diff --git a/pkgs/os-specific/linux/minimal-bootstrap/utils.nix b/pkgs/os-specific/linux/minimal-bootstrap/utils.nix
index 180d55a91494..1339b4ca13c7 100644
--- a/pkgs/os-specific/linux/minimal-bootstrap/utils.nix
+++ b/pkgs/os-specific/linux/minimal-bootstrap/utils.nix
@@ -23,7 +23,8 @@ rec {
       baseDrv = derivation (
         {
           inherit (buildPlatform) system;
-          inherit (meta) name;
+          # redefining from meta to avoid forcing the thunk until it's used
+          name = attrs.name or "${attrs.pname}-${attrs.version}";
         }
         // maybeContentAddressed
         // (removeAttrs attrs [