Poetic Baby Names
- Elvet
Origin:
Old English, place nameMeaning:
"swan stream, swan river, swan island"Description:
This Old English name feels as if it could have stepped out of a fantasy novel, but it may be just similar enough to Everett and Elliot that it could work in the real world. Derived from the elements elfitu meaning "swan" and either ēa meaning "stream, river" or ēg meaning "island", it is a nature related option name, given to an area in the city of Durham in England.
- Lycidas
Origin:
Latin for of Lykidas, Ancient GreekMeaning:
"son of Lykos, son of the wolf"Description:
In Greek mythology, Lykidas was the name of a centaur, however, in its Latin form, it is associated with the 17th century pastoral poem by John Milton who wrote, written in memory of his friend, Edward King. The name combines the name Lykos meaning "wolf" with a patronymic suffix, so it translates to "son of Lykos" or "son of the wolf". It could appeal to those who like a literary or animal reference in a name.
- Etheridge
Origin:
EnglshMeaning:
"wealthy ruler"Description:
Etheridge is a surname derived from the English name Edric. As a first name, it's most commonly associated with American poet and civil rights activist Etheridge Knight.
- Mererid
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"pearl"Description:
Welsh form of Margaret, borne by Mererid Hopwood, the first female poet to win the chair at the National Eisteddfod.
- Albertino
Origin:
Italian and Portuguese diminutive of Alberto, GermanMeaning:
"noble and bright"Description:
Both elegant and playful, this elaborate form of Alberto has been in use since at least the 13th century and was popular as a stand alone name in Brazil in the first half of the 20th century. It was historically borne by Albertino Mussato (1261–1329), a poet, historian, and playwright from Padua, Italy, who is known for promoting the revival of literary Latin and an interest in classical texts and the mythology of Greece and Rome.
- 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).
- Quatrain
Origin:
English word nameDescription:
In literary circles, this name will be immediately recognized as a reference to the poetic stanza; outside such circles, this name may cause confusion for names like Coltrane or Cobain.
- Villemo
Origin:
Swedish, literary nameDescription:
Invented by Swedish author August Strindberg for a 1909 poem of the same name, this quirky choice is rare even in its native land but would make for an extremely eye-catching choice outside it. It may be based on Vellamo, a Finnish sea goddess.
- Fehmi
Origin:
Turkish, Albanian, from ArabicMeaning:
"understanding, comprehension, knowing"Description:
A form of the Arabic name Fahmi, used in Türkiye and Albania. Albanian-Kosovar sociologist Fehmi Agani is considered a national hero, making this a great name to honour Albanian heritage, and for lovers of poetry, Fehmî was a 16th-century Ottoman poet.
- Ovid
Origin:
Latin, meaning unknownDescription:
Ovid is the English form of the Roman family name Ovidius, which possibly comes from the word for sheep. It is the usual English name for the first-century poet Publius Ovidius Naso.
- Dickinson
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"son of Dick"Description:
Dickinson is a possibility for Richard's boy, though that Dick nickname is problematic no matter how you get to it.
- Majnun
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"mad, possessed"Description:
The old Arabic tale of Layla and Majnun has been called "the Romeo and Juliet of the East". The seventh-century poet Qays ibn al-Mullawah was nicknamed Majnun, "madman", because of his obsessive pursuit of his childhood love, Layla. This is as problematic now as it was then, but a positive spin on the name could have it signifying fervor and devotion.
- Adda
Origin:
Welsh form of AdamDescription:
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.
- Rhymer
Origin:
English word nameDescription:
Creative alternative to names like Riley, Ryder, and Ryker, of which you'll find many in a Kindergarten classroom.As a poetry-related baby name, Rhymer feels more unexpected than Sonnet or Poet.
- Spenser
Description:
Spenser is a masculine name that originated as an English occupational surname meaning 'dispenser' or 'steward.' It gained recognition through the celebrated 16th-century English poet Edmund Spenser, author of 'The Faerie Queene.' The spelling with an 's' rather than a 'c' (as in Spencer) gives the name a literary distinction and subtle uniqueness. Spenser projects an intellectual, refined image while maintaining masculine qualities. While less common than the Spencer variant, it has maintained steady usage, particularly among families valuing literary connections or seeking a distinguished English name. The name carries associations of creativity and scholarship, offering a sophisticated option with historic depth. In contemporary usage, it strikes a balance between familiar and distinctive.
- Kavita
Origin:
Hindi, SanskritMeaning:
"poem"Description:
This Indian girl name not only has a gorgeous sound, it has a wonderful meaning as well — poem or poetry.
- Cynri
Origin:
WelshDescription:
A name from ancient Welsh literature: in the poem The Gododdin, the three leaders of the ill-fated army were Cynon, Cynri and Cynrain. To that end, the name might have been invented for poetic effect, although there are several Welsh names ending in -ri, meaning "king". Alternatively, it may be a form of the Anglo-Saxon name Cyneric.
- Imagery
Origin:
English word nameDescription:
Often used in connection with poetry, Imagery has potential as an unusual name. Perhaps you'll get a daydreamer with this one.
- 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.
- Herrick
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"war ruler"Description:
When you like Eric, but wish it were longer; also the name of a great early English poet.