Poetic Baby Names

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.

Caïssa was invented as a goddess of chess by Italian poet Marco Girolamo Vida in 1527. The name is known in the chess community, but not much outside of that.

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.

Randall Jarrell was an important mid-20th century poet; his surname makes a pleasingly soft name for a girl.

This is a French occupational namename brought to the fore by poet Vachel Lindsay, born Nicholas Vachel (Vachel being his father's first name), considered the founder of modern poetry intended to be sung or chanted. and also author of the first book of film criticism in 1915.

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.

The male usage of Arna comes from Arnaud, the French translation of Arnold. Arnaud and Arna were historically used in Creole-speaking Louisiana. Harlem Renaissance poet Arna Bontemps was born in Alexandria, Louisiana in 1902.

The old Arabic tale of Layla and Majnun has been called "the Romeo and Juliet of the East". The seventh-century poet Qays ibn al-Mullawah was nicknamed Majnun, "madman", because of his obsessive pursuit of his childhood love, Layla. This is as problematic now as it was then, but a positive spin on the name could have it signifying fervor and devotion.

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.

In literature, a Kyrielle is a form of poetry that has rhyming couplets or quatrains. It originated with the French troubadour tradition. It is called a Kyrielle after the Christian Kyrie. In 2016, 16 girls in the US were given this name.

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

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 the name from the Lithuanian word gražus, meaning beautiful, making this name an especially sweet choice for your beautiful baby girl. Famous women named Grażyna include the actresses Grażyna Wolszczak and Grażyna Szapołowska, the composer and violinist Grażyna Bacewicz, and the soprano singer Grażyna Brodzińska.

Russian form of the Greek name Athanasius, borne by renowned 19th century Russian poet Afanasy Fet.

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

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.

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

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.

Cleïs, also spelled as Cleis, is an Ancient Greek name, likely derived from Kleio, either as a diminutive form, or to more closely resemble the word from which it comes, kleos. A relative of Cleo, Cleis means "glory".

Often used in connection with poetry, Imagery has potential as an unusual name. Perhaps you'll get a daydreamer with this one.