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Aromatic names inspired by perfume

langtree
By langtree
Updated Wed May 10 2023
A list for all your eccentric baby-and-character naming needs inspired by fragrances I enjoy and the art of perfumery itself.
  1. Wisteria

    • Origin:

      Flower name, from English surname

    • Meaning:

      "Wister's flower"

    • Description:

      A frilly southern-accented flower name yet to be planted on many birth certificates. In the language of flowers, the wisteria is a symbol of devotion. It is named for American horticulturalist John Caspar Wister.
  2. Fig

    • Origin:

      Fruit name

    • Description:

      Fig was the unlikely name of a beautiful character in Curtis Sittenfeld's Man of My Dreams. Better bets: Plum, Quince, or even Apple. Still, you might consider Fig as an unusual nickname for any more formal F-starting name, from Frances to Fiona.
  3. Artemisia

    • Origin:

      Greek, variation of Artemis

    • Description:

      You might think Artemisia is the feminine form of the name, but in fact the original Artemis is feminine too, the name of the Greek mythological goddess of the moon. Artemisia Gentileschi was an esteemed Italian Baroque painter, unusual in an era when not many women were acknowledged. Artemisia is also a genus of plants which include sagebrush and tarragon.
  4. Endymion

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "dive into, enter"

    • Description:

      The name of a mythically handsome youth – loved by Selene, the moon, who bore him fifty daughters. If you're looking for a mythological name for your son, this might make an excellent choice both rare and appealing.
  5. Theseus

    • Origin:

      Greek mythology name

    • Description:

      The name of the Greek mythological hero famous for slaying the Minotaur is also heard in Chaucer and Shakespeare. While Theseus might have sounded pretentious for an American baby a decade ago, today with so many babies getting ancient mythogical names, it just might work.
  6. Roma

    • Origin:

      Italian place-name

    • Description:

      Never as popular as Florence; today's parents might prefer Venezia, Verona, or Romy. It is also a Hindu name meaning "one with shiny hair" and is another name for the goddess Lakshmi.

  7. Mirabelle

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "marvelous"

    • Description:

      If you're looking for a fresher belle name than Isabelle, Mirabelle is lovely, and we also like the extra flourish of Mirabella. And if you want a nature tie, Mirabelle is also the name of a delicate French plum.
  8. Anemone

    • Origin:

      Flower name; Greek

    • Meaning:

      "daughter of the wind"

    • Description:

      Anemone is a floral name that relates to the ancient Greek myth of the famous love story of Aphrodite and Adonis, in which Aphrodite transforms her wounded lover's blood into a flower, the crimson anemone, whose blossoms are opened by the wind — accounting for its other name, windflower.
  9. Mint

    • Origin:

      English word name or diminutive of Araminta, English from Greek and Latin

    • Meaning:

      "mint; defender; yielding to prayer"

    • Description:

      You may be tempted to scoff at Mint as another wacky celebrity baby name — it was used by Dutch model Romee Strijd for her daughter in 2020 — but it's a far more legitimate choice than many would guess. Minty baby names for girls are having a style moment in Nordic countries — Mynte is a Top 50 name in Denmark, and Minttu ranks in Finland's Top 50. It's ultimately not so surprising that a well-traveled international star would choose to use the English variation of these names for her daughter.
  10. Rima

    • Origin:

      Arabic; Lithuaniian

    • Meaning:

      "white antelope; to calm down, to quieten"

    • Description:

      Nature girl played by Audrey Hepburn in "Green Mansions," it now has an old-style bohemian feel.
  11. Mimosa

    • Origin:

      Latin plant name

    • Description:

      Adventurous parents are venturing deeper into the garden in search of fresh names, but remember that this also makes for an alcoholic brunch.
  12. Promise

    • Origin:

      English word name

    • Meaning:

      "a declaration that one will do or refrain from doing something specified"

    • Description:

      Promise is one of those word names with an uplifting meaning that is making inroads as a girls' name, like sisters Dream and Serenity. How promising is Promise as a first name? Our try at cleverness illustrates perhaps the biggest problem with naming your baby girl Promise: It will be difficult for people to resist making bad puns on the name. We promise (argh) you'll be tired of hearing them well before your baby Promise's first birthday.
  13. Terra

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "earth"

    • Description:

      A video-game import (Final Fantasy VI) for a character with green hair and a name that brings the outmoded Terry and Tara into the postmodern age.

  14. Pear

    • Origin:

      Fruit name

    • Description:

      Pear is a new entry to the growing list of fruit names, which includes the charming Plum, Clementine, and Apple. Its one, not inconsiderable drawback is its similarity to "pair," which is sure to lead to a lifetime of wearisome quips.
  15. Verbena

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "sacred foliage"

    • Description:

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

    • Origin:

      Form of Mignon, French

    • Meaning:

      "delicate, dainty"

    • Description:

      Mignonette is kind of a diminutive of a diminutive. Mignon is the French word for cute, so Mignonette is more or less cutie.
  17. Orris

    • Description:

      Orris is a masculine name with roots in both Latin and Old Norse languages. In Latin, it's derived from 'horridus' meaning 'bristly' or 'rough,' while in Old Norse it may relate to names containing 'ørr' meaning 'arrow.' Historically, Orris was used as a surname before evolving into a given name. It shares connections with the iris flower, as orris root is derived from certain iris species, giving it botanical associations. Orris has remained quite rare throughout history, never reaching high popularity rankings in the United States or other English-speaking countries. The name carries a distinctive, vintage quality that sets it apart, while its rarity makes it an uncommon choice for modern parents seeking a unique masculine name with historical depth.
  18. Geranium

    • Origin:

      Flower name, from Greek

    • Meaning:

      "crane"

    • Description:

      Offbeat flower name, sure to raise some eyebrows. But with Lily, Rose, and even Daisy starting to wilt, more alluring blooms such as Geranium, Magnolia, and Azalea may blossom.
  19. Vetiver

    • Origin:

      Nature name

    • Description:

      The name of a grass plant native to India, which is used in aromatherapy and for its essential oil.
  20. Luminosa

    • Description:

      Luminosa is a feminine name with Latin origins, meaning 'full of light' or 'luminous.' This evocative name derives from the Latin 'lumen' (light) and directly connects to concepts of brightness, radiance, and illumination. Popular in Italian and Spanish-speaking countries, Luminosa carries poetic connotations of someone who brings light or knowledge to others. The name has religious undertones in Catholic traditions, sometimes associated with 'Mary, Light of the World.' While uncommon in English-speaking countries, its meaning is easily understood across languages. Luminosa's four melodic syllables create a rhythmic, flowing sound that feels both elegant and warm. For parents seeking a name with clear positive meaning and a romantic, international flair, Luminosa offers a distinctive yet accessible option.