Nature names are popular with people searching for unique alternatives to traditional children’s names. With the growth of the green agenda, names that mean nature are the obvious choice.
We’ve used the Social Security Agency’s list of popular baby names as our information source because they collate the names registered at birth (1).
So, let’s look at 90 awesome names meaning nature, from the beautiful to the bizarre, and the inspiration to get badass with your kid’s names.
Nature Names for Girls
Many nature names can be male or female, and we will look at them a little later, but what are the best earthy nature names for girls? Let’s take a look.
Acacia
Acacia has an exotic sound, which lends to its mythology. It’s also a popular street name in the U.S. The Egyptians believed that the first gods were born under a cosmic acacia tree, and acacia is strongly associated with the goddess Nut, who shielded her children from chaos. On a practical level, the Greeks and Egyptians used its petals and resin to make perfume and medicine.
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: Thorny tree
- Popularity: Acacia reached its peak in 2002 when 123 babies were named Acacia, but since then has waned slightly.
Amaryllis
Amaryllis is a new kid on the block among names that mean nature. Before the 2000s, it was rarely used, but fortunes have changed recently. Amaryllis is associated with beauty, determination, and love. In Greek mythology, Amaryllis was a love-struck shepherdess desperate to win the heart of Alteo, a cold-hearted shepherd. She pierced her heart with a golden arrow and then visited his home daily, trailing droplets of his blood. On the 13th day, bright red flowers bloomed along the path where the blood lay, and she won his heart.
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: Fresh and sparkling
- Popularity: Many of today’s kids are fresh and sparkling because Amaryllis peaked between 2015 and 2018.
Amber
Amber is a resinous substance from tree sap formed over millions of years. We all remember Richard Attenborough’s amber-topped walking cane in the original Jurassic Park. In ancient Rome and Greece, women carved amber fish and rabbits to symbolize fertility. The Vikings also understood that amber encompassed the power of the animal kingdom.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Yellow hue
- Popularity: Amber peaked in the late 80s and early 90s but has dropped significantly in recent times.
Aspen
Aspen is also a trendy and costly ski resort in North America, so if you are looking for a name with pedigree, Aspen ticks the boxes. The Celts believed Aspen trees shook in the wind to communicate between this world and the next. They thought that their ancestors spoke through the sound of the rustling leaves and it became known as the Whispering tree. The Greeks have a word for Aspen called Aspis, meaning “shield.”
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Derived from the Aspen tree
- Popularity: From the mid-70s, Aspen has grown from single figures to over 1,400 children by 2021.
Astrid
Astrid is an ideal girl’s name representing a sparkling personality and radiance. Which little girl wouldn’t want to be both of those things? Astrid may be a great choice if you have a child prodigy destined to be the next star on the stage and screen. If you want a name that reflects high society and royalty, you could do much worse than Astrid. It has representation in royal households and political life worldwide. Astrid is a Scandinavian word from Old Norse, meaning “a God” and “beautiful and fair.” In Norse Mythology, Astrid was the daughter of Brunhild, the leader of the Valkyries.
- Origin: Scandinavian
- Meaning: Star-like, radiant
- Popularity: Astrid is more popular in Europe than in America, but by 2019/20, there were over 600 kids named Astrid in the U.S.
Aurora
Who remembers Aurora falling into a deep sleep in Disney’s Sleeping Beauty? Aurora has always hinted at the celestial, thanks to strong connections to the Aurora Borealis (the northern lights). The Romans believed that the goddess of dawn renewed herself every morning and flew across the sky to announce the sun’s arrival. This is where the Aurora Borealis gets its name. Daybreak brings fresh beginnings and a new day.
- Origin: Latin
- Meaning: The Latin name for the goddess of dawn
- Popularity: In the 1900s, Aurora featured in the low hundreds until 1999/2000, and by 2021, it entered the top 5,000 girl names.
Autumn
Autumn represents one of the most colorful seasons, associated with golden and warm hues. It comes from the English word, which in turn comes from the Latin “Autumnus.” It is the primary harvest, so Autumn evokes images of ripe fruits, grain, and vegetables. Indian culture depicts Autumn as the goddess Saraswati, associated with wisdom and learning. The Celts called the goddess of Autumn Banbha and celebrated her at the Autumn equinox when they believed that night conquered day as the days got shorter.
- Origin: Latin, English
- Meaning: The season of Autumn
- Popularity: Autumn has been popular since the mid-70s and remains a great choice today.
Berry
Berry is a bright name that smacks of plentiful bounty. It covers every type of berry and all its associated meanings in mythology. To some, berries represent plenty and hope, while others may adopt a different definition. In ancient Egypt, Juniper berries cured tapeworms, while other berries were considered forbidden fruits. Holly berries represent the drops of blood shed to save humanity, hence the Christmas carol, The Holy, and the Ivy.
- Origins: English, Germanic
- Meaning: Berry (fruits)
- Popularity: Berry is more likely to be used as a middle or last name, and there has been little change since its peak in the late 1920s.
Blossom
Who doesn’t like the name Blossom? Many people will remember a favorite Aunt Blossom, or maybe it was your mother’s or grandmother’s name. The Japanese value cherry blossom, instilling magical connections to its meaning. It represents pleasantness, the sweetness of life, goodness, and fortune. Buddhists believe blossoms symbolize honesty, integrity, principles, and meditation.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Delicate flower
- Popularity: Blossom was a popular name in the 1900s, but fast-forward to 2012, and it gained favor.
Briony
Briony is derived from the Greek word “bryonia,” meaning “perennial climbing plant.” If you want a different name for your child, Briony is a great choice. Thanks to its scarcity in the US, it would certainly get people talking. Maybe Briony is not as popular as other nature-themed names because there isn’t much connection to mythology or spirituality. But you have to admit that Briony is a pretty outdoor name!
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: Climbing plant
- Popularity: Briony is a rare name in the US and is commonly found in Europe and Scotland.
Brook
Those of a certain age will remember actor Brooke Sheilds. She was big in the 70s and 80s when Brook was popular. There have been thousands of kids named Brook in the U.S. over the last 50 years, but it still has enough pulling power to feature heavily in the latest round of kid’s names. There isn’t much in ancient mythology regarding Brook, and it does have different meanings worldwide. The UK counties of Sussex and Kent state that Brook means “water meadow” or “low marshy ground.”
- Origin: English, German
- Meaning: Small Stream
- Popularity: Brook is popular among American mums and dads, peaking in the 90s and 2000s.
Calla
If you think your little bundle of joy is beautiful (and we all do), then Calla could be the obvious choice. What could be a better name to represent your daughter’s beauty? Calla is strongly associated with the Calla lily, linked to the goddess Hera. It’s said to have formed from her breast milk while feeding Zeus’s son Hercules. Calla lilies represent rebirth and resurrection, heavily linked to Jesus.
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: Beautiful
- Popularity: Calla is a relatively new kid on the block, peaking in 2015 and 2016.
Camellia
Camellia can be spelled as Camelia or Camillia, and sometimes Camella, but they all have the same meaning. Camellia is heavily rooted in the far east, with the Chinese and Japanese placing great value in its mythology. The Chinese believe Camellia to be a union between two people.
- Origin: Latin
- Meaning: Priests helper
- Popularity: Camellia is a traditional name, popular in the 40s.
Cherry
Cherry is an English word, but you can use the French version Cherise, which also means Cherry. Other spelling variations include Cherri, Cherrey, Chery, and Cherrie, which could all make great first or middle names. In ancient mythology, cherry fruit gave the gods immortality. The Chinese believed that the Pheonix slept on a bed of cherry blossoms, and Buddhists associate the fruit with fertility and femininity.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Fruit
- Popularity: Cherry was in favor between the 30s and 60s, but its popularity has waned.
Clementine
The Romans had a goddess of clemency (or mercy) called Clementia. She represented mercy and forgiveness. It’s also a fruit hybrid between two different types of orange, first grown in the garden of French missionary Brother Clemente Rodier in Algiers.
- Origin: Latin, French
- Meaning: Gentle and merciful
- Popularity: Clementine was a staple name before the 60s but disappeared between the 70s and 90s, only to reappear in the 2000s.
Clover
Clover comes from the Germanic meaning “to adhere,” although the word is English. Clover is considered an anti-witch plant designed to protect people and animals from evil witches and fairies. So, consider naming your daughter Clover if you have a witch or fairy problem in your neighborhood!
- Origin: Germanic
- Meaning: She who clings lovingly
- Popularity: Clover was almost non-existent until the early 2000s.
Coral
Coral comes from the Greek word “korallion,” and it’s believed that the ancients had coral talismans to warn against approaching evil spirits. If only Carol-Anne from the film Poltergeist was named Coral, the Freeling family would’ve had a much easier ride. Four-leaf clovers are considered lucky, although extremely rare, and the Irish call them Shamrocks, a phrase invented by St. Patrick.
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: The sentry
- Popularity: Coral took off in the 70s and has remained a firm favorite among American parents ever since.
Crystal
The ancients believed that crystals held healing properties, and some civilizations thought they were eternal ice. Even today, crystal healing is a big part of alternative medicine, practiced in cultures across the globe.
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: Pure (after crystal glass)
- Popularity: Crystal was massively popular in the 70s but even more so in the 80s.
Daisy
Make a statement by calling your child Daisy because the petals represent Freya, the Norse goddess of beauty. She also symbolizes purity, fertility, and new beginnings. Who knew that a simple little Daisy could represent so much?
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Derived from the small white flower
- Popularity: Daisy is one of the few names to hold the public’s imagination across generations.
Eartha
The most famous person to bear the name is singer Eartha Kit. It also carries deeper mythological meanings among different cultures and religions. The pagans believed the earth represented security and stability, while the Celts and Romans had other deities for the earth.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Earth
- Popularity: Eartha was popular in the early 1900s, peaking in the 50s and 60s.
Ginger
Ginger may sound like your cat’s pet name, but it has many alternative spellings, including Gingee, Jinger, Ginjer, and Gingie. Ginger has always been associated with redheads, but its darker interpretation in ancient culture represents witches.
- Origin: Latin
- Meaning: Liveliness
- Popularity: Ginger has held its popularity since the 40s, which may be linked to the film star Ginger Rogers.
Jasmine
The jasmine flower represents Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love. The delicate yet beautiful petals are captivating. We can’t think of a better compliment than associating the Greek goddess of love with your little girl.
- Origin: Persian
- Meaning: Named after a fragrant plant
- Popularity: Jasmine has been a popular name since the mid-80s, but it’s lost some appeal recently.
Juniper
Juniper has many meanings and associations in ancient folklore, from warding off evil spirits to protecting against the devil and witches. Juniper was hung over doorways on the eve of May Day and burnt on Halloween. Juniper is associated with protection in Native American culture and represents fertility in Syria.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Juniper bush
- Popularity: Juniper is less popular than some names on the list, with at least five children given the name in 2021.
Laurel
Laurel is a flavoring herb from the Mediterranean, famed for its shiny, sculptured leaves. Roman emperors favored Laurel as a crown, while the Greeks made wreaths. Apollo called it his sacred plant after Daphne turned it into a laurel tree. He then took a twig and made a wreath.
- Origin: Latin
- Meaning: The laurel plant
- Popularity: Laurel peaked in popularity in the 50s, but it remains a favorite with mums and dads today.
Lily
Lily is the natural sister name to Daisy and has universal appeal. It represents purity and love, and let’s face it, who wouldn’t want their kid to have all those qualities? While Lily is the most common spelling, it does have variations, such as Lilly, Lillian, Lillie, and Lillith, all with the same significance and meaning.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Named after the lily flower
- Popularity: It’s no surprise that Lily is a popular name and has increased in popularity during the 2000s.
Luna
Luna is part of a group of celestial names, such as Aurora. Luna is also the goddess of the moon, traveling the skies in a golden chariot. Legend has it that she shackles the moon and pulls it behind her chariot.
- Origin: Latin
- Meaning: The moon
- Popularity: Luna is relatively modern, coming to prominence during the 90s and 2000s.
Marigold
If you’re looking for pedigree in a name, you can’t get much better than the daughter of King Midas in Greek mythology. Unfortunately, he turned her into gold along with everything else. Marigold means “rubber glove” in the U.S. and UK. Whichever meaning you prefer (and we hope it is the first), Marigold is a traditional name that befits modern life.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Resplendent Mary (the Virgin Mary)
- Popularity: Marigold has seen a resurgence in recent years.
Myrtle
Who remembers Moaning Myrtle from Harry Potter? You might be surprised to learn that the myrtle tree hid Aphrodite’s blushes, which is why it is associated with the goddess of love.
- Origin: Latin
- Meaning: The exclusive
- Popularity: Myrtle was once a popular name but is a rarity today.
Paloma
Doves symbolize peace, so what better name could you choose for your bundle of joy? It’s also a popular Tequila-based cocktail and a Japanese gas appliance manufacturer. Stick to the dove of peace interpretation because no one wants their child named after a gas appliance.
- Origin: Latin
- Meaning: Dove
- Popularity: The 2000s have seen a resurgence of Paloma as a name.
Pearl
It’s believed that pearls are frozen teardrops swallowed by oysters, while the Chinese think pearls fell from the sky when dragons did battle. Pearl is among the most feminine names associated with the moon and water.
- Origin: Latin
- Meaning: Fine specimen (from the Latin Perua)
- Popularity: Pearl was big in the early 1900s and the decades after, but it dropped in popularity from the 60s.
Poppy
Poppies have long been symbols of peace and sleep, mainly because they produce opium from the seeds. And here’s where the meanings get a little darker because a poppy is also associated with death. In the Christian faith, a poppy represents the blood of Christ and his ascent to heaven.
- Origin: Latin
- Meaning: The milk of happiness
- Popularity: Poppy is another modern success story, but before the 2000s, it was rarely featured as a baby name.
Raven
If you want a goth kid, name them Raven. Ravens have so much symbolism – from Odin in Norse mythology to carrying the dead in battle to Valhalla. With such masculine undertones, Raven is still a feminine name. Perhaps it’s no surprise that it’s associated with strength. Apollo turned Ravens from white to black; they are considered good luck and a messenger from God. So, if you think your kid is a messenger from God, Raven fits the bill perfectly.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Raven (part of the Corvid family)
- Popularity: Raven was always a niche name, but it peaked in the mid-90s.
Rosemary
Rosemary is a classic, old-fashioned favorite, derived from the Latin “ros” (dew) and “mare” (sea) hence “dew of the sea.” It’s a traditional name, which might explain why it lacks the draw of other natural names on the list. It’s also a herb widely used in Italian cooking. The goddess Aphrodite was said to be draped in rosemary when she exited the sea. The Virgin Mary was said to have hung her blue cloak on a rosemary bush, turning the flowers blue.
- Origin: Latin
- Meaning: Dew of the sea
- Popularity: Rosemary was popular in the first half of the 20th-century but has lost some of its allure.
Saffron
Saffron comes from the Saffron Crocus plant (or Crocus sativus) and is the name of an immortal youth who was turned into a plant by the ancient Greek gods. His lover was turned into the less glamorous bindweed. This is why Saffron is associated with unrequited love.
- Origin: French (from the word safran)
- Meaning: Saffron spice
- Popularity: Saffron is a moderately popular name among U.S. parents.
Stella
Stella is a confident, sweet, and short girl name. No tricky spelling errors for anyone with this name, and possibly no shortened nicknames. Stella belongs to the same club of celestial names as Luna and is also the name of Aphrodite. If you think your tiny child is sent from heaven, naming her Stella does mean she is of the stars.
- Origin: Latin
- Meaning: Of the stars
- Popularity: From massive popularity at the beginning of the 1900s to a dip in the mid-century, Stella is now enjoying a revival.
Violet
Violet is a stalwart name from an era long gone, or is it? Most people probably had an aunt Violet, and we see the name used regularly in costume dramas, but what meaning lies behind the name? Violet is a purple flowering plant that also gives its name to the color. Violets are the emblem of Athens, and legend has it that Persephone was picking violets when Hades kidnapped her to the underworld.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Purple flowering plant
- Popularity: Violet was big in the first half of the 1900s, then waned in the middle, and picked up again towards the 2000s.
Willow
Willow is one of the most whimsical of all nature-inspired names. It has the ring of woodlands, Lord of the Rings, nymphs, fairies, and other ethereal creatures. The willow was sacred to the underworld goddesses, and in the tree alphabet (ancient Sardinian language), it stands for the female and lunar rhythms of life. Celtic legend associates the willow with water, optimism, new growth, healing, and adaptability. That’s not a bad bunch to be associated with.
- Origins: English
- Meaning: The willow tree
- Popularity: Willow has been popular since the 1980s and peaked in 2021, with just under 5,000 Willows registered.
Winter
You can look at winter as the death of the year, as the ancient cultures did, or as Christmas, representing happiness and family time. You’re either a glass-half-full or half-empty type of person. Winter is a strong girl’s name, with meanings steeped in folklore. The Greeks believed that Boreas was the god of the north, while the Norse worshipped Ullr as their winter god.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Winter season
- Popularity: Winter was popular in the 1970s but took off in the 2000s.
Wisteria
If you want a girl’s name that stands out from the crowd, choose Wisteria. Wisterias symbolize romance in many eastern cultures, and in Korea, it defines devotion that transcends death. The Japanese believe the wisteria symbolizes longevity, good fortune, and success.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Purple flower
- Popularity: Wisteria has yet to catch the imagination of the U.S. public.
Wren
Naming your daughter Wren means she has wisdom and divinity. In the Druid religion, at New Year, they would search for hidden wisdom in the countryside and would be blessed with knowledge if they saw a wren.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Bird
- Popularity: Wren first appeared as a name in the U.S. in 2002.
Nature Names for Boys
Mother Nature provides plenty of opportunities for naming boys. Here are some of our favorite nature names for boys to get you started.
Ash
Ash is a strong name for a boy. It comes from the ash tree, and we all know that trees are resilient. The Norse believed that the ash tree represented the universe. It had its roots in hell, but the branches reached heaven.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Of the ash tree
- Popularity: There were single-digit births registered with this name in recent times, but it became popular in 2021.
Basil
Basil is a herb used in cooking around the world. It’s also derived from the half-dragon, and half-lizard creature called the Basilisk (remember him from Harry Potter). The basil plant was believed to cure the Basilisk’s bite.
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: A kingly bearing
- Popularity: Basil has declined in popularity over the last half of the 1900s.
Bear
Bear is a confident name for a child. There are few examples of famous Bears other than Bear Grylls, the British survival expert. Native American culture holds the bear in high regard. They believe bears are symbols of wisdom and strength and are the bastions of fair play and respect.
- Origin: German
- Meaning: Strong and brave
- Popularity: Bear has increased in popularity, peaking in 2021 with nearly 250 kids bearing the name (excuse the pun).
Buck
Who remembers Buck Rogers, the space-traveling maverick? He was a cool character who first appeared in the late 1920s, which might explain some of the popularity the name had then. Buck is a spiritual name linked to forest and earth creatures. Deers have always been worshipped, with some believing they had links to the supernatural and the otherworld.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Male deer
- Popularity: Buck was a significant player in the first half of the 20th-century but waned in the years after.
Colt
Other than the gun and TV character, Colt Seavers, from The Fall Guy (there’s a blast from the past), Colt has remained largely unknown as a boy’s name. It represents strength, power, and mental energy.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Young horse
- Popularity: Colt may seem like an old-fashioned name, but its popularity only took hold in the 80s.
Cosmo
Cosmo is a derivative of the cosmos, which is the name of the universe. It implies order and organization, so if your child fits this bill, you’ve chosen well. It also has links to the underworld and the Greek god Orpheus, so it has a pedigree.
- Origin: Italian
- Meaning: To arrange in good order
- Popularity: At its peak at the beginning of the 20th-century, less than 50 kids got this monicker yearly.
Drake
Drakes are lesser dragons called draconic creatures. They were easier to train and less powerful than their larger cousins. Drakes also feature in English and North American mythology. They often lacked wings and lived in caves and hidden forests, but when trained made fantastic guards for humans.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Dragon
- Popularity: The success of Drake as a name happened from the early 90s onward.
Dolf
You may remember Dolf Lundgren in the 80s and 90s. He bore the name well, portraying strong characters in his films. Since Wolf is a derivative of Dolf, it has the same meanings of bravery, friendship, and loyalty the name.
- Origin: German
- Meaning: Noble, majestic wolf
- Popularity: Dolf is more popular in Germany and other European countries.
Elder
Elder is believed to come from the Anglo-Saxon word “aeld,” meaning “fire.” Now it gets a bit dark here because the elder tree is also known as the witch’s tree or the Tree of Sorrow. Legend has it that Judas hung himself from the branches of an elder tree after betraying Jesus.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: The elder tree
- Popularity: Elder peaked around 2006, with just 25 registered births taking the title.
Flint
Flint is a dependable name for a boy. It has a confident ring but is not so overly macho that it risks stereotypes. Flint refers to an ancient material formed over millions of years and fashioned into tools and weapons. Thanks to its strength, early civilizations used flint for knives, axes, and arrowheads. One could argue humankind would never have evolved the way it did without it.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Stream
- Popularity: After a brief peak in the late 50s, Flint largely disappeared until 2012, but it has grown in popularity.
Fox
In folklore, foxes are intelligent tricksters. We’ve all heard of the sly fox, and now we know why. Other legends portray a more loyal side to the fox. The Chinese believe that the fox represents an auspicious demeanor. Whichever way you look at it, Fox is a pretty cool name for a boy.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: After the animal fox
- Popularity: At its peak in the early 2000s, just under 300 kids received the name.
Garnet
Garnet is non-existent as a name these days, but you have a chance to revive it. In Greek mythology, the garnet represents the union between Persephone and Hades. This has led some to associate Garnet with eternal love. In the Middle Ages, Garnet stones were believed to help cure inflammatory diseases and hemorrhages.
- Origin: French
- Meaning: Spear or the color red
- Popularity: Garnet has largely disappeared, but it was popular at the beginning of the 20th-century.
Hawk
Who wouldn’t want to be called Hawk? It’s such a cool name! In Celtic mythology, the hawk symbolizes memory and clear-sightedness. It also carries messages between this world and the other world. It’s also believed that if you hear a hawk cry while on a journey, be prepared for decisiveness and boldness to stay on track.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: After the hawk bird
- Popularity: Around 2018 or 2019, Hawk increased in popularity because the numbers doubled.
Jay
If you name your boy Jay, maybe you should call any future brother Fox because Native Americans believe jays work to trick and mislead alongside the fox. This bird gets a bad rap from ancient cultures because they think it represents mistrust. The jay also represents trust, loyalty, determination, and endurance in other cultures. You couldn’t get a name with polar opposite meanings, but we recommend picking it for the positive attributes.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: To heal
- Popularity: Almost 5,500 kids were named Jay in the mid to late 50s, but today the numbers are much lower.
Kodiak
There isn’t much in the way of gods and monsters to this name because it comes from Kodiak Island in Alaska. It is the largest of seven communities on the island and the main transportation hub.
- Origin: Native American
- Meaning: Island
- Popularity: While Kodiak is a niche name, as many as 12 kids received this name around 2018.
Leaf
We decided to include Leaf because it is such a gentle name for a boy and evokes whimsical folklore and fairy tales. There was a famous Leaf, but he opted for his birth name of Joaquin Pheonix when he became an adult. Leaves represent life, rebirth, and growth in many religions, and are said to hold the very essence of nature, hence why we had to include the name!
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Leaf from a tree
- Popularity: The U.S. Social security Agency has zero registered births with this name.
Marsh
Marsh is an outsider when it comes to picking a nature-inspired name for your little boy, but we included it because it is unusual. Marsha is a well-loved variant for girls. Marshes have always been associated with demons and evil spirits, but demons also represent strength.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Swampy land
- Popularity: There are no records of this name in the U.S.
Moss
Make a statement and call your kid Moss, and you can tell family and friends that you are the one in 2022 showing up on the charts. In mythology, moss is associated with wood folk and wild fairy tribes. They are part of the same group of elves and nature spirits with intimate connections to trees and woodland.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Saviour
- Popularity: In 1926 or 19277, five kids were registered with this monicker, but there have been no registrations since.
Orion
In Greek mythology, Orion was a giant huntsman placed among the stars by Zeus. Some believe the name Orion is linked to the Greek word “arion,” which means “warrior.” Orion could be an ideal pick among nature names if you want a confident name for your little boy.
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: Boundary
- Popularity: Orion first appeared as a name in the 70s and culminated with over 1,000 babies getting the title in 2021.
Ranger
While Ranger may lack some of the symbolism of other names, it is a strong choice for a boy. It represents dependability, stability, and protection, which are admirable attributes of rangers who look after our natural spaces.
- Origin: French
- Meaning: Forest guardian
- Popularity: Ranger grew in prominence in 2021 but has been kicking around since 2006.
Rio
Rio is Spanish for the river. Among names meaning nature, it’s short and sweet and will never get shortened to a nickname. In Japanese, it means “jasmine” and “center,” but we’ll use the Spanish interpretation for this exercise.
- Origin: Spanish
- Meaning: The River Rio
- Popularity: Rio is not a universally popular name, but since 2015, it has seen an increase in use.
Rock
Rock is about as solid a name as you can get in terms of sound and meaning. Who remembers movie star, Rock Hudson? Rock evokes imagery of dependability, stability, confidence, and strength. Think of the phrases “solid as a rock” or “you are my rock,” and you’ll understand why it is such a statement name for a boy.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Stone
- Popularity: Rock had its glory era in the 50s and early 60s.
Saturn
If you want to be a trendsetter and make a statement with your kid’s name, call them Saturn. Saturn is an actual god and evokes images of planets and the universe. Saturn symbolizes stability, transition, slowing pace, authority, and domination.
- Origin: Latin
- Meaning: God of agriculture
- Popularity: Little popularity data is available on Saturn as a name.
Sparrow
The sparrow symbolizes love in Greek mythology and is the sacred bird of Aphrodite. Some believe that if a sparrow appears in someone’s dreams, it means they’ll gain pride, respect, and liberation.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Sparrow (the bird)
- Popularity: Sparrow is still waiting to make an impact on American parents.
Stone
Stone is similar to Rock. It symbolizes strength and dependability, so naming your kid Stone could give them a confident name.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Stone
- Popularity: Stone has been a trendy name since the mid-90s.
Talon
Talons represent the need to grab opportunities when they present themselves. Seize the day, and make the most of every chance you get. That sounds like a great mantra for your kid to grow and flourish into.
- Origin: English (possibly old French)
- Meaning: Claw
- Popularity: 600 kids were recorded with this name in 2006 and 2007.
Thorn
Thorns have many meanings in ancient mythology and religion. Jesus Christ wore a crown of thorns as he carried the cross. Thorn is a name with a split personality because it represents joy on the one hand and sadness on the other.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Thorn bush
- Popularity: Thorn is a rare name, lacking popularity among American parents.
Thunder
If you wanted a name representing power and might, Thunder is a great contender. It’s also believed that dreaming of thunder foretells of good fortune and positive news from afar.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Stormy-tempered
- Popularity: Something happened in 1980 because five kids received the name, but since then, there have been no registrations.
Tiger
Tiger is such a cool name, not least because of its association with big cats. Tiger Woods is the most prominent celebrity to bear the name, but that doesn’t mean your bundle of joy won’t rise to fame too. In mythology, tigers represent immortality, virility, majesty, strength, and independence. Now, that’s not a bad list of attributes to associate with your child.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Tiger (large cat)
- Popularity: Since 1997, Tiger has been a feature of U.S. birth registrations, with 2010 proving the most popular year.
Wolf
The wolf symbolizes family, loyalty, friendship, and intelligence. According to Native Americans, the wolf represents good and evil in equal measure, but the Celts attributed bravery and faithfulness to this mysterious animal.
- Origin: German (from the word ivolf)
- Meaning: Courage and cunning
- Popularity: Wolf has been a boy’s name since the late 50s but isn’t as universally popular as other monickers.
Unisex Nature Names
Aden
Aden represents fire, which is good and bad. Fire destroys life and is associated with evil, but it also creates and regenerates, giving it a whole new meaning. It protects us by keeping us warm in winter. It helps us provide sustenance and takes the souls of loved ones to the otherworld in mythology.
- Origin: Gaelic
- Meaning: Fire
- Popularity: In the 2000s, over 1,400 boys and girls were blessed with this name.
Apple
Apple is a fun name that suits both boys and girls. It does have slightly darker connections in ancient mythology.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Apple
- Popularity: Apple reached popularity in the early 2000s until 2015.
Apple is steeped in folklore. It’s believed that the apple signifies the fruit of the gods, and let’s not forget that Eve took a bite from a forbidden apple in the Garden of Eden. Apple is associated with paradise, magic, and knowledge. It’s also a fruit associated with the underworld, so it may have darker undertones too.
Blaze
A Blaze is associated with a fierce fire in modern society, but it means “stutter” in Latin. In mythology, there are many gods of fire, and it represents two sides of the same coin. It can be cleansing, heats in winter, and creates and regenerates, but it is also destructive and dangerous.
- Origin: Latin
- Meaning: Bright or fierce fire, or stutter
- Popularity: Blaze caught on around the mid-80s, with almost 300 babies given the name in 2021.
Cedar
Cedarwood has been revered in many ancient cultures. Cedar wood was used to make doors in ancient temples and was burned in cleansing ceremonies. Native Americans place the utmost importance on the cedar tree, believing it to be one of their most potent symbols.
- Origin: English, Hebrew
- Meaning: Type of tree
- Popularity: Cedar became prominent in the last 20 years, although it is still a lesser-known moniker.
Cloud
Clouds were thought to be the daughters of two titans, using cloudy pitchers to collect water for the heavens. They represent emotional balance and high intelligence.
- Origin: Old English
- Meaning: Vapor
- Popularity: In 1924, five kids received this name, and then there was nothing until 2010.
Forest
Forest is a great unisex name and one of the most whimsical names on the list, linked to ghosts and the underworld. Some cultures believe the Forest is ruled by the Snake King, while others place mythical relevance in trees.
- Origin: Latin (from Forestis)
- Meaning: From the woodland
- Popularity: Forest was a non-existent name before 1995.
Ocean
There are many links to the sea in world mythology, from Greek gods to old superstitions of seafarers. Sirens like mermaids lure unsuspecting men to the dark depths, while great sea monsters threaten passing ships.
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: The sea
- Popularity: In 2021, nearly 325 kids had Ocean as a name.
Phoenix
The Pheonix is steeped in Greek mythology and symbolizes rebirth, youth, immortality, healing, and eternal fire. The Greeks believed the Pheonix was linked to the sun God, Ra.
- Origin: Greek
- Popularity: Over 1,400 babies received this monicker in 2020 and 2021.
Rain
Rain has many meanings, from purity, cleansing, and rebirth, to reflection. It also symbolizes uncertainty and unpredictability.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: The rain
- Popularity: Rain is still a niche name, belonging to only 25 kids in 2021.
Reed
The Egyptians placed a reed boat in every tomb to carry the souls of the dead to the afterlife. They have been used in several ancient cultures as roofing and building material and are known for symbolizing acceptance and resilience.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Red
- Popularity: Reed has been a popular name since the early 1900s, culminating in over 1,000 children bearing the title in 2014 and 2015.
River
Besides the tragic, cool actor River Pheonix, River remains a niche name. Rivers are associated with mythology and mystery, from stories of ghostly ferrymen to maidens luring men to their deaths. Stories revolving around water have always been eerie, from creeping cannibals to fairytales and shapeshifters.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: A flowing body of water
- Popularity: In the last 15 years, River has become a firm favorite with parents.
Robin
From Robin Hood to Batman’s crime-fighting assistant, Robin is a great unisex name. It has mythical connections, too, including the idea that Robins are the souls of loved ones returning to keep an eye on the living.
- Origin: German
- Meaning: A small winter bird and variant of Roberta
- Popularity: From the late 50s to the end of the 60s, Robin reigned supreme as a name.
Sage
Sage symbolizes wisdom and is a healing herb believed to improve memory. It is thought that sage thrives when things are going well but wilts when trouble looms. Sage also brings good luck and long life.
- Origin: Latin
- Meaning: Healing herb
- Popularity: The early 70s saw the emergence of Sage as a name, and it has increased in popularity.
Sandy
There are many ways of pronouncing and spelling Sandy, such as Sandey, Sandie, Sandor, and Sandino. Sandy is a popular name for children with light, reddish-brown hair.
- Origin: Scottish
- Meaning: A diminutive form of Alexander
- Popularity: Sandy may have declined recently, but it was popular from the 40s to the 70s.
Sky
Naming your child Sky sends a powerful message. The sky represents freedom and the ability to roam wherever you want. It’s believed that the sky can reflect human emotions, and Hindus associate the sky with space and a connection with God.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: The sky
- Popularity: Sky is still a niche name in the States but has grown in use since the 70s.
Star
While it’s tempting to include all the most popular names in this list, that isn’t the purpose. We want to present alternatives and less obvious options too. Star is a unique name suitable for a girl or boy. Stars represent humanity because some cultures believe that humans are made from stars. They also symbolize divinity.
- Origin: American
- Meaning: Star
- Popularity: There is little evidence that Star is a popular name among U.S. parents.
Storm
Naming your child Storm places them in good company. Thor is the god of Thunder in Norse mythology, while the Romans worshiped Tempesta, and the Egyptians worshiped Horus. The daddy of them all is Zeus, the god of the Skies, who throws thunder and lightning around when he gets angry.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Storm/tempest
- Popularity: Storm peaked in popularity during the late 80s through to the early 2000s.
Sunny
Ancient cultures across the globe had deities for the sun. Native Americans worshipped Uelanuhi, while the Egyptians believed that Ra was the Sun god. The sun is the furnace of the universe, its beating heart, so Sunny as a name holds great significance.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Sunshine
- Popularity: Sunny has been used since the 70s and shows no signs of slowing in popularity.
Timber
The meaning of Timber has changed over the centuries. At first, it represented a wooden dwelling but morphed to mean building material. In the U.S., lumber is the equivalent, but you might struggle to use it as a name for your kid.
- Origin: Old English
- Meaning: Strong, wood, house
- Popularity: Only a handful of kids were named Timber between 2016 and 2021.
Yarrow
Yarrow translates as “rough stream,” and it’s also a herb that grows in the wild and is widely used in medicine. Achilles carried yarrow into battle.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Rough stream
- Popularity: Yarrow failed to make a dent in the popularity charts.
