50 Free-Spirited Boho Baby Names for Girls and Boys

Boho baby names are idyllic appellations that are inspired by art, nature, politics, and various international cultures. Each one of these names is slightly offbeat in the best of ways making them distinctive choices that are beaming with charm and character. If you’re the type of parent who marches to the beat of your own drum, these names should appeal to your independent sensibilities as they are uncommon and singular.

We’ve rounded up dozens of Boho baby names for girls and boys for you to consider. We turned to the arts, the natural world, and a variety of naming traditions to bring you a whole host of baby names for you to consider. If you’re having trouble landing on the perfect name, you’re not alone. It can be quite the challenge to choose a name and we’re here to help. Take a look at these fabulous Boho baby names for inspiration. Let’s go!

Boho Baby Names for Girls

Zadie

Zadie with its zesty Z might seem like a new invention but Zadie was actually ranked as the 539 most popular name for girls in 1881, remaining in the top-1000 for almost 30 years. We think it’s long past time for this wonderful Hebrew name that means “princess” to make a big return.

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, it is a Latin name that means “life.” Vita is simple yet sweet and makes for an unconventional and gorgeous name.

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.

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 as of late.

Harmony

Harmony is a perfectly balanced, unisex name that plays well with others. The name is of Greek origin and it means “fitting.” The latest naming data in the US shows the name as the 169th most popular. We’re so happy this appellation has taken off again and hope parents continue choosing this lyrical moniker.

Thalia

Thalia had a random appearance on the top-1000 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. We’re checking off a lot of Bohemian boxes with this appellation. The name means “to flourish.”

Gaia

The name of the mythological Greek 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 one of the best Boho baby names for you.

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, golden-tinted name this would be one of the best Boho baby names for you.

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 bring it back to life along with other Boho baby names.

Persia

Iran no longer carries the name that belonged to the region of Persia for centuries. That helps give this place-name an excellent, old-world feel. The name means “that cuts or divides” or “a nail” or “a gryphon.” If you like the name India, Persia would be an ideal option.

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 appellation originates. If you’d like a touch of Dutch flair, Fenna would be one of the ideal Boho baby names as it means “peace.”

Pax

Pax is a fabulous gender-neutral option that we think works perfectly well for girls because of its association with the Roman goddess and personification of peace. The name means the same! It would be an excellent choice that offers a cool edge thanks to that X.

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. A famous example, Eulalie Spence, was a playwright from the British West Indies who contributed to the Harlem Renaissance. The name means “sweetly speaking.” That makes it one of the Boho baby names with the best meanings.

Neith

Neith names the Egyptian goddess of home and femininity. The appellation 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. In fact, it’s one of the Boho baby names that’s been criminally overlooked for years.

Edi

Edie or Edi are both diminutive forms of Edith. While Edith is a fine name, we love the gentle nature of Edi. It’s the perfect vintage alternative to Evie or Ellie. The name is of English origin and means “prosperous in war.”

Lyric

Lyric now ranks in the top 500 names for girls in the US. 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, poetry, and art.

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 among other Boho baby names. It is of Latin origin and means “lord” or “master.”

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 appellation means “maiden.” Kore will likely be mistaken for Kory or Korey, so be prepared to correct folks.

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 roots and is a form of Cosmo which means “order.”

Jessamine

Jessamine is an English name of Persian origin. 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- and Jas- names.

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 other Boho baby names of this class. Bee, of course, refers to our buzzing friends but it also is closely associated with the name Beatrice which means “she who brings happiness.”

Ione

Ione was one of the fifty sea nymphs called Nereids in ancient Greek mythology. Ione is a name that’s twice as nice as other Boho baby names 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.

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 chose it for their daughter.

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 steadfast little girl.

Allegra

In music, the term allegro means “quickly, lively tempo,” which gives this quintessential Bohemian ballet dancer’s name so much life. The name is of Italian origin and means “joyous.” Allegra has been associated with the American prima ballerina Allegra Kent and thus, makes it one of the perfect real-world Boho baby names.

RELATED: 25 Unisex Bohemian Baby Names for Free-Spirited New Parents

Boho Baby Names for Boys

Ziggy

Ziggy is of German origin and it’s a diminutive form of names like Sigfried and Sigmund. It means “victorious people.” Most will associate the name with the alter ego of David Bowie, Ziggy Stardust. There’s also Ziggy Marley who has brought this name favor. This is one of the zippiest Boho baby names on this list.

Sayer

Sayer is an Old English occupational name that refers to a “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. That makes this name one of the most unique Boho baby names.

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.

Rafi

Rafi can be considered a Spanish variation of Raphael and mean “God has healed.” Or, it can be a shortened form of the Arabic name, Rafiq, which means “friend.” Either way, your son will be in good hands with the name Rafi.

Fox

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. If you’re looking for Boho baby names that celebrate nature, this could be the perfect pick.

Otto

Otto is a name that’s been used by parents for centuries in the US. During the two World Wars, the name fell out of favor, but it bounced back and it’s now in the top 500. The name is of German origin and means “wealthy.”

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 as it is one of the Boho baby names with the most potential. This appellation means “flowering.” With its trendy Latinate ending we foresee this name popping up on the top-1000 very soon.

Osian

Osian or Oisin is popular in Irish mythology as the name belonging to a renowned warrior poet. Osian is also 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.

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 from the gods. The name is of Latin origin 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 in the 1880s.

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.

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 making it one of the most desirable Boho baby names. We think a baby boy would do well with the energy this name imparts.

Nile

Nile is a name that refers to the Egyptian river. The Greek root actually 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 of in the US today. It’s one of the Boho baby names we hope makes a comeback.

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.

Leopold

Leopold is an appealing German name that means “brave people.” Leopold sounds very serious, which we rather like for a cute baby boy. However, this name has the added benefit of the beloved Leo nickname.

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. Clyde is one of the edgy Boho baby names that’s trending today.

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. It’s one of the amazing Boho baby names adopted from a language other than English.

Cassius

Cassius is a storied ancient Roman name that’s enjoying favor once more today. Cassius is of Latin origin and means “hollow.” This name sounds so sophisticated without being stuffy which makes it rank high among these Boho baby names.

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.” It’s one of the Boho baby names with a nod to space like Cosmo and Cosima.

Benno

The German name Benno is such a showstopper. Benno means “bear” but it has the lovely sound of names like Benjamin and Ben. It’s one of the Boho baby names that’s completely accessible yet undiscovered by most American parents today.

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 decide.

Bear

Bear is a name that peaked just below 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. If Benno was too subtle a choice, go straight for Bear.

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.”

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 appellation means “loved.”

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. It’s one of the best Boho baby names that’s immediately evocative.

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Albus

Despite this name being used for Professor Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore in the Harry Potter books, Albus makes for a handsome choice. The name proceeds the Potter franchise by a few centuries when it was used by the ancient Romans. Albus means “bright.”

Did you find some cool boho baby names worth considering? We certainly hope you have some new appellations to meditate on. Boho baby names strike a balance between old and new and cute and offbeat. These names will serve your child well and grow with them in a most special way. Happy baby name hunting!