Aromatic spice used in cooking, and a cute route to Meg, Nutmeg is predominantly used on pets rather than humans.

There is a whole new species of bird names open to the baby namer, from the light and feminine Lark to the sleek and powerful Falcon.

Mesa is both the term for a flat-topped mountain, derived from the Spanish word for "table", and the Thai variation of April.

Orchid is a hothouse bloom that has not been plucked by many modern baby namers — yet. In the language of flowers, orchids symbolize love, beauty, and sophistication.

Worthy sibling for Oak, Elm, Juniper, and Spruce.

One of the more unusual of the current crop of strong, single-syllable boys' names, evoking the images of both old-fashioned blackboards and modern stepping-stones and countertops.

The field of nature names is constantly expanding to include all species of flowers and trees and animals and birds and even fish. In addition to its appeal for anglers, Pike recalls Zebulon Pike, the explorer who discovered and gave his name to Pike's Peak.

A distinctive word name with musical ties, Oasis was given to 20 girls in 2024, compared with 14 in 2023.

One of the more unusual nature names, Maize is given to a dozen or so boys and girls each year and is almost completely unisex in terms of usage. It could also be short for Maisie/Maizie. Disclaimer: potential for "corny" jokes.

Word name possibility carrying the scent of licorice-like anise. Fennel gets its own name from the Latin word feniculum, meaning "little hay".

Spicy.

Gazelle is a feminine name derived directly from the animal name, referring to the swift, graceful antelope known for its elegance and speed. The word itself traces back through French and Arabic origins, ultimately from the Arabic 'ghazāl.' As a given name, Gazelle embodies qualities of grace, beauty, and agility. Though uncommon as a personal name, it falls within the category of nature and animal names that have gained some popularity in recent decades. Gazelle appeals to parents seeking names with clear imagery and positive symbolic associations. The name conveys a sense of freedom, natural beauty, and elegance, making it an evocative choice for those drawn to names with connections to the natural world.

Grrrr.