20 unique baby names inspired by nature

If lockdowns have taught us anything, it is to appreciate our time outdoors. Being isolated in various stages of lockdown has meant far too long spent in the home, so when we’re able to, getting out into the fresh air, feeling the sun on our faces, and watching the seasons change can make all the difference to our physical and mental health. Nature is known to reduce stress and increase pleasant feelings, taking us from anxious to calm and balanced.

Have you discovered this powerful impact of nature on your wellbeing during these uncertain times? If you’ve been pregnant throughout the pandemic, you might consider choosing baby names inspired by nature.

Here is a list of 20 unique baby names, along with the source and meaning of each:

Girl baby names inspired by nature

Asteria: Of Greek origin, meaning ‘star’. Asteria is the Anglicised version of Astraea or Astraia, the goddess of justice and innocence. She became the constellation Virgo, so this name would be appropriate particularly for babies born in late August to early September.

Autumn: The most popular season name now. Jennifer Love Hewitt named her daughter Autumn James.

Blossom: Of English origin, meaning ‘to bloom’. Now that most flower names have been picked from the garden, some parents are reconsidering old names like Blossom, Flora, and Posy.

Dove: Of English origin, it’s a bird name associated with the cooing sounds of love. It’s soft and gentle with the association of peace.

Evening: People have used names like Morning and Afternoon for centuries, so why not Evening too?

Lilac: Of English and Persian origin, it can mean the colour (providing a ready-made nursery theme) or the flower, and is also symbolic of first love.

Petal: Of Greek origin, it means ‘leaf’. It’s a down-to-earth yet exotic name with a distinctive style. Celebrity Chef Jamie Oliver named his daughter Petal Blossom Rainbow in 2009.

Saffron: Spice names are increasingly appealing to parents-to-be, alongside Sage, Juniper, and Clove.

Swan: Of English origin, and carrying an image of grace, it joins the flock of popular and unique bird names, such as Wren and Lark.

Willow: Of English origin, after the Willow tree, which is associated with grace, elegance, and strength, and is often believed to possess magical powers.

Boy baby names inspired by nature

Ash: Of English origin, after the Ash tree. It can also be a charming short form of Asher or Ashton.

Bear: Of English origin, it’s part of a trend that normalises aggressive animals like Wolf and Fox. Perhaps inspired by British adventurer Bear Grylls, but several other celebrities have also used the name, including Jamie Oliver, Alicia Silverstone, and Kate Winslet.

Birch: Of English origin, the birch tree calls to mind the image of tall, strong, and graceful and in several cultures it has spiritual significance.

Crane: Of English origin, this elegant surname has great potential to turn into a unique first name, alongside other stylish bird names such as Wren and Lark.

Dune: For families who love the sun, sand, and surf, this unique name might catch on along with Beach and Ocean.

Forrest: Of English origin, it means ‘dweller near the woods’. One of the earliest appealing outdoorsy names, it dipped in popularity with the release of the film ‘Forrest Gump’, but has steadily grown in popularity again.

Hawk: Animal names are on the rise, especially the more aggressive ones, and Hawk is a good example. Commonly heard more as a surname, it could catch on as a first name.

Leaf: The nature boy version of the Scandnavian Leif, which actually means ‘heir’. Leaf is the former name of the actor we know as Joaquin Phoenix.

Starling: With good nickname potential, this bird name is given to a handful of boys and girls each year (in the USA).

Thorn: A variation of the name Thorne, and of English origin meaning ‘thorn thicket’.

 

Do any of these nature-inspired baby names appeal to you? If you’re still undecided, you might like to use our Baby Names Finder.

Source: NameBerry

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