Poetic Baby Names

  1. Neele
    • Origin:

      German, English
    • Description:

      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.
  2. Aretousa
    • Origin:

      Greek
    • Meaning:

      "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.
  3. Elegy
    • Origin:

      English word name from the Greek Elegeia
    • Meaning:

      "lament"
    • Description:

      An elegy is a poem lamenting a deceased person. As a name, it could be used by parents in remembrance of a recently deceased person or as a euphonic and unusual literary name. The original Greek could also work.
  4. Laudine
    • Origin:

      French
    • Meaning:

      "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.
  5. Epik
    • Origin:

      Variation of Epic; English word name
    • Meaning:

      "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.
  6. Thamyris
    • Origin:

      Greek
    • Description:

      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.
  7. Rhymer
    • Origin:

      English word name
    • Description:

      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.

  8. Publius
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "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).
  9. Verse
    • Origin:

      English word name
    • Meaning:

      "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.
  10. Mererid
    • Origin:

      Welsh
    • Meaning:

      "pearl"
    • Description:

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

      Greek
    • Meaning:

      "maiden"
    • Description:

      While this may seem like a modern spelling, Korinna is actually the Ancient Greek form of Corinna, originating from the word "kore" meaning "maiden". Most notably, Korinna was the name of an ancient Greek lyrical poet from Boetia.
  12. Villemo
    • Origin:

      Swedish, literary name
    • Description:

      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.
  13. Chaucer
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "maker of breeches"
    • Description:

      One of the most distinguished names in literature could become a hero name in a family of poetry-lovers -- or be seen as a trendy new occupational name.
  14. Quatrain
    • Origin:

      English word name
    • Description:

      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.
  15. Sanelma
    • Origin:

      Finnish
    • Meaning:

      "story, poem"
    • Description:

      Sanelma is an invented Finnish name derived from the verb sanella, meaning "to dictate."
  16. Stanza
    • Origin:

      Italian
    • Meaning:

      "poetic verse"
  17. Etheridge
    • Origin:

      Englsh
    • Meaning:

      "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.
  18. Phenex
    • Description:

      Phenex is a demon known as one of the Great Marquis of Hell, ruling over legions of demons. He is known for science and poetry.
  19. Zalan
    • Origin:

      Hungarian, meaning unknown
    • Description:

      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.
  20. 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.