Unique Nature Names

As a name, it's linked to Sir Mulberry Hawk, a character in Charles Dicken's Nicholas Nickleby.

The bell-shaped flower Aletris is also known as Colic Root, Blazing Star, Unicorn Root, and Stargrass. Its roots have medicinal properties and are used to aid digestive and muscle problems. Its name derives from Greek aletris — an enslaved woman who ground corn — because of the mealy texture of the flowers.

Molten rock from volcanos, and now a red-hot baby name possibility.

A slow and sultry southern choice that's definitely cool for babies of either gender. While the word feels French and has its roots in 18th century French Louisiana, it derives from the Choctaw word bayuk, which means "small stream."

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

Prettier than the other name the plant goes by, Hortensia.

Most ella names are hot, but this is one that won't catch fire because of the disagreeable connotations of prunes.

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.

Quirky tree name with baby name potential.

Despite the beauty of this flower's appearance and fragrance, this is one of the clumsier flower names.

While we don't see many parents adopting Otter as a name for their own babies, Zooey Deschanel put this one in the lexicon when she used it as a middle name for her adorably-named daughter Elsie Otter. Even in the celebrisphere, Otter is one of the most unique baby names we've heard.

Better known as Tapioca, Cassava makes an innovative way to get to the nicknames Cass or Cassie.

Feisty floral name that would work better as a middle name than as a first, so called because of the flower's resemblance to a dragon's open mouth.

A rare flower name that works as well for boys as it does for girls, so named because of its resemblance to a small glove.

An attractive update to Gladys.

Gladiola is a character in the 1991 novel and 1995 film How to Make an American Quilt

Aromatic but also problematic.

Spicy.

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

An edible plant used in seed and spice form.

Solemn but soaring name with patriotic symbolism.