Newborn Couture
Some baby names are elegant enough to never go out of style; others see a meteoric rise and fall within a few years. But, if you're looking for names that will always be on-trend, we have a list of 20 fashion icons to inspire you. Some icons are designers, others are muses. Regardless, all of them will inspire major closet envy.
1. Alexander
British designer Alexander McQueen was known for his sharp tailoring and boundary pushing designs. His collections were daring, dramatic, and often featured aspects of performance art. He created many iconic pieces of the 2000s before his untimely passing, and we bet any baby named after him would be just as inventive.
2. Audrey
Whether sporting her signature black dress in Breakfast at Tiffany's or zipping along on a moped with her gamine pixie cut in Roman Holiday, Audrey Hepburn's status as a fashion icon is undeniable. While we think that "Hepburn" could also be a cute unisex name, Audrey is a bit more approachable.
Paramount-photo by Bud Fraker on Wikimedia
3. Brigitte
Blonde bombshell Brigitte Bardot helped define the French Girl Style we all know and love after the horrors of World War II. With her long, tousled hair, smoky eye makeup, and low necklines, Bardot blazed onto the scene of the French New Wave movement. Her boho chic style was both effortless and elegant.
Photographer not credited on Wikimedia
4. Calvin
Few names are better-known in the fashion world than the titular Calvin of Calvin Klein. Klein's pieces are minimalist, yet timeless. The sleek lines and neutral colors are what make his clothes wearable in any occasion without feeling sloppy—just like baby clothes should be!
5. Carrie
Carrie Bradshaw of Sex and The City and Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy both epitomize what street style can be. One, all minimalism and quiet luxury, the other, eclectic and fearless. Whichever way your baby ends up dressing, you can guarantee she'll be the most stylish in her class.
6. Diana
Another two-for-one with this name. Diana Ross's sequined gowns and catsuits designed by the legendary Bob Mackie epitomized disco glam. Meanwhile Princess Diana's style sent shockwaves rippling through the 80s as she evolved from Sloane Ranger to People's Princess.
Tucker, Robert John, 1948-2023 on Wikimedia
7. Grace
Grace Kelly and Grace Jones were as different as night and day. Kelly's style was clean-cut and regal even before she married a prince—the perfect model for Dior's New Look. On the other hand, Jones's shoots are full of androgynous style, cubist silhouettes, and color. The effects of both women's styles are still being felt today.
Gary Friedman, Los Angeles Times on Wikimedia
8. Jean
When it comes to style, the French have effortlessly chic locked down. With her cropped hair and cigarette pants, actress Jean Seberg made even the most basic of pieces look fresh. However, if you ask us, the most stylist thing about this name is its unisex appeal.
Unknown authorUnknown author on Wikimedia
9. Lanvin
Founded in 1889, Jeanne Lanvin is one of the oldest French fashion houses in operation. The woman behind the name designed some of the most enduring looks of the Roaring Twenties; her drop-waist dresses resembled those of Marie Antoinette, and her style was unabashedly feminine in the face of boyish flappers. Lanvin isn't very common as a name, but we'd love to see it become one.
Clémentine Hélène Dufau on Wikimedia
10. Loren/Lauren
We couldn't pick a spelling or a gender for this name, which is too iconic to categorize. On one hand, Sophia Loren's style laid the foundation for the current Mob Wife Aesthetic, sultry and stacked with diamonds. On the other hand, Ralph Lauren's preppy, decade-spanning designs have never fallen out of style. Either way, you can't go wrong.
Arnaldo Anaya-Lucca on Wikimedia
11. Madeleine
If you've ever gasped over a gown in an old movie, you probably have Madeleine Vionnet to thank. Vionnet pioneered the bias cut, changing the way clothes draped forever. Her Grecian-inspired gowns were lighter than air, sleek, flattering, and effervescent.
12. Marc
Marc Jacobs needs no introduction. One of the biggest names in menswear, Jacobs designs pieces that are classic without being cliche. While some brands stagnate over time, Jacobs takes inspiration from the '40s, '50s, and '60s and breathes new life into the period.
13. Stella
Astronomical names such as Nova and Luna have been all the rage recently, so why not Stella? Stella McCartney's designs are all about sustainability, using uncommon materials such as mushroom leather and recycled water bottles. Eye-catching and eco-conscious? What more could you ask for.
Jaguar MENA; cropped by Blackcat on Wikimedia
14. Thierry
You might run into a little bit of trouble pronouncing this name, but doesn't that make it all the more stylish? A man of many talents, Thierry has worked for some of the biggest pop stars of the past half-century, filmmakers, and underdogs of all shades. His designs are architectural, futuristic, and utterly unique.
Michel Ngilen from Des Moines, United States on Wikimedia
15. Tommy
The only things more American than Tommy Hilfiger are baseball and apple pie. While names like Tom and Thomas can prematurely age a youngster, Tommy works at all ages. Hilfiger's label evokes Ivy League prep without being too stuffy.
John Mathew Smith & www.celebrity-photos.com from Laurel Maryland, USA on Wikimedia
16. Tory
Another princess of prep, Tory Burch may be best known for her designer handbags, but the rest of her repertoire is nothing to slouch at. With color-blocking, classic inspo, and a touch of boho-chic, these looks are wearable for all ages. Besides, this spelling is so cute as an alternative to more common Tori.
17. Valentino
Many of the icons on this list have been French or American, but we have to give the Italians their due. The mononymous Italian designer first rose for prominance with his pushback against the funky colors and prints of the swinging sixties. Valentino's clothes are clean, flowy, and elegant.
18. Vivienne
Even if Vivienne Westwood hadn't been the architect of the punk movement, we still would have included this name because it just sounds luxurious. While her name sounds like a warm bath you want to sink into, Westwood's style ranges from flowing ballgowns to proudly political t-shirts and her signature tartan. An icon if there ever was one.
Manfred Werner - Tsui on Wikimedia
19. Yves
The Pied Piper of fashion, we have Yves Saint Laurent to thank for popularizing (among other things) pea coats, thigh-high boots and suits for women. YSL constantly reinvented himself and his style without ever growing old. This name would work great for a boy or a girl.
20. Zac
Zac Posen's designs have been worn by first ladies, Oscar-winners, and royalty. From his runway-ready gowns to his collaborations with the Gap, Posen is emblematic of fashion's young blood. Posen may be known for dressing women, but we think any boy with this name would do him proud
