Find out how popular the first name Poetry has been for the last 25 years (from 1999 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Poetry by gender

Based on the last 25 years of data, Poetry is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 10 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Poetry.

The history of the first name Poetry

The name Poetry is of English origin, derived from the word "poesy," which itself comes from the Old French "poesie" and ultimately from the Greek "poiesis," meaning "making" or "creating." The name first emerged in the late 16th century during the Renaissance period, when the arts and literature flourished across Europe.

Poetry as a given name is closely tied to the literary tradition and the appreciation of poetic expression. It is believed to have been used as a name to honor and celebrate the art of poetry, which was held in high regard during the Renaissance era. The name may have been given to children whose parents had a deep love for poetry or hoped their child would grow to become a talented poet or writer.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Poetry can be found in the writings of the English playwright and poet William Shakespeare (1564-1616). In his play "Love's Labour's Lost," a character named Poetry is mentioned, though it is not clear if this was intended as an actual name or a symbolic reference.

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals who bore the name Poetry. One of the earliest was Poetry Watts (1633-1723), an English poetess and writer who published several collections of verse during the 17th century. Another prominent figure was Poetry Shelley (1792-1822), the wife of the famous Romantic poet Percy Bysshe Shelley and a writer in her own right.

In the 19th century, Poetry McGee (1819-1893) was an American abolitionist and activist who worked alongside prominent figures like Frederick Douglass and Harriet Tubman in the fight against slavery. She was known for her powerful oratory skills and her ability to inspire others through her poetic language.

In the 20th century, Poetry Wilson (1909-1992) was an African American educator and civil rights activist who played a significant role in the desegregation of public schools in the United States. She was also a published poet and author, further exemplifying the connection between her name and her literary pursuits.

Another notable figure was Poetry Finch (1933-2018), a British author and poet who gained recognition for her works exploring themes of nature, spirituality, and the human condition. Her name became synonymous with the beauty and depth of her poetic compositions.

While not a common name, Poetry has held a special place in the literary and artistic traditions of various cultures, serving as a tribute to the power of poetic expression and the enduring legacy of poetry throughout human history.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Poetry was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Poetry, please contact us.

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