Poetic Baby Names

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.

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

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.

This newly-minted gender neutral word name has a spiritual and creative feel. It was given to 6 baby girls and 13 boys in 2021.

Dickinson is a possibility for Richard's boy, though that Dick nickname is problematic no matter how you get to it.

Ovid is the English form of the Roman family name Ovidius, which possibly comes from the word for sheep. It is the usual English name for the first-century poet Publius Ovidius Naso.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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.

The sestina is a type of poetry dating back to the medieval troubadours of Spain and France. As its name suggests, the sestina has six stanzas, each with six lines. Perfect for a sixth daughter or literary families. Sissy or Tina are obvious nicknames.

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

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

Eliot is the sleekest spelling of the original, very occasionally used for girls, perhaps to honor novelist George Eliot.

The name of a venerated 19th century poet and martyr in the Bábí and Bahá'í faiths. She was an early proponent of women's rights, famously removing her veil among a crowd of men at the Conference of Badasht in 1848. For this she was placed under house arrest, and executed four years later on account of her beliefs.

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".

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.