Boys Plant Names

Acker is a surname name that has not seen much use to date, but given it's lush nature meaning (and the fact that it also means "friend" in Somerset slang) this could be a cute choice for parents looking for something fresh. An added bonus its link to English "Master of the Clarinet" Acker Bilk. The Dutch version, Akker, is also an option.

Bentley, a somewhat stuffy British surname, previously associated primarily with an incredibly expensive English car, has had a recent surge in popularity, thanks largely to the reality TV shows 16 and Pregnant and Teen Mom, with Bentley being the name of the son of breakout star Maci (another new favorite) Bookout.

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

An English surname name, Bradley has a long history, dating way back to at least 1086, but as a first name it actually succeeded in the US before it reached England--though Dickens used it in his novel Our Mutual Friend. Bradley Cooper is one namesake.

An unexpected route to nicknames Bram or Wells, this English surname derives from a historical hamlet in England, whose exact location has been lost to time. It comes from the Old English word for "bramble bush", giving it a connection to the natural world.

Florrian is a masculine name that appears to be a variant spelling of Florian, which derives from the Latin 'Florianus,' meaning 'flowering' or 'blossoming.' The name has ancient Roman roots, associated with Florianus, a Roman Emperor who briefly ruled in 276 CE. Throughout European history, particularly in German, Austrian, and Eastern European cultures, Florian has maintained steady popularity, with this alternative spelling being much rarer. Saint Florian, a Roman military officer who became the patron saint of firefighters, lends the name religious significance. The double 'r' spelling gives the name a distinctive quality while maintaining its classical heritage. Florrian combines masculine strength with natural imagery, suggesting someone who thrives or brings prosperity. Though uncommon in English-speaking countries, it fits with the trend toward reviving classic names with slight modern twists.

Stylish way to name your son after basketball great Walt -- though Walt is sounding fresh again too.

The great American novelist sets this above many other surnames (and nature names, for that matter), but it's still an imposing and adventurous choice. Do nicknames Hawk or Thorne make it more approachable? How about Hank or Hal instead?

Heywood is a masculine name of English origin, derived from a surname referring to 'the enclosed forest' or 'fenced wood' in Old English. As a given name, Heywood emerged from the English tradition of using family surnames as first names, particularly during the 19th and early 20th centuries. While never extremely common, it gained some recognition through notable bearers like American filmmaker Heywood Gould and jazz musician Heywood Henry. The name conveys qualities of stability, tradition, and natural strength. It has an aristocratic English feel with its connection to land ownership and geography. Though Heywood has declined in usage in recent decades, it retains appeal for parents seeking a distinctive name with Anglo-Saxon roots and woodland associations.

One of the new K boys' names that emerged in the nineties, it's now slipping off the radar.

Kingsley is a sophisticated Harry Potter name that entered the US Top 1000 in 2013.

Lander is a name that straddles two trends. It's an er-ending surname name, ala Cooper and Carter. And it's also, more subtly, a green name, in the manner of Fielder or Reed.