Nature Names for Cats

The name Kiri was made famous by New Zealand soprano Kiri Te Kanawa, whose original name was Claire. Cute but slight, Kiri is close to several other names from Kiriah to Keira to Kyra and its diminutive Kyrie.

Out-of-the-ordinary gemstone name derived from lapis lazuli, which is said to enhance awareness and intellect, impart ancient wisdom and cure many ailments, making it an interesting possibility for a blue-eyed girl. Lazuli — or Azure or Blue — are other options.

Most will see this as a refreshing middle name possibility, but Bristol Palin baby daddy Levi Johnston used it as a first name for his new daughter, Breeze Beretta.

More uncommon and powerful than garden varieties like Rose and Lily. Named for Scottish botanist Dr Alexander Garden.

Zalie -- which may be styled Zayley or Zaylee or Zaylie, among other spellings -- might be a short form of the flower name Azalea or may also be a cute modern nickname-name used on its own. You might think of it as a member of the squad of names that include Bailey, Hayley, Kaylee and so on, which is always welcoming new members and is one of the prime group of cute baby names.

Ixora is a type of flowering plant which in tropical climates flower all year round. Ixora is important in Hindu worship. Ixora is also the name of an album by Florida-based band Copeland.

Jonquil is an unusual flower name that is less outlandish than Daffodil and less common than Daisy. It just might appeal to parents seeking a singular botanical option.

Unlike most flower names, Jonquil wasn't introduced until the 1940s, and saw some usage in the U.K. during the forties and fifties.

A fairly common Hebrew name without much crossover potential.

This name is the feminine of Chrystanthos, meaning golden flower (think Chrysanthemum).

A name heard in Puritan times -- Cotton Mather was a minister involved in the Salem witchcraft trials -- which really deserves modern consideration as it blends nature and softness into a really trendy and wearable masculine name.

This Roman mythology (and planet) name would be very hard to handle. It derives from a root meaning cloud.

Slate, Stone and Steel are on the rise, so why not Shale?

Nickname name hep in the era of Grease.

This name for the sweetbriar shrub is a bit too reminiscent of eggplant.

Tree name with a pleasant sound and rhythm.

As likely to be tied to the detergent as to the rhythms of the ocean.

Now that Lily has become hugely popular, parents in love with this flower name are looking further afield for substitutes such as Liliane and Liliana.

Rose and Briar are popular, and Hawthorn is cool – so why not the equally prickly Thorn? Add an E to give it a surnamey spin.

Fragrant herb often used for cooking, but scarcely as a name.

A handsome, spruced-up post-Bruce tree name.