101 Truly Amazing Hipster Baby Names

Hipsters cop a lot of flack. I mean, I’m all for LOL-ing at their stovepipe-wearing, tattoo-sporting ways… while I’m munching on my quinoa salad, of course. But one of the genuinely rad things tapestry-toting folk are responsible for is conceiving a generation of cute baby names that leap outside the box. Don’t believe me? Just take a look at the bold and whimsical, heroic and tender, exotic and utterly adorable ideas below and tell me they’re not a cut above the Johns and Marys of decades past. YOLO, right?

Drum roll please… and the ultimate hipster baby name for 2015 is…

Kai

Origin: Hawaiian; Meaning: sea

With its simple pronunciation, exotic roots and appropriateness for boys or girls, Kai takes the top spot for Hipster Baby Name of the Year 2015. Meaning “sea” in Hawaiian, “forgiveness” in Japanese, “willow tree” in Navajo, and “food” in Maori – it brilliantly reflects the hipster love for multiculturalism – and style – at the very same time. Doesn’t hurt that it’s got a bit of star power (Kai was chosen for her son by actress Jennifer Connelly, as a middle name for son Samuel by Naomi Watts and Liev Schreiber) too.

What do you think of this list, and what names am I missing? Which did you love (or loathe) most?

image: Getty / Alija

hipster-baby-names

Anais

Origin: French hebrew; Meaning: grace.
With its alluring pronunciation and famous namesake (the daring novelist Anais Nin aka author of the original 50 Shades of Grey), any bub you bestow this moniker on is likely to come out toting a cigarette holder, sporting smoky kohl liner and channeling Megan Fox in Jennifer’s Body. Yessssssssssss.
Arlo

Origin: Spanish; Meaning: barberry tree
Vowels are so-hot-right-now in the hipster community (see also: Ethel, Ike, Orson) and with its forthright “a” and operatic “o”, Arlo packs a 50 per cent vowel punch. Pow!
Atticus

Origin: Latin; Meaning: from Attica
Immortalised by Gregory Peck in the 1962 screen version of Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird, this name is bookish, bespectacled and bound to fight for justice. And now that you've solved the next generation of human rights’ problems, you can get back to that organic skim cap.
Aubrey

Origin: German; Meaning: elf ruler
It conjures an image of the ultimate private school princess (hello Tracy Flick!), but also has modern cred thanks to the deliciously droll Aubrey Plaza of Parks & Rec. Besides, she’s the only one who could tell people the meaning of her name and keep a straight face.
Auden

Origin: English; Meaning: “old friend”
It sounds like the name of something critical (“Doctor, we’re losing blood fast from the arterial auden!”) or powerful (“We must quest to retrieve the auden!”), but the true meaning of auden is both these things and more: friend.
Bear

Origin: unknown; Meaning: “old friend”
Made famous by that daring adventurer Mr Bear Grylls, any tiny tacker given this title is sure to follow in his river-riding, mountain-climbing, thrill-seeking ways. Let’s just hope the pee-drinking doesn’t catch on.
Beatrix

Origin: Latin; Meaning: she who brings happiness
So often weird spellings of traditional names go wrong (see Jorja or Rybekkah), but this has to be one of the few examples that’s oh-so right. Thanks to the “x”, you’ve got a name that falls between boring old Beatrice and maniacal Bellatrix. Genius.
Beckett

Origin: English; Meaning: bee cottage
I’m not sure whether it’s the sporty “b”, the natty double “t” or the seven-letter symmetry, but I’m smitten with Beckett – and I’m not alone. In 2005, the authors of Freakonomics predicted that Beckett would be one of the most popular names of 2015. Damn they’re good…
Blair

Origin: Scottish; Meaning: dweller on the plain
Sure, it’s got the tomboy feel of its unisex origins, but thanks to Blair Waldorf (she of the social scheming and impeccable hairbands) this name boasts that new-school meets old-school twist that hipsters can’t resist.
Callie

Origin: Scottish; Meaning: dweller on the plain
Sure, it’s got the tomboy feel of its unisex origins, but thanks to Blair Waldorf (she of the social scheming and impeccable hairbands) this name boasts that new-school meets old-school twist that hipsters can’t resist.
Clementine

Origin: French; Meaning: mild, merciful
Clementine boasts serious slashie cred. Not only a hybrid between a mandarin and a sweet orange, it’s also the star of an American folk ballad which dates back to 1884. You can almost hear the wireless… “Oh my darlin’, oh my darlin’ … ”.
Cleo

Origin: Greek; Meaning: glory
It’s got a slick, sassy ring to it, and also happens to be a pet name for one of the most powerful women in history: Cleopatra. Who run the world?
Clive

Origin: English; Meaning: lives near a high cliff
Barker, Cussler or Owen? Choose your hero and make it happen.
Clover

Origin: unknown; Meaning: flower
Rose? Been there. Lily? Done that. For hipster kudos these days you’ve got to think old-school and obscure. With its Irish heritage and farmer’s market sound (“You’ve got to try this clover smoothie!”), this leafy label has you covered. Bonus points if you call your son Shamrock.
Colton

Origin: English; Meaning: from the coal
Back in the old days (read: 1980) tall dark and hearthrobby types walked around with names like Lance and Hank. But I’ll be damned if Colton doesn’t boast the same hunkiness, with a sprinkle of Colton Haynes pretty on top.
Cormac

Origin: Irish; Meaning: charioteer
Every time little one wanders into the room it’s Return of the Mac all over again. “You laaahd ta me! All those times I said that I love you… Oh mah god! You know that I’ll be back. Here Ah Am”.
Daisy

Origin: unknown; Meaning: pearl
Remember when we said old-school names were played out? Well, this is one of those exceptions that proves the rule. Like Pabst and Converse, the name Daisy blooms with retro appeal that’s eternally hip. Jessica Tandy would be proud.
Delilah

Origin: Arabic; Meaning: to flirt
Jezebel. Bad girl. The original RiRi. Sure, she might be a nightmare in the crib, but this little lady will always get noticed.
Dexter

Origin: Latin; Meaning: dyer, right-handed
One for all the villain lovers… including hip musical couple Diana Krall and Elvis Costello as it turns out who named their twin boys Frank and Dexter.
Django

Origin: Gypsy; Meaning: I awake
Sure, the gypsy origins are cool, and the link to jazz guitar virtuoso Django Reinhardt is legit, but full credit goes to Tarantino who put silent “d” on the hipster map thanks to his 2012 fight-fest, Django Unchained.
Dries

Origin: Greek; Meaning: manly, brave
Music lovers like Elvis, Lennon and Jagger. Literary types go for Orson, Miller and Salinger. And fashion lovers? Well, nothing beats the under-the-radar genius of Christian Dior designer, Dries Van Noten.
Duke

Origin: English; Meaning: nobility
Ron Swanson’s stage name. That is all.
Edie

Origin: English; Meaning: prosperous in war
As Edie Sedgwick proves, this is a title for girls with big eyes, big bangs and swinging monochrome smocks.
Edison

Origin: English; Meaning: son of Edward
Putting surnames in first names in 2015.
Elvis

Origin: unknown; Meaning: wise
In recent history it was considered over the top, but this year Elvis makes a comeback – and is even considered classic. Much like the King himself.
Enid

Origin: Welsh; Meaning: life, spirit
The 2001 film Ghost World is to hipsters what Frozen is to kids ie the BEST. MOVIE. EVER. Hence the appeal of naming daughters after Thora Birch’s green-haired anti-heroine, Enid Coleslaw.
Enoch

Origin: Hebrew; Meaning: dedicated
Seeking a biblical name with modern cred? You can’t go past Enoch. A big kahuna in the Old Testament (Enoch was the son of Jared, the father of Methuselah, and the great-grandfather of Noah), today the moniker is amongst the fastest rising boys names in the US.
Ethel

Origin: English; Meaning: noble maiden
She was the ugly duckling in Archie and what do hipsters like more than making ugly the new beautiful (see ugly sweaters, ugly glasses, etc)? Hell, if it’s good enough for Lily Allen…
Etta

Origin: English; Meaning: estate ruler
Take a dash of ye olde English (it’s a short form of Henrietta), add a splash of growling soul, and there you have it: a name with a seriously royal rock ‘n’ roll pedigree.
Everly

Origin: English; Meaning: wild boar in woodland clearing
Usually hipsters are like, totally over things that famous people do, but well, when that famous person happens to be Channing Tatum, then really, what’s not to love?
Fallon

Origin: Irish; Meaning: leader
Much as you try to hate this Dynasty-worthy moniker, we’re guessing it’ll get you in the end. Much like Joan Collins herself, really.
Felix

Origin: Latin; Meaning: fortunate, happy
While hipster fashions come and go… and come again (ripped jeans, anyone ), Felix remains. At once smart and charming, it’s been a go-to for Gillian Anderson and Elizabeth Banks and it might just be the perfect name for you too.
Finley

Origin: Irish; Meaning: fair-haired hero
A boy called Finley? Meh. But a girl? Well, that’s got hipster appeal written all over it. Doesn’t hurt that Angie Harmon felt the same way either.
Flora

Origin: Latin; Meaning: flower
All the wholesome goodness of kale, only prettier.
Frankie

Origin: Latin; Meaning: free man
It’s the name of your fave magazine. And Drew Barrymore’s second bub. And ‘90s mega-babe Frankie Rayder. Hipster endorsements don’t get more endorse-y than this.
Gulliver

Origin: Irish; Meaning: fortunate, happy
If you’re a fan of high adventure on the open sea – and let’s face it, who isn’t – this could be the name for you. It’s worked for Gary Oldman and Damian Lewis after all.
Gus

Origin: Gaelic; Meaning: one strength
Max. Jake. Ned. They’ve been hipster gold for years. But as their shine fades, Gus is steadily rising to take their spot. With its one-syllable sound and cuddly grandpa vibe, consider it normcore for the romper set.
Hazel

Origin: English; Meaning: the hazelnut tree
Hazelnuts are excellent nuts. Stands to reason that Hazel is an excellent name too.
Holden

Origin: English; Meaning: hollow valley
Part of the Hudson-Hayden-Colton crew, there’s just something a little hardy and a lot handsome about this bunch. Brendan Fraser and Mira Sorvino think so too.
Hopper

Origin: English; Meaning: hop grower
Earthy roots? Yep (the origins relate to growing hops – a plant used in beer). Indie celeb cred? Uh-huh (Sean and Robin Wright Penn chose this name for their son in honor of their mate, Dennis Hopper). Sold.
Huck

Origin: unknown; Meaning: nickname for Huckleberry
All that’s great about America: easy, friendly and edible (probably).
Hudson

Origin: English; Meaning: Hugh’s son
As in Kate or Rock, this is a name for mega babes.
Ike

Origin: Hebrew; Meaning: laughter
President Dwight Eisenhower is a bit of a mouthful. But his nickname Ike, well, that fits just right.
Inez

Origin: Portuguese; Meaning: pure, virginal

There’s something of a Scrabble mentality to hipster baby names: everyone knows that “z” gets major bonus points. Win.
Ione

Origin: Greek; Meaning: a violet-coloured stone
This is the name of Ben Lee’s wife. But, truly, don’t hold that against it.
Iris

Origin: Greek; Meaning: rainbow
According to Nameberry: Iris was the goddess of the rainbow, a messenger for Zeus and Hera who rode the shimmering light as a bridge from heaven to earth. In ancient times, the iris flower was considered a symbol of power and majesty, the three petal segments representing faith, wisdom and valor. This colorful image led to the naming of the colored part of the eye.
Isla

Origin: Scottish; Meaning: island
You know those posts on Instagram under some insanely pretty picture of a tropical beach sunset that read “from where we’d rather be”? This is the name version of those posts. Ahhhhhhhh.
Ivy

Origin: unknown; Meaning: plant name
A little top-tier college, a little Beyonce blue, Ivy is the pop philosopher’s choice.
Jagger

Origin: English; Meaning: -
It’s the name equivalent of leather pants: tough, cool and utterly rock’n’roll.
Jones

Origin: Persian; Meaning: bringer of treasure
Last names as first names don’t get much more last name-y than this. But truly, when it’s associated with so many genuinely excellent peeps – Quincy Jones, Tommy Lee Jones, Tom Jones – this little guy will feel like the best friend you never had.
Judd

Origin: – ; Meaning: flowing down
If you love your farmer’s markets and organic veg, this salt-of-the-earth moniker could be for you.
Juniper

Origin: unknown; Meaning: tree name
There’s something to be said for fresh, earthy names that seem to skip through spring meadows with a basket of berries. And that something is “love”.
Kai

Origin: Hawaiian; Meaning: sea

With its simple pronunciation, exotic roots and appropriateness for boys or girls, Kai takes the top spot for Hipster Baby Name of the Year 2015. Meaning meaning “sea” in Hawaiian, “forgiveness” in Japanese, “willow tree” in Navajo, and “food” in Maori – it brilliantly reflects the hipster love for multiculturalism – and style – at the very same time. Doesn’t hurt that it’s got a bit of star power (Kai was chosen for her son by actress Jennifer Connelly, as a middle name for son Samuel by Naomi Watts and Liev Schreiber) too.
Kent

Origin: English; Meaning: edge
A county in England and a type of pumpkin? Damn, what’s not to love?
Lana

Origin: Irish; Meaning: little rock
She was a sexy sweater girl of the ‘40s and, thanks to Lana Del Rey, she’s still got that come-hither thing going on. Just hide those sweaters till she’s at least 33.
Lennon

Origin: Irish; Meaning: small cloak or cape
It’s the surname of the coolest Beatle. C’mon, give Lennon a chance.
Levi

Origin: Hebrew; Meaning: joined, attached
For lovers of biblical names… who aren’t quite sold on Ichabod or Methuselah.
Luca

Origin: Italian; Meaning: man from Lucania
Say “ciao” to the charming European version of Luke. With its simple pronunciation and gentle vibe, Luca offers a perfect hipster slant to the universally adored classic. And if it worked for Colin Firth, Hilary Duff, Vincent d’Onofrio and Gabriel Macht, it’ll certainly work for you.
Lulu

Origin: Arabic; Meaning: pearl
With it’s sweet sound and swinging ‘60s style, you’d think celebs would have bestowed this title on a bazillion starbabies already, but a quick Google search reveals Lulus are surprisingly thin on the ground. We’re guessing that’ll change faster than you can say “lululemon”.
Mabel

Origin: Arabic; Meaning: loveable
Adventure Time? Meh – Finn and Jake are so 2013. These days the cool kids are all about Gravity Falls. Watch it and tell us Mabel doesn’t rock your world.
Mae

Origin: unknown; Meaning: bitter
You could be in for trouble with this one. Like that hellcat Mae West reckons: “When they’re good, they’re very good, but when they’re bad, they’re even better”.
Matilda

Origin: German; Meaning: battle mighty
If this name was a jumper, it would be one of the world’s ugliest Christmas sweaters. And yep, Urban Outfitters would be totally sold out.
Matteo

Origin: Italian; Meaning: gift of god

Some names are barometers of their times, and this is especially true of Matteo. A little European, a little biblical, it’s the cronut of hipster baby names – and we love it just about as much.
Miller

Origin: English; Meaning: grinder of grain
It’s hard-working, humble and faintly British, and turns out that’s exactly what Stella McCartney, Melissa Etheridge, and Tea Leoni/David Duchovny were looking for when they named their little ones.
Milo

Origin: Latin; Meaning: soldier or merciful
That this sweet-and-unique name is a fave with mega-babes Liv Tyler and Alyssa Milano is a given. But that it’s also a hit with ‘90s talk-show icon Ricki Lake? Well, that’s elevates it beyond mere hipster and hoists it right into normcore stratosphere. Win.
Minnie

Origin: Greek; Meaning: of the mind
Think Minnie Mouse sweet meets Minnie Driver sass.
Murray

Origin: Scottish; Meaning: settlement by the sea
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Nico

Origin: Greek; Meaning: people of victory
Nick? Blah. Nico? Brilliant!
Odette

Origin: French; Meaning: wealthy
Tchaikovsky’s into it. Natalie Porter too. But Odette really hit the headlines during World War II thanks to the courageous French Resistance heroine Odette Brailly, who supplied information to the Allies and narrowly escaped a German prison camp. Can one name get any more romantic?
Olive

Origin: Latin; Meaning: olive tree
She’s destined to be healthy, scrumptious and utterly indispensable. Fact.
Orson

Origin: Latin; Meaning: bear cub
Indelibly linked to actor Orson Welles (Citizen Kane, anyone?) these days it retains all the beef with none of the bluster. Interesting side note: a French folktale tells of twin brothers – Orson and Valentine – abandoned in the woods in infancy. Valentine is brought up as a knight at the court of Pepin, while Orson grows up in a bear’s den to be a wild man of the woods, until he is overcome and tamed by Valentine and the two eventually become friends again. Cool.
Otis

Origin: Latin; Meaning: wealthy
Fronted with a powerful vowel, Otis maintains a playful vibe thanks to the ‘90s Disney classic, Milo & Otis. Celeb fans include Tobey Maguire and Olivia Wilde and Jason Sudeikis.
Otto

Origin: German; Meaning: wealthy
Don’t be fooled. Otto sounds sweet but behind that simple pronunciation and easy symmetry lies a mighty namesake: Otto von Bismarck, a conservative Prussian statesman who in the 1860s engineered a series of wars that unified the disparate German states into a powerful empire. Whoa.
Pearl

Origin: Latin; Meaning: pearl
Fancy this one for your little lady? You’re in good company: Maya Rudolph, Busy Phillips and Caleb Followill have all dusted off this granny fave and made new again for their tots too.
Phoebe

Origin: Greek; Meaning: radiant shining one
According to ancient Greek mythology, Phoebe is the goddess of the moon and hunting. But, if you’re a fan of Friends, you may know her as a goddess of kooky stories and busking in Central Park – and you know what she’d say about naming your kid: “If it’s a girl, Phoebe; if it’s a boy, Phoebo.”
Piper

Origin: English; Meaning: flute player
She’s a bright-eyed, bushy tailed collegiate tomboy who’s great at sports, sororities and singing up a storm. But she’s got a tough side too: ain’t no one who messes with Piper Chapman and gets away with it. Just ask, Pennsatucky.
Rae

Origin: English; Meaning: female sheep
X-ray. Sting ray. Charles of the Ray. Clearly everything “ray” is awesome. Mixing up the spelling and calling your daughter “rae” included.
Rebel

Origin: unknown; Meaning: rebel
Inspired by the mighty Rebel Wilson, no doubt, Rebel packs a punch. Not one for the faint-hearted, but hell, who cares about them anyway.
Roman

Origin: Latin; Meaning: citizen of Rome
Sure, Cate Blanchett and Debra Messing are fans. But its Martin Starr’s spectacularly droll nerd-man Roman DeBeers from Party Down that really gets us excited about this one.
Ron: “Roman, what am I not hearing?”
Roman: “I dunno… a squid? There are other options, I suppose…”
Romy

Origin: Latin; Meaning: rosemary plant
Remi too French for you? Rowena not French enough? Look no further than Romy: thanks to Sofia Coppola and Thomas Mars who chose the name for their first daughter it comes with a top-notch Paris/New York hipster pedigree.
Roscoe

Origin: German; Meaning: deer forest
Name aficionados describe Roscoe as being part of the “R resurgence” – a string of R names such as Rufus, Roman, Remy, Romulus whose popularity is rocketing after 100 years playing second fiddle to the more predictable Rob, Rich and Ron. About time, surely.
Sadie

Origin: Latin; Meaning: rosemary plant
What do Adam Sandler and Christina Applegate have in common? They both have a daughter named Sadie. Now if only they’d get together and make a movie already…
Salinger

Origin: French; Meaning: -
Hemingway? Too drunk. Fitzgerald? Too depressed. But Salinger? Well, that’s just right.
Sanford

Origin: English; Meaning: sandy ford
Sanford is to little boys what Ralph Lauren is to polo shirts: comfy, preppy and only improves with age.
Sia

Origin: Persian; Meaning: one who brings joy
Like the Australian songbird, this unisex name is set to take flight in 2015 – that’s if it doesn’t swing from the chandeliers.
Stella

Origin: Latin; Meaning: star
Many names for girls are sweet; a few names for girls are strong. But a name like Stella? Well, that manages to be both those things all at the very same time.
Stellan

Origin: Swedish; Meaning: calm
The girls have dibs on Stella and Estelle, but Stellan proves that blazing, star-inspired names can work for gents too. Proof: it’s the boy’s name of choice for the dazzlingly hip celeb couple Jennifer Connelly and Paul Bettany.
Stevie

Origin: – ; Meaning: variation of Stephanie
You’re familiar with Steve, now meet his tomboy little sis. The name might evoke images of the gypsy chanteuse Stevie Nicks, but we also love it as a reference to achingly hip Pop Magazine fashion editor, Stevie Dance.
Sybil

Origin: Greek ; Meaning: prophetess
Downton Abbey fans rejoice: your time is now.
Talin

Origin: French; Meaning: large claw of bird of prey
Taking its cue from Talon, there’s something just a little less threatening and a little more magical with this spelling twist.
Tallulah

Origin: Irish ; Meaning: leaping water
According to Wikipedia: “Tallulah Brockman Bankhead was a popular American actress of the 1930s renowned as a talk-show host and reputed libertine. She was known for her deep voice, flamboyant personality and support of liberal causes, which broke with the tendency of Southern Democrats at the time to support a more conservative agenda”. Libertine? Liberal causes? Hell, you had me at deep voice.
Tessa

Origin: -; Meaning: to reap, to gather
The perfect mix of Tess (girl-next-door) and Theresa (saint-so-lovely) – and I’m obsessed.
Theo

Origin: English; Meaning: sandy ford
Not since Theo Huxtable have we been this excited about the return of this brawny-yet-bookish moniker. Don’t mind a bit of Theodore either.
Vera

Origin: Russian; Meaning: faith
When it comes to heroes, your little one can choose from scientists (Vera Rubin), designers (Vera Wang), actors (Vera Farmiga) or even vegetables (Aloe Vera).
Violet

Origin: Russian; Meaning: faith
With her dark eyes and unaffected grace, she’s the girl we all want to be. *sigh*
Watson

Origin: English; Meaning: powerful warrior
Most famous as Sherlock’s doughy sidekick (“Elementary, my dear!”), the meaning of this British surname proves there’s more to Watson than meets the eye.
Winston

Origin: English; Meaning: wine’s town
If you fancy a title with prestigious underpinnings, look no further. Winston Smith is the main character in George Orwell’s 1984, Winston Wolfe is Harvey Keitel’s stone-faced problem solver in Pulp Function while English politician Winston Churchill is widely regarded as one of the greatest wartime leaders of the 20th century.
Woody

Origin: English; Meaning: row of houses by the wood
It’s been connected to creepy revelations in recent years, but at heart Woody remains a cheerful, upstanding name for any sprightly young lad.
Wren

Origin: English; Meaning: bird name
Because Seagull, Pelican and Pigeon just don’t have quite the same cool-girl ring.
Zane

Origin: -; Meaning: god is gracious
According to Urban Dictionary: “The name of a guy who is extremely handsome, kind, sensitive, funny, charming and intelligent. His way with words shows his sexy intelligence. When he cares for a girl he’s all theirs and makes sure that they know it. He is very tactile, loving to hold hands and keeping his girl very close to him. He is very loving and is always showing how much he cares.” What more could you want?