Poetic Baby Names

  1. Lycidas
    • Origin:

      Latin for of Lykidas, Ancient Greek
    • Meaning:

      "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.
  2. 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.
  3. Kyoka
    • Origin:

      Japanese
    • Meaning:

      "mirror; fragrant flower"
    • Description:

      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.
  4. Rondel
    • Origin:

      English from French
    • Meaning:

      "circle"
    • Description:

      The -el ending feels inevitably feminine; also a form of French poetry.
  5. Ottava
    • Origin:

      Word name from the Latin
    • Meaning:

      "eight"
    • Description:

      In literature, the Ottava rima is a form of poetry consisting of eight line stanzas and the rhyme scheme ABABABCC. Originating in Italy, it is typically used for epic and narrative poetry, with famous examples including "Jerusalem Delivered" by Tasso, "Don Juan" by Byron, and "Sailing to Byzantium" by Yeats.
  6. Longfellow
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "tall one"
    • Description:

      Longfellow is the first name of the eponymous hero of the classic 1936 film Mr. Deeds Goes to Town, later remade with Adam Sandler. But it's hard to imagine a modern parent using it except as a middle name to honor the poet.
  7. Afanasy
    • Origin:

      Russian
    • Meaning:

      "immortal"
    • Description:

      Russian form of the Greek name Athanasius, borne by renowned 19th century Russian poet Afanasy Fet.
  8. Epic
    • Origin:

      English word name
    • Description:

      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.
  9. Cynri
    • Origin:

      Welsh
    • Description:

      A name from ancient Welsh literature: in the poem The Gododdin, the three leaders of the ill-fated army were Cynon, Cynri and Cynrain. To that end, the name might have been invented for poetic effect, although there are several Welsh names ending in -ri, meaning "king". Alternatively, it may be a form of the Anglo-Saxon name Cyneric.

  10. 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.
  11. 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.
  12. Heddwyn
    • Origin:

      Welsh
    • Meaning:

      "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.
  13. Troubadour
    • Origin:

      French word name
    • Meaning:

      "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.
  14. Poetic
    • Origin:

      English word name
    • Description:

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

      Hungarian, Literature
    • Description:

      A literary name, originally created as a male name by the poet Mihály Vörösmarty, that is now in the Hungarian Top 100 for girls.
  16. 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.
  17. Bolan
    • Origin:

      Irish
    • Meaning:

      "little poet"
    • Description:

      An Irish surname name with a combination of boldness and élan. Some might connect it to the founder of the group T. Rex -- Marc Bolan.
  18. Poesy
    • Origin:

      Word name
    • Meaning:

      "poetry"
    • Description:

      This old-fashioned word for poetry has some antiquated charm but doesn't exactly roll off the tongue.
  19. Caoilte
    • Origin:

      Irish
    • Meaning:

      "slender"
    • Description:

      In Irish legend Caoilte or Caílte was a warrior of the Fianna and their foremost poet.
  20. 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.

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