Extensive List of Botanical Names

Cedar

English and French from Latin tree name

"cedar tree"

Cedar is, like Ash, Oak, Pine and Ebony, one of the new tree/wood names that parents are starting to consider; this one is particularly aromatic with a similar feel to more classic options like…

Cypress

botanical name

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.

Lupin

Flower, animal, and literary name, from Latin

"pertaining to the wolf"

Lupin is an unusual flower name with roots in Old French, from the Latin lupinus , meaning "pertaining to the wolf". In the literary world, it's the surname of Remus Lupin, a popular character in the…

Indigo

Greek

"Indian dye"

Indigo is one of the most appealing and evocative of the new generation of color names. Color names have joined flower and jewel names -- in a big way -- and Indigo, a deep blue-purple dye from…

Tarragon

Plant name from Greek

"dragon herb"

Linden

Variation of Lyndon

"linden tree hill"

The graceful, natural image of the verdant shade tree transcends any connection with President Johnson. A sturdy tree that can live for centuries, Linden was actually quite a popular boys' name from…

Moss

English

"descendant of Moses"

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…

Thorn

English

"prickle"

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.

Quince

Latin

"applelike fruit"

The girls have Apple, Plum, Peaches, Cherry, and Berry: here's one variety of fruit suitable for a boy.

Osier

Surname and nature name

"willow tree or shoot"

A handsome nature name – and an intriguing alternative to Willow – that is also found as a rare English surname.

Yew

Nature name

Yes, Yew is a tree name, but it's similarity to "you" makes it a potentially problematic choice as a first name.

Bay

English word, Old English

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

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…

Salix

Latin, botanical name

An unusual name related to the willow family.

Spruce

Tree name

A handsome, spruced-up post-Bruce tree name.

Banyan

Indian

"the God tree"

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

Huckleberry

Word name and literary name

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.…