Mostly Nature Names

By amesambrose

Updated Wed Apr 19 2023

A whimsical, unusual list of mostly boy nature names that I'll probably use to name an oc.

Agate
Basil
- Origin:
  Greek
- Meaning:
  "royal"
- Description:
  Although Greek in origin--in the fourth century, a bishop by that name established the principles of the Greek Orthodox Church--Basil for years took on the aura of aquiline-nosed upper-class Britishness of Sherlock Holmes portrayer Basil Rathbone, then spiced with the fragrant aroma of the herb that entered with the Pesto generation.
Bronze
- Origin:
  English word name
- Description:
  Third place on the sports field, but potentially more wearable than either Silver or Gold, Bronze feels modern and edgy.

Basalt
Cecil
- Origin:
  Latin
- Meaning:
  "blind"
- Description:
  Once a powerful Roman clan name, Cecil has lost much of its potency over the years, though it retains a strong presence in the sports and jazz worlds. Past bearers include film giant Cecil B. DeMille, poet Cecil Day Lewis, father of Daniel, and photographer Cecil Beaton. Fictional Cecils appear in Oscar Wilde's play, Lady Windemere's Fan, E. M. Foster's A Room With a View and the film Lee Daniel's The Butler.
Cobalt
- Origin:
  Color and nature name
- Description:
  Even among the range of blue names on the current baby naming palette -- Blue itself, Azure, Cerulean, Teal, Aqua, Cyan, Indigo -- Cobalt remains the most unusual, not to mention the most masculine.

Copper
- Origin:
  English
- Meaning:
  "a reddish brown mineral"
- Description:
  More unique than Cooper, and a favorite among pet parents. Copper was the loveable bloodhound from Disney's Fox and the Hound. Keep in mind that Copper is also slang for a policeman.
Cypress
- Origin:
  botanical name
- Description:
  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.
Chalk

Dandelion
- Origin:
  Flower name, from French
- Meaning:
  "lion's tooth"
- Description:
  The bright yellow weed lends itself to a creative baby name, although we don't recommend the nickname Dandy.
Diamond
- Origin:
  Gem name
- Description:
  Diamond was a big hit for girls in the nineties, ultimately making it into the Top 150. It's a relative rarity today for baby girls and boys, for whom the name also peaked in the nineties.
Ember
- Description:
  Ember is traditionally a unisex name that has been increasingly used for both boys and girls, though it's somewhat more common for females. Derived from the English word for a small, glowing piece of coal or wood in a dying fire, Ember evokes warmth, light, and enduring energy. The name gained popularity in the early 21st century as part of the trend toward nature-inspired names. For boys, it carries connotations of strength and subtle power. Ember also has connections to the ancient calendar month name 'September' (though etymologically distinct). Its short, two-syllable structure makes it straightforward yet distinctive, with a contemporary feel despite its ancient word origins.