Poetic Baby Names

The soft and strong name of a 13th-century Persian poet.

Ligia, also spelled Ligeia, is the name of one of the Greek Sirens, who was half-bird, half-woman. It's also the title of an Edgar Allen Poe poem.

Adda is the name of the first man in the Welsh Bible, but it is rarely used in its homeland nowadays. Once you know how to pronounce it, it's a soft-sounding name that would make an interesting alternative to A-ending boy names like Ezra. Adda Fras was a 13th-century poet, and there is also a River Adda near Bangor in North Wales.

A handful of baby girls were named Poem in the US in the most recent year, along with Poet and Poetry. But of course, these word names can work for boys too.

Vision is a member of the new class of spiritual word names, which sometimes reflect the faith or religious beliefs of parents but may only relate to an uplifting meaning. This gender neutral name was give to 13 baby boys in 2021, and 6 girls.

Bearded, fusty name of great old Roman lyric poet; just what the bold vanguard baby namer might be looking for.

Laudine is a name from Arthurian legend, created in the 12th century by poet Chrétien de Troyes for his romance titled Yvain. Laudine, known as the Lady of the Fountain, marries the protagonist, Yvain, after he slays her husband.

An ancient Roman forename that has never been on the modern American charts. Famous bearers include Publius Vergilius Maro (the poet Virgil), Publius Ovidius Naso (the poet Ovid), and Publius Aelius Hadrianus (the Emperor Hadrian, of wall fame).

Literature and poetry lovers might use Epic as a word name — an epic is a long narrative poem, typically the story of a hero. But epic has taken on a contemporary meaning of "impressive," which makes it somewhat of a virtue name as well.

Tongue twister of a name common in Ireland in both its Gaelic and its Anglicized forms. American or British parents looking for an Irish name that's still largely unknown in the outside world might consider this.

Poet is one of the most stylish, stand-out occupational names, and Poetic puts a fresh spin on this artsy, lyrical choice.

Neele's roots can do in different directions- In Germany, Neele was traditionally a unisex name derived from Cornelia and Cornelius, but today has gone strongly to the girl's side (similar to Evelyn or Ashley today in the US). Neele is also an English surname, such as the British judge Richard Neele and poet Henry Neele.

A limerick is an often humorous form of poetry with five lines (the last of which is the punchline). Limerick could be a fun choice for families with Irish heritage or a good sense of humor.

Russian form of the Greek name Athanasius, borne by renowned 19th century Russian poet Afanasy Fet.

A literary name, originally created as a male name by the poet Mihály Vörösmarty, that is now in the Hungarian Top 100 for girls.

In Irish legend Caoilte or Caílte was a warrior of the Fianna and their foremost poet.

The 19th-century Irish poet Jane Wilde (mother of Oscar Wilde) adopted Speranza as her nom de plume. The name also appears in Spenser’s The Faerie Queene, as one of the three virtues: Fidelia (Faith), Speranza (Hope), and Charissa (Charity) — daughters of Caelia (Heavenly). Related to Esperance (French) and Esperanza (Spanish).

This newly-minted gender neutral word name has a spiritual and creative feel. It was given to 6 baby girls and 13 boys in 2021.