Form of the Welsh name Owain, used by the 12th-century French poet Chrétien de Troyes for his Arthurian tales.

If Story and Poet and Sonnet can be names that work as well for girls as for boys, why not Ode?

The -el ending feels inevitably feminine; also a form of French poetry.

The name of an ancient Thracian bard in Greek mythology, who boasted that he could sing better than the Muses. He was defeated, and his eyesight and poetic ability taken away, demonstrating that all god-given gifts can also be taken away by the gods.

Dickinson is a possibility for Richard's boy, though that Dick nickname is problematic no matter how you get to it.

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

A feminine form of the poetic Heddwyn, this Welsh name combines the elements heddand gwyn to form a name that means "blessed peace". The masculine variant was notably used by the Welsh-language poet, Ellis Humphrey Evans, who picked it after being inspired by the way sunlight broke through the mist in the Welsh valleys where here lived.

Keats is both poetic and easier to pronounce (it's keets) than Yeats (which is yates).

Erinna was an ancient poetess from the island of Telos near Rhodes. Only fragments of her poems remain, which were reproduced in Bergk's Poetae Lyrici Graeci (published in 1900).

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.

The name of a venerated 19th century poet and martyr in the Bábí and Bahá'í faiths. She was an early proponent of women's rights, famously removing her veil among a crowd of men at the Conference of Badasht in 1848. For this she was placed under house arrest, and executed four years later on account of her beliefs.

Welsh form of Margaret, borne by Mererid Hopwood, the first female poet to win the chair at the National Eisteddfod.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Assia is a Muslim name, best known in the Western world via tragic poet Assia Wevill, who was married to British poet Ted Hughes after Sylvia Plath and also committed suicide.

Epik is a new word name used by Princess Love and Ray J for their baby boy. Fifteen baby boys were named Epic, the usual spelling of the word, last year, so maybe Epik is to Epic as Erik is to Eric. While Epic in the classic sense refers to a long narrative poem, today it's more likely a slang word used in place of grand or amazing.

Epic feels like it could be the boys' version of Saga. Epic poetry tells some of our most celebrated stories - from Beowulf and the Odyssey, to the Divine Comedy and Paradise Lost. Despite being short, Epic is a lot of name, so it might be a choice for an adventurous middle name.

Only if you're hoping for your son to become a wine-besotted poet. To the ancient Romans, Bacchus was the god of agriculture, wine and fertility.