Names inspired by things that grow and bloom help connect us to the natural world. Flower and plant names can evoke a sense of innocence, simplicity, and reverence for nature. With the wide range of botanical names to choose from, there is sure to be a classic, unique, modern, bold, or creative moniker to suit your taste.
Popular Flower and Plant Baby Names for Girls
Learn more about the meanings, origin, and popularity of flower and plant-related baby names for girls.
Alyssum
Origin: Greek Meaning: A ground cover plant Alternative Spellings & Variations: Alyssa, Alissa Famous Namesakes: Alyssa Milano is an American actor, producer, singer, author, and activist. Peak Popularity: Alyssum is a unique name that is not listed in the top 1,000 names for girls in the U.S. However, the variation Alyssa has been a Top 1,000 name since 1963. It reached number 11 in 1998.
Amaryllis
Origin: GreekMeaning: SparklingFamous Namesakes: Amaryllis is the literary character and the heroine in Virgil’s epic poem “Eclogues.” Amaryllis is also the name of the piano student in the Broadway musical and movie “The Music Man.“Peak Popularity: Amaryllis is a unique name that is not listed in the top 1,000 names for girls.
Azalea
Origin: GreekMeaning: DryAlternative Spellings & Variations: AzealiaFamous Namesakes: Iggy Azalea is an Australian-born musician and entertainer. Azealia Banks is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, and actor.Peak Popularity: Azalea entered the Social Security list of top 1,000 names for the first time in 2012. It is currently at the peak of its popularity, ranking at 483 in 2020.
Blossom
Origin: Old EnglishMeaning: Flower-like, to bloomFamous Namesakes: Blossom Russo is a fictional character from the popular 1990’s television sitcom “Blossom.” Blossom Dearie was an American jazz singer and pianist during the second half of the 20th century.Peak Popularity: Blossom entered the Social Security list of top 1,000 names for the first time in 1903. It peaked in 1925 when it ranked number 727.
Calla
Origin: GreekMeaning: Beautiful, from the flower calla lilyFamous Namesakes: Calla Urbanski was a former American pair skater and two-time U.S. national champion.Peak Popularity: Calla is a unique name that is not listed in the top 1,000 names for girls.
Camellia
Origin: LatinMeaning: Helper to the priest; the flower was named after Jesuit botanist Georg Joseph KamelAlternative Spellings & Variations: CamillaFamous Namesakes: Camellia Johnson was an American operatic soprano.Peak Popularity: Camellia is a unique name that is not listed in the top 1,000 names for girls.
Chrysanta
Origin: GreekMeaning: A shortened form of the word Chrysanthemum, meaning “golden flower"Peak Popularity: Chrysanta is a unique name that is not listed in the top 1,000 names for girls.
Cicely
Origin: EnglishMeaning: Sweet cicely is a fern-like herbAlternative Spellings & Variations: Cecily, CeciliaFamous Namesakes: Cicely Tyson was an American actor who was nominated for an Academy Award and Golden Globe Award. Cecily Strong is an American actor, comedian, and cast member of “Saturday Night Live.“Peak Popularity: Cicely appeared for a couple of years on the top 1,000 names for girls in the 1970s. In 1973 it ranked 702, and in 1974 it ranked 608.
Clementine
Origin: EnglishMeaning: Gentle; orange fruitFamous Namesakes: Clementine Kruczynski is a fictional character played by Kate Winslet in “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.” Clementine is a muppet on Sesame Street. Clementine is also a fictional character in the TV show, “Caillou.“Peak Popularity: Clementine appeared consistently on the top 1,000 names for girls until the mid-1950s. It reappeared in 2014 and has been gaining traction since. The most popular year for Clementine since 1900 was in 1911, when it ranked 444. In 2020, it ranked at 610.
Clover
Origin: Old EnglishMeaning: Good luckFamous Namesakes: Marian “Clover” Hooper Adams was an American socialite and photographer who was rumored to be the inspiration for Henry James’s novel “Portrait of a Lady.” Clover the Clever is a character in the “My Little Pony” animated series.Peak Popularity: Clover is a unique name that is not listed in the top 1,000 names for girls.
Dahlia
Origin: Latin, HebrewMeaning: Dahlia has more than one meaning. In Hebrew, it means “flowering branch,” such as the tip of a grapevine or olive branch. The dahlia flower was named after Swedish botanist Anders Dahl. Dal is the Swedish word for “valley” and the dahlia is sometimes referred to as the “valley flower.“Alternative Spellings & Variations: DaliaFamous Namesakes: Dahlia Salem is an American actor. Dahlia Duhaney was a Jamaican Olympic sprinter who won the world title in the women’s 4 × 100 meter relay at the 1991 IAAF World Championships.Peak Popularity: Dahlia entered the Social Security list of top 1,000 names for the first time in 2006. It is currently at the peak of its popularity, ranking at number 352 in 2020.
Daisy
Origin: Old EnglishMeaning: Day’s eyeFamous Namesakes: Daisy Fuentes is a model and actor as well as MTV’s first Latina video host. Daisy Ridley is an English actor who plays the role of Rey in the “Star Wars” sequel trilogy.Peak Popularity: Daisy ranked in the Social Security list of top 1,000 names in 1900 at number 81. It hasn’t been as popular since then but has continued to remain on the list of top 1,000 names.
Daphne
Origin: GreekMeaning: Laurel tree, bay treeFamous Namesakes: Daphne Bridgerton is a fictional main character from the Netflix historical drama series “Bridgerton.” Daphne Zuniga is an American actor.Peak Popularity: Daphne ranked in the Social Security list of top 1,000 names in 1900 at number 926. It peaked in 1962 at number 266 and has continued to remain on the list of top 1,000 names.
Elowen
Origin: CornishMeaning: ElmAlternative Spellings & Variations: Elowyn, ElowynnPeak Popularity: Elowen is a unique name not ranked in the Social Security list of top 1,000 names.
Fern
Origin: Old EnglishMeaning: Fern, featherAlternative Spellings & Variations: FerneFamous Namesakes: Fern Arable is a character in the classic children’s book “Charlotte’s Web.“Peak Popularity: Fern ranked in the Social Security list of top 1,000 names in 1900 at number 193. It peaked in 1916 at number 152 and has continued to remain on the list of the top 1,000 names.
Flora
Origin: LatinMeaning: FlowerAlternative Spellings & Variations: Florence, FleurFamous Namesakes: Flora is the name of the Roman goddess of flowers and gardens. Florence Nightingale was a British nurse, social reformer, and statistician best known as the founder of modern nursing.Peak Popularity: Flora ranked in the Social Security list of top 1,000 names in 1900 at number 106. It peaked in 1902 at number 100 and remains on the list of top 1,000 names.
Forsythia
Origin: ScottishMeaning: Forsyth’s flowerPeak Popularity: Forsythia is a unique name that is not ranked in the Social Security list of top 1,000 names.
Ginger
Origin: EnglishMeaning: Ginger plantAlternative Spellings & Variations: Ginger can be a nickname for Virginia.Famous Namesakes: Ginger Rogers was an iconic American actor, dancer, and singer during the Golden Age of Hollywood.Peak Popularity: Ginger ranked in the Social Security list of top 1,000 names for the first time in 1933. It peaked in 1971 at number 187 and dropped off the list of top 1,000 names in 1990.
Hazel
Origin: Old EnglishMeaning: Hazelnut treeFamous Namesakes: Hazel Dickens was an American bluegrass singer who was known for her singing style and feminist songs. Hazel Brooks was a model and Hollywood star of the 1940s.Peak Popularity: Hazel ranked in the Social Security list of top 1,000 names in 1900 at number 29. In 1901 it reached its pinnacle at number 23, then descended close to the bottom of the list in the 1990s. It has since rebounded and ranked 31 in 2020.
Heather
Origin: Middle EnglishMeaning: Evergreen flowering plantFamous Namesakes: Heather Locklear is an American actor who once received four consecutive Golden Globe nominations for Best Actress.Peak Popularity: Heather entered the Social Security list of top 1,000 names for the first time in 1935 when it was ranked number 870. It peaked in 1975 when it made its way all the way up to number 3.
Holly
Origin: Old EnglishMeaning: Holly treeFamous Namesakes: Holly Robinson Peete is an American actor, author, talk show host, activist, and philanthropist. Holly Hunter is an actor and the recipient of an Academy Award, a BAFTA Award, a Golden Globe Award, and two Primetime Emmy Awards.Peak Popularity: Holly entered the Social Security list of top 1,000 names for the first time in 1936 at number 981. It peaked in 1979 and 1983 when it was ranked number 48.
Indigo
Origin: Greek, EnglishMeaning: Purple-blue dye color from the plant IndigoferaFamous Namesakes: Indigo “Indi” Walker is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera “Home and Away.“Peak Popularity: Indigo is a unique name that is not listed in the top 1,000 names for girls.
Iris
Origin: GreekMeaning: Rainbow; the iris flowerFamous Namesakes: Iris Bahr is an American-Israeli actor, author, and producer. Iris Chang was an American author best known for her best-selling 1997 book, “The Rape of Nanking.“Peak Popularity: Iris is currently at the peak of its popularity, ranking at number 127 in 2020.
Ivy
Origin: LatinMeaning: VineFamous Namesakes: Blue Ivy Carter, the daughter of musicians Beyoncé and Jay-Z, is an American singer and Instagram star.Peak Popularity: Ivy ranked in the Social Security list of top 1,000 names in 1900 at number 383. It barely held on to the top 1,000 spot in 1944 when it dropped down to number 996. However, the name Ivy made a comeback and is currently at the peak of its popularity, ranking at number 58 in 2020.
Jasmine
Origin: PersianMeaning: Gift from GodAlternative Spellings & Variations: Jessamine, Yasmin, YasmineFamous Namesakes: Princess Jasmine is Aladdin’s spunky romantic interest from the Disney animated film “Aladdin.” Yasmine Bleeth is an American actor best known for her role in the television show “Baywatch.“Peak Popularity: Jasmine entered the Social Security list of top 1,000 names for the first time in 1973 at number bentl863. It peaked in 1993 and 1994 when it ranked number 23 on the list.
Juniper
Origin: LatinMeaning: Young, evergreenAlternative Spellings & Variations: JuneFamous Namesakes: Saint Juniper was a disciple of St. Francis of Assisi in the 13th century. The female protagonist in the movie “Benny & Joon” was named Juniper.Peak Popularity: Juniper entered the Social Security list of top 1,000 names for the first time in 2011 at number 953. It quickly climbed the charts and is now at the peak of its popularity, ranking at number 172 in 2020.
Laurel
Origin: LatinMeaning: Laurel plantAlternative Spellings & Variations: Laurelle, LorelleFamous Namesakes: Laurel Clark was an American astronaut.Peak Popularity: Laurel entered the Social Security list of top 1,000 names for the first time in 1901 at number 869 and dropped on and off the list for the next two decades. It made its way back on the list and peaked in 1956 when it was ranked number 241.
Lavender
Origin: LatinMeaning: Sweet-smelling flower; soft purpleFamous Namesakes: Lavender Brown is a character in the “Harry Potter” saga. Lavender is also the name of the best friend character in Roald Dahl’s book “Matilda.“Peak Popularity: Lavender does not appear on the top 1,000 list of girls’ names.
Lily
Origin: Latin Meaning: Lily flower; pure, white, innocent Alternative Spellings & Variations: Lillie, Lilly Famous Namesakes: Lily James is an English actor and model. Lily is also the name of Harry Potter’s mother in the “Harry Potter” series. Peak Popularity: Lily ranked in the Social Security list of top 1,000 names in 1900 at number 292. It barely held on to the top 1,000 spot in 1970 when its rank dropped to 992. However, the name Lily made a comeback and peaked in 2020 when it was ranked number 15.
Magnolia
Origin: French, LatinMeaning: Magnol’s flower, named after French naturalist Pierre MagnolFamous Namesakes: Princess Magnolia is a fictional character in the popular children’s book series “The Princess in Black.” Magnolia Hawks is a character in the 1926 novel “The Showboat.“Peak Popularity: Magnolia ranked in the Social Security list of top 1,000 names in 1900 at number 517. Between 1941 and 2012 it dropped out of the top 1,000 altogether. However, the name made a comeback and is climbing the charts. It is currently at the peak of its popularity, ranking at number 177 in 2020.
Maple
Origin: Old EnglishMeaning: Maple treeFamous Namesakes: Maple is the free-spirited character who loves nature featured in Lori Nichol’s children’s book “Maple.“Peak Popularity: Maple entered the Social Security list of top 1,000 names just once in 1902 when it ranked 957. It hasn’t made the list since then.
Marigold
Origin: EnglishMeaning: Golden flower. Historically called “Mary’s Gold,” these flowers are associated with the Virgin Mary.Famous Namesakes: Marigold is the name of a little girl in the popular period drama “Downton Abbey”.Peak Popularity: Marigold is a unique name that is not listed in the top 1,000 names for girls.
Meadow
Origin: Old EnglishMeaning: Field of grass, vegetationFamous Namesakes: Meadow Sisto is an American actor. The name Meadow was also used for characters in television shows, “The Sopranos,” “Orange is the New Black,” and “American Horror Story: Cult.“Peak Popularity: Meadow entered the Social Security list of top 1,000 names for the first time in 2001 at number 806. The name almost dropped out of the top 1,000 names list in 2013. However, it made a comeback and is currently at the peak of its popularity, since ranking at number 476 in 2020.
Myrtle
Origin: GreekMeaning: Evergreen shrubFamous Namesakes: Myrtle McAteer is an American tennis player who won the U.S. National Championships (now known as the U.S. Open) singles title in 1900, and doubles titles in 1899 and 1901. Peak Popularity: Myrtle ranked in the Social Security list of top 1,000 names in 1900 at number 32, but its popularity steadily declined until it dropped off the list in 1966.
Olive
Origin: LatinMeaning: Olive, olive treeAlternative Spellings & Variations: OliviaFamous Namesakes: Olive Marie Osmond is an American singer and actor who is a member of the Osmond show-business family,Peak Popularity: Olive ranked in the Social Security list of top 1,000 names in 1900 at number 95. It dropped off the list after 1950 and finally made its way back in 2007. It ranked at number 197 in 2020.
Parsley
Origin: French, EnglishMeaning: To cross the water; leafy, green herbFamous Namesakes: Parsley is more popular as a surname. Ambrosia Parsley is an American alternative singer/songwriter.Peak Popularity: Parsley is a unique name that does not appear on the Social Security list of top 1,000 names.
Pepper
Origin: EnglishMeaning: Berry; vining plant that produces a common spiceFamous Namesakes: Pepper Potts is Tony Stark’s assistant and love interest in the Marvel series. Pepper is a fictional character in the musical, “Annie.“Peak Popularity: Since 1900, Pepper has only appeared one time on the Social Security list of top 1,000 names. In 1975 it ranked 956.
Poppy
Origin: LatinMeaning: Red flowerFamous Namesakes: Poppy Pomfrey is the nurse in the “Harry Potter” series. Poppy Lifton is a character in “Gossip Girl.“Peak Popularity: Poppy first entered the Social Security list of top 1,000 names in 2016 at number 747. It has continued to climb the charts and is now at the peak of its popularity, ranking at number 462 in 2020.
Primrose
Origin: EnglishMeaning: First rose; tree of the moorFamous Namesakes: Primrose “Prim” Everdeen is a fictional character in the “Hunger Games” series. Peak Popularity: Primrose is a unique name that does not appear in the Social Security list of top 1,000 names.
Rose
Origin: LatinMeaning: The rose flower; a warm pink colorAlternative Spellings & Variations: Rosie, Rosy, RosaFamous Namesakes: Rose Leslie is a Scottish actor best known for her role in HBO series “Game of Thrones.” Rose McGowan is an American actor who starred in the television series “Charmed.“Peak Popularity: Rose ranked in the Social Security list of top 1,000 names in 1900 at number 18. It peaked in 1911 and 1913 when it was ranked number 14. The name remained on the list throughout the decades and is currently ranked number 113 in 2020.
Rosemary
Origin: LatinMeaning: Dew of the sea, due to its salty texture and ability to thrive in coastal climatesAlternative Spellings & Variations: Rosemarie, RosemeryFamous Namesakes: Rosemary Kennedy was the sister of President John F Kennedy. Rosemary Clooney was a popular singer, actor, and musician in the 1950s.Peak Popularity: Rosemary ranked in the Social Security list of top 1,000 names in 1900 at number 539. It remains on the list but peaked in 1946 when it was ranked number 74.
Rue
Origin: English, GreekMeaning: Herb; regretFamous Namesakes: Rue McClanahan was an American actor best known for her role in the TV series “The Golden Girls.” Rue is also a fictional character in the series “The Hunger Games.“Peak Popularity: Rue is a unique name that does not appear on the Social Security list of top 1,000 names.
Sage
Origin: LatinMeaning: Leafy herb; wiseFamous Namesakes: Sage Spence is a character on the television show “Gossip Girl.“Peak Popularity: Sage entered the Social Security list of top 1,000 names in 1993 at number 912. It is currently at the peak of its popularity since ranking at number 223 in 2020.
Savannah
Origin: SpanishMeaning: Grassy plainAlternative Spellings & Variations: Savana, Savanah, SavannaFamous Namesakes: Savannah Guthrie is a broadcast journalist and co-anchor of NBC’s “Today” show. Character in the 1982 movie, “Savannah Smiles.“Peak Popularity: Savannah was consistently on the Social Security list of top 1,000 names from 1900 to 1931. At that point, it fell off for more than 50 years, not reappearing until 1983. Between the mid-90s and 2018, it was a top-50 name for girls. It peaked in popularity in 2006 and 2007 at number 30.
Sequoia
Origin: Native American (Cherokee)Meaning: Giant redwood treeAlternative Spellings & Variations: Sequoya, SequoyahFamous Namesakes: Sequoyah was a Native American who created the Cherokee syllabary, which allowed for reading and writing in Cherokee. Sequoia National Park, located in California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains, is known for its enormous sequoia trees.Peak Popularity: Sequoia is a unique gender-neutral name that does not appear on the Social Security list of top 1,000 names.
Veronica
Origin: Greek/LatinMeaning: She who brings victory; plant with small, bright blue flowers.Famous Namesakes: Saint Veronica is the patron saint of photographers. Veronica Lake was an actor during the Golden Age of Hollywood in the 1940s. Veronica Mars is the titular character of an American teen mystery drama television series.Peak Popularity: Veronica ranked in the Social Security list of top 1,000 names in 1900 at number 213. It has remained on the list and peaked at number 68 three times since, the last being in 1983.
Violet
Origin: LatinMeaning: Purple flower, purple colorFamous Namesakes: Violet Oakley was a renowned American artist of mural decoration during the first quarter of the twentieth century. She was also the first American woman to receive a public mural commission.Peak Popularity: Violet ranked in the Social Security list of top 1,000 names in 1900 at number 109. It dropped off the list many times from the 1970s to the 1990s. However, once it joined the list again in 1998 it steadily increased in popularity. It is currently at the peak of its popularity, after ranking at number 37 in 2020.
Willow
Origin: Old EnglishMeaning: Tree that grows by waterAlternative Spellings & Variations: WillaFamous Namesakes: Willow Smith, daughter of actors Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith, is an American singer, songwriter, rapper, record producer, actor, and dancer.Peak Popularity: Willow entered the Social Security list of top 1,000 names for the first time in 1998 at number 854. It has been steadily increasing in popularity and is currently at its peak, ranking at number 45 in 2019.
Wisteria
Origin: GermanMeaning: Flowering vine named for Caspar WistarPeak Popularity: Wisteria is a unique name that is not listed in the Social Security’s top 1,000 names.
Zinnia
Origin: GermanMeaning: Brightly colored flower in the daisy and sunflower familyAlternative Spellings & Variations: Zinny, NiaFamous Namesakes: In Roald Dahl’s book “Matilda,” Zinnia is the name of Matilda’s mother. Zinnia is also the main character in Sharon Creech’s book “Chasing Redbird.“Peak Popularity: Zinnia is a unique name that is not listed in the Social Security’s top 1,000 names.
Popular Plant Baby Names for Boys
Botanical names aren’t reserved for girls. Learn more about plant-related baby names for boys. Fun Fact: Alyssum is often referred to as sweet alyssum. Used in herbal medicine as a diuretic, it can also be added to salad or used as a colorful edible garnish.
Ash
Origin: Old English Meaning: Ash tree Alternative Spellings & Variations: Ashe, Ashton Famous Namesakes: Ash is the boy hero of the Pokemon cartoons. Ash Fox is the son of Mr. Fox in the animated film “Fantastic Mr. Fox.” Peak Popularity: Ash is a unique name that is not listed in the top 1,000 names for boys.
Aspen
Origin: Old EnglishMeaning: Deciduous tree native to northern climatesFamous Namesakes: Aspen Miller is a Broadway actor and singer.Peak Popularity: In 2020, Aspen was ranked 224 in popularity for girl’s names. It did not make the top 1,000 names for boys.
Aster
Origin: GreekMeaning: StarFamous Namesakes: Aster Berkhof was the pen name of Belgian writer Lodewijk Paulina Van Den Bergh. He wrote dozens of novels between the years 1947 and the early 1990s. Peak Popularity: Aster is a unique name, not listed on the Social Security list of top 1,000 names.
Balsam
Origin: LatinMeaning: Aromatic resin; a type of evergreen treePeak Popularity: Balsam is a unique name that is not listed on the Social Security list of top 1,000 names.
Bay
Origin: LatinMeaning: Berry; also bay tree; also coastal body of waterFamous Namesakes: Bay is most common as a surname. Michael Bay is an American filmmaker most famous for his “Transformers” movies.Peak Popularity: Bay is a unique name not listed on the Social Security list of top 1,000 names.
Basil
Origin: GreekMeaning: Herb, Greek for “King"Alternative Spellings & Variations: Basel, Basile, Bazil, Bacil, BasiloFamous Namesakes: Basil Rathbone was an English actor from the 1930s and 1940s who appeared in more than 70 films. Basil is also the name of the hero and title character in the Disney animated film “The Great Mouse Detective.” Peak Popularity: Basil entered the Social Security list of top 1,000 names for the first time in 1900 at number 359. It steadily decreased in popularity, dropping off the list in 1971.
Bentley
Origin: Old EnglishMeaning: Bent grass, woodland, or clearingFamous Namesakes: Bentley Drummle is a character in “Great Expectations,” a classic novel by Charles Dickens. Bentley Mitchum is an American actor who has appeared in over 40 films and television series.Peak Popularity: Bentley entered the Social Security list of top 1,000 names for the first time in 1961 at number 951. It dropped out of the list in 1963 and reentered it in 2007. It peaked in 2011 and 2012 when it ranked 75th on the list.
Birch
Origin: EnglishMeaning: A deciduous tree with distinctive white, silver, black, or gray barkAlternative Spellings & Variations: Birk (Scandinavian)Famous Namesakes: Birch Wilson was an American political activist and member of the Socialist Party of America in the 1920s. Birch Bayh was a U.S. senator from Indiana from the 1960s to the early 1980s.Peak Popularity: Birch is a unique name that is not listed in the top 1,000 names for boys.
Bramble
Origin: Old EnglishMeaning: A thicket or thorny shrubAlternative Spellings & Variations: BramFamous Namesakes: Bramble is more common as a surname. Titus Bramble is a former English professional soccer player, who played in the Premier League from 2000 to 2013.Peak Popularity: Bramble is a unique name that is not listed in the top 1,000 names for boys.
Bramwell
Origin: Old EnglishMeaning: Nook of land where broom shrub growsAlternative Spellings & Variations: BranwellFamous Namesakes: Bramwell Fletcher was an English actor who appeared in both the last silent film and the first talking picture produced in Britain. He then worked in Hollywood and on Broadway for several decades.Peak Popularity: Bramwell is a unique name that is not listed in the top 1,000 names for boys.
Briar
Origin: EnglishMeaning: Thorny, prickly plantFamous Namesakes: Briar Nolet is a Canadian dancer and actor, most famous for her role in the TV series, “The Next Step.” She also competed in “World of Dance.“Peak Popularity: Briar has been an increasingly popular gender neutral name in the U.S. since 2015. For boys, it ranked in popularity at 755 in 2020 on the Social Security list of top 1,000 names.
Cedar
Origin: GreekMeaning: Coniferous tree native to the Mediterranean and HimalayasFamous Namesakes: Cedar Walton, Jr. was a famous American jazz musician, who rose in popularity when he was part of the band The Jazz Messengers. Cedar Sigo is a Suquamish author and poet born in the Puget Sound area.Peak Popularity: Cedar is a unique name that is not listed in the top 1,000 names for boys.
Clove
Origin: GermanMeaning: Buds of an evergreen tree, commonly used as a spiceFamous Namesakes: Clove is a fictional character in the book series “The Hunger Games.” She is a tribute from District Two and one of Katniss’s main opponents.Peak Popularity: Clove is a unique name that is not listed in the top 1,000 names for boys.
Coleus
Origin: GreekMeaning: Flowering plant in the mint familyAlternative Spellings & Variations: ColeFamous Namesakes: Cole Sprouse is an American actor most famous for his roles in “The Suite Life of Zack and Cody,” “Riverdale,” and “Five Feet Apart.“Peak Popularity: Coleus is a unique name that is not listed in the top 1,000 names for boys. However, Cole peaked in popularity in the late 1990s and early 2000s. In 2002 and 2003 it ranked as the 69th most popular name. In 2020, Cole was ranked 131 in popularity for boys.
Coriander
Origin: GreekMeaning: Dried cilantro seeds used as a spiceAlternative Spellings & Variations: Cory, Corey, Andy, AnderPeak Popularity: Coriander is a unique name that is not listed in the top 1,000 names for boys. However, Cory and Corey were popular names in the 1980s—possibly due to the popularity of the actors Corey Haim and Corey Feldman, who starred together in films like “The Lost Boys,” “Stand By Me,” and “Goonies.” In 2020, Corey ranked 525 in popularity for boys.
Cypress
Origin: GreekMeaning: Coniferous tree, symbol of mourningAlternative Spellings & Variations: CyprusFamous Namesakes: Cypress Hill is an American hip-hop group, most popular in the 1990s. They are the first hip hop group to have a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.Peak Popularity: Cypress is a unique name that is not listed in the top 1,000 names for boys.
Elm
Origin: EnglishMeaning: Deciduous tree native to continents in the Northern HemisphereAlternative Spellings & Variations: Elmer, ElmoFamous Namesakes: There are no famous Elms, but there are some famous Elmers and Elmos. Elmer Fudd is a fictional cartoon character in the “Looney Tunes” series. Elmo is a Muppet on “Sesame Street.” Peak Popularity: Elm is a unique name that is not listed in the top 1,000 names for boys. Elmer was a popular name in the early 1900s, ranking at 38 in 1900. Elmer last showed up on the top 1,000 list in 2009 at 924.
Florian
Origin: LatinMeaning: FloweringAlternative Spellings & Variations: FlorianoFamous Namesakes: Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck is an award-winning film director whose American film “The Tourist” was nominated for three Golden Globe awards.Peak Popularity: Florian entered the Social Security list of top 1,000 names for the first time in 1902 at number 968. It dropped off the list a few times in the 1900s but remained on the list until 1942. The name peaked at number 525 in 1917.
Forrest
Origin: EnglishMeaning: Dweller near the woodsAlternative Spellings & Variations: ForestFamous Namesakes: Forrest Gump is the titular character of a 1994 Oscar-winning American film. Forest Whitaker is an American actor, producer, and director. Forrest Gregg is a professional football Hall of Famer.Peak Popularity: Forrest has been on the top 1,000 list since 1900 and peaked in 1913, when it ranked number 173.
Gentian
Origin: AlbanianMeaning: Plant with large, blue, trumpet-shaped flowersFamous Namesakes: There are no famous Gentians in the U.S., but there are a number of famous professional Albanian soccer players named Gentian, including Gentian Begaja, Gentian Buzali, Gentian Hajdari, and Gentian Salmani.Peak Popularity: Gentian is a unique name that is not listed in the top 1,000 names for boys.
Hawthorn
Origin: Old EnglishMeaning: Near a hawthorn shrub or treeAlternative Spellings & Variations: HawthorneFamous Namesakes: Nathaniel Hawthorne was an American novelist and short-story writer best known for “The Scarlet Letter.“Peak Popularity: Hawthorn is a unique name that is not listed in the top 1,000 names for boys.
Heath
Origin: Old EnglishMeaning: Someone who lived by a moor or heathFamous Namesakes: Heath Ledger was an Academy Award-winning Australian-born actor best known for his roles in “Brokeback Mountain” and “The Dark Knight.“Peak Popularity: Heath entered the Social Security list of top 1,000 names for the first time in 1966 at number 361. It increased in popularity during the 1970s and 1980s, peaking at number 181 in 1974. It is ranked number 983 in 2020.
Ilan
Origin: HebrewMeaning: TreeAlternative Spellings & Variations: Alon, ElonFamous Namesakes: Ilan is not a popular name in the U.S. However, Ilan Averbuch is an Israeli artist who creates large-scale sculptures for gallery and outdoor spaces. Elon Musk is the founder of SpaceX and Tesla.Peak Popularity: Ilan is a unique name that is not listed in the top 1,000 names for boys in the U.S. The variation, Elon, appeared once in 2018 at 940.
Jared
Origin: HebrewMeaning: Flowering plant in the mustard family; descendingAlternative Spellings & Variations: Jarred, Yared, YeredFamous Namesakes: Jared Rushton is a former child actor best known for his roles in “Honey, I Shrunk the Kids,” “Big,” and “Overboard.” Jared Kushner is most well-known for his role as an advisor to his father-in-law, President Donald Trump.Peak Popularity: Jared has consistently been in the top 1,000 names for boys in the U.S. since 1938. It peaked in popularity in 1998 at 51.
Indigo
Origin: GreekMeaning: Dye from the plant species IndigoferaFamous Namesakes: American actor Lou Diamond Phillips has a daughter named Indigo. The Indigo Girls are an American folk duo.Peak Popularity: Indigo is a unique gender-neutral name that is not on the top 1,000 names for boys or girls in the U.S.
Kale
Origin: GermanicMeaning: Green, leafy, cruciferous vegetableAlternative Spellings & Variations: Kayle, Kalen, KailFamous Namesakes: Kale Browne is an American soap opera actor, famous for his roles in “Another World” and “One Life to Live.“Peak Popularity: Kale showed up in the top 1,000 names for boys in the U.S. in the mid-1980s. It peaked in popularity in 2008 at 504. The most recent year Kale made the list was in 2014, when it ranked 971.
Koru
Origin: MāoriMeaning: The spiral shape on a new fern frondFamous Namesakes: Kōru Abe is a professional shogi (Japanese chess) player.Peak Popularity: Koru is a unique name that does not appear in the top 1,000 names for boys in the U.S.
Kunal
Origin: HindiMeaning: Lotus flowerFamous Namesakes: Kunal Nayyar is a British-Indian actor known for his role on “The Big Bang Theory.” Peak Popularity: While Kunal is a popular Indian name, it is unique in the U.S. and is not on the Social Security list of top 1,000 names.
Layton
Origin: Old EnglishMeaning: Settlement with a leek gardenAlternative Spellings & Variations: LeightonFamous Namesakes: Layton Kor was a well-known American rock climber who was active in the 1960s.Peak Popularity: Layton entered the Social Security list of top 1,000 names for the first time in 1907 at number 907. It came on and off the list for the next four decades, dropped off for several decades starting in 1946, and then made its way back on in 2001. The name peaked in 2015 when it was ranked number 544.
Linden
Origin: GermanMeaning: Linden tree, which is found in the Northern HemisphereAlternative Spellings & Variations: LyndonFamous Namesakes: Linden Ashby is an American actor and martial artist best known for his role in “Mortal Combat.” Linden MacIntyre is a Canadian journalist. Linden Soles is a former CNN anchor.Peak Popularity: Linden only showed up on the Social Security list of top 1,000 names briefly in the 1940s, where it peaked in 1947 at 929.
Moss
Origin: EnglishMeaning: Spore-producing plant that grows in damp, shady areasFamous Namesakes: Moss is most common as a surname. Donna Moss is a fictional character in the TV show, “The West Wing.” Elisabeth Moss is an American actor best known for her role in “The Handmaid’s Tale.“Peak Popularity: Moss in a unique name not included on the Social Security list of top 1,000 names.
Narcissus
Origin: GreekMeaning: DaffodilFamous Namesakes: In author Rick Riordan’s book series The Heroes of Olympus, Narcissus appears in “The Mark of Athena.” In the “Harry Potter” series, Narcissa Malfoy is the mother of Draco Malfoy.Peak Popularity: Narcissus is a unique name not appearing on the Social Security list of top 1,000 names.
Oakley
Origin: Old EnglishMeaning: Oakwood or clearingAlternative Spellings & Variations: Oaklee, OakFamous Namesakes: Oakley Hall was an American author whose most famous novel, “Warlock,” was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1958.Peak Popularity: Oakley entered the Social Security list of top 1,000 names for the first time in 1901 at number 833. It dropped off the list in 1921. The name reappeared in the rankings in 2011 and has been climbing the charts. It is currently at the peak of its popularity, ranking at number 421 in 2020.
Oleander
Origin: GreekMeaning: Evergreen tree with small flowersAlternative Spellings & Variations: LeanderPeak Popularity: Oleander is a unique name that does not appear on the Social Security list of top 1,000 names in the U.S.
Orrin
Origin: IrishMeaning: Pale greenAlternative Spellings & Variations: Orin, Oran, OtteranFamous Namesakes: Saint Orin was the charioteer of Saint Patrick and is said to be the first Christian martyr in Ireland. Orrin Hatch is a retired U.S. Senator from Utah. Peak Popularity: Orrin has not been on the Social Security list of top 1,000 names since 1961. The name peaked in popularity in 1915 at 575.
Ponga
Origin: MāoriMeaning: Silver fernFamous Namesakes: Ponga is most popular as a surname. Kalyn Ponga is an Australian professional rugby player.Peak Popularity: Ponga is a unique name that is not listed in the Social Security list of top 1,000 names.
Reed
Origin: Old EnglishMeaning: Tall, grass-like plant. Also means ruddy complexion, red.Alternative Spellings & Variations: Reade, ReidFamous Namesakes: Reed Howes was an American model from the early 20th Century who starred in both silent and sound films.Peak Popularity: Reed has been among the top 1,000 boy’s names in the U.S. since 1900. It peaked at number 317 in 2014.
Ren
Origin: JapaneseMeaning: Water lilyFamous Namesakes: Fictional character Ren McCormack is the protagonist in the movie “Footloose.” MC Ren, stage name of Lorenzo Jerald Patterson, is a rapper from the group NWA.Peak Popularity: Ren is a unique name that is not on the Social Security list of top 1,000 names.
Rowan
Origin: IrishMeaning: Rowan tree, thought to be magicalAlternative Spellings & Variations: Rawan, RoanFamous Namesakes: Rowan Atkinson is a British actor, famous for the comedic character Mr. Bean. Rowan is also a fictional character in the Nintendo game “Fire Emblem Warriors.“Peak Popularity: Rowan first appeared on the Social Security list of top 1,000 names in 1999. While it is a gender neutral name, it is more popular with boys. In 2020 it reached its highest rank at 113.
Rush
Origin: Old EnglishMeaning: Marshy, grass plantFamous Namesakes: Rush Holt, Sr. was a U.S. politician who served on the West Virginia House of Delegates in the 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s. His son, Rush Holt, Jr. is also a politician, who served in Congress from 1999 to 2015. Probably most famous was conservative radio host Rush Limbaugh.Peak Popularity: Rush has not made the Social Security list of top 1,000 names since the early 1900s. In 1903 it ranked at 836.
Saffron
Origin: ArabicMeaning: Aromatic, yellow-colored spice, from Persian meaning “gold leaves"Famous Namesakes: Saffron is a gender neutral name. Saffron Burrows is a British-American actor known for her roles in “Boston Legal,” “Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.,” and “You.“Peak Popularity: Saffron is a unique name that does not appear on the Social Security list of top 1,000 names.
Sherwood
Origin: EnglishMeaning: Bright forestFamous Namesakes: Sherwood is more popular as a surname, but it is also used as a given name. Sherwood Stewart is a former professional tennis player who was active in the sport in the 1970s and 1980s.Peak Popularity: Sherwood last appeared on the Social Security list of top 1,000 names in 1959. It peaked in popularity in 1938 when it ranked number 534.
Sorrel
Origin: FrenchMeaning: An edible green plant with a sour, citrusy flavorFamous Namesakes: Sorrel Carson was an Irish actor, director, and teacher. Sorrel Booke was an American actor most remembered for playing the role of “Boss” Hogg in “The Dukes of Hazzard.“Peak Popularity: Sorrel is a unique name that is not listed on the Social Security list of top 1,000 names.
Sylvan
Origin: LatinMeaning: Wood, forestAlternative Spellings & Variations: SilvanFamous Namesakes: Sylvan Augustus Ebanks-Blake is an English former professional footballer.Peak Popularity: Sylvan ranked in the Social Security list of top 1,000 names in 1900 at number 780. It came off the list several times in the next three decades and finally dropped off in 1936. The name peaked in 1912 when it ranked number 555.
Thorne
Origin: EnglishMeaning: Referring to a thorn bushFamous Namesakes: Thorne is most popular as a surname. Callie Thorne is an American actor most known for her roles in the TV series “The Wire” and “Rescue Me.“Peak Popularity: Thorne is a unique name, not listed on the Social Security list of top 1,000 names.
Timothy
Origin: EnglishMeaning: Perennial grass native to EuropeAlternative Spellings & Variations: Tim, Timmy, TimotheeFamous Namesakes: Timothy Meadows is an American actor and comedian best known for being a cast member on “Saturday Night Live.” Tim McGraw is a country music artist who has won three Grammy Awards.Peak Popularity: Timothy has consistently been a popular name on the Social Security list of top 1,000 names. It gained the most traction in the mid-20th century, ranking 11th in 1960, 1966, and 1967. In 2020, it was 193.
Vernon
Origin: GaulMeaning: Alder tree, springlike, flourishingAlternative Spellings & Variations: Vern, Vernard, VerneFamous Namesakes: Vernon Davis is a former American professional football player. Vernon Wells is a former American professional baseball player.Peak Popularity: Vernon last appeared on the Social Security list of top 1,000 names in 2003. It was most popular in 1919 and 1920, when it ranked at 65.
Vinca
Origin: SlovakMeaning: Flowering plants native to the Northern Hemisphere, periwinklePeak Popularity: Vinca is a unique name that does not appear on the Social Security list of top 1,000 names.
William
Origin: GermanMeaning: Sweet william is a flowering plant native to Europe and AsiaAlternative Spellings & Variations: Will, Willie, Willy, Bill, Billy, LiamFamous Namesakes: Prince William, Duke of Cambridge; Bill Clinton, the 42nd president of the U.S.; William Faulkner, American writer; William Shakespeare, English poet and playwright; Will Smith, American actor and rapper.Peak Popularity: William has consistently been one of the most popular boy’s names in the U.S. In 1900 it was ranked number two on the Social Security list of top 1,000 names. In 2020 it ranked five.
Yarrow
Origin: EnglishMeaning: Flowering plant native to Europe, Asia, and North America, also means “rough stream"Famous Namesakes: Yarrow is most common as a surname. Peter Yarrow is an American singer famous for being part of the 1960s folk group, Peter, Paul, and Mary.Peak Popularity: Yarrow is a unique name not included on the Social Security list of top 1,000 names.
