25 Baby Names Inspired By Celebs Who Ruled The '60s

Much like how baby names carry certain connotations, every decade of history resonates with its own energy. Take the 1960s — called the Swinging Sixties for good reason, these years were bursting with revolutionary spirit, pushing boundaries through bold fashion, silver screen spectacles, and radical new music. And the celebs of the '60s embodied the vibe of the decade. It was the Age of Aquarius, a buzzing time of activism, reinvention, and artistry. For parents-to-be who'd love to harness this dynamism for their precious newborn, the '60s are also a treasure trove of name inspiration.

Nowadays, most expecting parents probably weren't alive in the 1960s, but that hasn't hindered the popularity of the era's hottest names. Get ready to set your baby name books aside and turn to the decade's shining stars for real-life monikers that embody that quintessential 1960s vibe. After all, plenty of baby names from the '60s are already returning to the zeitgeist today.

One of the strongest legacies of the 1960s has to be its transformative music scene, which offers up plenty of fantastic baby names for all genders. For little boys, you could pull name ideas from two of the biggest bands of the time. Try John, Paul, George, or Ringo to pay homage to The Beatles, or consider Mick or Keith, as in Mick Jagger and Keith Richards of The Rolling Stones.

Meanwhile, little girls have incredible solo artists to serve as their '60s namesakes. You might channel jazz, blues, and soul with the name Etta, as Etta James released her iconic version of "At Last" in 1961. Nina carries a similar feel thanks to "High Priestess of Soul" Nina Simone, who dominated the 1960s with releases like "I Put a Spell on You." For more eclectic, rock-forward energy, you could name your little one after "Piece of My Heart" singer Janis Joplin. And for a folksy touch, there's always Joni, after Joni Mitchell — or any number of baby names inspired by Joni Mitchell songs.

You could also put a twist on certain musical monikers by crossing gender lines. Names like Dylan, honoring folk legend Bob Dylan, or Jimi, referencing renowned guitarist Jimi Hendrix, would be super cute for a little girl. So, while the namesakes might be male, we'd declare these to be gender-neutral options.

The 1960s saw an incredible surge in the realm of cinema, producing instant classics led by unforgettable (and name-worthy) stars. Parents could easily add options like Sophia and Audrey to their roster of girls' names — in the '60s, Sophia Loren dazzled in films such as "Two Women" and "El Cid," while Audrey Hepburn delivered iconic performances in "Breakfast at Tiffany's" and "My Fair Lady." (For more charm from the '60s and beyond, you can also shortlist a few baby names inspired by classic Audrey Hepburn characters).

As for boys, the 1960s offer up various role models. Steve takes on cool and macho connotations thanks to Steve McQueen, who marked the decade with blockbusters like "Bullitt" and "The Great Escape." Paul, meanwhile, sounds confident and effortless — a nod to Paul Newman, who played nonchalant anti-heroes in '60s films like "The Hustler," and "Cool Hand Luke." And the name Sidney carries class and gravitas thanks to Sidney Poitier, who produced some of his best work in the '60s, including "In the Heat of the Night" and "A Raisin in the Sun."

Want a baby name that oozes mid-century sophistication? How about Jacqueline or Jackie? Serving as first lady from 1961 to 1963, Jackie Kennedy Onassis set the standard for polished style with her pastel twinsets and neat pillbox hats. Or, for baby names inspired by legendary '60s models, Edie is also a cute option, harkening back to '60s it-girl Edie Sedgwick. Sedgwick was a trendy socialite and model who showed off the era's distinctive aesthetic, from short, sleek bobs à la Twiggy to color-blocked shift dresses.

Speaking of Twiggy: For a less obvious nod to the Swinging Sixties, you could also opt for Lesley. This is a subtle nod to the decade's most iconic model and trendsetter, Twiggy herself, whose birth name was actually Lesley Hornby. You could then use Twiggy as a nickname. Or, if you want something quirky and unique, go bold and use Twiggy straight on the birth certificate.

The 1960s also forged name-worthy cultural icons in the realm of the arts and sciences. For instance, pop art painter Andy Warhol — who produced some of his most recognizable work in the '60s, including his famed Campbell's soup cans — would be a fitting namesake for a colorful and energetic child. Bonus: The name Andy can be gender neutral, so you can use this inspo for both boys and girls. Parents who want to give their little boy keys to the universe might also add Neil to their '60s shortlist, since astronaut Neil Armstrong made history as the first man to walk on the moon in 1969.

And what about the literary scene? The '60s also featured iconic authors who would make good namesakes. For girls, you might consider Harper, inspired by Harper Lee, who published her masterpiece "To Kill a Mockingbird" in 1960; Shirley, after Shirley Jackson, who released her renowned novel "We Have Always Lived in the Castle" in 1962; or Ursula, after Ursula Le Guin, who began her reign over speculative fiction and sci-fi with five back-to-back book releases in the '60s. And if none of these fit the literary bill, there are always plenty more baby names inspired by classic novels.