Unusual choice that was the original name of children's illustrator Tasha Tudor, but is an interesting elaboration of Star, taking it into avian territory.

A vireo is a small green bird with a song as melodic as this highly unusual name, but it does sound a touch viral.

Marble is an unusual male given name derived from the English word for the smooth, hard metamorphic rock used in sculpture and architecture. As a name, it falls into the category of object or substance names that occasionally appear as given names. Marble has never been common as a first name, with virtually no presence in naming statistics or historical records for widespread use. It may be chosen for its associations with durability, smoothness, beauty, and value. The name also evokes classical art and architecture, perhaps suggesting refinement and timelessness. As with many uncommon object names, Marble might be seen as a distinctive, modern choice that stands out from traditional naming conventions, though its rarity means it lacks established naming traditions or cultural significance.

A slow and sultry southern choice that's definitely cool for babies of either gender. While the word feels French and has its roots in 18th century French Louisiana, it derives from the Choctaw word bayuk, which means "small stream."

Leaf is a hippieish choice that, for girls, still retains an evergreen quality.

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

Short, simple international names like this make distinctive middle name possibilities. Nir also makes for a nature-oriented first name that's both straightforward and unusual. But be prepared for a lifetime of "...and far" jokes.

Gwyneth Paltrow's Apple has opened the world of botanical names beyond flowers to trees, herbs, fruits, and — why not — nuts. Cayley and Brandon Jenner have a daughter named Joan Almond.

Olympic athlete Usain Bolt introduced this unusual and electric nature name to the lexicon when he chose it for his daughter's middle name: Olympia Lightning Bolt. Now there's a name with layers of meaning!

Rare but attractive female form of Basil.

This evocative name of a dramatic tropical Indian fig tree is ready to move west.

Dark, woody name that's brings to mind rich panelling, beautiful colors and luxury.

Fragrant herb often used for cooking, but scarcely as a name.

Beachy name perfect for a summer baby.

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

A popular flower, but as a name we don't expect it to reach the heights of Lily or Violet. Its origins are not entirely clear: it may come directly from the French word carnation "complexion" (because of the flower's pale pink color), or it may be a corruption of English "coronation".

Though some forward-looking parents are now choosing wood-related names like Oak, Pine, and Ash, this generic option would be even more avant garde.

Simple and down-to-earth, but would probably work best as a middle name.

Has the offbeat quality and macho feel -- like Stone and Flint -- that appeals to increasing numbers of modern parents.

Marjoram is a herb and flower. With nicknames like Margie and Jo at the ready, we think that if Marigold can make a comeback, why not Marjoram?