Names from the Arts and Pop Culture
By Sophie Kihm · Updated September 2026
Across 13 pages
of 13
Invented name, combination of Euphemia and Ophelia
"fair speech + help"
With Ophelia getting so much love these days, could some parents be convinced to go for the much rarer, still elegant Euphelia? Euphelia is a 17th-century hybrid of Euphemia and Ophelia that features…
Turkish, Albanian, from Arabic
"understanding, comprehension, knowing"
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…
English
"freezing"
Frost is a name parents are beginning to warm to, appreciating its icy simplicity and connection with the venerable poet Robert. Frost, along with Winter, Snow, and January, are also perfect names…
Akkadian from Sumerian
"the [kinsman] is a hero"
The Epic of Gilgamesh is an Akkadian poem from Mesopotamia and one of the oldest works of literature that survives today. It follows the story of Gilgamesh, a Sumerian king who journeys to find the…
Polish, from Lithuanian
"pretty, beautiful"
An attractive Polish name, reminiscent of Grace and its related names. Grażyna has its roots in poetry, having been invented by Adam Mickiewicz for his 1823 poem entitled Grażyna. Mickiewicz invented…
Japanese poetic form
Short and sweet, just like the form of poetry - this name has serious potential as an interesting and plucky international choice.
German
"war ruler"
When you like Eric, but wish it were longer; also the name of a great early English poet.
Greek
"the high one"
In Greek mythology, Hyperion is one of the twelve Titans: children of Gaia (Earth) and Uranus (Sky). Hyperion presides over heavenly light, and is the father of Helios (Sun), Selene (Moon), and Eos…
English word name
Often used in connection with poetry, Imagery has potential as an unusual name. Perhaps you'll get a daydreamer with this one.
Arabic and Urdu
"distinction"
An unusual Arabic name, borne by the British poet and author Imtiaz Dharker.
English and French surname derived from a place-name, Gerville
Randall Jarrell was an important mid-20th century poet; his surname makes a pleasingly soft name for a girl.
Hawaiian
"loved one"
An appealing Hawaiian name with a lovely meaning and vibrant sound – reminiscent of rising Hawaiian stars Kai, Koa and Kainoa. It derives from the words ke "the" and aloha "love". Keahloha is also a…
English literary name
"kite"
Keats is both poetic and easier to pronounce (it's keets) than Yeats (which is yates).
Poetic and easy to pronounce (it's keets), this is one of many poets' names to consider, such as Auden, Eliot, Frost, Byron, Lorca, Marlowe, Blake, Emerson and Tennyson. Likely meaning "kite", in…
Japanese
"mirror; fragrant flower"
Kyōka Izumi was a 19th-century surrealist author. He was a man, but a female character in the anime series Bungo Stray Dogs was named after him in full. Kyōka , meaning "wild" or "mad poetry," is a…
French
"woman from Lothian"
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,…
Irish
"grey lady"
A variation of an old Irish saint’s name, Liadin, and the name of a lovelorn poetess in Irish folk legend. Be prepared for some clumsy pronunciation outside Ireland, however.
An old Irish saint’s name and the name of a lovelorn poetess in Irish folk legend. Liadain and Líadan are other variations.
"clear-voiced, whistling"
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.
Irish place name; poetic form
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.
