Spring Baby Names

Wed Mar 31 2021By Sophie Kihm

Springtime baby names relate to the blooming of the season, including flower names as well as names that mean green and names that mean new.

Along with Lily and Poppy, spring baby names in the US Top 1000 include month name April , tree name Willow, and green-meaning name Chloe. Unique names for a spring baby range from flower names Daffodil and Hyacinth to Neo, which means new, and Primavera, which means spring.

For your springtime baby, or just to represent the season's lively qualities, consider these baby names that relate to spring.

The first 50 spring names below are shown in their extended form ranked according to their popularity on Nameberry. Uncommon spring names are listed alphabetically below those.

Iris

Origin:
Flower name; also Greek
Meaning:
"rainbow"
Description:
Iris is directly derived from the Greek word iris, meaning “rainbow.” In Greek mythology, Iris was the goddess of the rainbow, a messenger for Zeus and Hera who rode the rainbow as a multicolored bridge from heaven to earth. In ancient times, the Iris was considered a symbol of power and majesty, the three petal segments representing faith, wisdom and valor. This colorful image led to the naming of the flower and to the colored part of the eye.

Xavier

Origin:
Basque or Arabic
Meaning:
"new house or bright"
Description:
Xavier originated is use as a given name after Saint Francis Xavier, cofounder of the Jesuit order, who got his name from the Spanish-Basque village where he was born. His birthplace was Javier, the name of which was derived from the Basque place name Etxeberria, meaning “castle” or “new house.” Many Americans pronounce the initial X, as in ex-ZAY-vee-er, but it's equally accepted to pronounce the name ZAY-vee-er, closer to the French pronunciation.

Xavier Continued

Phoenix

Origin:
Arizona place-name and Greek
Meaning:
"dark red"
Description:
Phoenix rolls a lot of cool trends into one: it's a place-name and a bird name, it ends in the oh-so-hip letter x, and as the mythic bird that rose from the ashes, it's a symbol of immortality. It's also got celebrity chops, via the acting family that includes Joaquin and the late River, and as the child of an ex-Spice Girl.

Phoenix Continued

Chloe

Origin:
Greek
Meaning:
"young green shoot"
Description:
Chloe appeared in Greek mythology as an alternative name for the goddess of agriculture and fertility, Demeter. She was referred to as Chloe in the spring months, due to the name’s relation to sprouts and growth. Chloe is also mentioned in the New Testament as the name of a Greek Christian woman.

Chloe Continued

Nova

Origin:
Latin
Meaning:
"new"
Description:
Nova is a name that has the feel of both newness, from his meaning, and great energy from being an astronomical term for a star that suddenly increases in brightness, then fades.

Anastasia

Origin:
Greek, feminine variation of Anastasios
Meaning:
"resurrection"
Description:
Anastasia is the feminine form on Anastasius, a Greek name derived from the word anastasis, meaning “resurrection.” It was a common name among early Christians, who often gave it to daughters born around Christmas or Easter. There are handful of saints named Anastasia, including the patron saint of weavers.

Anastasia Continued

Willow

Origin:
English nature name
Meaning:
"willow tree"
Description:
Willow came into use as a given name after the willow tree, whose name was derived from the Old English word welig, meaning “willow.” Willow trees are associated with grace and elegance, which gave way to the adjective “willowy.” Other names with meanings related to willows include Arava, Willoughby, Dozier, Wellesley, Selby, and Salton.

Willow Continued

Poppy

Origin:
English from Latin
Meaning:
"red flower"
Description:
Poppy, unlike most floral names which are sweet and feminine, has a lot of spunk. Long popular in the United Kingdom, where it peaked at #5 in 2014, Poppy is just starting to catch on in a big way in the US, where it entered the Top 1000 for the first time in 2016 and – just three years later – the Top 500 in 2019.

Poppy Continued

Flora

Origin:
Latin
Meaning:
"flower"
Description:
Flora, the name of the Roman goddess of flowers and spring, who enjoyed eternal youth, is one of the gently old-fashioned girls' flower names we think is due for a comeback--alongside cousins Cora and Dora. Also the name of a saint, Flora has long been a favorite in Scotland where it was the name of the young heroine who helped Bonnie Prince Charlie make his way to France. Florence, Fiorella, Fleur, and Flower are translations, but we like Flora best of all.

Flora Continued

Persephone

Origin:
Greek mythology name
Description:
Persephone is the esoteric name of the Greek mythological daughter of Zeus by Demeter, the queen of the harvest. After she was kidnapped by Hades to be Queen of the Underworld, it was decreed by Zeus that she would spend six months of the year with her mother, allowing crops to grow, and six in mourning, thus accounting for the seasons.

Persephone Continued

Juniper

Origin:
Latin tree name
Meaning:
"young"
Description:
Juniper is a fresh-feeling nature name -- it's a small evergreen shrub -- with lots of energy. A new favorite of fashionable parents, Juniper joins such other tree and shrub names as Hazel, Acacia, and Willow.

Juniper Continued

Lily

Origin:
English flower name
Meaning:
"lily"
Description:
Lily came into use as a given name as a direct influence of the flower. The floral name was derived from the Latin lilium, itself derived from the Greek leirion. Lily later became an adjective to describe whiteness and purity.

Jade

Origin:
Spanish
Meaning:
"stone of the side"
Description:
As cool as the precious green stone said to transmit wisdom, clarity, justice, courage, and modesty, Jade has been rising in popularity since Mick and Bianca Jagger chose it for their daughter in 1971. Superchef Giada de Laurentiis chose it as the English translation of her own first name. Jade manages to strike the golden mean as one of the familiar-yet-unusual girl names starting with J.

Olive

Origin:
English, from Latin, nature name
Meaning:
"olive tree"
Description:
Though greatly overshadowed by the trendy Olivia, Olive has a quiet, subtle appeal of its own -- and is now enjoying a remarkable comeback. Olive is one of only four girl names starting with O on the US Top 1000. Cool couple Isla Fisher and Sacha Baron Cohen chose it for their daughter, reviving the name to stylishness, and now Drew Barrymore has a little Olive too, as has country singer Jake Owen.

Olive Continued

Clover

Origin:
Flower name, from Old English
Meaning:
"key"
Description:
Clover is a charming, perky choice if you want to move beyond hothouse blooms like Rose and Lily, and it's recently become a new celeb favorite, chosen by both Neal McDonough and Natasha Gregson Wagner, who used it to honor her mother, Natalie Wood, one of whose most iconic films was Inside Daisy Clover.

Clover Continued

Amaya

Origin:
Spanish version of Amaia or Japanese
Meaning:
"mother city; the end; night rain"
Description:
The Spanish form of Amaya is both a given name and a surname, originating from the Spanish mountain and village of Amaya. In this context it means “mother city” or “the capital.” Amaya can also be considered a derivation of Amaia, a Basque name meaning “the end.” In Japan, Amaya is a surname.

Amaya Continued

Ash

Origin:
Diminutive of Asher, English
Meaning:
"ash tree"
Description:
Ash has Southern charm plus the arboreal-nature appeal. Plus your little boy will prize Ash as the name of the hero of the Pokemon cartoons. Ash can also be a dashing short form of Asher, Ashton, or any other "Ash" name.

Maia

Origin:
Greek
Meaning:
"mother"
Description:
Maia was derived from the Greek word maia, meaning “mother.” In Greek legend, she was the fair-haired daughter of Atlas who mothered Zeus's favorite illegitimate son, Hermes. To the Romans, Maia was the incarnation of the earth mother and goddess of spring, after whom they named the month of May. Maya is the more common spelling.

Abigail

Origin:
Hebrew
Meaning:
"my father is joyful"
Description:
Abigail comes from the Hebrew name Avigail and is derived from the Hebrew elements ab, meaning “father,” and g-y-l, meaning “to rejoice.” In the Old Testament, Abigail was the wife of David, said to be beautiful, wise, and prophetic. In the early nineteenth century, Abigail became a term for a maid.

Abigail Continued

Axel

Origin:
Scandinavian variation of Absalom
Meaning:
"father of peace"
Description:
A classic in its native Scandinavia, Axel has a cool rock 'n' roll flavor in the US, thanks to Guns N' Roses' Axl Rose (born William). Axel is a popular Scandinavian form of the Biblical Absalom, who was a son of King David, and is the name of the title character of William Faulkner's Absalom, Absalom.

Osiris

Origin:
Egyptian
Meaning:
"with strong eyesight"
Description:
Osiris is the name of Egyptian mythology god-king who died and was reborn every year. Emerging from centuries of obscurity, Osiris has several ingredients for success in the modern world: Roots in ancient myth, an uplifting meaning, an s ending and the cute nickname Os or Oz.

Osiris Continued

Agnes

Origin:
Greek
Meaning:
"pure, virginal"
Description:
Agnes is the Latin variation of the name Hagne, which itself derived from the Greek word hagnos, meaning “chaste.” In medieval times, St. Agnes was a very popular saint, leading to its popularity as a girl's name. Agnes Grey is the title of one of the two novels written by Anne Brontë.

Agnes Continued

Adam

Origin:
Hebrew
Meaning:
"son of the red earth"
Description:
Adam -- a primal Old Testament name -- was revived as a 1960s cowboy name. Adam is not as popular as it once was and feels ready for a respite, replaced by newer A names like Aidan/Aiden, Avery and Axel. Its most prominent current bearers include Adams Sandler, Levine, Brody and Driver -- who plays a character named Adam on Girls.

Primrose

Origin:
English flower name
Meaning:
"first rose"
Description:
Still found in quaint British novels, and until recently considered a bit too prim for most American classrooms, some adventurous namers are suddenly beginning to see Primrose as an attractive member of the rose family.

Primrose Continued

Aspen

Origin:
Nature and place-name
Description:
Aspen is part of two groups of stylish and unique baby names: nature names and place-names. The name of a graceful tree in the poplar family with heart-shaped leaves so delicate they quiver in the gentlest breeze, Aspen is also the name of a trendy Colorado ski resort. Aspen started as a unisex name possibility but now is much more frequently worn by girls.

Aspen Continued

Gaia

Origin:
Greek
Meaning:
"earth mother"
Description:
The name of the Greek mythological earth goddess and universal mother; actress Emma Thompson stated that she was attracted by its ecological element, so other "green" parents may want to follow her lead.

Neo

Origin:
Latin or Tswana
Meaning:
"new or gift"
Description:
This nouveau name of Keanu Reeves's character in The Matrix has not enjoyed the same burst of popularity as its female counterpart, Trinity, but it definitely sounds, well, newer. Neo Rauch is an interesting contemporary German artist.

Amaryllis

Origin:
Greek
Meaning:
"to sparkle"
Description:
If you love both unique baby names and flower names for girls, Amaryllis might be a perfect choice for you. A showier flower name than Lily, but in the same botanical family, Amaryllis is not as outre as it might at first sound. It was used in Greek poetry as the appellation of pure pastoral beauties; Amaryllis is the heroine of Virgil's epic poem Ecologues, after whom the flower was named. Other references are characters in the George Bernard Shaw play Back to Methuselah and The Music Man. James Bond-creator Ian Fleming had a half sister named Amaryllis Marie-Louise Fleming, who was a noted British cellist.

Amaryllis Continued

Rain

Origin:
Word name
Description:
Among a small shower of rain-related names, this pure version can have a cool, refreshing image.

Magnolia

Origin:
Flower name, from French surname
Meaning:
"Magnol's flower"
Description:
Magnolia, a sweet-smelling Southern belle of a name made famous via the iconic Edna Ferber novel and musical Showboat, is one of the latest wave of botanical names, along with exotic blossoms Azalea and Zinnia. It is named for French botanist Pierre Magnol.

Magnolia Continued

Esmeralda

Origin:
Spanish and Portuguese
Meaning:
"emerald"
Description:
Esmeralda came into use as an applied use of the Spanish word for emerald, esmeralda. In the 1831 Victor Hugo novel Notre-Dame de Paris, also known as The Hunchback of Notre-Dame, the heroine was born Agnes, but called La Esmeralda in reference to the jewel she wears around her neck. The name Esmeralda got increased visibility via the Disney version of the story.

Esmeralda Continued

Forest

Origin:
French occupational name
Meaning:
"woodsman or woods"
Description:
The Forest variation of Forrest, used by actor Whitaker, nudges the meaning more toward the woods and away from the woodsman.

Forest Continued

Acacia

Origin:
Greek
Meaning:
"thorny"
Description:
Acacia is an attractive, rarely used Greek flower name enhanced by its popular beginning-and-ending-with 'a'-construct, and is gradually beginning to catch on as a new member of the stylish girl names starting with A.

Acacia Continued

April

Origin:
Latin
Meaning:
"to open"
Description:
Once the most popular month names, April has been overtaken by June (for girls) and August (for boys), as well as the charmingly old-fashioned May. Literary reference: the heroine of the book and movie Revolutionary Road, and there have been Aprils on Parks and Recreation, Glee, and The Vampire Diaries. Trivia note: comedian Ralphie May named his daughter April June May.

April Continued

Oona

Origin:
Irish, variation of Una
Meaning:
"lamb"
Description:
Oona is a name made famous by Eugene O'Neill's daughter, who became Charlie Chaplin's wife. One of the original Oona's granddaughters was named after her, and is now an actress famous in her own right for playing Talisa of Volantis in HBO's "Game of Thrones." The double-o beginning gives their name a lot of oomph.

Cruz

Origin:
Spanish
Meaning:
"cross"
Description:
For a single-syllable Latino surname, this new popular kid on the block packs a lot of energy and charm and is one of the most stylish Spanish names for boys in general use today. Victoria and David Beckham named their third son Cruz, following Brooklyn and Romeo, and it was also picked up on by tennis star Lleyton Hewitt for his son. Other parents may prize its Christian associations.

Lilac

Origin:
English, from Persian
Meaning:
"bluish or lilac"
Description:
Could Lilac be the next Lila or Lily or Violet? It certainly has a lot going for it--those lilting double 'l's, the fabulous fragrance it exudes, and the fact that it's a color name as well, providing a ready made nursery theme. In addition, the lilac is symbolic of first love.

Lilac Continued

Abraham

Origin:
Hebrew
Meaning:
"father of multitudes"
Description:
Abraham is among the most classic baby names that's still widely-used today, popular for its references to both the Bible and American history. The Biblical Abraham was the first of the Old Testament patriarchs and is considered the founding father of the Jewish people. He was originally named Abram, until, according to Genesis, he was told, "No longer shall your name be Abram, but your name shall be Abraham, for I have made you the father of a multitude of nations."

Abraham Continued

Blossom

Origin:
English
Meaning:
"to bloom"
Description:
Now that parents have picked virtually every name in the garden, from the common Rose to the exotic Zinnia, some are reconsidering the old, more generic names like Flora and Posy and Blossom-- which was last in favor in the 1920's and still has a Floradora showgirl aura.

Blossom Continued

Meadow

Origin:
Nature name
Description:
How perfect was it that Tony Soprano's daughter's name was Meadow, suggesting that the TV mobster was once a kinder, gentler young dad.

Meadow Continued

Emerald

Origin:
Gem name; Persian
Meaning:
"green"
Description:
Emerald is the intriguing color and jewel name of the deep green stone treasured as far back as ancient Egypt--it's supposed to open one's heart to wisdom and to love and be good for strengthening relationships-- which could make for an interesting, unusual name, particularly with the popularity of so many Em-starting names.

Emerald Continued

Deborah

Origin:
Hebrew
Meaning:
"bee"
Description:
Deborah has suffered from the fact that in the mid-twentieth century there were so many Debbies on the block that the beauty and meaning of the original name got lost. Deborah may no longer be among the most popular girl names starting with D, but now this lovely name of an Old Testament prophetess suddenly sounds fresher than overused Sarah, Rachel, and Rebecca.

Deborah Continued

May

Origin:
Diminutive of Margaret and Mary; month name
Description:
May is a sweet old-fashioned name that hasn't been on the national charts in several decades, but is definitely sounding fresh and springlike. Parents are beginning to see it once more as one of the prettiest middle name options. May was as high on the list as Number 57 in the 1880s; it's now 228 on Nameberry.

Cedar

Origin:
English and French from Latin tree name
Meaning:
"cedar tree"
Description:
Cedar is, like Ash, Oak, Pine and Ebony, one of the new tree/wood names that parents are starting to consider; this one is particularly aromatic.

Cedar Continued

Inez

Origin:
Spanish variation of Agnes
Meaning:
"pure, virginal"
Description:
Also spelled Ines, this name of the prudish mother of Don Juan in the Byron poem has a touch of mystery, but has also been fully integrated into the American name pool.

Aya

Origin:
Japanese or Hebrew
Meaning:
"colorful or bird"
Description:
Simple names have their appeal, but Aya, barely more than a breath, maybe be too simple. It debuted on the US Top 1000 in 2012.

Hyacinth

Origin:
Flower name, from Greek
Meaning:
"blue larkspur; precious stone"
Description:
Though it may not be as sweet and gentle as, say, Violet, the purple-hued Hyacinth still might hold some appeal for the parent seeking a truly exotic flower name.

Hyacinth Continued

Aries

Origin:
Latin
Meaning:
"a ram"
Description:
Better than Capricorn or Cancer, not as usable as Leo, the name of the Roman god of war becomes more possible as a baby name every day, as mythological names take the place of biblical names.

Aries Continued

Linden

Origin:
Variation of Lyndon
Meaning:
"linden tree hill"
Description:
The graceful, natural image of the verdant shade tree transcends any connection with President Johnson.

Linden Continued

Aviva

Origin:
Hebrew
Meaning:
"springlike, fresh, dewy"
Description:
Aviva is vivacious and memorable, a fresh spin on the Vivian and Vivienne names that have been getting more popular since Angelina and Brad chose one for their twin daughter. Another A-beginning palindrome name: Aziza.

Aviva Continued

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