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Botanical Beauties

  1. Elm

    • Origin:

      English, German, Norse, Danish tree name

    • Meaning:

      "red, brown"

    • Description:

      Strong, straight, and leafy, one of the new tree names used mostly as middles.
  2. 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.
  3. Prunella

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "small plum"

    • Description:

      Most ella names are hot, but this is one that won't catch fire because of the disagreeable connotations of prunes.
  4. 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.
  5. Banyan

    • Origin:

      Indian

    • Meaning:

      "the God tree"

    • Description:

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

    • Origin:

      Flower name, from Greek

    • Meaning:

      "asphodel"

    • Description:

      Yes, though it seems so extreme, girls were actually sometimes given this name a century ago; now it is so uncommon it would make a strong springtime statement. Biggest obstacle: the nickname Daffy.
  7. 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.

  8. Primula

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "first rose"

    • Description:

      Primula is related to Primrose, the name and the flower, and would make a quirky yet charming (or is it charming yet quirky?) botanical name for a first daughter.
  9. 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.

  10. Acker

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "meadow of oak trees"

    • Description:

      Acker is a surname name that has not seen much use to date, but given it's lush nature meaning (and the fact that it also means "friend" in Somerset slang) this could be a cute choice for parents looking for something fresh. An added bonus its link to English "Master of the Clarinet" Acker Bilk. The Dutch version, Akker, is also an option.
  11. 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.
  12. 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.

  13. Zaynab

    • Origin:

      Tree name or Arabic,"beauty, grace"

    • Meaning:

      "beauty, grace"

    • Description:

      Zaynab, from the Arabic word for beauty and the name of a flowering tree, was the name of a granddaughter, daughter and two wives of the Prophet Muhammed. Related names include the simplified forms Zaina and Zayna and the Swahili-inflected Zainabu, along with possibly Zenobia, a name related to the Greek mythological god Zeus. Zaynab is one of the most popular Muslim girls' names around the world.
  14. Fuchsia

    • Origin:

      Plant and color name

    • Meaning:

      "vivid purplish-red; tubular flower"

    • Description:

      A plausible color name, it was chosen by the singer Sting as a middle name for his daughter, after a character in the Gormenghast fantasy trilogy, of which he's a big fan. Another bearer is Fuchsia Voremberg, a member of the BBC Show, Antiques Roadshow who specializes in diaries and manuscripts.
  15. Fflur

    • Origin:

      Welsh

    • Meaning:

      "flower"

    • Description:

      Why bother to invent a new name or spelling when there are intriguing oddities like this in existence. Also in the Welsh encyclopedia of names: Ffion, Ffiona, and Ffraid, the Welsh form of Brigid.
  16. 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.
  17. Heliotrope

    • Origin:

      botanical name

    • Description:

      Despite the beauty of this flower's appearance and fragrance, this is one of the clumsier flower names.
  18. Marjoram

    • Origin:

      botanical name

    • Description:

      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?
  19. 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.
  20. Henna

    • Origin:

      Color name, Finnish feminization of Henry, English from German

    • Meaning:

      "estate ruler"

    • Description:

      Reddish dye that sounds as if it could be a real name — of the outdated, Old World, Yetta-Hedda variety.