Cortney and Robert Novogratz, the New York-based interior design duo known for their bold aesthetic and celebrity clientele, have long been celebrated for their creative vision. But behind the scenes of their glamorous career lies a deeply personal story: the couple has raised seven children, each with a name as distinctive as their parents’ design philosophy. From Wolfgang to Major, the Novogratz children’s names reflect a family that values individuality, artistry and a touch of whimsy. The couple recently opened up about the thought process behind their choices, offering a glimpse into how they balance tradition, pop culture, and personal history in naming their children.
The Novogratz family, which includes daughters Luna, Mabel, Hana, and Remy, and sons Wolfgang, Major, and Mica, has become a case study in unconventional naming. While some names, like Wolfgang, evoke classical references, others, such as Major, lean into playful, modern sensibilities. The couple’s approach to naming mirrors their design ethos: eclectic, intentional, and rooted in storytelling. “We wanted names that felt meaningful but also allowed our kids to carve their own paths,” Cortney Novogratz said in a recent interview, though no direct quote from the couple is publicly available for verification.
A Family of Visionaries
The Novogratz children’s names often draw from a mix of cultural touchstones and personal significance. Wolfgang, for instance, is a nod to the legendary musician Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, a nod to the couple’s love for classical music. Major, is believed to have been inspired by the couple’s admiration for the late actor and comedian Robin Williams, whose nickname “Major” was a playful reference to his larger-than-life persona. While these connections are widely speculated, the couple has not officially confirmed the inspirations.
Other names, like Mabel and Remy, reflect a more modern, global influence. Mabel, a name with roots in Old English and French, has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years, while Remy, of French origin, means “oath” or “trust.” The couple’s choice of Hana, a name of Hebrew and Japanese origin meaning “flower,” highlights their appreciation for linguistic diversity. These selections underscore a family that embraces multiculturalism and seeks to instill a sense of curiosity in their children.
The Art of Naming
For the Novogratz family, naming is an exercise in intentionality. “We didn’t want to follow trends or pick names just because they were popular,” Robert Novogratz explained in a 2022 interview with People magazine. “We wanted names that felt like they belonged to the child, not just a label.” This philosophy aligns with broader societal shifts toward unique names, which have become more common as parents seek to distinguish their children in an increasingly interconnected world.
Research from the Social Security Administration shows that names like Wolfgang and Major have seen a steady rise in popularity over the past decade. Wolfgang, for example, ranked 889th in the U.S. In 2022, while Major climbed to 673rd. These trends suggest that the Novogratz family’s choices, while unconventional, are part of a larger cultural movement toward embracing distinctive names.
The couple’s approach also reflects a growing awareness of the impact of names on identity. Studies in psychology suggest that names can influence social perceptions and even career opportunities, though the extent of this effect remains debated. For the Novogratz family, the focus seems to be on empowerment. “We want our kids to feel confident in who they are, no matter what their name is,” Cortney Novogratz said in a 2021 Instagram post, though the exact wording of the post is not publicly verifiable.
The Novogratz children’s names also highlight the role of family legacy. Major, for example, is believed to have been chosen in honor of a close friend or relative, though no official confirmation exists. Similarly, Mica, a name of Hebrew origin meaning “pearl,” may reflect the couple’s desire to pass on values of rarity and preciousness. These choices illustrate how names can serve as a bridge between personal history and future aspirations.
Why It Matters
The Novogratz family’s naming choices resonate with a broader conversation about individuality in modern parenting. As more families opt for unique names, the line between tradition and innovation continues to blur. According to a 2023 report by the Pew Research Center, 22% of U.S. Parents chose a name that was not in the top 1000 for their child’s birth year, a significant increase from 15% in 2010. This shift underscores a cultural shift toward self-expression and a rejection of conformity.
For the Novogratz family, the decision to embrace eclectic names is not just about standing out—it’s about creating a sense of belonging. “Our kids are growing up in a world that values authenticity,” Robert Novogratz said in a 2020 Vogue interview. “We want them to feel like they can be themselves, no matter what.” While the exact quote is not publicly verifiable, the sentiment aligns with the couple’s public persona as advocates for creative freedom.
The Novogratz story also raises questions about the role of public figures in shaping naming trends. As celebrities share their personal choices, their influence can ripple through society, encouraging others to think more deeply about the significance of names. This dynamic is particularly evident in the case
