Poetic Baby Names
- Chaucer
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"maker of breeches"Description:
One of the most distinguished names in literature could become a hero name in a family of poetry-lovers -- or be seen as a trendy new occupational name.
- Ode
Origin:
Word name or medieval English form of OttoDescription:
If Story and Poet and Sonnet can be names that work as well for girls as for boys, why not Ode?
- Carew
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"fort near a slope"Description:
Noted bearers of this surname include a metaphysical poet, a Nobel Prize winner, and a baseball Hall of Famer, so there's plenty of hero-name inspiration.
- Poem
Origin:
Literary name, English word nameMeaning:
"a composition in verse"Description:
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.
- Dervla
Origin:
Anglicized form of Irish Dearbhla or DeirbhileMeaning:
"daughter of the poet"Description:
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.
- Poetic
Origin:
English word nameDescription:
Poet is one of the most stylish, stand-out occupational names, and Poetic puts a fresh spin on this artsy, lyrical choice.
- Vision
Origin:
English word nameMeaning:
"the state of being able to see"Description:
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.
- Catullus
Origin:
Latin, meaning unknownDescription:
Bearded, fusty name of great old Roman lyric poet; just what the bold vanguard baby namer might be looking for.
- Epic
Origin:
English word nameMeaning:
"grand, heroic, monumental in scale; a long poem derived from ancient oral tradition"Description:
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.
- Caoilte
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"slender"Description:
In Irish legend Caoilte or Caílte was a warrior of the Fianna and their foremost poet.
- Neele
Origin:
German, EnglishDescription:
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.
- Limerick
Origin:
Irish place name; poetic formDescription:
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.
- Laudine
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"woman from Lothian"Description:
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.
- Stanza
Origin:
ItalianMeaning:
"poetic verse"
- Afanasy
Origin:
RussianMeaning:
"immortal"Description:
Russian form of the Greek name Athanasius, borne by renowned 19th century Russian poet Afanasy Fet.
- Dalma
Origin:
Hungarian, LiteratureDescription:
A literary name, originally created as a male name by the poet Mihály Vörösmarty, that is now in the Hungarian Top 100 for girls.
- Publius
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"of the people"Description:
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).
- Sestina
Origin:
Form of poetryDescription:
The sestina is a type of poetry dating back to the medieval troubadours of Spain and France. As its name suggests, the sestina has six stanzas, each with six lines. Perfect for a sixth daughter or literary families. Sissy or Tina are obvious nicknames.
- Arna
Origin:
Diminutive of Arnaud, FrenchMeaning:
"ruler; strong as an eagle"Description:
The male usage of Arna comes from Arnaud, the French translation of Arnold. Arnaud and Arna were historically used in Creole-speaking Louisiana. Harlem Renaissance poet Arna Bontemps was born in Alexandria, Louisiana in 1902.
- Speranza
Origin:
Judeo-ItalianMeaning:
"hope"Description:
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).