25 Baby Girl Names Inspired by Poetry and Poets for Lovers of the Verse

With celebrity parents like Soleil Moon Frye, Teresa Palmer, Kasey Chambers, and Shane Nicholson choosing the name Poet for their daughters, and superstars Beyonce and Jay-Z choosing the name Rumi (inspired by 13th-century Muslim poet and mystic), poetry names for baby girls are having a moment. We are absolutely thrilled with this micro trend among baby girl names as poetry is such a gorgeous and revelatory experience for many readers.

Now, there are a couple of ways to find poetry-inspired baby names. First, you can look to the art form itself to find inspiration, meaning the actual structure of poems and terms associated with its writing. Second, you can look for names that have poetry in their meaning. For instance, there are a few names of Irish and Welsh origin with the meaning “poet.” Third, you can turn to your favorite poet and adopt their name for your baby girl. There’s no right or wrong way but each type celebrates the beauty of poetry in unique ways. Below you will find names from each of these categories. Take a look and you just might find the perfect name for your little girl!

Poem

These first few names are for parents who want to get right to the point. Poem is an express route to get you to an ideal name. Poem was given to a handful of baby girls in the most recent baby-naming data released by the Social Security Administration. It’s a pretty choice that comes with the adorable nickname option of Po.

Sonnet

Sonnet as a term is English from Italian and it means “little song.” It refers to a poem of fourteen lines using any of a number of formal rhyme schemes, in English typically having ten syllables per line. Shakespeare, Wordsworth, and Elizabeth Barrett Browning all were masters of the poetic scheme. As a name, Sonnet has been heating up and we have actor Forest Whitaker to thank for making it a possibility after he chose the name for his daughter, born in 1996.

Sestina

A sestina is a type of poetry that dates back to the storied medieval troubadours of Spain and France. As its name implies, the sestina has six stanzas, each with six lines. This could be an especially meaningful name for a girl born on the 6th of the month, in the month of June, or any other connection to the number six. Sestina, as a name, is rare but that just makes us love it more.

Triolet

Triolet is a French term that refers to a short verse poem. Now, not to get too technical, but in poetry, a triolet is “a poem of eight lines, typically of eight syllables each, rhyming abaaabab and so structured that the first line recurs as the fourth and seventh and the second as the eighth.” Again, this is a rare name that has plenty of potential.

Virelai

A virelai is a French medieval lyric poem that was once one of the most popular forms. It might be a touch obscure but many poetry lovers will likely recognize the term. As a name, Virelai has a beautiful sound to it that rolls right off the tongue. However, this would be another very rare choice for your baby girl.

Teagan

Teagan is a name of Irish or Welsh origin, meaning “little poet” and “fair.” The name is technically unisex but it has gone to far more girls than boys in the US. The name really took off in the late 1990s and it ranked in the top 500 by 2005. That’s a huge success story as far as names go. If you’re looking for something more established yet still unique, Teagan could be your answer.

Ceridwen

Pronounced keh-RID-wen, Ceridwen is a name of Welsh origin that means “beautiful as a poem.” In Celtic mythology, the name belongs to the goddess of poetry. The name is virtually unknown in the US but you could spread its beauty by giving it to your child.

Dearbhla

Dearbhla and its Anglicized form, Dervla, are both commonly used names for girls in Ireland today. The name’s Irish root means “daughter of the poet.” So, if your baby girl will have one or more poet parents, you could find no more fitting name.

Devin

Devin is a unisex name that has gone to many baby girls in the US. It is of Irish origin and means “poet.” The name was a huge hit through the 1980s and 90s before slowing over the last two decades. We still have a soft spot for this no-fuss baby name and think it could be a great fit for a baby girl born today.

Edda

Edda is a name for girls of Old Norse origin and it means “poetry.” The name is currently popular in Germany and is also found in Italy and Poland. The name has a distinct sound making it accessible to American parents. However, the name is still rare in the US.

Kavya

Kavya is a name of Sanskrit origin that means “poem.” A superstar in India, Kavya Madhavan is one famed bearer of this name. Kavya feels as beautiful as it does exotic and it is a mystery to us why this name has not landed on more birth certificates in the US.

Sanelma

Sanelma is a name of Finnish origin that means “to dictate a poem” or “to dictate a story.” It is rare even in Finland but we think it could be a unique possibility for American parents.

Apollonia

Apollonia is a name of Greek origin, meaning “of Apollo.” The feminine form of the Greek god of the sun, light, music, and poetry would make for a distinct choice today. The name is extremely rare in the US but you find it more freely given in Europe today.

Clio

Clio is the name of the ancient Greek mythological muse of history and heroic poetry. The name has a winning meaning in “glory.” Clio, while sounding like Cleo, is a completely different appellation. We think this name would be a unique choice.

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Lyric

Lyric is a name of Greek origin that means “lyre.” For lovers of lyric poetry, verse, and music, you could find no better name. Lyric has taken off as a popular option for baby girls, becoming a top-500 name today. We think it’s very cute and cousin names, Lyre, Lyra, and Elara will also sound great.

Oliver

Okay, so we know this one will be a controversial pick but we feel Oliver is a name that can totally work for baby girls. With Blake doing a complete 180 and now going to more girls than boys, why can’t Oliver follow? We wanted to think of a way to honor transcendentalist poet Mary Oliver but her given name is ubiquitous. Oliver is a name of Greek origin that means “olive tree.” It’s currently in the top 5 most popular names for boys so this would be a bold move.

Rupi

People might have strong opinions about Rupi Kaur who rose to prominence thanks to Instagram. But, we think her art and poetry are worth celebrating. Kaur is a Canadian poet, illustrator, photographer, and author. Rupi has a stunning name of Hindu origin that means “beauty.”

Millay

What do we think of the name Millay for a girl? We think it could be a unique way to honor Edna St. Vincent Millay but Edna will work as well. Millay is a name of English origin from Irish, meaning “noble.” Edna is a vintage name that has fallen from fashion. It is of Hebrew origin and means “rejuvenation.” Either way, you are honoring one of America’s finest and most beloved poets from the Roaring Twenties.

Sappho

Oh, yes, we’re going there. Sappho is a name of Greek origin that means “sapphire.” Sappho was a 7th-century lyric poet. In her day, she was the most famous poet in the Western world. Sappho resided on the island of Lesbos and her name has become synonymous with lesbian love. It’s for this reason that her name has not been widely given, but perhaps we should be celebrating it.

Lucille

Lucille is a delightfully vintage baby name that is on the rise once more. It fell from fashion in the US from 1976 until 2003 when parents began to use the name more often. Lucille is a name of French and Latin origin, that means “light.” We chose this name to honor poet, Lucille Clifton. Her poems emphasize endurance and strength through adversity, focusing particularly on the African-American experience and family life. Thanks to this, she became one of the most read and widely celebrated poets after she was discovered by Langston Hughes.

Adrienne

Adrienne is a French, female form of Adrian, from Latin, meaning “man from Adria.” The name belonged to feminist icon and influential poet, Adrienne Rich. Adrienne peaked in popularity in the US in 1983 and it has declined in favor ever since. We think this name still has plenty of life in it and it would be for a tremendous namesake.

Emily

Emily is the female form of Emil, from Latin, meaning “rival.” Of course, we chose this name to honor Emily Dickinson. Emily is one of America’s most beloved names and it was actually the most popular name given to Gen-Z baby girls. It’s still very popular today and it is a classic. If you’d like to honor Dickinson a different way, consider the name Hope inspired by her poem “‘Hope'” is a thing with feathers.”

Maya

Maya is perfect but if you would like to honor Maya Angelou another way, you can adopt her last name. Angelou was a surname invented by Maya Angelou after she briefly married a Greek sailor named Tosh Angelos. She altered the name but kept it as her nom du pen. Maya is a multicultural name found in numerous baby naming traditions. You can’t go wrong with this top-100 name. At any rate, the poet, activist, and icon is reason enough to pick either name.

Sylvia

You could honor American poetry by naming your daughter after Sylvia Plath. The name Sylvia means “spirit of the wood” which is poetic in and out of itself. Sylvia Plath’s poetry is credited with advancing the style of confessional poetry. In addition to her poems, Sylvia also published a semi-autobiographical novel, The Bell Jar which served as a way for her to relieve herself from the past. The name is on the upward climb once more today.

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Gwendolyn

Gwendolyn is an elegant and charming baby name for girls. There have been many famous Gwendolyns, but the best known is the poet, Gwendolyn Brooks. She won a Pulitzer Prize, a Robert Frost Medal, and the National Medal of the Arts. Her poetry inspired many to reconsider notions of inner-city life. Her name is of Welsh origin and means “white ring.”

Now, which poetic name for your daughter will you be choosing? We hope you found some worthy options that celebrate your love of poetry and poets. If you would like to learn about even more great names, check out our favorite Bohemian baby names that have the “it factor.”

Check Out These Bohemian Baby Names for Girls That Have That Special Something:

25. Allegra

In music, the term allegro means “quickly, lively tempo,” which gives this quintessential Bohemian ballet dancer’s name so much life. The name has Italian origins and means “joyous.” Allegra has been associated with the American prima ballerina Allegra Kent.

24. Arlo

Arlo, a surprisingly popular name for boys these days, is also finding new life as a girls’ name. The first name Arlo may be rooted in the surname Arlow or the Scottish place name Aherlow, meaning “between two highlands.” Leighton Meester and Adam Brody, who chose it for their daughter.

23. Bee

Beatrice, Beatrix, and Bea have seen a return to favor in the last few years and we think it’s past time for Bee to join them. Bee, of course, refers to our buzzing friends but it also is closely associated with the name Beatrice which means “she who brings happiness.”

22. Cosima

Cosima is the kind of elegant and exotic name that the British upper crust love. However, we think of this name as it is was associated with many composers and musicians. Cosima Wagner was the daughter of composer Franz Liszt and the wife of composer Richard Wagner. The name has Italian and Greek origins and is a form of Cosmo which means “order.”

21. Domino

Only a handful of baby girls are given the name Domino each year and we feel that it’s a travesty. Domino is the ultimate boss-girl name that deserves more consideration. It has Latin origins and means “lord” or “master.”

20. Edi

Edie or Edi are both diminutive forms of Edith. While Edith is a fine name, we love the gentleness of Edi. It’s the perfect vintage alternative to Evie or Ellie. The name has English origins and means “prosperous in war.”

19. Eulalie

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 Greek sister Eulalia. Famous example, Eulalie Spence, was a playwright from the British West Indies who contributed to the Harlem Renaissance. The name means “sweetly speaking.”

18. Fenna

While Fenna is in the top 20 names in The Netherlands it’s virtually unheard in the US. In Friesland in the northern part of the country, the Fries language is spoken and it’s where this name originates. If you’d like a touch of Dutch flair, Fenna would be ideal as it means “peace.”

17. Fern

Of all the botanical names coming back into fashion, Fern has been one of the slowest to grow back. Fern was most popular from the turn of the last century through the 1940s, reaching a high of number 152 in 1916. We love this nature name and hope parents will consider it once more.

16. Gaia

The name of the Greek mythological earth goddess and universal mother, Gaia has a lot going for it. For starters, the name means “earth mother” and that seems about as Bohemian as it gets. If you’re after the perfect nature/mythology name that sounds exotic while not being difficult, Gaia is the one!

15. Harmony

Harmony is a perfectly balanced name that plays well with others. The name has Greek origins and it simply means “fitting.” The latest naming data in the US shows the name as the 169th most popular. We’re so happy this name has taken back off and hope parents continue choosing this lyrical moniker.

14. Hebe

Hebe was the name of the Greek goddess of youth, daughter of Zeus and Hera. Hebe would be a welcome alternative to a name it rhymes with, Pheobe. Because of its mythological implications, the name also means “youth.” This name is primed for a comeback because it’s so full of life! Be bold, parents!

13. Hero

Despite the possibility of gender confusion, the Hero of Greek myth was a woman. We did not set out to choose a whole bunch of Greek names for this list, it’s a coincidence we discovered while researching their meanings! Hero means “demi-god” and we love this choice for a determined little girl.

12. Ione

Ione was one of the fifty sea nymphs, Nereids, in ancient Greek mythology. Ione is a name that’s twice as nice as many others because it refers both to a flower and the color violet. In fact, the name means “a violet-colored stone.” The English pronunciation usually starts with the long I, while in the Latin languages such as Italian it starts with the long E sound. Go with what feels right to you!

11. Jessamine

Jessamine is an English name with Persian origins. It means “jasmine.” Jessamine began to be used as a first name in Britain around 1900, along with other flower-related names. It’s rarely heard outside the UK but we think parents in the US should give it a shot as it’s a unique alternative to the other Jess- names.

10. Kore

Cora is a completely excellent name in every way but the original Greek form, Kore offers a bit more mystery. Kore was an alternate name for Persephone, goddess of the underworld. The means “maiden.” Kore will likely be mistaken for Kory or Korey, so be prepared to correct folks.

9. Lyric

Lyric now ranks in the top 500 names for girls. We’re happy parents are seeing the versatility of this musical name which means “lyre.” This name is a completely arty option that’s perfect for parents who love music or are musicians themselves.

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8. Neith

Neith is the name of the Egyptian goddess of home and femininity. The name means “divine mother.” Neith happens to be perfectly obscure these days which adds to its appeal in our opinion. If you expect your little one to transform the world, this name would be fitting.

7. Pax

Pax is an excellent gender-neutral option that we think works perfectly well for girls because of its association with the Roman goddess of peace. The name means the same! It would be an excellent choice that offers a cool casualness.

6. Persia

Iran no longer carries the name that belonged to the region of Persia for centuries. That helps bring this place-name an excellent, old-world feel. The name means “that cuts or divides” or “a nail” or “a gryphon.” If you a name like India, Persia would be an ideal option.

5. Saffron

Bohemian parents are all about the spice of life which makes a name like Saffron a delicious option. Saffron has a retro sixties vibe and it’s much more commonly found as a name in England than it is in the US. If you’re looking for a sunny, yellow-tinted name this would be the one!

4. Thalia

Thalia had a random appearance on the popularity list in 1932 and then reentered the US Top 1000 in 1992, reaching its height of number 363 in 1993. Thalia was one of the Three Graces in Greek mythology, and also the Muse of comedy and pastoral poetry. Ding! Ding! Ding! The name means “to flourish.”

3. Uma

Uma is one of the more than one thousand appellations for the Hindu goddess Sakti. The name can also be found in the Hebrew tradition and it means “nation.” This rarity would be a welcome alternative to the Irish name, Una which has been trending up in the US in recent years.

2. Vita

The bohemian lifestyle is enjoyed by a great number of bon vivant who love living in the moment. That’s why the name Vita is such an appropriate choice, a Latin name that means “life.” Vita is simple yet sweet and we absolutely love this name.

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1. Zadie

Zadie with its zippy Z might seem like a new invention but Zadie was actually ranked at number 539 in 1881, remaining in the Top 1000 for almost thirty years. We think it’s long past time for this wonderful Hebrew name that means “princess” to make a return in a huge way!

There you go! 25 bohemian baby names for girls that set the tone for a moody and enlightened little one! We hope you enjoyed these names and feel inspired to choose one for your little girl.