Names from the Arts and Pop Culture
Poetic Baby Names
Across 13 pages
of 13
Arofan
Welsh, meaning unknown
A seventh-century Welsh poet about whom little more than his name is known.
Etheridge
Englsh
"wealthy ruler"
Etheridge is a surname derived from the English name Edric. As a first name, it's most commonly associated with American poet and civil rights activist Etheridge Knight.
Eulalie
French form of Eulalia, Greek
"sweetly speaking"
Eulalie hasn't ranked in the US Top 1000 since 1899, but its French roots might make it more appealing to modern ears than its sister Eulalia. "Eulalie" is a poem by Edgar Allan Poe, and the name…
Euphelia
Invented name, combination of Euphemia and Ophelia
"fair speech + help"
With Ophelia getting so much love these days, could some parents be convinced to go for the much rarer, still elegant Euphelia? Euphelia is a 17th-century hybrid of Euphemia and Ophelia that features…
Aneirin
Welsh
"very golden or noble"
Aneirin is the original form of the more common Aneurin (which was a mistaken spelling used after the 17th Century). Aneirin was one of the first great Welsh poets who flourished in the 6th Century.…
Edmund
English
"fortunate protector"
The sophisticated Edmund and its nearly-identical French twin Edmond are coming out of mothballs now that Edward, inspired by Twilight, is once again a hot name. In fact, it's already a fairly…
Farid
Arabic and Persian
"unique, precious"
The soft and strong name of a 13th-century Persian poet.
Fehmi
Turkish, Albanian, from Arabic
"understanding, comprehension, knowing"
A form of the Arabic name Fahmi, used in Türkiye and Albania. Albanian-Kosovar sociologist Fehmi Agani is considered a national hero, making this a great name to honour Albanian heritage, and for…
Frost
English
"freezing"
Frost is a name parents are beginning to warm to, appreciating its icy simplicity and connection with the venerable poet Robert. Frost, along with Winter, Snow, and January, are also perfect names…
Frost
English
"freezing"
Long heard as a last name, as in venerable poet Robert, U.K. talk show host David, British actress Sadie and old Jack Frost, Frost has suddenly entered the scene as a possible first, along with other…
Geraldine
German and French, feminine variation of Gerald
"ruler with the spear"
Though twin brother Gerald is still in baby name limbo, Geraldine is in line to follow the path of Josephine to imminent revival—even though Gerry is not as spunky a nickname as Josie. Geraldine was…
Gertrude
German
"strength of a spear"
Could cute nickname Gertie, remembered as cute five-year-old Drew Barrymore in E.T. , revive the long shunned Gertrude? It's tempting to dismiss Gertrude as a name on its way through the door marked…
Gilgamesh
Akkadian from Sumerian
"the [kinsman] is a hero"
The Epic of Gilgamesh is an Akkadian poem from Mesopotamia and one of the oldest works of literature that survives today. It follows the story of Gilgamesh, a Sumerian king who journeys to find the…
Edda
Norse
"poetry"
This Old Norse girl name has a lovely meaning and a familiar yet distinctive sound.
Grażyna
Polish, from Lithuanian
"pretty, beautiful"
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…
Brigid
Irish variation of Brighid
"strength or exalted one"
Brigid is the simpler Irish version of the name of the goddess of fire, which may also be spelled Brighid. Other variations include Bridget, the most usual spelling in the U.S., and the French…
Haiku
Japanese poetic form
Short and sweet, just like the form of poetry - this name has serious potential as an interesting and plucky international choice.
Hart
English
"stag"
Hart could be the hero of a romantic novel, but on the other hand, it's short, straightforward, and strong sounding. The most famous bearer of the name was tragic poet Hart (born Harold) Crane, but…
Herrick
German
"war ruler"
When you like Eric, but wish it were longer; also the name of a great early English poet.
Dryden
English
"dry valley"
Underused literary name (as in the poet John) with a -den ending that's very much in style.