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 girl.
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 girls that offer ease with added, artistic flair.
25. Allegra
In music, the term allegro means “quickly, lively tempo,” which gives this quintessential Bohemian ballet dancer’s name so much life. The name has Italian origins and means “joyous.” Allegra has been associated with the American prima ballerina Allegra Kent.
24. Arlo
Arlo, a surprisingly popular name for boys these days, is also finding new life as a girls’ name. The first name Arlo may be rooted in the surname Arlow or the Scottish place name Aherlow, meaning “between two highlands.” Leighton Meester and Adam Brody, who chose it for their daughter.
23. Bee
Beatrice, Beatrix, and Bea have seen a return to favor in the last few years and we think it’s past time for Bee to join them. Bee, of course, refers to our buzzing friends but it also is closely associated with the name Beatrice which means “she who brings happiness.”
22. Cosima
Cosima is the kind of elegant and exotic name that the British upper crust love. However, we think of this name as it is was associated with many composers and musicians. Cosima Wagner was the daughter of composer Franz Liszt and the wife of composer Richard Wagner. The name has Italian and Greek origins and is a form of Cosmo which means “order.”
21. Domino
Only a handful of baby girls are given the name Domino each year and we feel that it’s a travesty. Domino is the ultimate boss-girl name that deserves more consideration. It has Latin origins and means “lord” or “master.”
20. Edi
Edie or Edi are both diminutive forms of Edith. While Edith is a fine name, we love the gentleness of Edi. It’s the perfect vintage alternative to Evie or Ellie. The name has English origins and means “prosperous in war.”
19. Eulalie
Eulalie hasn’t ranked in the US Top 1000 since 1899, but its French roots might make it more appealing to modern ears than its Greek sister Eulalia. Famous example, Eulalie Spence, was a playwright from the British West Indies who contributed to the Harlem Renaissance. The name means “sweetly speaking.”
18. Fenna
While Fenna is in the top 20 names in The Netherlands it’s virtually unheard in the US. In Friesland in the northern part of the country, the Fries language is spoken and it’s where this name originates. If you’d like a touch of Dutch flair, Fenna would be ideal as it means “peace.”
17. Fern
Of all the botanical names coming back into fashion, Fern has been one of the slowest to grow back. Fern was most popular from the turn of the last century through the 1940s, reaching a high of number 152 in 1916. We love this nature name and hope parents will consider it once more.
16. Gaia
The name of the Greek mythological earth goddess and universal mother, Gaia has a lot going for it. For starters, the name means “earth mother” and that seems about as Bohemian as it gets. If you’re after the perfect nature/mythology name that sounds exotic while not being difficult, Gaia is the one!
15. Harmony
Harmony is a perfectly balanced name that plays well with others. The name has Greek origins and it simply means “fitting.” The latest naming data in the US shows the name as the 169th most popular. We’re so happy this name has taken back off and hope parents continue choosing this lyrical moniker.
14. Hebe
Hebe was the name of the Greek goddess of youth, daughter of Zeus and Hera. Hebe would be a welcome alternative to a name it rhymes with, Pheobe. Because of its mythological implications, the name also means “youth.” This name is primed for a comeback because it’s so full of life! Be bold, parents!
13. Hero
Despite the possibility of gender confusion, the Hero of Greek myth was a woman. We did not set out to choose a whole bunch of Greek names for this list, it’s a coincidence we discovered while researching their meanings! Hero means “demi-god” and we love this choice for a determined little girl.
12. Ione
Ione was one of the fifty sea nymphs, Nereids, in ancient Greek mythology. Ione is a name that’s twice as nice as many others because it refers both to a flower and the color violet. In fact, the name means “a violet-colored stone.” The English pronunciation usually starts with the long I, while in the Latin languages such as Italian it starts with the long E sound. Go with what feels right to you!
11. Jessamine
Jessamine is an English name with Persian origins. It means “jasmine.” Jessamine began to be used as a first name in Britain around 1900, along with other flower-related names. It’s rarely heard outside the UK but we think parents in the US should give it a shot as it’s a unique alternative to the other Jess- names.
10. Kore
Cora is a completely excellent name in every way but the original Greek form, Kore offers a bit more mystery. Kore was an alternate name for Persephone, goddess of the underworld. The means “maiden.” Kore will likely be mistaken for Kory or Korey, so be prepared to correct folks.
9. Lyric
Lyric now ranks in the top 500 names for girls. We’re happy parents are seeing the versatility of this musical name which means “lyre.” This name is a completely arty option that’s perfect for parents who love music or are musicians themselves.
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8. Neith
Neith is the name of the Egyptian goddess of home and femininity. The name means “divine mother.” Neith happens to be perfectly obscure these days which adds to its appeal in our opinion. If you expect your little one to transform the world, this name would be fitting.
7. Pax
Pax is an excellent gender-neutral option that we think works perfectly well for girls because of its association with the Roman goddess of peace. The name means the same! It would be an excellent choice that offers a cool casualness.
6. Persia
Iran no longer carries the name that belonged to the region of Persia for centuries. That helps bring this place-name an excellent, old-world feel. The name means “that cuts or divides” or “a nail” or “a gryphon.” If you a name like India, Persia would be an ideal option.
5. Saffron
Bohemian parents are all about the spice of life which makes a name like Saffron a delicious option. Saffron has a retro sixties vibe and it’s much more commonly found as a name in England than it is in the US. If you’re looking for a sunny, yellow-tinted name this would be the one!
4. Thalia
Thalia had a random appearance on the popularity list in 1932 and then reentered the US Top 1000 in 1992, reaching its height of number 363 in 1993. Thalia was one of the Three Graces in Greek mythology, and also the Muse of comedy and pastoral poetry. Ding! Ding! Ding! The name means “to flourish.”
3. Uma
Uma is one of the more than one thousand appellations for the Hindu goddess Sakti. The name can also be found in the Hebrew tradition and it means “nation.” This rarity would be a welcome alternative to the Irish name, Una which has been trending up in the US in recent years.
2. Vita
The bohemian lifestyle is enjoyed by a great number of bon vivant who love living in the moment. That’s why the name Vita is such an appropriate choice, a Latin name that means “life.” Vita is simple yet sweet and we absolutely love this name.
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1. Zadie
Zadie with its zippy Z might seem like a new invention but Zadie was actually ranked at number 539 in 1881, remaining in the Top 1000 for almost thirty years. We think it’s long past time for this wonderful Hebrew name that means “princess” to make a return in a huge way!
There you go! 25 bohemian baby names for girls that set the tone for a moody and enlightened little one! We hope you enjoyed these names and feel inspired to choose one for your little girl.