Unique Baby Names For 2024
Every parent considers unique baby names to be something to set their child apart. Naming your baby is a big decision that will stick with them their whole life.
And while lists of trending baby names seem like a good place to go to pick your little one’s moniker, is it really? Those lists are very popular. Which means a lot of people are looking at them.
So the question is, do you want what’s popular to dictate your child’s name? Or should you consider baby names that are a little more unique?
The Problem With The Popular List Of Baby Names
When I had my daughter, I thought I had picked the most unique name I’d ever heard. I thought for sure she would be the only one with the same title. What I didn’t consider is that while I picked the most unique name I found, it was still from a list of baby names I saw online.
And, evidently, a lot of other parents went the same route. My daughter now knows at least four other kids who share her name. And it frustrates her to no end.
Instead of turning to a baby names list, I almost named my daughter after someone in history. Amelia was an option for a while, named for Amelia Earhart. Or Elizabeth, after Elizabeth Blackwell.
I wanted her name to mean something. To have an association with someone strong who changed the world in some way. But in the end, I ignored my gut.
The Potential Effects Of Names On Children
Over the years, studies have indicated that what we name our child could affect their progress in life. Bbc.com cited one such study, revealing that “people who didn’t like their own name tended to have poorer psychological adjustment”.
That being said, picking from a list of baby names doesn’t necessarily mean your child won’t like their name or that they’ll struggle to adjust in life. It also doesn’t mean that giving your a kid a unique name will ensure they’ll like it, either.
Related: Tina Turner – 11 Things You May Not Have Known About The Queen Of Rock & Roll
But giving a baby a name that has a positive association from history might just give that kiddo a little extra confidence. The trick is, you can’t go so outside the box that the kid gets bullied for having the weird name.
You really have to consider the balance. Names that are cool and honor someone awesome, but not too common (sorry Debbie Harry) and not too extreme (looking at you, Iggy Pop).
Unique Baby Names That Honor Rock Legends
Of course, if you do go the route of naming your little one after a historic figure, it’s important to pick a name that represents someone who left a positive mark on history.
In no way does this list cover everyone who made a difference in rock music. I left off the ones that were too mainstream as well as the ones your kid would never admit is their real name. This list includes the names I think are bold, just unique enough, and pretty darn cool.
"Hudson"
Recording artist Slash of Slash Ft. Myles Kennedy & The Conspirators performs during a stop of The River is Rising tour in support of the group’s new album “4” at The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas on February 19, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
This name was much more unique about five years ago, but it’s becoming more common. The reason it’s still on this list is because it’s not considered a common name. And it’s still paying tribute to one of the coolest guitarists ever. Saul Hudson is Slash’s real name. So, if “Hudson” isn’t for you, “Saul” is another option. But maybe don’t name your baby Slash.
"Jagger"
Mick Jagger of the Rolling Stones performs at halftime during Super Bowl XL between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Seattle Seahawks at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan on February 5, 2006.
My radio friend has a son named “Jagger”, so I can say from experience it works. Mick Jagger is arguably one of the most influential men in rock history. He’s talented, he’s bold, he’s a legend. As one of the founding members of the Rolling Stones and an inductee in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, any namesake of his will walk with confidence. Your only problem might be keeping the kid humble. And if he/she ends up with moves like Jagger, we’ll just consider that a bonus.
"Jett"
Joan Jett performs with her band Joan Jett and the Blackhearts at the Gibson booth at the Las Vegas Convention Center during the 2007 International Consumer Electronics Show January 9, 2007 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Being named after one of the most amazing women in rock is a pretty cool thing. That would be Joan Jett. Having founded the Runaways, Jett paved the way for many other women in rock. And showed a lot of guys in rock and the girls can do it too.
I love “Jett” for a boy. If you’re having a girl and want to honor Joan Jett, and don’t mind a bold name, you could go with “Larkin”. Which is Jett’s real last name.
"Joplin"
5th April 1969: American blues-rock singer Janis Joplin (1943 – 1970), of the group Big Brother and the Holding Company.
This one might be a little more risky when it comes to baby names. But you can probably bet there won’t be many kids in class with the same moniker. Of course, there’s the added benefit of the kid being named after one of THE coolest women to ever grace the stage. Janis Joplin was in a league all her own. She is a Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and on Rolling Stone’s list of 100 Greatest Artists of All Time. In fact, Rolling Stone said she was a groundbreaker for women in rock, and many others wouldn’t have ever come to fame without Joplin leading the way.
Of course, if “Joplin” is too bold a name for the new baby, “Janis” is a safer nod to this rock legend.
"Presley"
Singer Elvis Presley poses for a studio portrait. He was and remains the most famous person in modern music history.
Obviously, this is a nod to the King of Rock and Roll. And there’s probably not a more famous person in the history of music than Elvis Presley. However, since he’s so well-known, this name might not feel as unique. I’ve only known one “Presley” in my life. A woman. And I always thought her name was the coolest.
"Page"
Jimmy Page performs at the 38th Annual Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony at Barclays Center on November 03, 2023 in New York City.
This is a unique option because “Paige” isn’t that rare of a name. So it won’t draw that much attention when the teacher calls it out. However, the spelling is what makes it unique, and what makes it a nod to one of the most talented guitarists in music. As a founding member of Led Zeppelin, Jimmy Page is still unmatched in his ability to write a guitar riff that blows peoples’ minds.
"Halen"
Alex Van Halen and Eddie Van Halen of Van Halen perform at Madison Square Garden on March 1, 2012 in New York City.
This might be one of my favorite options on this list. By itself, it’s just a unique and interesting name that’s simple enough to be unassuming. Because without the “Van” in front of it, we almost don’t realize the name is a tribute to two of the greatest musicians in rock. Alex and Eddie Van Halen. And “Halen” works for a boy or a girl.
"Raitt"
Singer Bonnie Raitt performs on stage during the WOMEN ROCK! Songs from the Movies, the fourth annual concert for the fight against breast cancer, at the Kodak Theatre September 30, 2003 in Hollywood, California. Raitt is, easily, one of the coolest women in music. And totally worthy of being a baby namesake.
This is another of my favorites from this list. “Rhett” has been a popular name in the last twenty or so years. So “Raitt” would seem like an acceptable shoot-off from that. But “Raitt” has the added benefit of honoring a seriously cool chick in rock music. Bonnie Raitt has 13 Grammy Awards and a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. She’s also on two of Rolling Stone’s list of greats: 100 Greatest Singers of All Time and 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time.
Yes, if you named your boy “Raitt”, he would be named after a woman. If that’s not your thing, consider it for your next girl.
"Lennox"
Singer Annie Lennox performs on stage during the Diamond Jubilee concert at Buckingham Palace on June 4, 2012 in London, England. For only the second time in its history the UK celebrates the Diamond Jubilee of a monarch. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II celebrates the 60th anniversary of her ascension to the throne. Thousands of well-wishers from around the world have flocked to London to witness the spectacle of the weekend’s celebrations.
Is it just me, or does this already exist as a baby name? It’s very akin to names like “Maddox”, which we have seen the last few decades. “Lennox”, however, is going to give that nod to Annie Lennox, who is one of the greatest singers in music. Her rock-inspired soulful voice made the Eurythmics a very unique band. VH1 actually dubbed her the “Greatest White Soul Singer Alive”, according to bet.com.
"Ronnie"
AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND – APRIL 16: Ronnie Wood of the Rolling Stones performs during their concert at Western Springs, April 16, 2006 in Auckland, New Zealand.
Musician Ronnie Spector onstage at the 25th Annual Rock And Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at the Waldorf=Astoria on March 15, 2010 in New York City.
While “Ron” and “Ronald” are more common names, I’ve only known one kid named “Ronnie”. And the cool thing about this name is that it honors three legends in rock. Ronnie Wood, the rockstar guitarist for the Rolling Stones. Ronnie Van Zant (not pictured), who Rolling Stone Magazine claimed “was Lynyrd Skynyrd”. And Ronnie Spector, who lead and cofounded The Ronettes and was widely considered one of the original rocker chicks.
While this name is good for a boy or a girl, I think it’s especially cool, and more unique, for a little girl.
