​
​
Advanced Search

Botanical Beauties

  1. Thorn

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "prickle"

    • Description:

      Rose and Briar are popular, and Hawthorn is cool – so why not the equally prickly Thorn? Add an E to give it a surnamey spin.
  2. Calanthe

    • Origin:

      English from Greek

    • Meaning:

      "Christmas orchid"

    • Description:

      If you love Calliope and Callista, you'll love Calanthe, which combines the trendiness of the Greek 'cal' names with the equally fashionable "the" ending (like Xanthe and Evanthe) and a connection to the beautiful Christmas Orchid. Color Calantha one of the more unusual and captivating names for Christmas babies.
  3. Laverne

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "springlike"

    • Description:

      Although it has a sweet meaning, this name feels dated nowadays, like a fifties poodle skirt. Lavender may be a fresher alternative.
  4. Thistle

    • Origin:

      botanical name

    • Description:

      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.
  5. Nyssa

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "goal"

    • Description:

      A fairly common Greek name that would fit in well here.
  6. Malus

    • Origin:

      Latin botanical name

    • Meaning:

      "the apples"

    • Description:

      A name given to apple--specifically crab apple--trees. The first syllable rhymes with Cal.
  7. Sorrell

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "reddish brown"

    • Description:

      Soft, amber-hued herbal and autumnal name that's used most often to describe the color of a horse. The proper spelling: Sorrel.
  8. Ash

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Ashley, English

    • Meaning:

      "ash tree"

    • Description:

      Ash is a gender-neutral choice that calls to mind the '80s favorite: Ashley. But view it as a nature name -- as in the tree, not the charred bit of soot in the fireplace -- and it makes a cool choice that fits with today's trends.
  9. 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"
  10. Tamar

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "date palm tree"

    • Description:

      Tamar is a rich, strong Old Testament name sometimes given to girls born on the holiday of Sukkoth, as palm branches were used to make the roof of the sukkah. In the Bible, there are several Tamars, including a daughter of King David and also Absalom's daughter, who is praised for her "fair countenance".
  11. 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.

  12. Jacaranda

    • Origin:

      Spanish, Portuguese, Tupi-Guarani flower name

    • Meaning:

      "fragrant"

    • Description:

      Distinctive and charming nature name that blends elements of Jacqueline and Amanda.
  13. Verbena

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "sacred foliage"

    • Description:

      This name of a showy, lemony plant makes an unusual entry into the name garden.
  14. Yesenia

    • Origin:

      Spanish, Arabic

    • Meaning:

      "palm tree; flower"

    • Description:

      Yesenia is a Latinx favorite popularized by a character on a Spanish-language soap opera. Jessenia is another variation. The name is drawn from the name of a palm tree in South America, but Yesenia is also an Arabic name meaning flower, making it an excellent cross-cultural choice.
  15. Delphinia

    • Description:

      Delphinia is a feminine name with Greek origins, derived from 'Delphi,' the sacred site in ancient Greece famous for its oracle. The name is connected to Apollo, who was called 'Delphinian Apollo' after transforming himself into a dolphin. Delphinia can also be associated with the delphinium flower, known for its striking blue color. This elegant, classical name has never been common but appeals to parents drawn to botanical names with historical depth. It has a flowing, feminine quality with its soft consonants and musical rhythm. Delphinia offers multiple nickname options including Delphi, Del, or Fina. The name projects an image of mystical wisdom, natural beauty, and classical refinement.

  16. Acer

    • Origin:

      Botanical name from Latin

    • Meaning:

      "maple"

    • Description:

      Acer is the Latin botanical name for the Maple tree. Where Maple feels quite feminine, Acer is a more masculine way to reference this tree.
  17. Winika

    • Origin:

      Maori

    • Meaning:

      "Christmas orchid"

    • Description:

      With the rise of all those other popular feminine W names, like Winnie, Willa and Winona, why not consider the lovely Winika? Win and Winnie are likely nicknames and it is associated with a dainty Pacific orchid that blossoms at Christmas time. If you're looking for international names for Christmas babies, this is one for the short list.
  18. 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.
  19. Pansy

    • Origin:

      English flower name from French

    • Meaning:

      "thought"

    • Description:

      Pansy is an early floral name that lost credibility when it became a derogatory slang term for gay people. Better these days: Posy or Poppy.
  20. 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.

Introducing the Nameberry App

Nameberry App
Find your perfect baby name together with our new mobile app.
  • Swipe through thousands of names with your partner
  • Names you match on are saved to your shared list
  • Get personalized recommendations that learn based on your and your partner's preferences
  • Partner with friends and family to find names you all love
  • Backed by Nameberry's 20 years of data around name preferences.
Sign up to be notified when the app launches and to receive a discount on full access.
Nameberry App Logo