Witchy Names

There's a whole quarry of rocky names parents are now considering: Slate, Flint, etc. , but this one is particularly hard-edged and problematic.

Astrological sign with enough rhythm to make a plausible astral name.

The thistle is the botanical emblem of Scotland and would make a good if unusual patriotic choice for people with Scottish heritage. One of the few flower names that could be worn by a boy with as much ease as a girl.

Also spelled Nemaine, Neman or Nemhain, Nemain derives from Irish mythology, given to the fairy spirit of havoc of war. She is possibly an aspect of the trio of goddesses known as the Morrígan.

In Greek mythology, Hekate (also spelled Hecate) is associated with witchcraft and magic. The name may mean "willpower" or "far-reaching". She was often associated with the moon and with storms, making this name a good alternative to more familiar names like Selena, Luna and Tempest. The spelling Hecate debuted in the US charts for the first time in 2022.

Pan is the Greek god with the legs of a goat and the body of a pipes-playing man known for his mischievousness. Pan is also the god of shepherds, pastures, and fertility. Pan is also a Hindi name meaning leaf or feather.

Of all the astrological names —think Leo, Aries, Gemini— Scorpio probably has the most dramatically potent presence, which could prove something of a burden to a young boy.

The bright yellow weed lends itself to a creative baby name, although we don't recommend the nickname Dandy.

Worthy sibling for Oak, Elm, Juniper, and Spruce.

Thebe is the name of more than one daughter of Zeus, according to some myths, and is also the name of a moon of Jupiter. Thebe rhymes with Phoebe and may appeal to lovers of that name.

Though it's French, most Americans would pronounce it as the stone.

A rare gemstone name that could work for any gender, especially with the friendly nickname Perry.

A shorter form of Morwenna, similar in feel to Arwen or Gwen, Morwen comes from the Old Cornish word moroin and the Welsh morwyn meaning "maiden, girl". Some sources suggest the name could also come from the Welsh elements mor and wen, giving it the alternative meaning "white, blessed sea".

A tad spacy.

Lovely entry into the tree name genre, joining Juniper, Maple, and Willow. Nearly 200 babies were named Cypress in the US last year, about 40 percent of them female.

Tree is an ultimate nature name, made famous by longtime Taylor Swift publicist Tree Paine, born Trina Snyder.

An early African-American name, along with variation Eartha.

The Zodiac name hasn't caught on like Leo or Aries, though it did appear in the US Top 1000 for five consecutive years back in the '70s.

A unique New Age possibility with a pleasing sound.

Garland is fragrant and celebratory, and also has a celebrity-tribute tie to the star of The Wizard of Oz.