the longer choice, too. Count Basie, a jazz bandleader and musician, was known for his âbig bandâ music and his wide-reaching influence on later jazz artists.
HERBIE
Popular at the beginning of the twentieth century, Herbert comes from the German for âbright army.â Herbie Hancock remains a leading jazz performer and might inspire modern parents to embrace this old-fashioned nickname.
DAVIS
Even though Miles continues to enjoy the spotlight, Davis may appeal to fans of the jazz legend who want something less common — Davis ranks at #492, while Miles ranks at #110. The name is derived from David, meaning âbeloved,â with a slightly softer yet updated sound.
MONTGOMERY
An English surname with a Southern twang, gorgeous Montgomery might be ready to move back onto birth certificates. It has clunky-yet-cool vibes, and quite a few characters in popular film and literature have worn the name. Early jazz guitarist Wes Montgomery ranks among the pioneers who developed the quintessential jazz sound.
BIX
One of the first jazz soloists known as the âYoung Man with the Horn,â Bix Beiderbecke became a symbol of artistry and innovation for later musicians. The nickname was derived from the musicianâs middle name, Bismark, but Bix stands on its own as an edgy alternative to Dax, Paxton, or Jett.
DUKE
Although this noble title refers to Ellington, Duke also represents the category of âjazz royaltyâ — many musicians in the early twentieth century used such titles to brand their acts and show respect to leaders in the field. Members of this group include Count Basie, Queen Ella Fitzgerald, and dozens of others. With names such as Pharaoh and Royal trending on popularity charts, perhaps the titles of jazz royals deserve new consideration.
