Nature Names for Girls

A genus of birds in the flycatcher family, Elaenia is one of the many unique baby names in the Elena family. But that spelling is sure to trip up some people.

For any parents out there searching for a nature name starting with x -- and we doubt there are many -- this one, named for a Spanish monk called Ximenes, is a small tropical plant bearing wild limes.

The Old Norse and modern Norwegian word name Fjord, which refers to a passage in the sea, could work for children of both genders.

This name comes from a very rare species of butterfly, making it a nice choice for those seeking a name that suggests nature, rarity and fragility.

Highly unusual water name -- and actor Colin surname -- with a Scottish burr. Firth derives from the Old Norse word fjord.

This fragrant name was sometimes seen in hippie communes in the days of flower power.

We once dismissed Bird as "too flighty", but with the rise of avian names from Lark to Robin to, well, Birdie, we don't see why Bird can't be a fine choice, especially as a middle name.

In Thailand, pawpaw, or paw paw, is the name for the papaya plant and flowers. It's been seen on the US charts for baby girls since 2008, never exceeding 30 uses in a single year.

This name comes from a type of butterfly famous for its red spot.

Likable addition to the list of unisex tree names.

Until now, most girls called Shell used it as a nickname for Shelley or Michelle. Today's Shell is much more likely to be a nature name, cool and beachy, fit for all genders.

A red spice made from dried bell peppers.

As a name, notable bearers include Danish actress Paprika Steen (born Kirsteen), and Paprika from the children's TV show Blue's Clues

Despite being connected to a type of butterfly, Siphone is a name that has some elements that make it unlikely to become popular, such as containing the words siphon and iPhone. One name best left to the butterflies.

The name of a grass plant native to India, which is used in aromatherapy and for its essential oil. Vetiver could make for a striking alternative to Violet, Clover or Juniper.

For tree huggers.

This name comes from a genus of beautiful black and white Australian butterflies. Given the rise of "el" names such as Eleanor, Eloise, and Ella, Elodina could make a good choice for someone looking for a rarer name.

This name derives from the name of a group of buttercup yellow butterflies. It is also a zingy twist on the more familiar Serena.

A Hybrid Tea Rose is a popular garden rose, developed to produce a single flower per stem. Tearose is a rare but whimsical compound that could perhaps be used as a middle for the daughter of a florist or gardener.

The Narina is a type of butterfly, but the name also makes a good contribution to the rising popularity of "ina" names like Marina, Adelina, and Perlina.

Leanira is a type of orange, white and black butterfly.