Bohemianism is the practice of an unconventional lifestyle, often in the company of like-minded people and with few permanent ties. It involves literary, musical, artistic, or spiritual pursuances. Bohemians may or may not be adventurers, wanderers, or vagabonds. Bohemian baby names carry an artsy, sometimes edgy image you may be exploring for your little boy.
Many monikers in this genre are inspired by nature or the sublime and offer vintage and retro charm in some cases. However, there are names that are newer to the popularity charts that ride in this lane as well and we’ll provide you with a mix of both on this list. Here are 25 cool bohemian baby names for boys that offer ease with added, dramatic flair.
25. Albus
We, somehow, completely forgot that this name was used for Professor Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore in the Harry Potter books. The name proceeds the Potter by a few centuries when it was used by the ancient Romans. Albus means “bright.”
24. Amias
Amias is a handsome, secular name that sounds biblical but it’s not. The name actually comes from a surname that’s related to Amadeus. The name is currently having a moment as it has cracked the top 1000 most popular names for boys in the US. This charming name means “loved.”
23. Bear
Bear is a name that peaked just out of the top 200 a few years ago. Now, it sits at 896. While its popularity has faded a bit, we think it’s a perfectly cute and fun name for a baby boy.
22. Benno
If Bear is too on the nose for you, you could always go with the German name Benno instead. Benno also means “bear” but has the lovely sound of names like Benjamin and Ben. This would be a very cool and offbeat choice!
21. Cassius
Cassius is a storied ancient Roman name that’s enjoying favor once more! Cassius has Latin origins and means “hollow.” This name sounds so sophisticated without being stuffy which we really love.
20. Clyde
Clyde is a name that carries jazzy coolness along with it. The name relates to the River Clyde that runs through Glasgow, Scotland. It was a top 100 name in the US through the 1930s and has made a comeback in the last few years reentering the top 1000 in 2013 where it has stayed. We love this casual, outlaw name.
19. Cosmo
Cosmo is a charming and very fun Italian and Greek name that means “order.” If you’re a parent who loves looking at the night sky, consider this fresh name for your sun.
18. Enzo
Enzo is the preferred Italian form of Heinz, a German name that means “estate ruler.” The name is in the top 250 in the US and it’s even more popular in France right now. Enzo sounds so effortless and chill. We think a baby boy would do well with the energy this name imparts.
17. Felix
Felix was originally a Roman surname but was adopted as a nickname by the ancient Roman Sulla, who believed that he was blessed with luck by the gods. The name has Latin origins and means “fortunate.” You’ll find many a Felix today as you would have throughout US history. It’s been a top 500 name since recordkeeping began.
16. Florian
Parents in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland all love the name Florian but it has not taken hold yet in the US. We think that’s a shame. This name means “flowering.” With its trendy Latinate ending we foresee this name popping up on the top 1000 before too long.
15. Fox
Like Bear, Fox is a wonderful animal name that parents are using a good bit today. While many will think of a certain character from The X-Files, we tend to picture someone named Fox as bookish and intellectual.
14. Hale
Hale is a very English name that means “someone who lives in the hollow.” This name sounds hearty and accessible! You’ll find this name more common as a surname in the US, but we think it’s got big first name potential.
13. Hopper
Hopper is an English and Dutch occupational name that means “hop grower.” This spirited name sounds literary and contemporary at the same time. This would be the perfect name for a lively little boy.
12. Idris
Idris is an absolute stunner of a name that has origins in both Welsh and Arabic. In Wales, you’ll find the name as it describes “a lord.” In Arabic, the name is associated with studying and therefore means “studious.”
11. Jago
Jago is a name that’s got roots in both Spanish and Cornish. It’s a form of the Hebrew name Jacob which means “supplanter.” The name can be pronounced jay-go or yay-go. You get to pick!
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10. Jupiter
Name your son Jupiter and call him Jupe for short. How does that sound? This Roman name has roots in ancient mythology, of course. It means “father Zeus.”
9. Keanu
It’s not just for Keanu Reeves! Keanu is a wonderful Hawaiin name that’s completely accessible. It has about the most bohemian meaning you could ever imagine: “cool breeze over the mountains.” The name is currently in the top 1000 after first appearing on the list in the early 1990s.
8. Leopold
Leopold is an appealing German name that means “brave people.” Leopold sounds very serious, which we rather like for a cute baby. However, this name has the added benefit of the Leo nickname.
7. Nile
Nile is a name that refers to the Egyptian river. The Greek name means “river.” However, the name is also a form of Irish Gaelic Niall. Nile was a popular name at the turn of the last century but it’s practically unheard in the US today. Bring it back!
6. Oak
We’re going to tick some of you off, but we can’t stand the name Oakley as a first. Leave it as a surname, please! We are rather fond of the name Oak, however. This nature name refers to the great tree and we love its beautiful simplicity.
5. Osian
Osian or Oisin is popular in Irish mythology as the name belonged to a renowned warrior poet. Osian is popular in modern Wales and England. Osian is the Welsh form and it’s pronounced o-SHAN. Be prepared for most people to mistake the name for “ocean,” but that’s not really a bad thing.
4. Otto
Otto is a name that’s been used by parents for centuries in the US. During the first two World Wars, the name fell out of favor, but it bounced back and it’s now in the top 500. The name has German origins and means “wealthy.”
3. Rafi
Rafi can come from the Spanish variation of Raphael and mean “God has healed.” Or, it can be considered a shortened form of the Arabic Rafiq which means “friend.” Either way, your son will be in good hands with the name Rafi.
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2. Sayer
Sayer is an Old English occupational name that means “woodcutter” or “reciter.” Sayer is related to the name Sawyer and we think it’s the more unique of the two. You won’t find this name at the top of the charts, or on them at all, in the US.
1. Ziggy
Ziggy is of German origin and it’s a form of the names Sigfried and Sigmund. It means “victorious people.” Most will associate the name with the alter ego of David Bowie, Ziggy Stardust. There’s also a Ziggy Marley who has brought this name favor. We love it!
There you go! 25 bohemian baby names for boys that are as sophisticated as they are classy. We hope you feel inspired by these names and will choose one for your little artist.
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