Poetic Baby Names

Ligia, also spelled Ligeia, is the name of one of the Greek Sirens, who was half-bird, half-woman. It's also the title of an Edgar Allen Poe poem.

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.

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

Underused literary name (as in the poet John) with a -den ending that's very much in style.

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

Sanelma is an invented Finnish name derived from the verb sanella, meaning "to dictate."

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.

The Phillis spelling of this once-popular name lives on thanks to Phillis Wheatley, the first African-American to publish a book of poetry, in the 18th century.

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.

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