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.

The name of a medieval romance poem. The title character, Emaré, was desired for her great beauty.

Bearded, fusty name of great old Roman lyric poet; just what the bold vanguard baby namer might be looking for.

The 19th-century Irish poet Jane Wilde (mother of Oscar Wilde) adopted Speranza as her nom de plume. The name also appears in Spenser’s The Faerie Queene, as one of the three virtues: Fidelia (Faith), Speranza (Hope), and Charissa (Charity) — daughters of Caelia (Heavenly). Related to Esperance (French) and Esperanza (Spanish).

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.

Surname of a noted modern Urdu poet.

Adda is the name of the first man in the Welsh Bible, but it is rarely used in its homeland nowadays. Once you know how to pronounce it, it's a soft-sounding name that would make an interesting alternative to A-ending boy names like Ezra. Adda Fras was a 13th-century poet, and there is also a River Adda near Bangor in North Wales.

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.

This Indian girl name not only has a gorgeous sound, it has a wonderful meaning as well — poem or poetry.

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.

Short and sweet, just like the form of poetry - this name has serious potential as an interesting and plucky international choice.

Poetic and ornamental, Parisina appears as the central figure of a work by Lord Byron in 1816, which went on to inspire operas by Mascagni and Donizetti. The figure behind the name, Laura Malatesta, better known as "Parisina", was a 15th century Italian Marchioness who was beheaded for having an affair with her illegitimate stepson. That could make the name feel less compelling, though in Byron's retelling, Parisina was engaged to the stepson prior to being married to his father.

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.

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.

An appealing Hawaiian name with a lovely meaning and vibrant sound – reminiscent of rising Hawaiian stars Kai, Koa and Kainoa. It derives from the words ke "the" and aloha "love". Keahloha is also a common Hawaiian surname.

A seventh-century Welsh poet about whom little more than his name is known.

The soft and strong name of a 13th-century Persian poet.

Looking for a discreet poetic name? Extremely popular Indian actress Kavya Madhavan is a notable bearer of this lovely Indian name.

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.