Food Names

Tue Sep 29 2020By Sophie Kihm

Apple launched the trend toward food-oriented baby names, with lots of tasty names joining the menu. Many of these edible baby names have long histories as names, such as Clementine and Rosemary, while others including Kale and Maple have been adopted as names more recently.

Along with Clementine and Rosemary, other food names in the US Top 1000 include Angelica, Charlotte, Daphne, Dulce, Juniper, Madeleine, Olive, and Sage. Alcohol-related names are a subset of food names, including Bourbon, Brandy, Mimosa, Sherry, and Tequila — although we don’t recommend any of those for your baby.

Including on this list are names of actual foods as well as names with food-related meanings. You may also be interested in viewing our list of Fruit Baby Names. Below, browse our collection of food names for babies.

Food Names for Babies

Daphne

Origin:
Greek
Meaning:
"laurel tree, bay tree"
Description:
In Greek mythology, Daphne was the nymph daughter of Peneus, a river god. Peneus saved Daphne from Apollo’s romantic obsessions by transforming her into a laurel tree. It is from this myth that the plant genus daphne, which contains the laurel species, gets its name.

Daphne Continued

Charlotte

Origin:
French, feminine diminutive of Charles
Meaning:
"free man"
Description:
Charlotte is the feminine form of the male given name Charles. It derived from Charlot, a French diminutive of Charles meaning “little Charles,” and the name of Charlemagne’s son in French literature and legend. The name was popularized by England's Queen Charlotte Sophia, wife of King George III.

Charlotte Continued

Clementine

Origin:
French feminine version of Clement, Latin
Meaning:
"mild, merciful"
Description:
Clementine is a Nameberry favorite that has finally broken back into the US Top 1000 after more than half a century off the list. Still, its style value may mean there are more Clementines than you might guess in your neighborhood—it may be a name that raises Mom's eyebrows, but it won't surprise your friends.

Clementine 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

Sage

Origin:
Herb name; Latin
Meaning:
"wise"
Description:
Sage is an evocatively fragrant herbal name that also connotes wisdom, giving it a double advantage. It entered the Top 1000 at about the same time for both genders in the early 1990s, but it has pulled ahead for the girls. Toni Collette named her daughter Sage Florence.

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

Jasmine

Origin:
Flower name, from Persian
Meaning:
"gift from God"
Description:
Jasmine was derived from the Persian word yasmin, referring to the jasmine flower. Scented oil was made from the plant, and it was used as a perfume throughout the Persian Empire. Variants include Jazmin, Yasmin, Yasmine, and Jessamine.

Jasmine Continued

Cassia

Origin:
Feminine form of Cassius or Greek
Meaning:
"cinnamon"
Description:
Cassia is related to the cassia tree, which has yellow flowers and produces a spice that can be a substitute for cinnamon. Keziah, the name of Job’s daughter in the Old Testament, derives from the name of the plant as well. Cassia also has ties to the Ancient Roman name Cassius, an Ancient Roman family name meaning “hollow.”

Cassia Continued

Rue

Origin:
Botanical names or word name
Meaning:
"herb; regret"
Description:
Rue has gone from Golden Girls actress to Hunger Games heroine. This botanical name is also a coincidental double word name, meaning "regret" in English and "street in" French. Despite these unfortunate secondary meanings, Rue has real potential to be one of the most popular new middle names for girls.

Lavender

Origin:
English plant and color name
Meaning:
"lavender"
Description:
Lavender lags far behind sweet-smelling purple-hued sister names Violet and Lilac, but is starting to get some enthusiastic attention from cutting-edge namers. It does have a history as a name, going back to the eighteenth century, when it was also used for boys. But its recent attention comes from Lavender Brown, a witch character in the Harry Potter saga--though Lavender had also been previously featured as a best friend character in Roald Dahl's Matilda.

Lavender Continued

Laura

Origin:
Latin
Meaning:
"bay laurel"
Description:
Laura is a hauntingly evocative perennial, never trendy, never dated, feminine without being fussy, with literary links stretching back to Dante. All this makes Laura a more solid choice than any of its more decorative counterparts and one of the most classic girl names starting with L.

Laura Continued

Araminta

Origin:
Invented hybrid name from Arabella and Aminta
Description:
Araminta is an enchanting eighteenth-century invention familiar in Britain and just beginning to be discovered here. It was used in 1693 by William Congreve in his comedy The Old Bachelor, and in 1705 by the versatile Sir John Vanbrugh, architect of Blenheim Palace as well as a playwright, for his comedy The Confederacy.

Araminta Continued

Madeleine

Origin:
French variation of Magdalen
Meaning:
"woman from Magdala or high tower"
Description:
Madeleine is the French spelling preferred by parents who like to put the proper point on things, though the one used by the little girl who lives in the old house in Paris all covered in vines is Madeline.

Madeleine Continued

Rosemary

Origin:
Latin or English
Meaning:
"dew of the sea, or rosemary (herb)"
Description:
Despite appearances, Rosemary is not a “smoosh” name, not even a traditional one. The name derives from two Latin terms “Ros” meaning ‘dew’ and “Marinus” “meaning “of the sea”. The plant was termed ‘dew of the sea’ due to its salty texture and its ability to thrive in coastal climes. Only after the Middle Ages did the English names of Rose and Mary become interchanged with the name Rosmarinus and give us the modern name we use today.

Rosemary Continued

Basil

Origin:
Greek
Meaning:
"regal"
Description:
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 Britishness of Sherlock Holmes portrayer Basil Rathbone, then spiced with the fragrant aroma of the herb that entered with the Pesto generation.

Basil Continued

Ambrosia

Origin:
Greek mythology name or feminine form of Ambrose, Latin
Meaning:
"Immortal"
Description:
Ambrosia combines some of the more whimsical qualities of more popular Aurora and Isabella, with a heavenly meaning.

Ambrosia Continued

Saffron

Origin:
Spice name
Description:
Spice names are increasingly appealing to the senses of prospective parents; this one, belonging to a precious spice derived from the crocus has a vaguely orange-scented-incense sixties feel.

Saffron Continued

Camellia

Origin:
Flower name, from Czech surname
Meaning:
"Kamel's flower"
Description:
Camellia is an exotic flower name with distinct roots related to the Camille/Camila group and has varied associations to the moon, water, wealth and perfection. It could be thought of as a floral replacement for Amelia.

Camellia Continued

Angelica

Origin:
Italian, Polish, Russian diminutive of Angela
Meaning:
"angel or angelic"
Description:
Angelica is by far the choicest form of the angelic names -- more delicate than Angelina, more feminine than Angel, more modern than Angela. But though Angelica is so lacy and poetic, it lags behind the bolder Angelina (probably for obvious reasons).

Angelica Continued

Nori

Origin:
Japanese
Meaning:
"doctrine or seaweed"
Description:
Japanese name that would have no trouble assimilating--though many would associate it with the dried seaweed used to wrap sushi. Kim Kardashian and Kanye West use Nori as a nickname for their daughter North.

Maple

Origin:
English tree name from Latin
Meaning:
"piece of cloth"
Description:
If Apple and Juniper, Oak and Pine can be baby names, why not Maple? Why not indeed. We've heard Maple starting to be used quietly, but with its lush sound and attractive image, we predict its use as a first name will grow — and its choice by the Jason Batemans — who combined it with the sweet middle name Sylvie — will only accelerate that growth.

Maple Continued

Melina

Origin:
Greek
Meaning:
"little honey"
Description:
This traditional Greek name feels somewhat more distinctive than Melissa, though after a recent upward blip in popularity, it seems to be sliding back down -- which may not be a bad thing for parents looking for a name that both fits in and stands out.

Melina Continued

Honey

Origin:
Word name
Description:
A term of endearment turned cute British celebrity baby name, used by actress Kate Winslet, chef Jamie Oliver, and TV presenter Fearne Cotton, among others. Honey was given to only 40 girls in the US in 2017, but it's relatively popular across the pond, where it ranks in the current Top 500 baby names for girls.

Honey Continued

Rye

Origin:
English, diminutive of Ryder, or word name
Description:
Rye has the potential to become the masculine version of Rue—a short and sweet name for nature lovers (and whiskey fans too!).

Mint

Origin:
English word name or diminutive of Araminta, English from Greek and Latin
Meaning:
"mint; defender; yielding to prayer"
Description:
You may be tempted to scoff at Mint as another wacky celebrity baby name — it was used by Dutch model Romee Strijd for her daughter in 2020 — but it's a far more legitimate choice than many would guess. Minty baby names for girls are having a style moment in Nordic countries — Mynte is a Top 50 name in Denmark, and Minttu ranks in Finland's Top 50. It's ultimately not so surprising that a well-traveled international star would choose to use the English variation of these names for her daughter.

Plum

Origin:
Fruit name
Description:
British-born novelist Plum Sykes has taken this rich, fruity name out of the produce section and put it into the baby name basket. It's more appealing than Apple, more presentable than Peaches. The French equivalent, Prune, is very fashionable there but would not fly with English speakers.

Strawberry

Origin:
Fruit name
Description:
Another entry in the fruit name category, this one borne by writer Strawberry Saroyan, granddaughter of William, so named by her hippie parents. While fruit names may become more familiar, they'll never pass without comment -- but maybe that's what you're looking for.

Strawberry Continued

Huckleberry

Origin:
Word name and literary name
Description:
Everybody knows Huckleberry Finn, the Mark Twain character named, Twain said, for the 19th century slang term for "humble." A few modern parents have put it on a birth certificate, including "Man Vs. Wild" star Bear Grylls, who, like many parents, will call the boy the much more manageable Huck. It was also the name of a child on TV's West Wing,

Huckleberry Continued

Bay

Origin:
Latin
Meaning:
"berry"
Description:
One of the most usable of the pleasant, newly adopted nature/water names (like Lake and Ocean), especially in middle position.

Pepper

Origin:
English from Latin
Meaning:
"berry"
Description:
Parents are beginning to scan the whole spice shelf for inspiration, picking up on Saffron, Sage, and Cinnamon -- and opening up a chance for this spiciest possibility of all; used for peppy TV characters.

Pepper Continued

Cherry

Origin:
Fruit name
Description:
With other fruity names like Clementine, Olive and Plum ripe for the picking, sweet Cherry remains remarkably underused: just 27 baby girls received the name in 2017, down from 343 at its peak in 1948. The unsavory slang meaning no doubt goes a long way towards explaining its fall from grace.

Cherry Continued

Ginger

Origin:
English diminutive
Description:
Originally a unisex nickname for a redhead -- red hair is called "ginger" in Britain -- or for the name Virginia, Ginger perennially wears pink gingham and spike heels.

Ginger Continued

Pamela

Origin:
English
Meaning:
"all honey"
Description:
Pam was a somewhat pampered prom queen of the sixties who was never called by her full name, which is a pity because Pamela is so mellifluous and rich in literary history. A Top 25 name from the late 1940's through the late 60's, Pamela has just, sadly, dropped out of the Top 1000.

Pamela Continued

Peaches

Origin:
English fruit name
Description:
Unlike the other fruit names that are just coming onto the baby name menu, Peaches is an old-timey nickname previously reserved for spangled showgirls, and now would be considered an outrageous -- verging on hip -- choice.

Peaches Continued

Apple

Origin:
English nature name
Meaning:
"apple"
Description:
When people talk about unique baby names, Apple is often one of the first examples they mention. Apple made international headlines when Gwyneth Paltrow chose this wholesome fruit name for her daughter. Many have called it ridiculous, but we have to admit, we find it appealing enough to list as one of our top cute baby names. Rocker Bob Geldof named one of his daughters Peaches; Banana Yoshimoto is a hipster writer. Another choice in this genre is the luscious Plum, though for different reasons, neither Prune nor Cherry will fly.

Apple Continued

Lemon

Origin:
American fruit name
Description:
Lemon is one of the more unique names related to fruit, compared with sisters Clementine and Apple. That may be because lemon is also a word that's slang for a clunker, something that doesn't work very well. No baby wants to feel like a Lemon, so this is one of those unusual names that is best avoided.

Lemon Continued

Amandine

Origin:
French, diminutive of Amanda
Meaning:
"much-loved"
Description:
This fragrant, almond-scented name has hardly been heard in this country, which is a pity--we've loved it since John Malkovich used it for his now grown daughter.

Amandine Continued

Grainne

Origin:
Irish
Meaning:
"grain or love"
Description:
Grainne is the Gaelic form of the phonetic Grania. It was the name of the ancient grain goddess and also of the fiancee of mythological hero Finn McCool and lover of Dermot who was a heroine of the seas. In the past, the name was anglicized as Grace.

Grainne Continued

Bran

Origin:
Diminutive of Brandon
Meaning:
"broom-covered hill"
Description:
A little heavy on the fiber content; we prefer Bram. But Bran is also the Celtic god of the underworld, whose symbol is the raven.

Mimosa

Origin:
Latin plant name
Description:
Adventurous parents are venturing deeper into the garden in search of fresh names, but remember that this also makes for an alcoholic brunch.

Mimosa Continued

Dulce

Origin:
Latin
Meaning:
"sweet"
Description:
Popular Portuguese and Spanish name that refers to "dulce nombre de Maria" -- the sweet name of the Virgin Mary. English variant Dulcie has a different pronunciation.

Dulce Continued

Kaede

Origin:
Japanese
Meaning:
"maple tree"
Description:
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 for several anime and manga characters.

Kaede Continued

Jarah

Origin:
Hebrew
Meaning:
"honeycomb or honeysuckle"
Description:
This Old Testament name feels feminine to a modern English speaker, thought the Biblical Jarah was male. In the most recent year counted, there were seven girls and five boys given the name. With the rise of Biblical boys' names that end in vowel sounds like Noah and Ezra, Jarah may have new possibilities for boys. An alternate spelling is Jarrah, which is also a distinct Arabic name. Jared and Jareth are unrelated but similar-sounding Biblical choices for boys.

Jarah Continued

Clove

Origin:
Nature name
Description:
Clove is a spice name that is a tad more piquant than Saffron or Cinnamon. It might get more attention now as a member of The Hunger Games family of names.

Clove Continued

Brie

Origin:
French, place-name of cheese-producing region
Description:
Place-name and homonym of Bree, less popular than its enlargement, Brielle.

Fig

Origin:
Fruit name
Description:
Fig was the unlikely name of a beautiful character in Curtis Sittenfeld's Man of My Dreams. Better bets: Plum, Quince, or even Apple. Still, you might consider Fig as an unusual nickname for any more formal F-starting name, from Frances to Fiona.

Anise

Origin:
Nature name
Description:
Name of the licorice plant, this spice comes in the shape of a star, giving this name an extra level of sweetness.

Anise Continued

Kale

Origin:
Modern invented name
Description:
Whether you think of it as Cale with a K, or a pet form of Kalen or Kaleb, this is just the kind of short, synthetic name finding a lot of favor now, but remember -- it's also the name of a vegetable.

Bramble

Origin:
Nature name
Meaning:
"blackberry shrub"
Description:
Related to blackberry plants and colloquially to any thorny shrub, Bramble also has history as an English surname.

Bramble Continued

Berry

Origin:
Nature name
Description:
With the recent arrival of fruit names like Apple and Plum, this more traditional example, symbolic of fertility, might rise in popularity. Photographer Berry Berenson was born Berinthia.

Berry Continued

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