Nature Names for Boys

There's a whole quarry of rocky names parents are now considering: Slate, Flint, etc. , but this one is particularly hard-edged and problematic.

The name of a grass plant native to India, which is used in aromatherapy and for its essential oil.

Shady, leafy nature-boy name.

Mountain names such as Everest and Denali are being used more frequently, but Mountain itself was unknown until Hunger Games star Jena Malone used it as a middle name for her son Ode Mountain. And really, why not? It's one of the most unique baby names in the hot nature category.

Nature names are often associated with Spring and Summer, but Glacier is ideal for a winter baby.

Solemn but soaring name with patriotic symbolism.

This name has two distinctive associations: the Southwestern natural formation of a gully or stream, and the Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Bronson Arroyo.

A handsome nature name – and an intriguing alternative to Willow – that is also found as a rare English surname.

Unusual and simple nature name worthy of further consideration.

If not for Motown founder Berry Gordy, this name would now be totally in the girl group.

The kind of nickname name you wouldn't want your own child to get stuck with.

Projects the sleek and playful image of the aquatic mammal, plus that of the striking British-born Brazilian/Nigerian/Afro-Caribbean singer (born Sealhenry).

A vireo is a small green bird with a song as melodic as this highly unusual name, but it does sound a touch viral.

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

This tree name could be one of those fresh, cool nature names for winter babies, though we can only imagine the kind of jokes that will fly in junior high.

One of the more unusual nature names, Maize is given to a dozen or so boys and girls each year and is almost completely unisex in terms of usage. Disclaimer: potential for "corny" jokes.

In botany, a catkin is a long, thin flower cluster found on trees such as willow, hazel, oak and birch. The word derives from Middle Dutch katteken "kitten", due to the resemblance to a kitten's furry tail.

Rice is really stretching the nature name boundary to its outer edges. But you may want to take it that far.

Shell has been used as a short form of Shelley for all genders and Sheldon for boys. That was then: Now, Shell can be a beachy nature name and word name turned baby name.

A name that's unusual in that changing the i to a y -- as in Byrd -- makes it more masculine.