Poetic Baby Names
- Aino
Origin:
FinnishMeaning:
"the only one"Description:
What a lovely name for the much-longed for daughter - no wonder Aino is in the Top 5 in Finland, whence the name originates. Like other popular Finnish names, Aino is short and avoids the ubiquitous "a" ending we usually see in feminine names, which gives it a fresh feel and sound.
- 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.
- 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.
- Millay
Origin:
English literary nameDescription:
Pretty and distinctive choice for poetry lovers.
- Herrick
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"war ruler"Description:
When you like Eric, but wish it were longer; also the name of a great early English poet.
- Yeats
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"gates"Description:
Yeats, the strong name of the great Irish poet, would work better for a boy. Also has possible pronunciation problem with people who might think it rhymes with Keats. Yeats rhymes with the word from which it's derived: gates.
- Bly
Origin:
English surname nameMeaning:
"friendly"Description:
The surname of enterprising journalist Nellie Bly and poet Robert Bly makes a simple, modern, and upbeat sounding choice for either a boy or a girl.
- Aretousa
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"quick water; virtue"Description:
This name was invented by the Cretan writer Vikentios Kornaros for the love interest of his 17th-century romantic epic poem, Erotokritos. Considered one of the greatest — if not the greatest – works of literature from Crete, Aretousa holds a lot of cultural significance for those with heritage from the island. In terms of etymology, Aretousa is either a variant of Arethousa or an elaboration on Areti.
- Troubadour
Origin:
French word nameMeaning:
"lyric poet"Description:
In medieval France, a troubadour was a knighted lyric poet who composed and sang songs about courtly love. As a baby name, Troubadour makes a romantic and stately choice for a child, although this bold choice may be better relegated as a middle name.
- Twm
Origin:
WelshDescription:
A diminutive of Tomos (Thomas), this little name is becoming more popular in its own right in Wales, where nicknames are in style.
- Dryden
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"dry valley"Description:
Underused literary name (as in the poet John) with a -den ending that's very much in style.
- Emare
Origin:
FrenchDescription:
The name of a medieval romance poem. The title character, Emaré, was desired for her great beauty.
- 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.
- 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.
- Epik
Origin:
Variation of Epic; English word nameMeaning:
"heroic tale or event"Description:
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.
- 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.
- Rupa
Origin:
SanskritMeaning:
"silver"Description:
Related to the Indian word and currency "rupee', Rupa derives its meaning from the ancient Sanskrit language, and can mean both silver and beautiful. Rupa also has strong historical and literary associations (as Rupa Bhawani was a noted 16th Century poetess and mystic) from Kashmir.
- Canto
Origin:
ItalianMeaning:
"song or stanza"Description:
A canto is a literary term denoting a long passage in a poem. Dante's Divine Comedy is broken into such cantos. As a name, Canto packs in literary credentials with pithy punch.
- 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.
- Sanelma
Origin:
FinnishMeaning:
"story, poem"Description:
Sanelma is an invented Finnish name derived from the verb sanella, meaning "to dictate."