We all know that celebrities pick some wild baby names for their children. But, there is a set of celebs who know how to pick the most stylish choices. Fashion models are exceptionally adept at choosing unique and meaningful names for their babies that sound like they are on the cutting edge. In fact, most of the names chosen by models feel like they are a step ahead of current trends. That means that these fashionistas are not only ahead of the curve on the clothes they wear but also on the baby names they choose!
As with any celebrity who chooses an offbeat name for their child, fashion models shine a light on up-and-coming appellations and give them a popularity boost as new parents discover the names as distinct possibilities. We wanted to paint a picture of the most intriguing fashion model baby names so we turned to some of the most beloved models and their children to deliver some awesome names that you might just want to consider.
Neva
Russian model Natalia Vodianova has five children in total: Lucas, Neva, and Viktor with her ex-husband Justin Portman, and Maxim and Roman with her current husband Antoine Arnault. All of Vodianova’s children have wonderful names but we found the name of her daughter, Neva, to be very appealing. The name is of Spanish origin and means “white snow.” Neva is also the name of a river that runs through St. Petersburg.
Tobin
Czech model Karolína Kurková and her husband Archie Drury have sons Tobin Jack and Noah Lee and daughter Luna Grace. Noah and Luna are both wildly popular choices today. It was their son, Tobin’s name to be the most colorful choice. It is a name of English origin, related to Tobias, meaning “God is gracious.” The name was only mildly popular in the US from the late 1950s through the 1970s. It could be time to bring this name back, new parents!
Flynn
We have Miranda Kerr and her ex-husband, Orlando Bloom to thank for the rise of the name Flynn. In the same year (201) they chose the name for their son, it entered the US top 1000 most popular names for boys. It’s more popular than ever before today, resting just outside the top 500.
Hart
Kerr is now married to Evan Spiegel and they share sons Myles and Hart. Myles is a variation of Miles and both are wildly popular today. The names mean “soldier.” We found Hart to be the more intriguing name. Hart is a boy’s name of English origin that means “stag.” It was last a popular choice in the US way back in 1888!
Aleksandra
Russian supermodel Natasha Poly named her oldest child Aleksandra Christina in 2013. Aleksandra is the Slavic, Russian, and Ukrainian form of the name Alexandra. The name originated in Greek and means “defender of men.”
Adrian
Poly’s other child, Adrian Grey, got an internationally beloved name of Greek origin that means “man of Adria.” The name is popular across Europe as well as in Australia and at home, here in the US.
Nash
Nash Hollis is the name of Hilary Rhoda‘s son. Nash has emerged as a favored name for boys with it ranking just outside the top 200 last year. The name is of English origin and means “dweller near the ash trees.”
Kirra
Gemma Ward gave a particularly Australian name to her youngest daughter, Kirra. According to Nameberry, the name is of Aboriginal origin from the Kabi or Yuggera languages. The meaning of the name is unknown but there is no denying its beauty.
Naia
Ward’s other daughter, Naia, has a multicultural name that can be found in Greek, Basque, and Hawaiian naming traditions. Thus, the name has a variety of possible meanings including “sea foam,” “dolphin,” “to flow,” and “wave.”
Anaca
South African supermodel Candice Swanepoel chose two unique names for her sons. The first, Anaca, is the most unusual. It is of Portuguese origin and names a “red-fan parrot.” The bird can be found in the Amazon rainforest.
Ariel
In the US, Ariel is considered by most to be a name for girls. But, it is indeed a unisex option. You won’t even find it in the top 500 for boys. This Hebrew name has a beautiful sound and a tough meaning in “lion of God.”
RELATED: 25 Fashion Forward Baby Names Chosen Exclusively for the Most Stylish Parents
Dusty
Behati Prinsloo is a mother to two daughters and they both have extremely unique names. Dusty Rose sounds like a beautiful color name. Dusty was once mildly popular in the US for girls in the 1970s. Today, it is given to a handful of babies each year. Prospects for the name could very well change in the coming years.
Gio
Gio Grace is Prinsloo’s other daughter and she has an even rarer name than her sister. Gio is related to Gia and means “gift of God.” The name is of Italian origin. It has never been as popular as Gia but new parents might be attracted to it.
Athena
Angolan model Maria Borges chose the time-tested name Athena for her daughter born in 2021. It is a Greek mythology name belonging to the goddess of wisdom. Athena is more popular than ever before in the US. It’s in the top 100 most popular names for girls.
Phyllon
Dutch model Doutzen Kroes chose some fantastic names for her two children. Let’s start with her son’s name, Phyllon. The name is of Greek origin and means “leaf.” It is the male counterpart to Phyllis. The name is virtually unknown in the US so it would be a really unique option. Now on to her other child’s name.
Myllena
Kroes chose a name for her daughter that is much more popular in Europe than in the US. Myllena is a variant form of Milena. The name is of Slavic origin, and means “love.” The Milena spelling of the name is mildly popular in the US. It has been in the US top 1000 names for girls since 2012 but it has not improved its standing much over the last few years. We think it is so beautiful!
Saphir
Slick Woods has a fantastic name so it should not be surprising that she chose something very cool for her son born in 2018. She chose Saphir which is found in two different naming traditions. Its Norse meaning is “sapphire.” But, it is also a form of the Arabic name Safir, meaning “ambassador.” We think both are pretty great!
Levi
Sometimes models know when to keep things timeless and steadfast. This was the case for Karlie Kloss who went the traditional route with her son’s name, Levi Joseph. Levi is an extremely popular name today. It was the 12th most popular name given to boys last year. It is of Hebrew origin and means “joined.”
Sylvester
Emily Ratajkowski gave her son, Sylvester Apollo, born in 2021, two fantastic names. Sylvester had fallen from fashion but Ratajkowski is helping to resurrect it from disuse. The name is of Latin origin and means “forest.” Apollo is a name from Greek mythology that went virtually unused in the US until 2012. It entered the top 500 in 2019 and has continued to rise since then.
Cali
Model Chanel Iman chose nickname names for her two daughters: Cali Clay and Cassie Snow. Are these some winning first and middle name combinations or what!? We find Cali to be a real standout and we’re not alone. Since the 1990s, Cali has been climbing the popularity charts. It’s a top 500 name for girls today. Cali is a shortened form of Calliope that has a Greek root meaning “beautiful voice.”
Cyan
Brazilian model Adriana Lima has three children; daughters, Valentina and Sienna, and a son named Cyan. Valentine and Sienna are beautiful names but we found the name Cyan to be the most unique. This color name is technically unisex and can go to any baby. It is of English origin and describes the “bluish-green color.”
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: 25 Rising Baby Names for Girls Inspired by Iconic Fashionistas
Khai
Gigi Hadid welcomed her daughter Khai in 2020. The supermodel chose the name to honor her paternal grandmother, Khairiah. Khairiah is a name of Arabic origin with a winning meaning of “benevolence.” It’s a great alternative to the unisex Hawaiian name, Kai, which has been really heating up over the last few years.
We hope you enjoyed these super stylish baby names that were chosen by fashion’s elite models. They sure know how to pick them! If you would like to learn about even more dapper baby names, keep reading. We have rounded up names for boys and girls inspired fashion icons.
Fashionable Names for Boys Inspired by Icons of Design
25. Oscar
We did not want to scare you away with the first one and present to you a name like Burberry. Instead, we chose one of the all-time greats who can work magic with a gown, Oscar de la Renta. The name Oscar shares English, Irish, and Norse origins and means “God spear,” “deer-lover,” or “champion warrior.” We’ll take all three! Oscar is one of the most beloved names internationally and in the US today the name ranks at 205 of the US top 1000 baby names.
24. Hermes
Now, we’re getting a little funky with it. Hermes is an upscale brand name, yes, but that’s not all there is to it. Hermes is a Greek messenger god of travel, writing, athletics, thievery (saucy!), and much much more. This mythology name means “messenger.”
23. Wes
Wes Gordon is a rising American star who took over from Carolina Herrera as creative director at the fashion label Carolina Herrera. Wes makes for a subtle fashion choice as it is a popular diminutive of Wesley. Wes, as a standalone name, is popular in its own right and landed in the US top 1000 last year after taking some time off in the seventies. Wes is an English name that means “western meadow.”
22. Issey
Japanese-born fashion designer Issey Miyake, known for his technology-driven clothes, could provide baby-naming inspiration. You do not hear the name Issey often in the US which should appeal to new parents looking for something offbeat. Issey is a Japanese name meaning “firstborn,” among others.
21. Sergio
Designer and label, Sergio Hudson has created some of the most memorable looks worn by former First Lady Michelle Obama and current Vice President Kamala Harris. Elegant but with a Grace Jones-edge we love his designs. Sergio Hudson has a fantastic name! We think you could choose either Sergio or Hudson and never live to regret either. Sergio has an Italian and Spanish romanticism to it so we are leaning into this name. Sergio means “to serve.” It’s a top 500 name today!
20. Kenzo
Kenzō Takada was an internationally beloved Japanese designer who relocated to France and launched the treasured brand, Kenzo. Kenzo is one of the fastest-rising names in the US today! We could not be more pleased about it. It first made the US top 1000 in 2018 and it is going up, up, up. This Japanese name means “strong and healthy,” among many other possibilities (depending on the kanji used to construct the name).
19. Virgil
Virgil Abloh is an American designer who has been the artistic director of Louis Vuitton’s men’s wear collection since March 2018. He also founded Off-White. Aside from being very talented, Abloh boasts a fabulous name. Virgil has Latin origins and is associated with the first-century poet. Virgil means “staff bearer.” Unfortunately, this name fell from the top 1000 in the eighties. Please, bring it back.
18. Zac
As promised, we will bring it back to earth for a moment with the name Zac a shortened form of the name Zachary. Zachary has Hebrew origins and it means “the Lord has remembered.” Look at any red carpet event today and there’s a good chance that about a dozen or more celebrities have chosen a gown from this talented fashion designer for it.
17. Pierre
Pierre Cardin, Pierre Balmain, Pierre-Alexis Dumas, Pierre Hardy, the list of fashionable Pierres goes on and on. Pierre is a quintessential French name to the point of stereotype, but we still absolutely love it. The name was a top 1000 choice for new parents in the US until 2013. We think there’s plenty of inspiration left to this appellation. Pierre means “rock,” a strong meaning for such an elegant name.
16. Christian
A fashion baby name that gives Pierre a run for its money is Christian. Christian is one of the world’s most popular names and a top 100 choice in the US today. The name has Greek origins and means “follower of Christ.” Christian Dior, Christian Lacroix, Christian Louboutin, Christian Audigier, Christian Siriano, and Christian Roth all come to mind as esteemed designers with this name.
15. Ralph
One of America’s most successful and recognizable designers, Ralph Lauren certainly has a fabulous name. Ralph is German name that’s been popular in English-speaking communities for centuries. Ralph means “wolf-counsel.”
14. Louis
For designer leather goods, handbags, and luggage, the most trusted name is Louis Vuitton. The founder first gained notoriety for making trunks for Empress Eugénie de Montijo, wife of Napoleon III. Louis has been a top 500 name in the US since records of baby names began in 1880. The name has French origins and means “renowned warrior.”
13. Halston
Roy Halston Frowick, known mononymously as Halston, was an American fashion designer who rose to international fame in the 1970s. His minimalist, clean designs helped define the fashion of the Disco era. We think Halston is a fabulous name and a possible gender-neutral option. This English name means “hallowed stone.” Get ahead of the trend and choose this name for your baby boy, we expect it to blow up in coming years.
12. Boden
Boden is probably the only name on this list chosen for the name over the fashion inspiration behind it. The clothing brand Boden established by Johnnie Boden is fine, but we bring this one to you for the name itself. Boden is one of the fastest-growing names for boys in the US. It landed in the top 1000 in 2014 and has slowly climbed ever since. The surname-name can be found in both English and German traditions. Thus, Boden can mean “hill shaped like a bow” or “floor.”
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: 25 Unisex Surnames That Work as Given Names for Both Boys and Girls
11. Tom
Sure, you could go with Ford but then everyone would think you named your son for Henry Ford. That would be most unfortunate (he was a notorious anti-semite and racist). So, we will go with good old Tom to honor American designer Tom Ford. Also a decorated filmmaker, Tom Ford is considered one of America’s most stylish exports. Tom is a shortened form of Thomas and it has historically been a popular choice in the US but it has slipped in recent years. Thomas is a very, very old name with origins in Aramaic. It means twin.
10. Mack
Genius, Bob Mackie is another one of America’s most highly-regarded fashion designers who has done it all. Sure, you could go with Bob or Mackie but we found Mack to be a good compromise. Mack has Celtic origins and is heard most often in Scotland. It means “son of.” Last year, with was the 594th most popular name in the US.
9. Alexander
We were tempted to suggest McQueen for this list as there are so many notable ones including legendary designer Alexander McQueen. But, we are not sure the world is quite ready to take that step, though we would love you to if you feel so inclined. Alexander is one of the world’s most famous and treasured names and it has been a staple for new parents for centuries. If you’d like to give a subtle nod to McQueen, consider this Greek name that means “defending men.”
8. Klein
Anne, Calvin, Bernat, Lloyd, and Michel are all fashion designers with the surname Klein. We love this as a given name as well. It is established enough that it will not seem out of place but also offers elegance. Klein has German origins and means “small” as in “junior.”
7. Yves
Yves is a French name for boys that has never been popular in the US because it is pronounced the same as Eve. Buck tradition and go for it, new parents! Yves Saint Laurent is one of the world’s most influential fashion labels created by Yves Henri Donat Mathieu-Saint-Laurent. This name means “ewe.” In addition to being a name of a designer, it has belonged to many French painters including Yves Klein (see what we did there?).
6. Kerby
Kerby Jean-Raymond of Pyer Moss was one of the first big names in fashion to turn their attention away from making clothes and instead to making desperately needed PPE in the early days of the pandemic in NYC. The brand also donated at least $50,000 to support minority- and women-owned small businesses in the early days of NYC’s lockdown. Those efforts did not go overlooked as VP Kamala Harris wore a custom coat designed by Jean-Raymond to the COVID-19 memorial in DC. Kerby and Kirby are names with Norse origin that mean “church settlement.”
5. Valentino
Valentino was a mildly popular baby name in the US in the 1920s but after 1924, the name fell out of the top 1000. It returned in 2006 and was bolstered further in 2008 when Ricky Martin chose the name for one of his twin boys. Of all the fashion names, Valentino and another name you will see momentarily on this list, are currently the most beloved. This name has Latin origins and means “strength.”
4. Georgio
Giorgio di Sant’ Angelo might not be the first name that comes to mind when you think of famous fashionable Giorgios but we think he deserves some worthy attention. The Argentinian-Italian designer was based in the US who was influenced by the hippie culture of the sixties. John Galliano and Marc Jacobs both cite Giorgio as an influence. Giorgio is the Italian form of the name George which means “farmer.” We definitely prefer Giorgio with its playful sound.
3. Salvatore
Salvatore Ferragamo established a reputation for innovative design by using unconventional materials like crocodile and fish skin. Ferragamo, his luxury goods brand, still lives on today, sixty years after his passing. Salvatore had an excellent name that means “savior” in Italian tradition.
2. Cartier
Cartier is the French form of Carter an occupational name that means “transporter of good by cart.” Not the most glamorous meaning for one of the world’s premier jewelry designers. We were shocked to learn that this name is trending, in a big way, on baby name databases like Nameberry and BabyNames.com. Jacques Cartier had a very French-sounding name and we would love to hear more of both Jacques and Cartier for baby boys today.
RELATED: 25 Rising Baby Names for Girls Inspired by Iconic Fashionistas
1. Armani
You didn’t think we’d leave you without mentioning the great Giorgio Armani did you? One of fashion’s greatest icons, Armani pushed the envelope and helped pioneer red carpet fashion. Armani has proven a popular name for baby boys in the US and landed in the top 1000 in 1994. Since then, it has continued to grow and it is now a top 500 name. Armani and Valentino are two fashion names that are both the fastest-rising in the US. Armani is a name with Persian origins that means “free man.”
Names for Girls Inspired by Iconic Fashionistas
25. Isabel
Isabel Marant is known for her bohemian, tomboyish design aesthetic. Although born in Paris, France, Isabel is an Italian form of the name Elizabeth. The name Isabel is more popular today than ever before in the US. This fashionable classic means “pledged to God.”
24. Daphne
Daphne Guinness is not your mother’s socialite. She is celebrated for her love of couture and extravagant personal style. Daphne is a classic name from Greek, meaning “laurel tree.” Daphne has been popular and in the US top 1000 most popular baby names since 1889. An established winner is still a winner.
23. Sandy
British costume designer Sandy Powell has won numerous awards (including numerous Oscars) for her incredible, inspiring creations that exude personality and soleness of character. Sandy is an English name that is a short form of Sandra or Alexandra, a Greek name that means “defender of men.” Sandy was popular from the 1930s until the early 2000s. It might be the perfect time to bring the name back!
22. Phoebe
British fashion designer Phoebe Philo is known for her stunning yet understated designs. She is also a designer who the industry and industry-watchers cannot get enough of. Phoebe is the Latin variation of the Greek name Phoibe, which derived from phoibos, meaning “bright.” Phoebe is on track to match its most popular year ever, 1880, by next year. You love to see it!
21. Eileen
Eileen Fisher democratized an aesthetic only enjoyed by the ultra-rich in this country. Fisher changed all of this by creating comfortable, elegant, and affordable pieces beloved by many women. Eileen is a gorgeous name that comes from Scottish tradition as an alternative form of Helen. Helen means “bright, shining one.”
20. Chitose
Chitose Abe of Sacai is one of Japan’s most exciting fashion designers today who loves mixing casual with formal and masculine elements with feminine ones. Chitose has a fabulous Japanese name that can mean “a thousand years.” We must note, that Japanese names can have dramatically different meanings depending on the kanji elements used to construct them!
19. Rei
Rei Kawakubo is a Japanese fashion designer based in Tokyo and Paris. She is the founder of Comme des Garçons and Dover Street Market. Another delightful Japanese name, Rei can mean “bell” or “beautiful.” Unfortunately, this name has not taken off in the US even though it pronounced exactly the same as Ray.
18. Miuccia
Influential designer Miuccia (nicknamed Miu Miu) Prada’s surname is much better known here than her first. Sure, you could go with Miu Miu! Miuccia is an Italian name and it is most likely an Italian, diminutive form of Maria. Miuccia is a true icon!
17. Aurora
In May 2019, Aurora James received Canada’s International Canadian Designer Award following Nicki Minaj wore a pair of her cult-classic boots at the Met Gala. She also has a fashionable name in Aurora. Aurora was a US top 50 name last year. Aurora come from Latin and means “dawn.”
16. Clare
Clare Waight Keller is a British stylist and fashion designer, who has served as the Artistic Director for a number of luxury fashion houses and brands, including Pringle of Scotland, Chloé, and Givenchy. Clare is a very popular name around the world, however, the spelling, Claire has emerged as the most popular. Clare has Latin origins and means “clear.”
15. Simone
Each season, Simone Rocha pushes the boundaries of femininity with her collections. She represents a big departure from her father, John Rocha’s more established style. Simone is a Hebrew name that is a form of Simon. It means “harkening.” Simone has maintained popularity in the US since the sixties.
14. Twiggy
Dame Lesley Lawson DBE is an English model, actress, and singer, who has earned fashion credibility by being one of the most fashionable people in the world and a face of the 1960s. Twiggy is an English nickname that could be great for the right family, however, this one might work best as a middle name.
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: 25 Undiscovered British Baby Names for Girls That Are Sure to Come Our Way
13. Liz
Liz Claiborne created timeless fashion in the same lane as Eileen Fisher, but Claiborne is more closely associated with work attire for career women, an emerging part of the workforce in the middle of the last century. She helped build a mix and match ethos that has been roundly adopted. Liz, of course, comes from Elizabeth that was popular in the US until the seventies. We love this one-syllable form and think it would be great for a contemporary baby girl.
12. Carolina
Carolina Herrera is a Venezuelan fashion designer known for elegant personal style, and for dressing various First Ladies, including Jacqueline Onassis, Laura Bush, Michelle Obama, and Melania Trump. Carolina has French origins as a form of Charles. Thus, the name means “free man.” It is an established, top 500 name today!
11. Betsy
Betsey Johnson is an American fashion designer best known for her feminine and whimsical designs. Many of her designs are considered “over the top” and liberally embellished. Betsey spells her name differently than many other who go with Betsy. Betsey has not appeared in the US top 1000 since 1942 while Betsy remained until 2006. This name is, of course, a short form of Elizabeth.
10. Elsa
Elsa Schiaparelli was an Italian fashion designer. Along with Coco Chanel, her greatest rival, she is regarded as one of the most prominent figures in fashion between the two World Wars. Her knitwear is legendary! Elsa is a mildly popular name in the US and is trending up thanks to Disney’s Frozen. Elsa is a German form of Elizabeth as well!
9. Vivienne
Vivienne is the elaborate French form of Vivian that sounds a touch more romantic. The name belongs to icon Vivienne Westwood a designer forever connected to the rise of punk and grunge rock. Candid and eccentric, Westwood would make a great inspiration behind this name. It means “life.”
8. Diane
Fashion designer Diane Von Furstenberg is best known for her use of bold color and unique fits, such as her debut wrap dress which launched her career in 1974. Diane is a girl’s name of French origin meaning “divine.” Unfortunately, this name has fallen from favor in recent years and we think that should change! It is divine, after all.
7. Donna
Donna Karan and Donatella Versace are two of the most influential female fashion designers ever. Although they are very different designers they share very similar names that are closely related. Karan has always been in-tune with the needs of modern women and how best to deliver products that are functional and stylish. Versace helped attract rockstars and rappers to the Versace brand and to modernize its reputation. Donna means “lady.” Donatella means “given by God.” Both names are very Italian!
6. Vera
Vera Wang transformed what bridal wear could be and forever changed attitudes about the limits of a wedding gown. Vera has an extraordinary name that was once considered retro or vintage until she helped bring the name into modernity. Vera has Russian origins and means “faith.”
5. Chloe
Chloe could be a name celebrating Chloé, the legendary French fashion house. It could also be employed to tribute style icon and designer Chloë Sevigny. Whoever you want to celebrate, Chloe is a great name and one of America’s most popular. This Greek name means “young, green shoot.”
4. Stella
Stella is a girl’s name of Latin origin meaning “star.” It’s more popular today in the US than ever before and perhaps we have Stella McCartney to thank for that. The hip fashion icon launched her fashion power house in 2001, famous for chic designs and the brand’s opposition to leather and fur (it was a touch controversial at the time).
3. Celine
CELINE is a French ready-to-wear and leather luxury goods brand that has been owned by LVMH group since 1996. It was founded in 1945 by Céline Vipiana. Phoebe Philo, who we mentioned earlier, helped bring this brand back to relevance. Celine is a French name that means “heavenly.” It was a top 500 name last year in the US.
2. Armani
As promised, Armani has carved a place on this list as it has become a popular name for baby girls in the US. The fashion name made its first appearance on the US top 1000 in 1994 and has been climbing ever since. It’s tracking to become a top 500 name in the next year or two. Armani was borne by famed designer Giorgio Armani. The Italian name means “warrior.”
RELATED: 25 Tasteful Baby Names for Boys Inspired by Famous Fashion Icons
1. Chanel
Other than Armani, Chanel is the other most popular baby name inspired by fashion. Chanel has been in the US top 1000 since the seventies. While you could go with Coco, Chanel sounds a touch more grown-up. Chanel is a name with French origins that means “dweller near the canal.” Coco Chanel is credited with inventing the casual chic look that looked sporty and fresh as opposed to stuffy and corseted.
There you go! Did you find these fashion baby names delightful? We certainly hope you found a source for inspiration for your baby. Remember, if you like a name but are not sure it fits as a given, you can always use it as a middle name. Many of these options play nicely with others and will still sport plenty of style no matter how you use them.