Names That Mean Flower

This floral name, related to bloom and Blossom, is common in the Jewish community, but not often heard outside it. Other Yiddish nature names are Ita (star), Masha (rising water), and Mayim (water).

Why bother to invent a new name or spelling when there are intriguing oddities like this in existence. Also in the Welsh encyclopedia of names: Ffion, Ffiona, and Ffraid, the Welsh form of Brigid.

Traditionally a short form for Italian names such as Fiorella and Fiorenza, Fio could easily be put directly on the birth certificate today.

It may sound sweet smelling, but remember, it was the name of the little skunk in Bambi. Better to pick a single bloom from the bouquet, like Violet or Lily or Daisy.

Sunehra is an Indian name that is largely unknown in English-speaking countries, except maybe via its friendly short form Sunny.

This name is common in New Zealand and Australia, with famous bearers including TV producer Ngaire Fuata and academic and author Ngaire Woods. It is pronounced ng (like the end of sing) -EYE-ree.

Wildflower may be the ultimate hippie name, added to the lexicon by Cameron Diaz and Benji Madden when they chose it as one of their daughter's middle names. It's generic in the way that Flora and River are, as opposed to Iris and Nile, say. But it has a certain free and creative charm.

Dahlia is getting more visible, and so Dahliana feels more plausible.

Too close to violent.

Phonetic spelling of Xochitl, used only six percent as much as the original.

The Norwegian word for "honeysuckle" could make for a fresh and vibrant nature-inspired choice.

Distinctive and charming nature name that blends elements of Jacqueline and Amanda.

Variation of Pema.

Variant of Ayana with international roots.

Charming name occasionally heard in England, would be a real standout here. Jessamyn is the spelling used by writer West.

Begonia is a pretty flower named for French administrator and amateur horticulturalist Michel Bégon, who was an avid naturalist but also a proponent of slavery. A rare floral choice which has never really caught on as a baby name, Begonia would certainly stand out from the Lilys and Roses.

Jasmin doesn't have the grace of Jasmine (which in 2016 ranked at 122 in the US Top 1000), but it is far more preferable to the trendier versions doing the rounds like Jazmin or Jazzmyn. If you are looking for a more unusual variant try Yasmin or Jessamine.

A pretty pan-botanical name from the Sotho languages, spoken mainly in the southern part of Africa.

Attractive Spanish name heard in the movie Spanglish. Roll that final r. Or say it the French way: Fleur.