Poetic Baby Names
- Zalan
Origin:
Hungarian, meaning unknownDescription:
Zalán is a very trendy name for boys in Hungary, although its origins are unclear. Zalán's use as a name may be inspired by the Zala River or Zala region, both in Hungary.
- Heddwyn
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"blessed peace"Description:
A bold Welsh name with a gentle meaning, Heddwyn is notably associated with the poet Ellis Humphrey Evans, who died at Passchendaele during World War One. He used Hedd Wyn as his Bardic name, having been inspired by the way sunlight broke through the mist in the Welsh valleys, making this a truly poetic feeling choice. In fact, it only started to be used after the poet's death.
- Imtiaz
Origin:
Arabic and UrduMeaning:
"distinction"Description:
An unusual Arabic name, borne by the British poet and author Imtiaz Dharker.
- 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.
- Kavya
Origin:
SanskritMeaning:
"poem"Description:
Looking for a discreet poetic name? Extremely popular Indian actress Kavya Madhavan is a notable bearer of this lovely Indian name.
- 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).
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Angelou
Origin:
Literary name, GreekMeaning:
"angel"Description:
If you want to move beyond Maya, you might consider this distinctive last name of poet Maya Angelou. Born Marguerite Annie Johnson, Angelou was given the nickname Maya by her brother and adopted Angelou from her first husband, whose last name was Angelos.
- 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?
- 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.
- 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.
- Kalliope
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"beautiful voice"Description:
Original form of the more familiar Calliope, the muse of epic poetry. A calliope is a musical instrument sometimes called the steam organ, frequently found on carousels. With its rhythmic sound, this is one name that embodies its meaning.
- 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.
- Audre
Description:
Audre is a feminine name that represents a variant spelling of Audrey, derived from the Anglo-Saxon name Æðelþryð, meaning 'noble strength.' This unique spelling gained some recognition through the influential American writer Audre Lorde, who was a prominent feminist, civil rights activist, and poet during the 20th century. While less common than the traditional spelling, Audre offers a distinctive alternative that maintains the elegant sound of the original. The name carries connotations of independence, intellectual strength, and creative expression. Though relatively uncommon in mainstream usage, Audre appeals to parents seeking a classic name with a contemporary twist and literary associations.
- Verse
Origin:
English word nameMeaning:
"verse"Description:
Writing-related names are starting to become more popular, with names like Poet, Story, and Lyric having been used by many a celebrity. Now it's Verse's turn, as it was recently used by Teen Mom's Kailyn Lowry for her son.
- Haiku
Origin:
Japanese poetic formDescription:
Short and sweet, just like the form of poetry - this name has serious potential as an interesting and plucky international choice.
- Jarrell
Origin:
German variation of GeraldDescription:
Briefly faddish a few decades ago when Darrell was cool. But does have a creative connection to poet Randall Jarrell.
- Rondel
Origin:
English from FrenchMeaning:
"circle"Description:
The -el ending feels inevitably feminine; also a form of French poetry.