Buzz
Selecting a baby name is a significant decision, yet 35 percent of parents found it to be the most thrilling aspect of their pregnancy.
While some families opt for traditional vintage names, others prefer contemporary and trendy choices. Pop culture continues to be a major influence, and for those who wish to avoid names like Loki or Daenerys, music offers a rich alternative to television or movies.
Based on 2021 data from the Social Security Administration, 24/7 Tempo identified the most popular music-inspired baby names in the U.S. These names range from musical terms like Harmony to tributes to legendary artists and iconic songs.
The Most Popular Baby Names Inspired by Music
Name | Number of Boys with the Name | Number of Girls with the Name |
|---|---|---|
Sebastian | 8867 | 12 |
Harper | 149 | 8388 |
Dylan | 6718 | 534 |
Aria | 20 |
6348 |
Layla | 7 | 6303 |
Miles | 5694 | 17 |
Waylon | 4624 | 30 |
Axel | 4516 | 13 |
Delilah | 0 | 3735 |
Aaliyah | 0 | 3588 |
Piper | 8 | 2727 |
Jude | 2491 | 126 |
Melody | 0 | 2449 |
Cecilia | 0 | 2085 |
Norah | 0 | 1780 |
Lennon | 1268 | 399 |
Harmony | 0 | 1499 |
Selena | 0 | 1443 |
Cash | 1395 | 9 |
Nico | 1351 | 35 |
Sebastian topped the list of musically themed baby names. Classical music enthusiasts might associate it with the renowned composer Johann Sebastian Bach, while Disney fans could see it as a nod to Sebastian from The Little Mermaid (1989). Regardless, it’s undeniably musical!
Harper, likely inspired by the harp, a beloved instrument, secured the second spot. Dylan, ranking third, pays tribute to the legendary singer-songwriter Bob Dylan. The name gained popularity in the U.S. after his rise to fame in the 1960s. Selena, like Sebastian, has dual inspirations: the late queen of Tejano music, who passed in 1995, or Selena Gomez.
The list also includes names inspired by famous songs. Delilah originates from the Plain White T’s 2006 hit (or possibly the 1967 Tom Jones classic); Jude references the 1968 Beatles track; and Cecilia comes from the 1970 Simon & Garfunkel song.
As parents continue to draw from pop culture for music-inspired baby names, we might soon encounter little Ke$has and Gagas in kindergarten classrooms.
