Nature is part of all of us. Not only do we find inspiration, beauty and peace in it, but our lives depend on it.
It’s no surprise that nature – including flowers and plants, animals, the elements, landscapes, planets and stars – is influencing the names we give to the most precious things in our lives. It provides parents with a chance to connect their baby girl or baby boy to the earth and its wonders as soon as he or she is born into the world.
In this exploration of nature-inspired baby names, we delve into the meanings, origins and popularity of the top nature names for boys and girls, as well as the top unisex nature names.
Top nature inspired names for baby girls
- Fearn/Fern
Fearn – or Fern as an alternative spelling – is a beautiful, peaceful name from the Middle English meaning ‘dwells among the ferns’.
- Lily
One of the most popular nature-inspired names, Lily means ‘pure’ and is of Latin origin. It peaked in popularity in the US back in 2011, when over 4600 babies per million were given the name. It remains very popular today, both in America and across the pond!
- Rose
Rose is another popular and timeless nature-inspired name. It works at all stages of life, from the baby days into adulthood and beyond, and will remain popular for years to come!
- Ivy
Ivy is another classic name that’s spiked in popularity in recent years. It has both Latin and English origins and means ‘vine’. It’s linked to faithfulness and honesty and makes a simply beautiful name for a little girl.
- Willow
It will come as no surprise that this Old English name means ‘willow tree’ – a majestic yet delicate feat of nature. The name spiked in popularity recently in the US, with more than 3000 babies per million being given the name in 2022.
- Summer
For sun-loving parents, look no further for your baby girl than the name Summer. Reminiscent of fun-filled, relaxed days, it’s a beautiful yet laid-back name that has English origins.
- Bluebell
The flower that signifies the arrival of spring, Bluebell is a floral name of English origin. It’s an incredibly rare name – so much so that there’s no data on its use in the US!
- Coral
Coral is another unusual name that’s sure to plant the seed of a love of the ocean. An intricate and crucial part of the sea’s ecosystem, it makes an elegant name for a little girl. The name has Latin origins and means ‘sea growth’.
- Brook
There’s no better sound than the gentle lapping of a babbling brook. The name Brook has German and Old English origins and is often seen as a gender-neutral name, but we love it for baby girls. It’s sometimes spelt Brooke.
- Elara
Taking inspiration from up above, ‘Elara’ is the name of one of Jupiter’s 95 moons. This unique and intergalactic name is very rare, but makes a sophisticated choice.
- Meadow
Bright, breezy and full of joy, Meadow is soft and gentle name for a baby girl. It actually peaked in popularity in the US in 2022, with over 470 babies per million being given the name.
- Violet
Violet is one of the most popular nature names for baby girls. Given to the second daughter of uber famous actors Emily Blunt and John Kransinski, it’s a classic and timeless name that works for all stages of life! It has Latin origins and means ‘purple’.
- Autumn
The British equivalent of ‘fall’, images associated with autumn are simply stunning. It’s a beautiful time of the year and, for babies born during the fall – or autumn, if you’re British! – it makes a great choice.
- Daisy
The name of Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom’s little girl, Daisy is another floral addition to the list. Daisies are sacred flowers in Norse mythology. They symbolize innocence, humility and brand new beginnings – very apt for the arrival of a brand new baby girl.
- Amalthea
Amalthea is another one of Jupiter’s 95 moons. And it happens to be a unique name for a baby girl, too. It means ‘to soften’ and ‘goddess’ and has Greek origins.
- Phoebe
Lovers of both nature and the TV show ‘Friends’ will love this addition to the list! Phoebe isn’t just the name of one of TV’s most beloved characters; it’s also one of Saturn’s 146 moons. It has Greek origins and means ‘clear’ and ‘radiant’.
- Juliet
Juliet – or Juliette as it’s commonly spelt – is a classic name, and quiet rare in modern times. Inspired by the most famous writer of all time, this elegant name has Latin origins and means ‘youthful’. It’s also the name of one of Uranus’s inner satellites, giving it an intergalactic edge!
- Jasmine
The floral name Jasmine has Persian origins and means ‘God’s gift’. It’s not only a popular nature-inspired name for baby girls, but a great option for spiritual parents too.
- Olive
The name Olive peaked in popularity in the US way back in the late 1800s, but it’s made a resurgence recently! In fact, over 1000 babies per million were given the name in 2022. The olive branch is a popular symbol of peace and the name has English and French origins.
Olive’s cousin name, Olivia, is one of the most popular baby girl names in the US in recent years!
- Poppy
Poppy has Old English and Latin origins and makes a seriously cute name that works at all stages of life. The poppy itself is often the emblem of serious and hard-hitting ideas and events, but the name is a light and beautiful one.
- Primrose
Primrose is a classic, timeless name linked with elegant beauty. It has British origins and means ‘first rose’. Primroses first appear in spring, signifying the start of new life.
It’s also a very rare and unique name, with just over 50 babies per million being given the name in America in 2022.
- Dahlia
The unusual name Dahlia has Hebrew, Scandinavian and Arabic origins. Dahlia flower colors range from very pale pink to very dark crimson red.
- Lavender
This floral name has English origins and has peaked in popularity in recent years. Often used for relaxation and to aid sleep, the name has a peaceful and serene feel.
- Saffron
Saffron means ‘yellow flower’ and has Arabic origins. It’s quite a rare name in modern times, but makes a vibrant and joyful name for a baby girl.
- Holly
Holly has Old English origins and is a popular name for baby girls born around Christmas time. It peaked in popularity in the US back in the 80s, but it remains a popular nature-inspired baby girl name today.
- Cressida
Cressida is an incredibly rare and unique name for baby girls, and the name of a plant. Like Juliet, Cressida is one of Shakespeare’s many famous characters and the name means ‘gold’. It has Greek origins and makes a very unusual choice for nature-loving parents.
- Kentia
The Kentia is a resilient and air-purifying plant, making it a great addition to this list. This name is so unique and unusual that there’s no data readily available on its popularity!
- Maple
Maple, despite its popularity across the Atlantic, actually has British origins. This super sweet name is pretty rare. In fact, just over 100 babies per million were given the name in the US in 2022. Your little Maple is unlikely to meet another little Maple at school!
- Magnolia
Magnolia is a nature-inspired baby girl name that’s peaked in popularity in the US in recent years. The name has Latin origins and means ‘great’.
Top nature-inspired names for baby boys
- Lake
Lake has British origins and makes a calming and serene name for a baby boy. It means ‘body of water that runs deep’ and remains an unusual name for boys in the US in modern times.
- Ash
90s babies will probably think of Pokemon when they think Ash. Aside from the pop culture element of the nature-inspired name, Ash is a super cool choice for earth-loving parents. Sometimes short for Ashley, the name has Hebrew origins and has a wonderful meaning: ‘happy’!
- Fox
This unusual – and seriously cool – name has British origins. And don’t be put off by the sly reputation of the species. Foxes are nimble, intelligent and curious – great qualities to encourage in your little one! As you’d expect, it’s a rare name in the US, so it’s great for parents looking for unique baby boy names too.
- Bear
Another name inspired by the wild is Bear. A truly modern and unique name, Bear has German origins and is linked with strength and courage. Its increased rapidly in popularity in the US over recent years!
- Acorn
Acorn is generally seen as a gender-neutral name, but we love it for baby boys. It’s a truly unique name, so much so that there’s no data readily available on how popular it is! Acorns have a tough shell, but symbolize the beginning of life – a meaningful choice for a brand new baby boy.
- Titan
Shooting back up into the galaxy, Titan is another one of Saturn’s moons – the largest one of all 146, in fact! Unsurprisingly, Titan means ‘defender’ and has Greek origins. In Greek mythology, Titans were a group of strong giants.
- Roe
Roe is a species of deer – a majestic and graceful animal. The name has both Irish and English origins and makes for a short but sweet name for a new little boy.
- Leo
Like so many nature-inspired names, Leo is linked with strength, bravery and determination. It has Greek origins and means ‘lion’, but it’s also the name of a constellation of stars in the Northern Hemisphere. It therefore makes a great choice for spiritual parents, as well as nature-loving parents.
- Lynx
Another name inspired by the stars is Lynx. Usually seen in the Northern Celestial Hemisphere, this constellation is named after the wild cat. This Latin name not only means wild cat, but ‘brightness’ too – a wonderful gift to pass on to a little boy.
- Basil
Of Greek origin, the name Basil peaked in popularity in the US back in the early 1900s. It’s much less popular in modern times, with only 50 babies per million being given the name in the US in 2022. And the meaning is very interesting. In fact, Basil means ‘royal’, and who wouldn’t want to pass those vibes to a brand new baby boy!
- Sunny
It’ll come as no surprise that the name Sunny means cheerful and happy. This English baby name is perfect for little ones born in the summer months.
- Orion
Heading back into space, Orion is the name of the most famous and recognisable constellation. It can be seen in the winter months in the Northern Celestial Hemisphere, making it a great choice for little boys born in the colder seasons. The name has Greek origins and means ‘the hunter’.
- Earth
You can’t get better to this when it comes to nature-inspired baby boy names…
Earth is a highly unusual name – so much so that there’s no data readily available that explains how popular it is! It has Anglo-Saxon origins and is a highly spiritual name. Ground your little one in the beauty of our world with his unique name.
The top unisex baby names inspired by nature
- River
River has English origins and a calming, peaceful and serene vibe. And if it’s good enough for Kelly Clarkson (who called her daughter ‘River’), it’s good enough for us! It’s suitable as a name both for little boys and little girls.
- Forest
Another nature-inspired name with English origins is the increasingly popular name Forest. Used as a beautiful nature-inspired name for both little boys and little girls, Forest has surged in popularity over recent years as nature names surge to the top of the list for parents around the world.
- Winter
Another unisex nature name that’s surged in popularity in recent years is Winter. Over 600 babies per million were given the name in the US in 2022 and it can be used as a name for both boys and girls. As the name suggests, it’s a great choice for little ones born in the colder months!
- Storm
Storm is a strong and powerful nature-inspired name that’s suitable for boys and girls. With British origins, it’s a name for a little boy or little girl who will do great things in life and make a big impact on the world!
- Rain
We’re topping off the list with a name inspired by the elements. Whilst the name might be very apt for baby Brits, it’s becoming more and more popular in the US. Nearly 100 babies per million were given the name in America in 2022. It has both German and Old English origins and has a peaceful and calming effect.
Need more inspiration? You’ll find the perfect baby name in our roundups, whether you’re looking for color-inspired baby names, unique baby names or vintage baby names.
