Baby Names Inspires by Nature
July 7, 2010 | Filled Under Green Baby, Green Baby/Toddler Event
Nature has always been a source of inspiration for prospective parents. Floral names, for example, have long been a favorite group, especially for girls. Names such as Rosemary, Violet, and Heather have been around for many generations. But it was probably during the 1960s, the decade that sparked the “back to nature” movement, when a broad range of nature-inspired names really began to enter society in a noticeable way.
In recent years, baby names that fall under the heading of “nature” names have grown in popularity and diversity.
Floral names, of course, are always popular. In this group, names like Fern, Lily, Daisy, Dahlia, Camelia, Poppy, and Rose represent but a few of the many floral names commonly seen today.
Trees and shrubs have proven to be a rich vein for finding baby names. Willow, Holly, Hazel, Ash, Ivy and Forrest are well-known tree names that have crossed over to baby names. More recently, Rowan and Birk, both old English names for trees, have also become popular.
The seasons have all been appropriated for baby names, with Winter, Summer, and Autumn being particular favorites. Some high profile celebrity babies have been given seasonal names. Nicole Richie and Joel Madden named their daughter Harlow Winter, giving a decided bump to the popularity of the name Winter.
Weather, in all its forms, is often an inspiration for baby names. Rain is a favorite, along with Storm. For boys, the name Hurricane is not unknown. Weather-related terms like Sky, Solstice, and Rainbow are also fairly common.
Since nature-inspired names are still relatively scarce and new, it is not always clear whether a name is more appropriate for a boy or a girl. Many of the nature names can simply be considered unisex, at least until a pattern emerges for one gender or another.
If you are considering a nature name for a baby, there are many to choose from. One of the most appealing aspects of a nature name is that it conveys a sense of connection to the earth, and to the environment. Because of this, nature-inspired names almost always have a positive energy, making such a name a special gift to a newborn child. Here are some more nature-inspired baby names that may prove inspirational in your search for the right name.
- Brook
- River
- Heath
- Lark
- Meadow (I Love this for a baby girl)
- Savannah
- Sage (Cute name for a boy or girl)
- Star
- Moon
- Dawn
- Stone
- Ocean
- Sparrow
- Prairie
- Laurel
- Juniper
Guest post by Neil Street, co-publisher of Baby Names Garden, a well-known baby names website.
Related Topics:
Subscribe via email to get new green topics delivered via email!
I like Nature inspired names but my husband likes to stick to tradition and culture with Spanish origin names.
When we were trying to decide on a name for our second child I thought about using a nature name, but my husband thought it was to hippy, he is rather conservative.
I wanted to name my baby Violet if I had a girl my last two pregnancies but 2 boys later and we are done. While I do like some nature inspired names I dislike names that try to be “creative” (like Apple…) but I like virtuous names. For example my daughter’s cousin’s name is Honesty.
Meadow is a pretty name.
I love meadow and would love to add new name as breeze for girl baby
I love the name Violet and my Best friend’s daughter is Brook. Such great names!
I love the names ocean and sage for both boys and girls. I also love the name willow for girls. Very pretty and eco-friendly
nazelnutz@msn.com
I love the name Rain ! thanks, mimilovesall8@yahoo.com
I love the nature names such as Rain. Brett Michaels from the rock band Poison oldest daughter’s name is Rain.
Never crossed my mind to give our baby a ‘nature’ name!
But we love our, Eliana – an answer from God!
I really never thought of nature names… I really enjoy biblical names since I believe names are so important.
amhst10@yahoo.com
I love nature names but my husband doesn’t really like it. Ocean is my favorite.
I also love Meadow, its too sweet!
I like the name laurel.
I love different names and some of these are so pretty! I have always liked Brooke for a girl!! Maybe it was All My Children!!
Thanks
I have definitely considered some nature inspired names like sage and violet. I think some of the choices are lovely
I have never thought of this! I am picking out names right now and will definitely consider some of these!
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Tara and Baby Names, Dena Carlson. Dena Carlson said: Baby Names Inspires by Nature: Nature has always been a source of inspiration for prospective parents. Floral name… http://bit.ly/9GZrBm [...]