Kurt Cobain: The Modern Day Namer

Who hasn’t blasted “Smells like teen spirit” through their boombox in the 90’s? The band Nirvana formed in the late 80’s with members Kurt Cobain, Dave Grohl and Krist Novoselic introducing the world to grunge music in the 90’s. Nirvana went on to have major success both then and now long after their breakup. Nirvana sold 75 million records worldwide and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2014.

What most fans may be surprised to know is that lead singer Kurt Cobain was a modern day name nerd! On August 18, 1992 Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love welcomed their first and only child, Frances Bean Cobain. While name extraordinaires were quick to focus on their daughters distinctive middle name choice. Cobain noted her middle name, Bean, was given to her in part of the fact that he believed his then-unborn daughter looked like a kidney bean during an ultrasound.

The name community and Nirvana fans alike became over the moon in July of 2019 when an interesting piece of memorabilia was placed for auction. Kurt Cobain’s handwritten name list! The late Nirvana frontman had handwritten baby names for his future child on a Winnie the Pooh 4.25x6.35 postcard accompanied with a 4.25x4.25 sonogram photograph of his daughter Frances Bean. The ultrasound is dated July 5, 1992 and comes with a certificate of authenticity.

The postcard contains 24 names including Frances at the top of his list. Alongside Frances, other vintage finds included Wilhelmina, Eden, Astrid. Cobain’s list also included some very modern day choices such as Clementine, Bryony and Violet. Way ahead of 90’s popularity. The rest of Cobain’s list of girl names include Agnes, Allegra, Annabel, Ariel, Belle, Brigit, Cherry, Claudia, Daphne, Grace, Ivy, Lily, Lorna, Ruby, Violet and boy options Cody, Rhys and Ryce. Any one of these gorgeous names would make an amazing names would be a perfectly subtle way to honor the rock star and his impeccable taste in names.