Tag: seasonal

Unique Baby Names for Spooky Season. Unique Baby Names for Spooky Season
Name Lists

Unique Baby Names for Spooky Season

ElizabethLeave a comment

The older I get, the more I appreciate Halloween. Although I don’t yet have any children of my own and can’t go trick-or-treating anymore (to be honest, I’m not huge on sweet foods or candy anyway!), I love the whole “Spooky Season” vibe. Why limit enjoyment of horror movies and pumpkin spiced anything to just *one* day? Whether it’s September, October, or November, I’m going to enjoy my hot apple cider, fall foliage, and scary stories. Though who says you have to even watch horror movies to partake? Dark Academia scratches the itch too. There are many ways to enjoy some Fall fun.

I’ve been racking my brains for unique and unusual baby name options for fans of Spooky Season. None of these names are currently in the U.S. Top 1000 baby names, though a couple of them might take off soon. Some are more usable than others…there are definitely a few I think should remain character or pet names…but I’ll let expecting parents be the judge of that!

Vampires:

Alucard is Dracula backwards and the main character of Hellsing, an anime. Alucard is also a character in the Castlevania game series. 19 boys were named Alucard in 2022.

Barnabas: Barnabas Collins is the 18th-century-born vampire and patriarch of the Collins family in the Dark Shadows universe. 13 boys were named Barnabas in 2022.

Bram: In honor of Dracula’s author, Abraham “Bram” Stoker. Just 30 boys were named Bram in 2022!

Carmilla: Although Carmilla looks like a variation of even misspelling of Camilla, it’s really the name of a famous vampire horror novel by Joseph Sheridan le Fanu. Carmilla predates Dracula (and influences that book) by some 25 years. 8 girls were named Carmilla in 2022.

Stoker: Bram Stoker’s surname is unheard of as a baby name, and no known children received it in 2022. This could be a fun, super-unique way of celebrating Spooky Season. A stoker is someone who stokes (feeds) a fire, which is a lovely association for babies born in colder months.

The Addams Family (and friends):

Tell me you heard the jingle in your head. Every few decades, we get a new rendition of our favorite “spooky” and “kooky” yet oddly wholesome family and obscure names. And if you’re as excited for the second season of Wednesday as I am, check out my list of names from the show!

Enid: An Arthurian name that probably means “soul” in the original Welsh, Enid is Wednesday’s roommate in the eponymous recent Netflix series. 28 American girls were named Enid in 2022.

Gomez: A variation on the medieval Portuguese name Gomes, no known babies were named Gomez last year. I’m sure some children have it for their last name, though!

Morticia: Even though Morticia sounds like “mortician,” the parents of 13 baby girls picked this fandom name last year.

Wednesday: “Wednesday’s child is full of woe…” I don’t think this name will be rare for much longer, but for now Wednesday still reigns well beneath the Top 1000. 97 girls were named Wednesday in 2022.

Books, Poetry, Movies, & TV:

Desdemona: Besides its sad Shakespearean connotations and maximalist flair, elegant Desdemona literally contains the word “demon” – perfect for Halloween! No known girls were named Desdemona last year, but it has a certain aesthetic that appeals to some parents.

Draco: With all the dragons featuring in pop culture, it’s a wonder Draco (“dragon” in Ancient Greek) isn’t more popular. Most of us probably associate Draco with the Harry Potter character, Draco Malfoy. 132 boys were named Draco in the U.S. in 2022.

Elvira: This is a vintage Spanish name best known to Americans via Elvira: Mistress of the Dark. It’s been out of the Top 1000 since the early 1980s, so if you love this name don’t worry about running into another Elvira on the playground! Only 67 girls received the name last year.

Hannibal: The name of an ancient Carthaginian general, an American Vice President, a famous comedian/celebrity…and a cannibal. Silence of the Lambs shows its age, but Hannibal Lecter is an enduring villain and most people’s primary association for the name. No known babies were named Hannibal in 2022.

Hermione: Harry Potter is often cited as an early example of Dark Academia, so bookish Hermione Granger’s unusual first name fits the vibe for Spooky Season. Other famous characters named Hermione include a queen in Shakespeare and the daughter of Helen in Greek Mythology. 115 girls were named Hermione in 2022, which is the most popular the name has ever been in the USA (that’s still quite rare though).

Ichabod: Ichabod Crane is the main character in The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving, the story that gave us the Headless Horseman. Irving didn’t invent the name; it’s a rare Biblical option with the unusual meaning of “without glory.” You won’t find any modern babies with this name, but I think “Icky” could be a cute nickname!

Lenore: Eleanor is one of the most popular baby names right now, but variant has yet to be revived substantially as just 76 girls received the name in 2022. Lenore is the subject of Edgar Allan Poe’s poem The Raven.

Malvolio: The name of a Shakespeare character, this means “ill will.” You might also like Marvolo, a similar name from Harry Potter. Neither is known as a recent baby name.

Poe: If Edgar is still too popular for you and you’re a fan of the writer, consider gender-neutral Poe! 6 baby boys were named Poe in 2022, but it works well for anyone.

Prynne: Hester Prynne is the main subject of The Scarlet Letter, the classic Nathaniel Hawthorne tale of adultery and intolerance in Puritan New England. Hester is unique itself – no known babies were named this old-fashioned variation of Esther in 2022 – but Prynne is equally unusual, fresher, and more modern.

Thackery: Remember Hocus Pocus? I imagine I thought his name was Zachary Binx for the longest time, but no, it’s Thackery Binx! Neither Thackery nor Binx boasts any known usage as a baby name, so if you’re worried about whether anyone else has a name you’d like for your own child…name away!

Winifred: This one might not be that unique for much longer since it’s experiencing a revival, but for now you can still enjoy the rarity of your favorite Sanderson sister’s name. 227 girls were named Winifred in 2022, which seems like a lot but really isn’t considering that the least popular name in the U.S. Top 1000 (Kahlani) was given to 260 girls. Far more girls are simply named Winnie, which was given to 502 girls!

Puritan Virtues:

Wait, Puritan virtue names? Aren’t those better for Thanksgiving? Well…yes, but there’s a reason why Salem, MA traditionally receives so much tourism around Halloween. Some virtues give off Dark Academia or horror vibes, too. On that last note, please resist any temptation to name any children Fear, Anger, or Humiliation (even if they *are* historical Puritan names) and reserve them for characters in your historical fiction or gothic horror stories.

Amity: Though this name means “friendship” and is a unique alternative to Amy, most people will probably think about the Amityville Horror. 61 girls were named Amity in 2022.

Lament: “Grieve.” Fits into a category of names with negative or sad meanings without being wholly unusable like Fear or Humiliation, which suggest a certain rabid violence. I do think Lament is probably best left as a character name, though.

Silence: Benjamin Franklin famously wrote letters under the pseudonym “Silence Dogood,” though I wonder if more people will think about Silence of the Lambs.

Solace: Solace means “comfort,” usually in the context of grief or distress. This one actually does enjoy a little usage among modern babies and is gender-neutral: 18 boys and 10 girls were named Solace in the U.S. last year.

Miscellaneous:

Belladonna: An elaborate, elegant name appealing to the maximalist aesthetic that’s best known for being a poisonous plant. 17 girls were named Belladonna last year.

Hemlock: Also a poisonous plant, this is not a known baby name but keep an eye out for the spelling Hemlocke in the next couple of years; hemlocke springs (yes, lowercase) is a trending new singer. There’s also the horror series Hemlock Grove, which aired from 2013-2015.

Mourning: Although this sounds like a Puritan name, it appeared throughout 18th century British America. I actually have one in my family tree.

Proserpina: The Roman form of Persephone is much less common than its Greek counterpart and sounds a lot like the word “serpent.” I’m not saying you should name your child after the basilisk, but snakes are definitely spooky!

Posthumous: Traditionally, this name was only used for children born after the death of their fathers, i.e., posthumously. This is best reserved for fictional characters.

Pumpkin: Jack is a Top 100 baby name, so why not skip straight to the pumpkin? It’d sure be cute.

Sorrow – I’ve seen a few babies named Sparrow. Sorrow has a similar sound, but goth parents may appreciate it more!

Can you think of any other unusual baby names that are appropriate for Spooky Season? Do you have any favorites? What do you think of the ones on my list? Let me know!

(P.S. I created the featured image visible from the homepage via AI, which is my first time ever using that technology for creative purposes. I typed in something like “fall leaves pumpkins gothic dark academia” and this dreary autumnal illustration is what it came up with. Just the vibe I was looking for…impressive!).

Baby Names Inspired by Fall Foliage Baby Names Inspired by Fall Foliage
American Names · Name Lists

Baby Names Inspired by Fall Foliage

Elizabeth1 Comment

If you live in the Northern Hemisphere like me, you’re probably watching the trees for their change from verdant greens into a vibrant quilt of reds, yellows, and oranges. Unless you live in the uppermost northern environs, chances are you haven’t experienced peak foliage just yet. Every day the landscape grows more beautiful. Truly, fall and spring are my favorite seasons for the rainbow of colors nature brings!

Seeing as today’s parents can’t get enough of baby names related to nature, autumn leaf colors make for fantastic, out-of-the-box naming inspiration. If you’re having a baby during this glorious season, consider these baby names inspired by the colors of fall foliage!

Reds:

  • Auburn – Auburn is a rare name, but at least some of the children who bear it are so-named after Auburn University’s football team. See Crimson.
  • Burgundy – Like the region or the wine, burgundy is a deep, dark red.
  • Carmine – Pronounced exactly how it looks, like the words “car” and “mine.” A unique alternative to Carmen!
  • Claret – Another name for Bordeaux or a Bordeaux wine blend, this is pronounced like Claire with a t at the end. Clare-it. Pair this name with a sister named Margaux or Margot for a clever wine joke!
  • Crimson – Children are often named Crimson (or Krimson, or Krimsyn) to reference the University of Alabama’s football team. See Auburn…yes there’s a rivalry there!
  • Ginger – I’ve seen some leaves that look like the hair color! Ginger is a somewhat traditional nickname for Virginia, but it works well on its own too.
  • Jasper – A precious stone.
  • Redmond – Red’s literally in the name!
  • Rouge – The French word for “red” and a type of cosmetics. Since Sephora, Dior, and Chanel are all names associated with make-up or perfume, I can see Rouge working too!
  • Ruby – There are different shades of ruby, but the gem also makes for a lovely association.
  • Scarlett – One of the trendiest baby girls’ names in the U.S., I’d wager most of the children named Scarlett today are named (directly or indirectly) after Scarlet Johansson. I’d also bet a few reference scarlet, a vivid shade of red.
  • Vermilion – Also spelled Vermillion, this would be a unique formal name for a girl called Millie or Vera! Vermilion is a deep, vibrant red.

Yellows and Golds:

  • Amber – A semi-precious resin containing fossils.
  • Aurelia / Aurelius – Latin for “golden.”
  • Bowie – The English form of a Gaelic name meaning “yellow.”
  • Cressida – The posh Shakespearean version of Chryseis, an Ancient Greek name meaning “golden.”
  • Electra – Ancient Greek for “amber.” You may also love its Italian version, Elettra.
  • Goldie is both a nickname for Marigold and a variation of the Yiddish name Golda.
  • Honey – Fans of recent historical fiction may remember this character name from The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek and its sequel, The Book Woman’s Daughter.
  • Lemon – Rare, but not as unusual and unique as you might think. Well over 100 girls have been named Lemon in the U.S. since 2013.
  • Ochre – Fans of names like Onyx and Ocean will love this color name that starts with ‘O!’
  • Saffron – The rarity and expensiveness of saffron puts the name in league with Ruby and Pearl, popular names denoting something very precious.
  • Turmeric – “Rick” for short! Turmeric is famous for its anti-inflammatory properties.
  • Xanthe – From Ancient Greek meaning “yellow.” Shorten to “Zan” for extra cuteness and pizzazz!

Oranges and Browns:

  • Bruno – Literally, “brown.”
  • Cinnamon – This name was briefly popular for women in the late 1960s, but now it’s so rare it doesn’t even chart in the USA’s extended baby name data. If you want a unique girls’ name that nobody else is using, Cinnamon fits the bill!
  • Ember – A softer, fresher alternative to Amber that’s reminiscent of campfires on cold nights.
  • Mahogany – Also a red, Mahogany probably makes most people think of luxurious wooden furniture.
  • Maple – Just as Chianti supposedly tastes best in Tuscany, I’ve discovered that Vermont maple syrup tastes better in Vermont than anywhere else. As a name, Maple is completely on-trend with a short and sweet sound, nature theme, and proximity to increasingly popular Mabel. I personally feel that it’s one of the most accessible unusual celebrity baby names used recently.
  • Persimmon – Now that we’re starting to see babies named Strawberry and Plum, don’t be surprised if some adventurous parents discover Persimmon. Perry, Percy, Simon…lots of nickname potential!
  • Pumpkin – Yes, I’m basic and drink at least 5 Pumpkin Spice Chai Lattes a year. I’ve even made Pumpkin Spice Challah! While I’m not sure Pumpkin works that well as a regular person’s name, I can almost guarantee that a celebrity or influencer will eventually pick Pumpkin as their baby’s name. It *is* cute…
  • Russet – Potatoes are tasty, but how about a gender-neutral alternative to Russell?
  • Rusty – 2023 parents are a little rusty on this one, but I can see some people pulling it out of grandpa’s yearbook. Dusty’s mildly trendy, isn’t it?
  • Sienna – Siena is a city in Tuscany, Italy.
  • Sinopia – A unique addition to any collection of girls’ names ending in “-ia.”
  • Tawny – This one has a very 80s mom vibe, but I’m surprised it never took off much even back then.

Can you think of any other baby names related to fall foliage? Blaze, Leaf, and Autumn are the first things that come to my mind, but maybe other names come to yours? Let me know in the comments!

Beach-Inspired Baby Names
Name Lists

Beach-Inspired Baby Names

ElizabethLeave a comment

Summertime means beach time. Whether you enjoy sipping tropical drinks on the shore, catching some waves, or taking in the natural beauty, you probably associate hot, sunny weather with trips to the ocean. Perhaps you prefer hanging out on the banks of a river or diving into a cool, clear lake. As long as you love beaches, it doesn’t matter where you go to enjoy them. And if you take your naming inspiration from the world around you, you’re probably looking for options.

In honor of the season, here’s a selection of names inspired by the beach! These maritime monikers are sure to delight.

  • Amphitrite: Pronounced “am-phuh-TRY-tee,” this is a unique Ancient Greek girls’ name often given to ships in more modern times. In mythology, Amphitrite was the mother of Triton through her marriage to the sea god Poseidon and was herself a deity representing salt water or seawater. If she’s Triton’s mom…does that mean she’s Ariel’s grandmother?
  • Ariel: We’re all thinking about The Little Mermaid right now, and who doesn’t love mermaids? Thanks to the new movie, expect Ariel to spike in the 2023 charts from its current 2022 ranking of #237.
  • Bay: 12 girls were named Bay in 2022. Even at its peak in 2014, it’s never been given to more than 75 girls and a smaller handful of boys. Though if Bay is too similar to popular Bailey or Baylor for you, consider naming your child after your favorite bay directly. I personally like Chessie as a stand-in for Chesapeake. On that note, Old Bay seasoning makes for a pretty great food namesake…just leave out the “old” part.
  • Beach only charted in the U.S. birth data once for 5 men born in 1915. Try it as a nickname for Beecher or Beauchamp! Alternatively, you may prefer Beech if you enjoy tree names.
  • Coral is rare though familiar and less popular than Coraline. 116 girls were named Coral last year, though for something even more unique try Coralie (48 girls) or Coralia (fewer than 5 babies).
  • Cove: 132 boys and 80 girls were named Cove in 2022, a trendy minimalist option making the rounds on baby naming social media. Use it now before it really takes off!
  • Gal / Gali: You’ve probably heard of Gal through Gal Gadot, the actress who starred in Wonder Woman. Gal is a Hebrew name meaning “wave,” while Gali means “my wave.” 16 American girls were named Gal, 10 Gali, and 6 Galit in 2022.
  • Isla: When pronounced the Spanish way (EES-luh), this name means “island.” I’d wager most Anglophones pronounce it like “EYE-luh,” however. Isla ranks #35 as of 2022.
  • Kai: One translation for Kai (and there are many!) is “sea,” when derived from Hawaiian. Kai ranks #59 for baby boys and #790 for infant girls.
  • Key: Not currently in use. I’m thinking of the Florida Keys…and Kokomo!
  • Lake: When you can’t get to the ocean, the lake is probably your next best bet for a beach trip. Lake was given to 54 girls and 99 boys in 2022. It’s so similar to Blake that I’m surprised it’s not more popular! That said, inspired variants Lakelyn and Lakelynn were both new to the U.S. Top 1000 this year.
  • Marina: A marina is both a shoreline locale to dock your boats and an old Roman name meaning “of the sea.” Marius and Marinus are traditional men’s forms of Marina. .
  • Moana: The Disney character’s fitting name derives from Polynesian languages and refers to a “wide expanse of water,” namely the ocean! 44 girls were named Moana in 2022.
  • Navy: Also a color, this ranks #478 for girls in the U.S.
  • Ocean / Oceana / Oceane / Oceanus : Ocean is a popular gender-neutral choice for both boys (#604) and (#759) girls, but its longer alternatives are still unusual. Nor is Ocean necessarily strictly a modern name – it’s the English form of a Greek god’s name, Oceanus. Oceanus itself was the name of the only child born on the Mayflower voyage.
  • Reef: 61 boys and 7 girls were named Reef in 2022.
  • Rio: This Spanish and Portuguese form of River only recently became a trendy choice stateside, likely thanks to Money Heist. It ranks #561 for boys, though a decent number of babies (118 in 2022) named Rio are girls. I wonder how many of those are named after the Duran Duran song, however long ago it came out? And I’d bet quite a few children are named after Rio de Janeiro, considering the ongoing trendiness of place names.
  • River: This fantastic gender-neutral option is about to reach the U.S. Top 100 for boys, and it looks like it isn’t far behind for baby girls. Current rank: #105 for boys, #150 for girls.
  • Sailor: I can’t talk about beach names without mentioning Sailor! Sailboats might not be on the beach, but you can watch them glide by…or vice versa. This spelling is still fairly rare, but Saylor with a ‘y’ ranks #207 for girls. Could it be this generation’s Taylor?
  • Sandy: These days, Sandy is an uncommon unisex baby name. If you prefer it as a nickname, consider swoonworthy Lysander and Lysandra!
  • Shell: Not currently in use, and Shelly / Shelley is rare for new babies (just 28 and 6 girls, respectively). Michelle is a modern classic, making its place in the Top 1000 for nearly a century. For a boy, Shell is a good nickname for Dashiell, Sheldon, and Michael.
  • Shore: Not in use, which means it’s perfect for beach-loving parents who enjoy unique names that nobody else has. My only suggestion is to avoid using this name if you pronounce “shore” the same way as you say “sure.”
  • Thalassa: From a Greek word meaning “sea.” Thalassa only charted in the birth stats once in 1977 for 6 women. Fans of Romance novels may be familiar with author Laura Thalassa.
  • Undine comes from a Latin word meaning “wave.” This isn’t currently in use, though French variation Ondine was given to 9 baby girls in the U.S. last year.
  • Waverly: A popular choice for girls that nods to the sea while fitting perfectly on any playground without another thought. Waverly currently ranks #750 for girls nationally, but rare Wave was given to just 15 boys and 6 girls in 2022.

What are your favorite beach-inspired names?

Unique Summer-Inspired Baby Names
Name Lists

Unique Summer-Inspired Baby Names

ElizabethLeave a comment

Happy Summer! If you live in the Northern Hemisphere as I do, June 21st marks the Summer Solstice, a.k.a. the longest day of the year. I live for long days and short nights, so this solstice is always bittersweet. The days just get shorter from here!

Speaking of the word solstice – did you know that Solstice is a baby name? It’s incredibly rare, but according to U.S. baby name stats the parents of 17 baby girls and 9 infant boys chose Solstice as their child’s first name in 2022. Some parents may time the name according to the biannual event, though I know of at least one child named Solstice whose name does not exactly line up with the solstice.

Solstice is a unique seasonal choice for babies born in early summer (or winter!). What are some other unique summer-inspired baby names? For parents of June, July, August, and early September babies, this name list is for you!

Summer meanings:

  • Esta is similar to the Latin aestas (“summer”) and aestivalis (“related to summer”). Esti is an option for something slightly more familiar.
  • Somerled is an old English name of Norse origin meaning “summer wanderer.” You might also like one of its Scottish forms, Sorley.
  • Summerfield is a distinguished surname that literally means “summer field.”
  • Summerlyn: Names ending in -Lynn and -Lyn are all the rage, but most parents haven’t heard of Summerlyn! Just 8 girls received this name in the U.S. last year.
  • Suvi is a Finnish name meaning “summer.” This is a great option for fans of Lumi, another Finnish name that means “snow.”

June and August are popular baby names pertaining to the Northern Hemisphere’s summer months, but here are some more unusual choices:

  • Junia: June is wildly trendy, but Junia (pronounced like June + EE-uh or June + EYE-uh) is a rare Roman name most associated with a mysterious early Christian mentioned in the New Testament.
  • July: Named after Julius Caesar, July is one of the few unusual “Jul-” names. July is a direct way to honor a Julia or Julian without banging into the the Top 100 or Top 1000. A gender-neutral option, July was given to just 22 boys and 14 girls last year.
  • Augusta: August is a popular gender-neutral baby name, but only a handful of children receive this stately Roman name each year. For something even rarer, try Augustina!
  • September: Though we associate September more with autumn, the first few weeks technically belong to the summer. If you don’t feel like naming a child after the month directly, consider the related Latin Septima or Septimus. Something to note, though: September, Septima, and Septimus come from a word meaning “seven” because it used to be the seventh month of the year!

Birth Flowers:

  • Rosaline: one of the birth flowers for June is the Rose, which is a much more popular baby name than rare, exquisite Rosaline. Rosalind and Rosamund are beautiful options too!
  • Honey: Honeysuckle is the other June birth flower, though it might be a little much compared to Honey.
  • Larkspur: July’s birth flower. It easily shortens to equally gorgeous Lark!
  • Delphine is a more approachable name than Delphinium, the Latin name for the Larkspur…though let’s be honest, I love the idea of a baby Delphinium!
  • Gladiolus: One of August’s birth flowers. Gladys and Claudia may be more accessible.
  • Poppaea: August’s other birth flower is the Poppy. Poppaea is an unrelated Roman name, though the name is far more unique.
  • Aster is a September birth flower. If maximalist baby names are more your thing, consider Astraea or Astoria.
  • Glory comes from Morning Glory, the other September birth flower. Gloriana is also an unusual choice. Just don’t name a real child Morning Glory in full!

Birthstones:

  • Pearline: Pearl is the birthstone for June. Pearline is an extinct vintage variation of the name that is ripe for revival! Other possibilities for rare names with “pearl” meanings include Spanish Perlina, Hebrew Margalit, and English Margalo.
  • Rubeus: Ruby is July’s birthstone. Also try Rubina!
  • Perry: Peridot is an August birthstone. You may also love Peregrine or Percival as formal options for Perry.
  • Dottie is another nod to Peridot! Dorothy and Dorothea are traditional long forms.
  • Sardonyx sounds rather like a Pokemon character, but in fact it’s an August birthstone. Onyx is the obvious nickname choice (Sardonyx is red Onyx), but it’s getting popular with a current national rank of #355 for baby boys. Sardonyx, on the other hand? Nobody’s using it!
  • Sapphira: Sapphire, September’s birthstone, was a brand new name to the American Top 1000 in 2022. Sapphira is still unusual though, and only 47 girls received the name last year (Sapphire was given to 300).

Do you have a favorite unique summer-inspired baby name? Is there another one you’d add to my list? Let me know! And if you’re wondering about aquatic or beach-themed names…those are next!

Beautiful Spring Baby Names from Aisha to Zoe. Beautiful Spring Baby Names from Aisha to Zoe
Name Lists

Beautiful Spring Baby Names from Aisha to Zoe

ElizabethLeave a comment

We’ve talked about spring flower baby names, but what about spring names more generally? A great spring name may simply mean “spring” but it also represents concepts like “life” and “renewal,” nodding at the return of warmth, leaves, and flowers each year. Nature names handily fulfill those requirements, while mythological names remind us of ancient stories that tried to reconcile how the seasons came to be. Spring names are the names that represent our communal mindset, hopes, and aspirations when Winter’s cold is replaced by Spring’s blossoms.

Here is a list of names that evoke spring, from direct seasonal meanings to mythology and beyond!

  • Aisha / Ayesha – However you prever to spell Aisha, this beautiful Arabic name means “alive” – a perfect way to honor the springtime!
  • Ambrose – Derived from Latin Ambrosius, Ambrose means “immortal.” We think of Spring as a time of renewal and rebirth, but immortality implies life.
  • Anthea derives from a Greek word meaning “flower.” Ideally Anthea makes a great name in every season except Winter, but I think floral names are most associated with Spring.
  • Aviv / Aviva – “Spring” in Hebrew. Aviv is a gender-neutral version that’s popular for both boys and girls in Israel, while Aviva is a strictly feminine version that’s beginning to trend in the U.S. Both version are still rare in the States, however. I also like how Aviva sounds like Viva, or “life!”
  • April / Avril / Abril – April is a kind of nouveau classic baby name, one that only arose within the last 100 years but feels timeless. Spanish Abril is the next most popular, followed by the French version which was familiarized by Avril Lavigne. I’d be curious to see statistics indicating whether these names are more popular for babies born during the month!
  • Blossom – Flowers blossom from spring to fall, but I think we especially associate this name with the first flowers that bloom in spring.
  • Bluma – A Yiddish name meaning “flower.”
  • Ceres / Cerelia – Ceres is the Roman equivalent of Demeter, Greek goddess of grains and agriculture; Cerelia means “relating to Ceres.”
  • Chloe – A fresh, modern-sounding name from Ancient Greek and the New Testament, Chloe derives from a word referring to the “green shoots” that rise in the Spring. Other common meanings of the name have to do with “fertility” and “blooming.”
  • Chloris – Just a few years ago Chloris seemed rather dated, but today she feels like a glamorous vintage and unique alternative to Chloe. In Greek Mythology, Chloris was a minor goddess of flowers and vegetation.
  • Demetrius – A men’s name closely related to Demeter.
  • Emrys – The Welsh form of Ambrose.
  • Flora / Fleur / Fflur – Flora was the Ancient Roman goddess of flowers. Fleur and Fflur are her French and Welsh counterparts, respectively.
  • Florian – It’s not often that you hear about floral names for boys, but Florian hits the mark and provide us a lovely spring baby name option. Florian is an old Roman-derived name that’s popular in Austria, Germany, and Poland. You can read more about Florian here.
  • Harumi – One particular combination of Kanji allows for this Japanese name to be created from words meaning “spring” and “beautiful, beauty.”
  • Hope – Descriptive of the hope we feel seeing the first flowers of Spring bloom for the first time. If you prefer longer, more elaborate names, try the Spanish Esperanza, French Esperance, or Latin Sperantia. If you do prefer shorter names but want something more unique, the personified Roman goddess of hope was named Spes. I even think Sperry could be an option!
  • Iris – An early Spring flower that takes its name from the Greek goddess of the rainbow.
  • June – It may feel like Summer by the time June rolls around, but technically, the first three weeks of June belong to the Spring if you live in the Northern Hemisphere. For more unique options to reference the month, consider the names Juno, Junia, and Junius.
  • Lux – The Latin word for “light,” Lux is a great modern choice for parents who want to commemorate the return of longer days and shorter nights. Begone, Seasonal Affective Disorder!
  • Magnol– The original surname that inspired Magnolia, a blossoming springtime tree and trendy baby name. Magnus is also worth considering!
  • Mars – The Roman god of war gives his name to the month of March and our planetary neighbor. For something more subtle, try the Greek equivalent Ares or even Ari. Marcia and Marceline could work as girls’ versions, though Athena and Minerva are the respective Greek and Roman war goddesses.
  • May – A month and an uncommon flower, May is also a traditional nickname for Margaret.
  • Maya – Maya is just one letter off from both May and Maia, the latter being the Roman goddess of spring whose name inspired the month’s.
  • Nova – Latin for “new,” Nova is a great name to represent the renewal of living things that Spring brings.
  • Persephone – In Greek Mythology, Persephone’s yearly return from the Underworld marked the return of plants and wildlife after the dead of winter.
  • Phyllida – A more stylish variation of Phyllis, a Greek name which means “foliage.” A famous bearer is Phyllida Law, actress and mother of Emma Thompson.
  • Rabi / Rabia – Arabic for “spring, springtime.” Sometimes you want direct name meanings!
  • Rene / Renee – French for “reborn, born again,” from the Latin Renatus. Renata is another popular form to consider!
  • Soleil – In French, Soleil means “sun.” think that’s something we all look forward to after the cold, grey of winter.
  • Vera – Though Vera means “faith” (and via Latin associations, “truth”), it makes to a common Romance language word for spring and a (rare) name in its own right, Primavera.
  • Vernon – Vernon is a surname name in its own right, but it sounds a lot like “vernus,” a Roman word for spring.
  • Vesna – I’ve mentioned a lot of Greek and Roman mythological references, but here’s one from Slavic Mythology! Vesna was a figure associated with springtime, and to this day it means “spring” in several Eastern European languages.
  • Wisteria – A rare name referring to the fragrant purple flower that blooms between April and May.
  • Zoe / Zoey – Derived from Greek, Zoe means “life.”

Do you have a favorite spring baby name? Are there any you would add to this list? Let me know!

Sweet Spring Flower Names for Babies
Name Lists

Sweet Spring Flower Names for Babies

ElizabethLeave a comment

Happy Spring! March 20th, 2023 is the equinox, marking the official start of spring in the Northern Hemisphere according to astronomy. Depending on where you live, you may have personally observed the oncoming season for a week or two! For many of us it was a mild winter, but mild weather feels a lot better when there are beautiful flowers blooming and birds prepping their nests. My philosophy is that if it’s going to be cold, let it snow!

Ah, the flowers. Each year, the sight of daffodils and blossoming trees brings me joy. Only autumn, with its warm quilt 0f scarlet, orange, and gold leaves comes close to recreating that same feeling. Spring and fall are truly the most lovely seasons if only for their sheer colorfulness.

Irises by Van Gogh.
Irises, by Vincent Van Gogh, gorgeously depicting the spring flower.

Inspired by the start of spring, here is a selection of sweet spring flower names for babies! If you love floral monikers, nature, and the season, this list is for you.

  • Alyssum – “Sweet Alyssum” is a cool-weather flower that prefers spring and autumn. Alyssum is a likely influence on the spelling of Alyssa, a variant of Alicia or Alice that makes for a lovely and subtle nod to the plant. Surprisingly, despite Alyssa’s now-longstanding popularity, parents rarely opt for floral Alyssum. I think it’s time to change that!
  • Anemone – I’d wager many people are familiar with anemone because of Finding Nemo, but it’s also a lovely flower that can bloom from the earliest springtime into the fall. Sweetly pronounced a-NEM-oh-nee, it was traditionally associated with the story of Aphrodite and her beloved Adonis. When Adonis died, the goddess transformed his blood into the anemone with her tears. By the Victorian era, the flower came to mean something like “lost love,” whether due to forgetting or a partner’s death. Do keep in mind that in some cultures, the anemone is considered bad luck (especially depending on the color).
  • Bluebell – With the trendiness of names like “Blue” and “Belle,” I’m surprised more parents aren’t choosing Bluebell. Nobody in the U.S. is using it, but it occasionally reaches into the England and Wales top 1000. I’m guessing the few children who are named Bluebell aren’t named after Ginger Spice’s daughter, but you never know. All in all, the Bluebell is a gorgeous flower with a name-friendly sound and it *should* be on more people’s radars. In Victorian flower language, the bluebell signifies “humility.”
  • Daffodil – Along with crocuses, daffodils are one of the first flowers that bloom to mark the end of winter. Daffodil is exceedingly rare as a baby name, but its bright and sunny yellow hues make it a sweet choice. It easily shortens to Daffy, which is a possible nickname for David (via the Welsh Dafydd – no relation to Daffodil), and Dil. Possible gender-neutral option? In floriography (the language of flowers), daffodils traditionally signify “regard.”
  • Eirlys – Pronounced like the word “air” with “liss” added to the end. Despite the wintry connotations of the name “Snowdrop,” that flower is popularly associated with the very early spring. Eirlys, which means “snowdrop” in Welsh, is a trending modern choice thanks to its “-s” ending and nature meaning. The name is still rather rare and unique, so it’s a great choice if you want your child to be the only one on the playground with that name. For an even equally distinctive choice meaning “snowdrop,” the Georgian language also offers Endzela.
  • Ffion – Most English-speakers wouldn’t think of using Foxglove as a baby name (it’s an excellent pet name!), but its Welsh-equivalent is an established (if modern) baby name. Ffion is beyond rare in the U.S., but it ranks #337 in England and Wales. Pronounced “FEE-on,” parents may like it as a unique floral alternative to Fiona (no relation, though).
  • Hyacinth – Most people probably now consider Hyacinth a girls’ name (especially in light of Bridgerton!), but its history as a men’s name gives it credence as a rare gender-neutral flower name. Greek Mythology explains the flower’s creation through the violent death of Hyakinthos (Latinized Hyacinthus), whose blood fed the flowers that bloomed in his wake. Hyacinth has many meanings in flower language, ranging a wide gamut of human emotions depending on the color; purple and white hyacinth, which are especially popular in the spring, can respectively mean “forgiveness” and “loveliness,” though other meanings are possible (purple also means “sorrow”). 16 girls were named Hyacinth in the U.S. in 2021, while Spanish forms Jacinta (f) and Jacinto (m) were respectively given to 28 girls and 19 boys. Fans of the nickname “Gia” and “Gio” may also consider the Italian versions, Giacinta and Giacinto.
  • Iris is a classic name with a history stretching all the way back to Ancient Greece, where she was the messenger goddess of the rainbow. Despite meaning “rainbow,” the flower is usually purple. Amazingly, Iris is one of just a few girls’ names that have remained in the top 1000 since the Social Security Administration started counting in 1880, giving it a truly timeless feel. More popular than ever, Iris currently ranks #107 and is almost certainly set to enter the top 1000 in the upcoming 2022 dataset.
  • Magnolia – This beautiful flowering tree was a mildly popular girls’ name from the late 19th century until 1940, but it’s really taken off in the last decade. Whether or not that’s because of its trendiness as a vintage plant name or pop culture references, this Southern lady is ready to seize the day. According to flower language, Magnolia symbolizes “nobility” and “love of nature.” Well eco-namers, with that second meaning I think you’ve found a winner! Current U.S. rank: #140.
  • Primrose is a rare floral name that’s growing more popular on the both sides of the pond. It’s still unusual in the U.S., where it was given to just 92 girls in 2021, but in England and Wales it ranks #162. Deriving from a Latin term which means “first rose,” the primrose is one of the earliest flowering plants to bloom in the spring. Besides the flower, the most popular association for many people (especially in the U.S.) is Primrose “Prim” Everdeen, a character in the Hunger Games. Two unique, stunning name alternatives to Primrose are the Welsh version Briallen and the flower’s Latin genus, Primula.
  • Sakura – While there are other possible meanings of this name in Japanese, Sakura is typically associated with the cherry blossom tree, which blooms in early spring and serves as Japan’s national flower. Some Americans may be familiar with the National Cherry Blossom Festival, a massive Washington D.C. celebration of peak bloom each year. In 2021, 58 baby girls in the U.S. were named Sakura, which is supposed to be emphasized on the first syllable (SAH-kur-a).
  • Solomon – Generally blooming through late April or May into early summer, “Solomon’s Seal” is a lesser-known spring flower that gives us a rare and much coveted floral name for boys. Solomon is a classic name tracing to biblical King Solomon. At last count in 2021, Solomon ranked #422 in the U.S.
  • Tulip – After the daffodils come the tulips, a flower that was once so valuable that a single bulb could be more expensive than a house in an economic phenomenon known as tulip mania. According to floriography, a red tulip is a “declaration of love,” while yellow tulips signify a sunny smile. 25 girls were named Tulip in 2021.
  • Viola is the name of the genus that includes pansies and violets. While violets can bloom year-round depending on the type, pansies only bloom in the cooler temperatures and spring and fall. Unfortunately, “pansy” has become a gendered insult, so it’s going to be a long time before vintage Pansy makes a comeback. Not only is Viola a safer naming choice, but it’s just as old-fashioned. It’s also a lot more unusual than Violet, which now ranks #35 in the United States! Whereas Violet was given to almost 5,500 baby girls in 2021, Viola was only given to 208 and ranks below the top 1000.

Another interesting spring floral choice if you’re looking for a boys’ name is Clayton, as in Claytonia Perfoliata or “Miner’s Lettuce.”

Do you have a favorite spring flower or nature name? Let me know, and Happy Spring!

Sources for flower language:

Baby Names Related to January: Janvier, Januaria, Gennaro, Jana, and more..." Baby Names Related to January
Name Lists

Baby Names Related to January

Elizabeth2 Comments

Happy New Year! As I reflect on the past year and look forward to the next, my mind wanders towards the name January.

Month names are an intriguing category of baby names. The most approachable ones, like April, June, and August are beloved by parents seeking temporal baby names or classic and vintage names. October and December are like 21st-century versions of Octavius / Octavia and Decimus / Decima – numerical Roman names, which, except for Octavia, are rarely popular but steadily used. Others are generational or never used at all. January, which was briefly popular a few decades ago, is related to the name Janus. Here are a few names for parents to consider bestowing on their January babies:

  • January itself is one of the versions you’re going to hear most often, and not just because it’s the 1st month of the year. Although only 15 girls received the name in 2021, it used to be in the top 1000 during the late 1970s. Two alternate spellings graced the Social Security Administration birth data during that time – Januari and Januarie. The most famous namesake is probably actress January Jones, though Januarie is also a Geoffrey Chaucer character.
  • Janvier is the French word for the month. It first appeared as a girls’ name when January was popular, but in 1992 it flipped to the boys. 5 boys received the name Janvier in 2016, the last year it appeared in SSA data.
  • Janus was a Roman god with two faces; one pointed to the past and the other to the future. Janus occasionally appeared as a women’s name in the mid 20th century, probably as a variant of Janice, but usage has been strictly masculine since the 1990s. It last appeared in 2019.  
  • Jana is usually related to names like John (via Jan) and Anna, making it a rarer alternative to Jane. In this case, I think a parent could use Jana to feminize Janus or name a January baby if not updating Janice and Janet, though I wouldn’t be surprised if some of its more recent usage were inspired by Jana Duggar. 227 girls were named Jana in 2021. 
  • Januarius (died c. 305 CE) is the patron saint of Naples, Italy. This form of the name comes from the Latin Ianuarius, which was the name of the month. Other famous namesakes include journalist Januarius MacGahan (1844-1878) and German artist Januarius Zick.  
  • Januaria is the feminine form of Januarius, and the name of a couple of early saints / martyrs. The most famous namesake is Princess Januária of Brazil (1822-1901), younger sister of Queen Maria II of Portugal. If you’re looking for an unconventional name inspired by royalty, this is it!
  • Gennaro is the Italian form of Januarius. Perennially popular in Italy, it’s steady but rare in the U.S. 24 boys were named Gennaro in 2021.

Unless a name is already popular or offers up a famous namesake, temporal names are best used in their corresponding times. If you don’t want scenarios like the line of questioning about day of birth that Wednesday Addams receives in the eponymous Netflix show, it’s least confusing if your baby January was born in January. There are exceptions, of course: for example, a baby born on September 19 could be named January in accordance with a Catholic holy day for St. Januarius. Additionally, I wager that most people probably won’t connect Gennaro with January unless they’re Italian or serious name-nerds, so this one can probably be used year-round with ease.

What do you think of the baby name January and its cohorts? Would you use any of them? Let me know, and have a Happy New Year once again!

Modern names · Name Lists

Nature Names for a Christmas Baby

Elizabeth1 Comment

The Holidays aren’t just celebrations – they’re feelings. Christmas is one day, but we associate an entire season with mistletoe, carols, and eggnog. Though the flowers are gone and the leaves have died away, we cling to whatever ecological beauty remains. Still, when you reach a time of year that’s meant to be joyous and happy, nostalgia and fondness for our surroundings abound. It’s only natural that these feelings and associations transfer to baby names for children born at this time of year.

Here’s a list of nature names associated with Christmas and the Holiday Season:

  • Holly – a 70s and 80s mom name that’s starting to come back, this name is about as Christmasy as it gets! For more information about Holly, check out my post from earlier this month. US Rank: #465.
  • Ivy – Usually mentioned in conjunction with Holly thanks to the song, Ivy is a great pairing option with Holly if you’re having twins. A vintage plant name, it’s all the rage right now. Rank: #49.
  • Douglas – Ranks at #739. We might think of Douglas as a vintage boys’ name, but it’s also a type of fir tree! Bring on the evergreens! Speaking of…
  • Evergreen – Evergreen is an extremely rare and unique baby name usually only given to girls, but I think it makes a great gender-neutral name option precisely because of its rarity! Only 6 girls were named Evergreen in 2021.
  • Frost – Frost is trendy among the namenerds of Instagram, but this surname has only ever been used as a baby name a handful of times.
  • Spruce – I’m surprised Spruce doesn’t have a baby name history because it rhymes with Bruce and fits firmly within the nature names trend. Get moving, parents!
  • Poinsettia – A beautiful red and green flowering plant that blooms in glorious Christmas foliage.
  • Pine – Actor, tree, and possible baby name? You decide on that last one.
  • Snow – Everyone loves snow until they have to drive in it. Still, it’s one of the prettiest things on the planet, and the parents of 56 baby girls agreed on paper in 2021! Or maybe they just love Game of Thrones (who knows?).
  • Lumi – Lumi is the Finnish word (and name) for snow! 57 girls were named Lumi in 2021. Read more here.
  • Ice – If Snow is feminine, Ice is unisex. 9 boys and 6 girls were named Ice in the U.S. in 2021, 8 girls were named Icy, 44 girls were named Icelynn, and 5 girls were named Icylinn. The latter two might be variations of Iceland, which was given to 6 girls.
  • Apricity – An intriguingly rare word name that means “the warmth of the sun in winter,” Apricity is a holiday darling of Instagram’s baby naming community.
  • Solstice – Okay, we’re just past the solstice, but there’s something lovely about the idea that the days only grow longer from here. 16 baby girls were named Solstice in 2021.
  • Robin – Robin is unusually old-school for a gender-neutral name, but that’s part of what makes Robin so great! It can be an honorific for Robert, Robin Williams, or reference the beautiful bird. It currently ranks #896 for boys and #916 for girls.
  • Amaryllis – If you love Greek Mythology, flowers, and Christmas baby names, Amaryllis is for you! 67 girls were named Amaryllis in the U.S. in 2021.

Do you have a favorite nature name for Christmas? Let me know, and have a Merry Christmas!