Cool baby names

Let’s face it, most people want to be ‘cool’. When we’re younger, it’s a constant battle to try to fit in and be accepted by society. Even if we adopt a ‘don’t care’ mentality, secretly we all want to be accepted. A quick search on the internet brought out these definitions of ‘cool’ - fashionable and attractive at the time; often skilled or socially adept; "he's a cool dude"; "that's cool"; "Mary's dress is really cool"; "it's not cool to arrive at a party too early" or marked by calm self-control (especially in trying circumstances); unemotional; "play it cool"; "keep cool"; "stayed coolheaded in the crisis".

Cool can be interpreted in many different ways, but most would interpret a ‘cool’ baby name to be something unusual, different and very ‘now’. The cliché with a cool baby name is that most parents want a ‘cool’ baby name, but don’t want to admit that it’s ‘cool’ at all! There’s a distinction between cool and trendy; people who want to choose a name from the latter category will probably be tempted to copy a celebrity and give their child a totally whacky name like ‘Peach Blossom’. ‘Cool’ isn’t so much about standing out from the crowd as fitting in with it. A cool baby name will be carefully considered and have people thinking ‘I wish I’d thought of that’ rather than ‘that poor kid’s going to get bullied’ or indeed the opposite – ‘what a boring, unoriginal name.’

Cool names aren’t common and can be quite unique – even exotic – but they won’t be too crazy. As with celebrity, quirky, classic and geek names, remember that you want to choose a name that will suit your child well into adulthood. Try to picture your child as an attorney with a name like Trixie. Don't forget your child may not be wacky or 'cool' and may resent having to live up to their 'cool' name!

Here are some ideas for cool baby names to help you decide:

Girls

1. Alana

2. America

3. Crystal

4. Dalia

5. Destiny

6. Emerson

7. Halle

8. Iris

9. Liberty

10. Madison

Boys

1. Alexis

2. Austin

3. Brodie

4. Christian

5. Dante

6. Finn

7. Hayden

8. Joel

9. Lamar

10. Malachi

Visit our cool baby names list for a full list of top cool baby names for boys and girls.

The information in this feature is intended for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your health, the health of your child or the health of someone you know, please consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional