Where Does The Name Rumi Come From?

The Carter twins' names may finally be here. JAY-Z and Beyoncé have reportedly given the twins the names Rumi and Sir. (Bustle reached out to their reps for comment, but didn't not receive an immediate response.) Being two of the most famous people in the world, did Beyoncé and Jay name Rumi after anyone famous? As it turns out, she may just have the namesake of one of the most famous poets in history.

Queen Bey loves poetry — on Lemonade, she featured poems of the young UK-based Somali poet Warsan Shire. So it would not be surprising if she picked the name Rumi after the thirteenth century Persian poet. Rumi was not only a poet but a theologian, and produced some of the most beautiful and timeless poems on spirituality and love the world over.

You've probably seen some of Rumi's poetry even if you aren't familiar with the man himself. Born Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Rumi in the year 1207, he's been translated in countless languages and is in fact the best-selling poet in the United States. It's easy to see why his gorgeous verses might appeal to Bey, who celebrates her womanhood in her music. Some of his most famous lines could definitely be spoken word on a Beyoncé album: "Woman is the light of God;" "Stop acting so small. You are the universe in ecstatic motion;" "Let the beauty we love be what we do." If one of the newest Carters is named after the Persian scribe, he or she has got centuries of beautiful poetry on her side already.

Whatever reason Beyoncé and JAY-Z picked the name Rumi (if they did pick it), it will no doubt always evoke the spirit of the poet. Rumi's widespread adoration and influence can be attributed to not only his genius but also that his poems transcend religion, culture, and nationality. They are poems of divine love. Who wouldn't want to name their baby after the embodiment of divine love? Bey couldn't have picked a more beautiful legacy to inspire her baby's name, even if it was accidental.

It could be a coincidence that Rumi Carter shares a name with one of the most revered mystics and poets in history, but Beyoncé is a woman of the world who seems like an old soul. Rumi Carter may just be having some Rumi poetry read to her at bedtime.