Nature, Place and Word Names
By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 12 pages
of 12
Spanish
"fig tree"
This surname ultimately derives from a Galician place name meaning "fig tree", but has spread all over the Spanish-speaking world. It's not certain if it's ever been used as a first name, but it…
Italian
"mulberry tree"
An international nature name, Gelso was originally given to those who grew mulberry trees or lived near a place where they grew. More conventionally used as an Italian surname, Gelso has very…
Nature name
"grove of trees"
Fresh, evocative choice.
If you find Grover too fusty and furry, this is a much cooler-sounding alternative.
Welsh
"born of trees"
A name from Welsh mythology. In the Mabinogion , Gwydion was a powerful magician who made his nephew a wife from flowers (Blodeuwedd, meaning "face of flowers").
English
"settlement near hazel trees"
Unless it was your grandmother's maiden name, and you're using it in the middle place, we don't think so. Could be confused with Hazelden, a leading rehab facility.
Japanese
"bright tree"
As well as Japanese physicist Hideki Yukawa, two Yankees ballplayers, Hideki Irabu and Hideki Matsui, made this name familiar to Americans.
Tasmanian tree name
"huon river pine"
A name gaining recognition in Australia, based on the huon pine tree which grows in Tasmania. Boatbuilders especially love this rare wood, which floats well, is resistant to rot, and has a strong…
Aramaic
Idra is one of the less obvious botanical names. In ancient times, a fig tree was a symbol of learning, peace, and prosperity.
Variation of Hilarius
"happy, cheerful"
Uplifting name that's technically for boys but practically would work much better for girls.
Sanskrit
"forest"
Aranyu is an Indian name rarely used in the US, though the meaning gives it a fashionable woodsy appeal.
Spanish, Portuguese, Tupi-Guarani flower name
"fragrant"
Distinctive and charming nature name that blends elements of Jacqueline and Amanda.
botanical name
Jarrah is the name of a beautiful Australian tree famous for its richly-colored red timber and lovely scent. Jarrah may be used for both girls and boys.
Serbian tree name
"maple tree"
Javor is the Serbian word for Maple tree. It makes a definitively masculine and interesting choice for the nature inclined namer.
No - not a creative spelling of Cade. This name, which can be used for boys or girls, means maple tree. Kaede is unusual in Japan although it has been gaining more popularity after it has been used…
Aboriginal, Australian
"tree bark or leaf"
Kirrily, which rhymes with cheerily, is a name that's uniquely popular in Australia. It originated in recent decades as an elaboration of several similar names – the European Kyra or Keira, the Maori…
Variation of Keziah
"cassia tree"
Kizzy was a character in Alex Haley's Roots ; this and other Keziah variations were widely used among enslaved people. In Roots the name is explained by the hero Kunta as 'you sit down' or 'you stay…
Hopi
"Cedar bark"
This Hopi boys' name refers to the bark of the cedar tree.
The nature boy version of the Scandinavian Leif, which actually means "heir". In the creative-naming Phoenix family, Leaf is the former name of the actor we know as Joaquin.
Hawaiian
"leaf bud"
A nature name from the Hawaiian islands that's vaguely reminiscent of trendy names like Luke and Luca. However, it's also the name of a Swedish company that makes mechanical lifts used in medical…
