Mostly Nature Names

Henry

German

"estate ruler"

Henry is well and truly back in style. The classic returned to the Top 10 in the US in 2021 for the first time in over a century, and as of 2024, sits at Number 6. Like James and Theodore, Henry is a…

Leo

Latin

"lion"

Leo is a strong-yet-friendly name that was common among the Romans, used for fourteen popes, and is now at its highest point ever in the US. Brave but sparky, Leo has ranked in the Top 20 in the US,…

August

German form of Latin Augustus

"great, magnificent"

The name August is at its highest point since the 1890s, when it ranked among the Top 100 boy names in the US – and deservedly so. With its great meaning, historic roots, and cool nicknames, 2024 saw…

Jasper

Persian

"bringer of treasure"

Jasper originated as a variation of the Latin Gaspar, which ultimately derived from the Persian word ganzabara , meaning "bringer of treasure." As a given name, Jasper’s etymology is unrelated to…

Reed

English

"red-haired"

A slim, elegant, silvery surname, Reed could be a banker or a sculptor, and therein lies the appeal of this simple yet distinctive name. The versatile Reed can be seen as a grass-like nature name and…

Stone

Word name

Though some may find such names rather harsh and severe, increasing numbers of parents are gravitating toward this kind of flinty, steely, stony single-syllable name. Many know the name via the…

June

June is a masculine name derived from the month of June, which was itself named for the Roman goddess Juno, the protector of women and marriage. While predominantly used for girls since the early…

Cecil

Latin

"blind"

Once a powerful Roman clan name, Cecil has lost much of its potency over the years, though it retains a strong presence in the sports and jazz worlds. Past bearers include film giant Cecil B.…

Basil

Greek

"royal"

Although Greek in origin--in the fourth century, a bishop by that name established the principles of the Greek Orthodox Church--Basil for years took on the aura of aquiline-nosed upper-class…

Aloe

Plant name

"resin, bitter, shiny"

A rarely used nature name with a gentle sound, Aloe appears as a (masculine) name in Akwaeke Emezi's fantasy novel, Pet , and in its sequel Bitter . Reminiscent of Arlo and Milo, Aloe is associated…

Bronze

English word name

Third place on the sports field, but potentially more wearable than either Silver or Gold, Bronze feels modern and edgy.

Cobalt

Color and nature name

Even among the range of blue names on the current baby naming palette -- Blue itself, Azure, Cerulean, Teal, Aqua, Cyan, Indigo -- Cobalt remains the most unusual, not to mention the most masculine.

Copper

English

"a reddish brown mineral"

More unique than Cooper, and a favorite among pet parents. Copper was the loveable bloodhound from Disney's Fox and the Hound. Keep in mind that Copper is also slang for a policeman.

Cypress

botanical name

Attractive entry into the tree name genre, joining Ash, Oak, and Juniper. Over 110 baby boys were named Cypress in the US last year, along with 70 baby girls.

Diamond

Gem name

Diamond was a big hit for girls in the nineties, ultimately making it into the Top 150. It's a relative rarity today for baby girls and boys, for whom the name also peaked in the nineties.

Ember

Word name

"ember, glowing coal or wood"

A contemporary word name that's been popular for girls in recent years, Ember refers to the still-glowing parts of a fire once much of it has gone out. Connected with hope, rekindling, and light in…