Unique & Unconventional: Hipster and Indie Baby Names

For parents who go against the grain and seek the excitement of finding unknown gems (whether in music, fashion, or travel), choosing a baby name to suit the inner hipster can be daunting. With roots in ancient mythology, literature, and nature, these names for little hipster boys and girls can offer just the inspiration parents need to start the next off-mainstream trend. From obscure literary characters like Atticus and Holden, to revival vintage gems such as Otto and Clementine, to nature-inspired choices like Juniper and Sage, these names carry the perfect blend of uniqueness and cultural cachet. The true hipster parent knows that the best names are those that feel both timeless and undiscovered - names that might raise an eyebrow at the playground but will inevitably start appearing on class rosters in five years' time. Whether you're drawn to mythological monikers like Apollo and Persephone, or place names like Oslo and Brooklyn, this curated collection offers the perfect starting point for parents determined to stay ahead of the naming curve.

When it comes to naming babies, parents who identify as hipsters win the creativity prize. The hipster vibe tends to challenge mainstream culture – and that demands baby names that stand out rather than fit in, as well as have meaning. If there's one word that sums up most hipster baby names, it's "unexpected." Hipster parents often draw inspiration from vintage treasures, literary characters, nature, and obscure cultural references that showcase their unique perspective. Names like Atlas, Wren, Arlo, and Juniper embody this aesthetic perfectly. You might also find hipsters reviving long-forgotten classics like Otto, Maude, or Clementine with a fresh sense of irony and appreciation. But you don't need to be a hipster to be drawn to some of these rad, original, or simply reinvented names. Whether you're looking for something genuinely unique or charmingly retro, our ultimate list of hipster baby names offers inspiration for parents who want their child's name to tell a story from the very beginning.

Hipster boy names

Vintage Charm: Amos

Amos carries the distinguished legacy of an Old Testament prophet known for his advocacy of the poor and oppressed—fitting for a name that literally means "to carry" or "burden." This vintage gem nearly disappeared from popularity charts in the early 21st century but has recently found renewed appreciation among parents seeking names with substance and history. Musical connections through folk-soul artist Amos Lee add contemporary credibility, while literary associations with Amos Bronson Alcott, father of "Little Women" author Louisa May Alcott, provide intellectual cachet. Originally embraced by Puritans for its biblical significance, Amos delivers the perfect blend of antiquated charm and principled strength that modern hipster parents crave for their little revolutionaries.

Scottish Cool: Angus

Angus is a distinctive Celtic name brimming with strength and character. Meaning "one strength" in its original form, this name has deep historical roots as it belonged to an Irish god of love and youth, a powerful Pictish king, and several venerated saints. The name appears in Shakespeare's Macbeth, giving it literary credibility. Modern parents might appreciate its rock-and-roll edge thanks to legendary AC/DC guitarist Angus Young, or its indie folk associations through Angus Stone of the sibling duo Angus and Julia Stone. With its rugged Scottish heritage and the adorable nickname Gus readily available, Angus offers the perfect balance of unique yet accessible—a hallmark of truly hipster baby names.

Distinctive Heritage: Eben

Eben represents the shortened form of Ebenezer, carrying the powerful Hebrew meaning "stone of help." This distinctively strong name has maintained its unique character while remaining just outside the mainstream spotlight. Similar in sound to the more common Evan, yet possessing its own rare charm that hipster parents adore. In German linguistic tradition, eben translates to "just," "precisely," or "exactly" – perhaps symbolizing how this name precisely hits the mark for parents seeking something authentic yet uncommon. With its rich dual heritage and minimalist four-letter construction, Eben offers the perfect balance of historical depth and contemporary appeal for the discerning modern family.

Musical Edge: Fender

Originally an occupational surname with French roots derived from 'defend' meaning to protect or guard, Fender strikes the perfect balance between uniqueness and cultural cachet. This name rocketed up the popularity charts by 8,000 spots in a single year, yet remains firmly in hipster territory. Music enthusiasts will appreciate its association with the iconic guitar brand favored by legends like Eric Clapton and Jimi Hendrix, lending your little one instant cool factor. With its strong sound and artistic connections, Fender offers parents a distinctive choice that's edgy without trying too hard—a true hallmark of hipster naming philosophy.

Literary Rebel: Huck

The name Huck embodies the essence of youthful rebellion and literary cool. Evoking Mark Twain's iconic character, it conjures images of Mississippi River adventures and free-spirited wanderlust. While some might hesitate due to its rhyme with a certain expletive, forward-thinking parents appreciate its rugged authenticity and untamed charm. Perfect for parents who value literature and nonconformity, Huck signals a child destined to chart his own course rather than follow the mainstream. The name has gained traction in creative circles, particularly among parents who appreciate its short, punchy sound and significant cultural resonance without being overly common on the playground.

Balanced Strength: Ledger

Ledger embodies a perfect blend of vintage accounting charm and contemporary edge that hipster parents adore. Originally an occupational surname for bookkeepers, it now represents balanced strength and artistic integrity—partly due to the cultural legacy of Australian actor Heath Ledger. While names ending in -er like Hunter and Asher have become mainstream, Ledger maintains its countercultural appeal. The potential nickname Ledge adds another layer of cool—suggesting someone who lives on the edge of convention. This name simultaneously honors literary tradition while feeling undeniably fresh, making it the perfect choice for parents seeking something distinctive yet substantive for their little trendsetter.

Retro Simplicity: Ike

Ike captures perfectly the essence of vintage cool with its sharp, single-syllable punch. Originally a diminutive of Isaac, which means "laughter" or "he will laugh" in Hebrew, this name carries a wonderful simplicity that's making a strong comeback. Historically associated with President Dwight "Ike" Eisenhower, the name brings to mind mid-century confidence and straightforward charm. Beyond presidential connections, it evokes images of old general stores and earnest shopkeepers—think Ike Godsey from The Waltons. Pop culture references include characters in video games and anime, giving this short-but-sweet name both nostalgic appeal and contemporary edge. For parents seeking a name that's simultaneously unusual yet familiar, Ike offers that perfect blend of retro authenticity and modern hipster appeal.

Aristocratic Flair: Fitz

Derived from Old French where it means "son of," Fitz carries an undeniable aristocratic charm with modern appeal. This compact, single-syllable name packs a stylistic punch with its zippy ending and historical pedigree. Once primarily a prefix in noble surnames like Fitzgerald, it now stands confidently on its own. The name conveys a perfect balance of vintage sophistication and contemporary coolness—ideal for parents seeking something distinctive yet accessible. Its rising popularity among trend-conscious parents suggests Fitz has the perfect formula: short, memorable, slightly unusual, and effortlessly cool without trying too hard—the very definition of hipster perfection.

Biblical Elegance: Silas

Silas represents the perfect blend of biblical heritage and contemporary cool that hipster parents adore. With roots potentially traced to the Latin name Silvanus, meaning 'of the forest,' or as a variant of Saul, this name carries historical depth while feeling remarkably fresh. The biblical Silas was a respected early Christian missionary who accompanied Paul on his journeys, giving the name a strong spiritual foundation. While celebrities like Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel brought some spotlight to this name when choosing it for their son in 2015, it maintains its indie credibility despite creeping into the top 100 names. Its vintage sound coupled with modern appeal makes Silas an ideal choice for parents seeking something distinctive yet substantive for their little boy.

Distinctive Heritage: Simeon

The Hebrew name Simeon carries the profound meaning "one who hears" or "one who listens." As a biblical figure and brother to Levi in the Old Testament, this name shares roots with the more common Simon but maintains an air of distinction and rarity. Despite its ancient origins, Simeon has never reached mainstream popularity in modern times, making it the perfect choice for parents seeking a name with historical depth yet contemporary edge. Its sophisticated sound and intellectual connotations offer a thoughtful alternative to more conventional choices, while its relative obscurity ensures your little one will stand out in a sea of more predictable names. The name's quiet strength and cultural richness make it a quintessential hipster selection that balances uniqueness with meaningful heritage.

Sophisticated Rarity: Thayer

Thayer offers that perfect blend of familiarity and uniqueness that hipster parents crave. Related to the more mainstream Taylor, it shares the same meaning—"to cut"—but remains refreshingly under the radar compared to similar names like Thatcher and Sawyer. The distinguished "th" sound gives it an intellectual, artistic quality, while its connection to the word "theatre" subtly evokes creative flair. With its vague resemblance to the iconic heavy metal band Slayer, Thayer manages to feel both refined and subtly edgy—a name that works equally well for a future literature professor or indie rock guitarist. This name hits the sweet spot of being recognizable without being common, a true hallmark of hipster naming philosophy.

Wild Spirit: Wolf

Wolf embodies primal energy and untamed independence that modern parents are increasingly drawn to. This powerful one-syllable name evokes the mystique of the endangered animal with its penetrating gaze and haunting howl. Wolf can stand confidently on its own, as demonstrated by renowned television journalist Wolf Blitzer, or serve as a shortened form of the classic German name Wolfgang. The name gained additional spotlight when musician Eddie Van Halen chose it for his son, and when Kylie Jenner initially selected it for her firstborn before changing her mind. For parents seeking a name that conveys strength, wilderness, and a touch of rebel spirit, Wolf offers the perfect balance of distinctive edge and growing acceptance in contemporary naming circles.

Hipster girl names

Victorian Elegance: Araminta

Araminta embodies Victorian refinement with modern hipster appeal. This elegant name belonged to Harriet Tubman before she changed it, connecting your child to a powerful historical figure. Despite its distinguished history, Araminta hasn't appeared on the Social Security top 1,000 baby names since the late 19th century, giving it genuine rarity. Literary enthusiasts might recognize it from William Congreve's plays or as a distant relative in the Sirius Black family tree for Harry Potter aficionados. Its mellifluous sound offers nickname possibilities like Minty, Mina, or Ara, blending traditional sophistication with contemporary uniqueness—a perfect combination for parents seeking distinction without obscurity.

French Literary Charm: Anais

The name Anais (pronounced ah-nay-iss) carries an elegant French sophistication that resonates with literary-minded parents. This refined alternative to Ann derives from the Persian goddess Anahita, associated with water and fertility, and means "immaculate." The name gained modern cachet through French-Cuban diarist Anais Nin, whose exotic and passionate writings captured the bohemian spirit of 1930s Paris. Fashion-conscious parents might recognize it from the iconic 1970s Cacharel perfume Anais Anais, while music enthusiasts will appreciate its connection to indie-folk artist Anais Mitchell, creator of the Tony Award-winning musical Hadestown. With its cross-cultural heritage and artistic associations, Anais offers the perfect blend of vintage charm and contemporary cool for parents seeking something familiar yet distinctive.

Nordic Strength: Astrid

Astrid stands as a quintessential Scandinavian girl's name with deep Nordic roots, meaning "divine beauty" or "god's strength." Literary enthusiasts will recognize it as belonging to Astrid Lindgren, creator of the fiercely independent Pippi Longstocking. The name carries both historical weight and contemporary appeal, appearing in popular culture through characters like Astrid in the acclaimed animated series How to Train Your Dragon. With its strong consonants and elegant simplicity, Astrid offers the perfect blend of unconventional charm and classical dignity, ensuring your little one stands apart from the Sophias and Emmas dominating playground roll calls. This rare gem maintains its European authenticity while still feeling accessible to English speakers—precisely what the discerning parent seeks in a truly hipster name choice.

Shakespearean Grace: Cressida

The name Cressida carries the weight of literary heritage while remaining refreshingly uncommon. Originating from Greek mythology where she was a Trojan beauty, Cressida gained immortality through Shakespeare's poignant drama Troilus and Cressida. With its Greek meaning of "gold," this luminous name shines with distinctive character. While far more popular in Britain than North America, Cressida offers the perfect balance of classical roots and contemporary uniqueness. Modern parents might recognize it from The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, or as the name of beloved children's author Cressida Cowell who created the How to Train Your Dragon series. For parents seeking a name with depth, history, and that perfect touch of rarified elegance, Cressida stands as a golden choice that defies mainstream naming conventions.

Medieval Revival: Enid

Enid (pronounced eh-nid) is a captivating Welsh name that remains wonderfully obscure outside the United Kingdom. This gem means "soul," "spirit," and "life" - a powerful combination for a distinctive baby name. Literary enthusiasts will recognize it from Enid Blyton's beloved children's books and Alfred Tennyson's Arthurian poem. With its vintage appeal reminiscent of names like Edna and Eula, Enid carries both historical depth and that perfect touch of retro awkwardness that defines truly hipster selections. Once relegated to dusty name books, this medieval moniker is primed for a contemporary renaissance among parents seeking something genuinely unique yet rich with cultural significance.

Timeless Heritage: Esther

Esther embodies the essence of vintage hipster appeal with its silent 'h' adding an air of enigmatic elegance. This distinguished name carries profound historical significance, originating from the courageous Queen Esther in biblical narrative who cleverly thwarted a genocidal plot against her people in ancient Persia. With dual etymological roots, Esther translates to "star" in Persian and "myrtle" in Hebrew—both symbolizing brightness and natural beauty. Its classical sound paired with rich cultural heritage makes it a sophisticated choice for parents seeking a name with substance beyond trends. Recently experiencing a quiet renaissance among discerning parents, Esther offers the perfect balance of recognition without overuse, placing it firmly in the hipster name pantheon.

Vintage Sophistication: Harriet

Harriet embodies the perfect blend of vintage charm and modern confidence. This distinguished name carries with it a sense of timeless elegance and quiet strength. Derived from the Germanic elements meaning 'home ruler,' Harriet bestows a natural sense of leadership and independence upon its bearer. Though it may evoke images of Victorian refinement, today's little Harriet breaks the mold with her contemporary flair and spunky attitude. The name has illustrious connections to inspiring women throughout history, from the revolutionary Harriet Tubman to the beloved literary character Harriet the Spy. The adorable nickname Hattie offers a playful alternative for everyday use, while maintaining the sophisticated foundation of the full name. In recent years, Harriet has been experiencing a quiet revival among style-conscious parents seeking names with substance, heritage, and a distinctive edge that sets their daughter apart from the crowd.

Ballet-Inspired Elegance: Odile

The name Odile carries a mystique drawn from Tchaikovsky's iconic ballet Swan Lake, where she embodies the captivating black swan character. While its counterpart Odette, the white swan princess, enjoys wider recognition, Odile offers a more distinctive choice for parents seeking artistic uniqueness. This name also boasts rich religious heritage through Saint Odile, a venerated figure in French history known for her miraculous recovery from blindness. The versatility of Odile extends to its charming nicknames: Ode, evoking poetic sensibilities, and the delightfully playful Dilly. Its rare usage makes it perfect for parents desiring a name with cultural depth yet uncommon enough to stand apart from trending choices.

Biblical Simplicity: Ruth

Ruth stands as a timeless Hebrew-derived name meaning "friend" or "companion." In Christian contexts, it carries connotations of "compassion" and "pity" - giving us insight into the origin of the term "ruthless." Though rooted in ancient scripture through the biblical Book of Ruth, this four-letter name has experienced a modern resurgence in popularity, particularly following the legacy of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg (affectionately known as RBG). Her tireless advocacy for gender equality introduced this vintage moniker to a new generation of parents seeking names with both historical depth and contemporary significance. Its brevity and strength make Ruth a perfect hipster choice that balances traditional roots with modern appeal.

French Artistry: Sidonie

Sidonie (pronounced sih-doe-nee) embodies French sophistication with a dash of literary prestige. This exquisite name has dual historical roots—traceable to both a venerated saint and a seventh-century monk named Sidonius. Distinguished from the more conventional Sydney, Sidonie carries an intellectual charm that resonates with culture-savvy parents. The celebrated French novelist Colette was christened Sidonie-Gabrielle, lending the name artistic credibility. Cinema enthusiasts might recognize it from the acclaimed French film Farewell My Queen, which portrays a complex relationship between Marie Antoinette and her devoted servant Sidonie. This melodious three-syllable name delivers both vintage appeal and contemporary uniqueness—perfect for parents seeking a name that's recognizable yet refreshingly uncommon in playground roll calls.

Eccentric Allure: Wednesday

Wednesday embodies both hope and artistic darkness in equal measure. Derived from the Anglo-Saxon god Woden (a variation of Odin), this day-of-the-week name has transcended its calendar origins to become a distinctive choice for the truly individualistic parent. While inherently genderless, pop culture has cemented its feminine associations through The Addams Family's memorably macabre daughter, directly inspired by the nursery rhyme line "Wednesday's child is full of woe." Its appeal has reached celebrity circles too, with Harry Potter actor Rupert Grint choosing it for his daughter. For parents seeking a name with literary depth, historical roots, and just the right amount of gothic charm, Wednesday offers the perfect midweek revolution against conventional naming conventions.

Unisex hipster names

Surname Trend: Collins

With its crisp sound and sophisticated vibe, Collins exemplifies the growing trend of surnames becoming trendy first names. Originally an Irish and Scottish surname meaning 'son of Colin,' this versatile moniker works beautifully for all genders. Notable bearers include folk music legend Judy Collins, actress Lily Collins (daughter of musician Phil Collins), and Irish revolutionary Michael Collins. Its literary connections to author Wilkie Collins add intellectual appeal, while the bright 'ins' ending gives it a contemporary edge that appeals to parents seeking something traditional yet unexpected. Collins sits comfortably alongside other surname-as-first-name options while maintaining its distinctive character.

Hebrew Minimalism: Dov

Dov embodies the essence of hipster chic with its minimalist three-letter construction and rich cultural depth. In Hebrew, the name means "bear," conveying strength and resilience beneath its deceptively simple exterior. While the pronunciation might evoke images of peaceful doves, its actual meaning carries the gravitas of one of nature's most powerful animals—a delightful contradiction that makes it especially appealing to parents seeking something unconventional yet meaningful. Its gender neutrality adds another layer of contemporary appeal, making Dov a standout choice for the modern family looking to balance ancient roots with avant-garde sensibilities.

Musical Heritage: Gibson

Gibson represents the perfect blend of heritage and modernity that hipster parents often seek. Originally meaning "son of Gilbert," this surname-turned-first-name carries an unmistakable musical pedigree as one of the world's most iconic guitar brands. Music legends from B.B. King to Jimmy Page have wielded Gibsons, making this name a subtle nod to rock history without being obvious. Beyond its musical associations, Gibson offers that rare quality of being recognizable yet uncommon on playground rosters. Its strong consonants and smooth sound work equally well for any gender, embodying the contemporary move toward names that transcend traditional gender boundaries while maintaining a distinctive edge.

Artistic Freedom: Hopper

Hopper embodies both artistic heritage and counterculture cool, making it a quintessential hipster choice. The name pays homage to the rebellious actor Dennis Hopper, known for his iconic roles in cult classics, and to Edward Hopper, the influential realist painter whose work captured American urban solitude. Contemporary parents might recognize it from Chief Jim Hopper, the complex hero from Netflix's Stranger Things—adding a layer of nostalgic pop culture appeal. Beyond its artistic connections, Hopper carries subtle nods to craft culture through its association with hops in artisanal beer brewing. With its hard consonants and playful bounce, this gender-neutral name strikes the perfect balance between distinctive and approachable—ideal for parents seeking something unconventional yet substantive for their free-spirited child.

Narrative Inspiration: Story

Story represents more than just a creative label—it's a name that carries profound weight and endless possibility. While not the first word-name to captivate parents seeking something distinctive, its timeless appeal continues to grow. Notable figures like baseball legend Derek Jeter and acclaimed actress Minnie Driver have chosen it for their children, yet Story maintains its undeniable hipster credentials. The name combines the trendy 'st-' beginning reminiscent of favorites like Stella and Stevie with the playful '-y' ending that characterizes many contemporary popular names. Despite this alignment with current naming trends, Story remains refreshingly unexpected—a narrative beginning that promises adventure from day one.