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magical names

  1. Bear

    • Origin:

      Animal name

    • Meaning:

      "bear"

    • Description:

      Bear has suddenly lumbered onto the baby name landscape. Perhaps inspired by British adventurer Bear Grylls (born Edward Michael), first celebrity chef Jamie Oliver used it as the middle name for his boy Buddy, and Alicia Silverstone called her son Bear Blu, followed by Kate Winslet's Bear Blaize.
  2. Birch

    • Origin:

      Tree name

    • Description:

      Birch is a rarely used nature name that calls to mind the lovely image of the tall, strong but graceful white-barked tree.
  3. Blossom

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "to bloom"

    • Description:

      Now that parents have picked virtually every name in the garden, from the common Rose to the captivating Zinnia, some are reconsidering the old, more generic names like Flora and Posy and Blossom — which was last in favor in the 1920s and still has a Floradora showgirl aura.
  4. Blue

    • Origin:

      Color name

    • Description:

      Among the coolest of the cool color names, particularly popular with celebs as a unisex middle name.
  5. Bluebell

    • Origin:

      Flower name from English

    • Meaning:

      "blue bell"

    • Description:

      Bluebell is one flower name that is used very quietly. Geri "Ginger Spice" Halliwell joined her former Spice Sisters in creative baby-naming with this adventurous — some might say outlandish — choice. Andie MacDowell has a granddaughter named Bluebell Coyote through her daughter Rainey Qualley.
  6. Boo

    • Origin:

      Word name or nickname

    • Description:

      Boo as a first name first achieved notoriety as the name of the child-man in Harper Lee's To Kill A Mockingbird. Arthur "Boo" Radley was meant to be frightening, but only in a simple, non-threatening way. More recently, Boo has been used as the middle name of one of chef Jamie Oliver's children and the nickname in the middle of television's Honey Boo Boo. Boo is also the name of the world's cutest dog and of the adorable little girl in Monsters Inc. In a more basic way, Boo is a term of endearment.
  7. Buttercup

    • Origin:

      Flower name, from English

    • Meaning:

      "yellow wildflower"

    • Description:

      Though most Buttercups are of the bovine persuasian, this humble flower name was given to the lovely princess in "The Princess Bride." If Buttercup still feels too lowly for you, you might consider Clover, Daffodil, or Daisy.
  8. Birdsong
    • Calico

      • Origin:

        English word name

      • Meaning:

        "cotton cloth imported from India; a blotched or spotted animal"

      • Description:

        A word name with fashionable o-ending that has associations with both the homespun fabric and the mottled cat. Alice Cooper named his daughter Calico decades ago.
    • Cello

      • Origin:

        Word name

      • Description:

        If Viola is a credible girl's name, why not the mellow Cello for a boy.
    • Chamomile

      • Origin:

        Nature name

      • Meaning:

        "earth apple"

      • Description:

        A daisy-esque flower, although chamomile is much more commonly associated with the tea that's made from it.
    • Chrysanthemum

      • Origin:

        Greek

      • Meaning:

        "gold flower"

      • Description:

        One of the rarest of the flower names, that of the blossom celebrated in Japan as a symbol of the sun and a possible object of meditation. One of the rare flower names counted among names for autumn babies, Chrysanthemum is also one of the most unusual nature-themed girl names starting with C.
    • Clover

      • Origin:

        Flower name, from Old English

      • Meaning:

        "key"

      • Description:

        Clover is a charming, perky choice if you want to move beyond hothouse blooms like Rose and Lily, and it's recently become a new celeb favorite, chosen by both Neal McDonough and Natasha Gregson Wagner, who used it to honor her mother, Natalie Wood, one of whose most iconic films was Inside Daisy Clover.
    • Coco

      • Origin:

        Spanish and French pet name

      • Description:

        Coco came to prominence as the nickname of the legendary French designer Chanel (born Gabrielle) and has lately become a starbaby favorite, initially chosen by Courteney Cox for her daughter Coco Riley in 2004. At first it was the kind of name that the press loves to ridicule, but we predict Coco's heading for more broad acceptance and even popularity.
    • Coral

      • Origin:

        Nature name

      • Meaning:

        "a rock like substance formed by sea creatures; pinkish-red; gemstone"

      • Description:

        A color name, a gemstone name, and an ocean-inspired choice, Coral has a lot going for it with its sharp C sounds yet sweet vintage feel. Unlike Scarlett or Violet, however, it is only quietly used in the US these days, perhaps because of its similarity to more 'dated' Carol.
    • Cotton

      • Origin:

        Word name

      • Description:

        A name heard in Puritan times -- Cotton Mather was a minister involved in the Salem witchcraft trials -- which really deserves modern consideration as it blends nature and softness into a really trendy and wearable masculine name.
    • Cricket

      • Origin:

        Nature name

      • Description:

        Typically used for girls, but Disney Channel show Big City Greens made it wearable for boys as well.
    • 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.
    • Daisy

      • Origin:

        Diminutive of Margaret or flower name, English

      • Meaning:

        "day's eye"

      • Description:

        Daisy, fresh, wholesome, and energetic, is one of the flower names that burst back into bloom after a century's hibernation. Originally a nickname for Margaret (the French Marguerite is the word for the flower), Daisy comes from the phrase "day's eye," because it opens its petals at daybreak.
    • Dove

      • Origin:

        Nature name

      • Meaning:

        "dove, a bird"

      • Description:

        One of the new bird names, like Lark and Wren, this one's associated with the billing and cooing sounds of love. Soft and gentle, Dove also has the admirable association with peace.
    • Dream

      • Origin:

        Word name

      • Description:

        Possible middle name inspiration. Has been used as a first by musical couple Sole and Ginuwine, and basketball star Allen Iverson.
    • 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.
    • Finch

      • Origin:

        English word and nature name

      • Meaning:

        "to swindle"

      • Description:

        It feels like Finch should be a modern bird name that's as popular as Wren or Lark, but that's not the case - so it's one to consider if you're looking for a nature name that's familiar but rare.
    • Fox

      • Origin:

        Animal name

      • Description:

        Fox is one animal name backed by a longish tradition, and then popularized via the lead character Fox Mulder on X Files. Fox is simple, sleek, and a little bit wild, and could make an interesting middle name.
    • Foxglove

      • Origin:

        Flower name, from English

      • Meaning:

        "fox's glove"

      • Description:

        A rare flower name that works as well for boys as it does for girls, so named because of its resemblance to a small glove.
    • Fig
      • Halo

        • Origin:

          English, word name

        • Description:

          Halo is a glowing word name that's both cosmic and spiritual, and with its shiny imagery and bright sounds, it was one of the fasted rising names in 2023.
      • Hydrangea

        • Origin:

          Flower name, from Greek

        • Meaning:

          "water vessel"

        • Description:

          Prettier than the other name the plant goes by, Hortensia.
      • Ivy

        • Origin:

          Botanical name

        • Description:

          The quirky, offbeat and energetic botanical name Ivy is enjoying a deserved revival, propelled even higher by its choice by high-profile parents Beyonce and Jay-Z for daughter Blue Ivy. Ivy is also traditionally used at Christmas, make this one of the perfect names for December babies.
      • Lemon

        • Origin:

          English word name

        • Description:

          Given to around 25 girls in the US each year, this is a name that could go either way - summery and refreshing or just plain sour. You decide.
      • Lilac

        • Origin:

          English, from Persian

        • Meaning:

          "bluish or lilac"

        • Description:

          Could Lilac be the next Lila or Lily or Violet? It certainly has a lot going for it--those lilting double 'l's, the fabulous fragrance it exudes, and the fact that it's a color name as well, providing a ready made nursery theme. In addition, the lilac is symbolic of first love.
      • Lullaby

        • Origin:

          English word name

        • Meaning:

          "a soothing song or piece of music that is usually played for children"

        • Description:

          This unusual word name means a song sung to put infants to sleep, from the components lull as in calm and by as in goodbye. While it's not on record as being used for any actual babies in the US, it's a rhythmic choice and one of those unique baby names with more mainstream nicknames such a Lula and Bee.
      • Luna

        • Origin:

          Latin

        • Meaning:

          "moon"

        • Description:

          The name of the Roman goddess of the moon, Luna is derived straight from the Latin word for moon, luna. Luna may be the name most likely to surprise someone from an older generation by its Top 10 status in the US and its widespread international popularity.
      • Marigold

        • Origin:

          Flower name, from English

        • Meaning:

          "golden flower"

        • Description:

          Marigold, once found almost exclusively in English novels and aristocratic nurseries, is beginning to be talked about and considered here. It has a sweet, sunny, quirky feel. The marigold was the symbol of the Virgin Mary.
      • Miette

        • Origin:

          French

        • Meaning:

          "crumb"

        • Description:

          Originally used as a diminutive of Marguerite, this French term of endearment is super-rare as a given name in France, but could make for a sweet alternative to Mia in English-speaking countries. A variation is Mietta.
      • Moon

        • Origin:

          Word name

        • Description:

          The original oddball celebrity baby name, via Frank Zappa's daughter Moon Unit, who claims she's always liked it.
      • Moose

        • Description:

          Moose is an unconventional masculine name derived from the North American mammal. As a given name, it emerged from nickname usage, typically assigned to individuals with large, strong builds or gentle personalities reminiscent of the animal. The name carries associations of strength, imposing presence, and a connection to wilderness and nature. While extremely rare as a legal first name, it has occasionally appeared as a nickname for athletes and other public figures. The name reflects a contemporary trend toward bold, nature-inspired naming choices. Moose projects a masculine, rugged image while simultaneously conveying a certain playful, approachable quality. It remains outside mainstream naming statistics but may appeal to parents seeking distinctive, memorable names with strong character associations.
      • Moss

        • Origin:

          English

        • Meaning:

          "descendant of Moses"

        • Description:

          This evocative green nature name, heard much more frequently as a surname, is associated with playwright Moss Hart (born Robert), who co-wrote (with George S. Kaufman) such enduring Broadway comedies as The Man Who Came to Dinner and You Can't Take it With You.
      • Monpe
        • Pepper

          • Origin:

            English from Latin, Sanskrit, "the pepper plant; berry"

          • Meaning:

            "the pepper plant; berry"

          • Description:

            With its bubbly sounds and stylish feel, Pepper joins a small but distinctive group of names inspired by the spice rack: Saffron, Juniper, Cassia, Sage, Ginger, and Rosemary. Enough like Pippa, Piper and Penelope that it feels usable, Pepper has appeared every year in the US stats since the 60s.
        • Petal

          • Origin:

            English from Greek

          • Meaning:

            "leaf"

          • Description:

            Petal is the soft and sweet-smelling name of a character in the novel and film, The Shipping News. With the rise of such flower names as Poppy and Posy, we believe Petal — down-to-earth yet romantic — has its own appealingly distinctive style.
        • Piano

          • Description:

            Piano is an unusual feminine name derived from the musical instrument, which itself comes from the Italian word 'piano,' meaning 'soft' or 'quiet.' As a given name, Piano is extremely rare, representing the category of musical names that occasionally appear in contemporary naming practices. Parents who choose this name likely have strong associations with music, perhaps as musicians themselves or deep appreciators of piano music. The name carries artistic connotations and suggests creativity, expression, and cultural refinement. While unusual as a given name in most cultures, Piano exemplifies the modern trend toward noun names with personal significance. Its distinctive quality ensures its bearer would have a truly unique identifier.

        • Pine

          • Origin:

            Nature name

          • Description:

            Worthy sibling for Oak, Elm, Juniper, and Spruce.
        • 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.
        • Pomeline

          • Origin:

            French, related to "apple"

          • Meaning:

            "apple"

          • Description:

            A rarely heard--even in France--name, most prominent as the third name of Charlotte Marie Pomeline Casiraghi, the daughter of Princess Caroline of Monaco and granddaughter of Grace Kelly.
        • Poppy

          • Origin:

            English from Latin

          • Meaning:

            "red flower"

          • Description:

            Poppy, unlike most floral names which are sweet and feminine, has a lot of spunk. Long popular throughout the rest of the English-speaking world, Poppy is finally starting to rise toward the top in the US, where it entered the Top 1000 for the first time in 2016.
        • Prairie

          • Origin:

            English nature name

          • Meaning:

            "prairie"

          • Description:

            Unspecific place name with a wonderfully wide-open, spacious, western feel; used for a character in Thomas Pynchon's novel Vineland.
        • Pigeon
          • Rain

            • Origin:

              Nature name

            • Description:

              Mostly feminine, though "Office" star Rainn Wilson gives it a slight masculine twist. You might also use this as a short form of Raines.
          • Rye

            • Origin:

              English, diminutive of Ryder or Riley; word name; British surname

            • Meaning:

              "cavalryman, messenger; rye"

            • Description:

              Rye has the potential to become the masculine version of Rue—a short and sweet name for nature lovers (and whiskey fans too!). Rye might be short for Ryder or Riley or Rylan or any Ry-beginning name, but increasingly it stands on its own. It can also be considered a place name, after the town in England.
          • Scorpio

            • Origin:

              Latin

            • Meaning:

              "scorpion"

            • Description:

              Of all the astrological names —think Leo, Aries, Gemini— Scorpio probably has the most dramatically potent presence, which could prove something of a burden to a young boy.
          • Sesame

            • Origin:

              Food name and word name

            • Description:

              Poppy is the most widely-used seed name, opening the door for Sesame. While Sesame has a pretty sound, it is not often used as a name -- fewer than five baby girls were given the name in the US in 2021. In kids' minds, this might be overly associated with Sesame Street.
          • Silver

            • Origin:

              English word name

            • Description:

              This shimmery Age of Aquarius unisex flower child name is making a comeback, along with metal and gem names like Steel, Jade, and Ruby.
          • Sparrow

            • Origin:

              Nature name

            • Description:

              With other bird names such as Lark and Phoenix on the rise, why not chirpy Sparrow? Nicole Richie and Joel Madden named their son, born in 2009, Sparrow James Midnight.
          • Storm

            • Origin:

              Word name

            • Description:

              Windswept and dramatic, but perhaps asking for trouble. Quite popular in Denmark and Sweden, where it derives from Stromr, which is a fairly common surname. Storm Thorgerson is a famous bearer of the name - he designed iconic album covers for Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, the Cranberries, Anthrax, and Pink Floyd.
          • Tawny

            • Origin:

              English word name

            • Meaning:

              "golden brown"

            • Description:

              Y-ending color adjectives like Tawny and Rusty are nowhere near as stylish as the more sophisticated Lilacs and Violets.
          • Tigerlily

            • Origin:

              English flower name

            • Description:

              This name of the bright orange flower found in Asia has been used occasionally in English-speaking countries. A notable namesake is Tiger Lily, the Native American princess from Peter Pan. Read more about Tiger Lily and other Disney Princess Names in our featured blog.
          • Tulip

            • Origin:

              Flower name, from Persian

            • Meaning:

              "turban"

            • Description:

              One of the most unusual flower names, Tulip is cute but tough to pull off as a first. It has some celebrity cred via Charlie Tamara Tulip, twin daughter of Rebecca Romijn and Jerry O'Connell. It derives from Persian dulband "turban", due to the distinctive shape of the flowers.
          • Whimsy

            • Origin:

              English word name

            • Meaning:

              "whimsical or fanciful"

            • Description:

              Whimsy is a new entry to the ever-expanding word name lexicon, sister for Pixie and Bliss. While it has an undeniable offbeat English aristocratic charm (maybe we're thinking of Dorothy Sayers' fictional detective Lord Peter Wimsey, whose middle name was Death?), we see this as more fitting for a middle than a first name.
          • Whisper
            • Zuzu

              • Origin:

                Czech diminutive of Susan

              • Meaning:

                "lily"

              • Description:

                This sizzling nickname Zuzu is heard every Christmas as the name of Jimmy Stewart's little girl in "It's a Wonderful Life," but we love it all year round as a lively alternative to double names like Gigi and Bibi.