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Botanical Beauties

  1. Nyssa

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "goal"

    • Description:

      A fairly common Greek name that would fit in well here.
  2. Abelia

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "sigh, breath"

    • Description:

      This feminine form of Abel is also a flower name and makes a distinctive alternative to the widely used Abigail. There is a similar name, Adelia, that is beginning to be rediscovered thanks to the trend for all names Adel- related.
  3. Oleanna

    • Description:

      Oleanna is a feminine name with Scandinavian and Slavic influences. It likely developed as a variation of Oleana or Oleana, possibly derived from Helen (meaning 'bright, shining one'). In Norwegian tradition, Oleanna appears in a folk song about a utopian settlement in America. The name may also relate to the Russian name Olyana or Yelena. Oleanna carries a romantic, old-world charm with its flowing syllables and melodic quality. Though rare in contemporary usage, it bears similarity to currently popular names like Olivia and Anna, making it accessible despite its uncommonness. The name evokes images of Scandinavian landscapes and folklore. Oleanna might appeal to parents seeking a name with Nordic connections or those looking for a distinctive alternative to more common names with similar sounds.

  4. Amaranth

    • Origin:

      botanical name

    • Description:

      Amaranth is a beautiful herb with bright fuchsia flowers and a tasty seed that flavors many Eastern dishes. The name is filled with potential for the more adventurous namer, with nickname potential (Ammy, Mara) and a fresh sound that still fits in with all the Amelias and Ambers in the playground.
  5. Petunia

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "trumpet-shaped flower"

    • Description:

      Literary heritage: the "Loony Tunes" girlfriend of Porky Pig. But with the increasing popularity of all kinds of unusual botanical names, Petunia may be a name we start to hear more of. Perhaps-more-pleasing Petunia alternatives: Petal, Posy, Poppy.
  6. Jonquil

    • Origin:

      English flower name, from Latin

    • Meaning:

      "reed"

    • Description:

      Jonquil is an unusual flower name that is less outlandish than Daffodil and less common than Daisy. It just might appeal to parents seeking a singular botanical option.

      Unlike most flower names, Jonquil wasn't introduced until the 1940s, and saw some usage in the U.K. during the forties and fifties.

  7. Yarrow

    • Origin:

      Botanical name, English

    • Meaning:

      "rough stream"

    • Description:

      Highly unusual as a baby name for either gender, Yarrow is an herb that grows wild and has long been used for its medicinal property. It's named for the mythical Achilles, who was said to carry yarrow into battle.
  8. Jarrah

    • Origin:

      botanical name

    • Description:

      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.
  9. Jacinta

    • Origin:

      Spanish for Greek flower name

    • Meaning:

      "hyacinth"

    • Description:

      Jacinta, the Spanish word for hyacinth, is a lot softer and sweeter than the English version. The correct Spanish pronunciation is ha-SEEN-ta, though many English speakers would say ja-SIN-ta. Although the name is slightly different, Jacinta is largely associated at present with Australian-born actress Jacinda Barrett.
  10. Olea

    • Origin:

      Latin botanical name, genus of trees

    • Meaning:

      "olive"

    • Description:

      Olea is an unusual botanical name that relates to both olive and oil, brought to public attention when it was chosen by actress Amy Adams as the middle name for her daughter Aviana. Olea is also an occasionally used Norwegian and Danish girl's name and is said to be an Old Hebrew word for night or moon.
  11. Kiefer

    • Origin:

      German

    • Meaning:

      "barrel maker; pine"

    • Description:

      Kiefer is a strong occupational surname associated with "24" star Kiefer Sutherland, but one that could well join the other 'er' surnames currently in favor. Keifer is a German surname transferred to first name use, derived from two old Germanic words, kien and forhe, both of which mean "pine tree."
  12. Banyan

    • Origin:

      Indian

    • Meaning:

      "the God tree"

    • Description:

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

    • Origin:

      Mapuche, Chilean

    • Meaning:

      "golden flower"

    • Description:

      A melodic and glowing name, derived from Mapuche, the language of the Indigenous people of central Chile, Millaray means "golden flower". It ranked in the Chilean Top 100 in the 2010s and remains a familiar choice. Pronounced as mee-ya-rye, and not as mih-luh-ray as those unfamiliar with it might assume, Millaray is notably borne by actress and presenter Millaray Viera and footballer Millaray Cortés.
  14. Forsythia

    • Origin:

      Flower name, from English surname

    • Meaning:

      "Forsyth's flower"

    • Description:

      This yellow harbinger spring bloom was named for Scottish botanist William Forsyth, and is even more unusual than such species as Acacia and Azalea.
  15. Jacaranda

    • Origin:

      Spanish, Portuguese, Tupi-Guarani flower name

    • Meaning:

      "fragrant"

    • Description:

      Distinctive and charming nature name that blends elements of Jacqueline and Amanda.
  16. Amapola

    • Origin:

      Spanish

    • Meaning:

      "poppy"

    • Description:

      A rarely heard flower name, Amapola comes from the Spanish word for "poppy", in turn associating with name with remembrance and the months of August and November. Pronounced as a-ma-POH-la, with the emphasis on the third syllable, it may feel similar enough to Amalia, Amaia, and Paula to work.
  17. Cypress

    • Origin:

      botanical name

    • Description:

      Attractive entry into the tree name genre, joining Ash, Oak, and Juniper. Over 110 baby boys were named Cypress in the US last year, along with 70 baby girls.
  18. Freesia

    • Origin:

      Flower name, from German surname

    • Meaning:

      "Freese's flower"

    • Description:

      A rare, free-feeling flower name for the parent who wants to move far, far beyond Rose and Daisy. Named for German physician Friedrich Freese.
  19. Bay

    • Origin:

      English word, Old English

    • Meaning:

      "an inlet of the sea where the land curves inward; berry"

    • Description:

      Like River and Lake, a cool, refreshing modern water-related choice. This name is also associated with bay leaves, the bay laurel, the contemporary term of endearment, "bae", and the Old English word beġ meaning "berry"
  20. Acantha

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "thorn, prickle"

    • Description:

      Acantha is one of the unique baby names in the stylish mythological category that also might count as a flower name. In Greek mythology, Acantha was a nymph beloved by Apollo. An unusual and attractive choice that could make a creative way to honor a grandma Rose.