4 Baby Names Inspired By Madonna Songs

Struggling to narrow down name options for your new bundle of joy? Timeless classics, trending favorites, and traditional family names are all well and good, but many modern parents are looking for something more personal. Current naming fads feature a lot of unique and meaningful monikers, from co-opting place names and nature words to searching out baby names inspired by iconic song titles.

Music, in particular, presents a fantastic well of ideas. You can draw inspiration from modern hits or long-time favorites, as long as the song speaks to you. Fans can also turn to their favorite musical era or artist for names that break the mold. For instance, if you're looking for baby names inspired by '80s stars, you can't get much bigger than Madonna — or her extensive catalog. With 15 studio albums and a whopping 85 singles to explore, the Queen of Pop's discography offers ample baby-naming material for parents-to-be.

For a name that conveys both your love of Madonna and your love for your new baby, Angel is a heavenly choice. Hailing from Madonna's classic '80s era, "Angel" was the second song on her iconic "Like a Virgin" album. The track is a sweet and sprightly love song about a girl who falls in love with her guardian angel. This interpretation is adorable enough, but we can't help but think that the lyrics would be equally charming to sing to your newborn: "Why am I standing on a cloud / Every time you're around / And my sadness disappears / Every time you are near / You must be an angel / I can see it in your eyes / Full of wonder and surprise," Madonna opens the song.

Best of all, you can share this sweet sentiment with any baby — as a gender-neutral option in both English and Spanish, Angel would suit a little boy or a little girl. This unisex quality also makes Angel an ideal choice for parents who are waiting to find out their kiddo's gender until birth, letting you confidently shortlist the name without peeking at spoilers.

If you're seeking a girl name with brave, heroic vibes, Madonna's got you covered with her 2015 song "Joan of Arc." Using the historical figure as a lens for female determination, this track beautifully balances vulnerability with resilience. "I've always been drawn to her story. More than anything, drawn to her commitment to what she believed in. In the face of death, she did not back down," Madonna told Rolling Stone about writing the song. "That is a theme that resonates with me. And women need female role models like that."

Madonna channels this admiration into her lyrics, singing, "Anything they did to me, said to me / Doesn't mean a thing, 'cause you're here with me now / Even when the world turns its back on me / There could be a war, but I'm not going down." Madonna's sentiment presents an empowering message for your little girl, inspiring her to be her strongest self. As a bonus, these lyrics also speak to the experience of many new parents — your baby could bring you a fresh sense of purpose and resolve, so why not immortalize that feeling?

Parents hoping for faith-based options may also love Joan's divine meaning. Not only is this name attached to several Christian saints — yes, including martyred Joan of Arc herself — but it originally bore the meaning "God is gracious" in Hebrew. In a sense, choosing this name for your little one is like giving them a blessing from the very day they're born.

For song inspo that doubles as an instant lullaby, look no further than "Dear Jessie." Another entry from Madonna's golden age, this song debuted on "Like a Prayer," her fourth studio album. The track was co-written by Patrick Leonard and was actually inspired by his young daughter, infusing plenty of parental love and good wishes into the lyrics.

"Baby face, don't grow so fast / Make a special wish that will always last," Madonna croons, detailing all the fantastical adventures that await the eponymous young listener when she drifts off into dreamland. "Candy kisses and a sunny day / Dear Jessie, see the roses raining on the love parade / If the land of make-believe / Is inside your heart, it will never leave / There's a golden gate where the fairies all wait / And dancing moons for you."

While the song was conceived for a little girl, Jessie is another popular gender-neutral option that can be used for any baby. Meaning "gift" in Hebrew, it perfectly captures the joy and gratitude of welcoming your newborn. And if you want a more formal option, you can even use Jessie as a nickname for longer names like Jessica or Jessalyn.

Preparing for a bold little boy? Madonna even has a tune for that. An ode to bad boys and daredevils, her song "Jimmy Jimmy" — a doo-wop pop tune from her 1986 album "True Blue" — was modeled after the OG rebel, James Dean. So if you're hunting for a free-spirited name with verve and sass, Jimmy could be the Madonna-inspired pick for you. As she sings in the lyrics, "You're much too wild for this town / There's not much here that's going to hold you down / You got a lot of style it should take you far."

Typically short for James, Jimmy carries connotations of change and victory, with an edge of mischievous charm — perfectly matching the upbeat vibe of Madonna's song. It also gives you the option of going straight for the boyish nickname or putting James on the birth certificate and calling your little one Jimmy day-to-day. Either way, we love the slightly retro feel of this name, with all its cute, mid-century vibes. And it's just one of many vintage baby names that feel fresh in 2026, effortlessly walking the line between novel and familiar.