Spices - Beyond Basil And Ginger

Name of the licorice plant, this spice comes in the shape of a star, giving this name an extra level of sweetness.

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.

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.

Like River and Lake, a cool, refreshing modern water-related choice.

An ancient Celtic name worn by one of the Knights of the Round Table, as well as a semi-legendary Welsh King.

A sweet and rare spice name, which made its first and only appearance on the US baby name charts in 1969 – the year Neil Young's song "Cinnamon Girl" was released.

Clove is one of a whole tantalizing genre of spice names that might work for a boy. Clovis could be considered a long form.