Vespertine's Botanical Favorites

Lilou

Occitan pet form of French Liliane, or French compound of Lili and Louise

"lily; lily + renowned warrior"

Sweet, enchanting Lilou is considered both a pet name from the Occitan language (spoken in Provence in the south of France), and a compound name, blending floral Lili with classic Louise. It peaked…

Lupine

Flower name from Latin

"pertaining to the wolf"

Lupine (spelled Lupin outside of North America) is a flower related to sweetpeas. It was given its wolfish meaning because the plant was said to deplete the soil. Comedian Jenny Slate used it as a…

Margaux

French spelling variation of Margo

Yes, it's pronounced with a long o sound at the end, just like Margo and Margot. This spelling was popularized by supermodel, actress, and tragic Hemingway granddaughter Margaux, whose name spelling…

Rosamel

French and Spanish

"rose and honey"

A French surname turned Spanish masculine given name, Rosamel likely derives from the combination of rose + Greek mel "honey". As a surname, it was borne by a 19th century French naval officer with…