Wild Nature 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.

Rym is one of those simple-yet-uncommon names that's extremely rare in the US , where no baby girls were given the name last year. But it certainly can travel anywhere.

Lithe and leonine name chosen for her daughter by singer Erykah Badu -- whose other child has the number name Seven.

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

An eider is a sea duck whose feathers make ultra-soft eiderdown.

Malli is one of those simple-yet-unusual names that are intrinsically fascinating. In the US last year, only seven baby girls were named Malli.

Solemn but soaring name with patriotic symbolism.

Oceania is one of the most elaborate of the trending Ocean-related names. Oceania also refers to the area of the world including Australia and neighboring islands.

One of the simplest, most down-to-earth yet evocative of the word names, which could work — especially as a middle.

Unusual and simple nature name worthy of further consideration.

Falconer is one choice that has morphed rapidly from outlandish to possible, even attractive, thanks to the fashion for occupational names. And really, if Archer is getting popular and Miller seems normal, why not Falconer?

Panda, welcome to the baby name menagerie! Panda is an adorable animal name (after an adorable animal) that is sure to be both very rare and very cute. In Skins there was a character called Panda, which was short for Pandora. The name Panda comes from the Nepali word ponya meaning "bamboo eater".

Manjari is an Indian name not well-known in the US but popular in India. The literal meaning is a bunch or a collection, but can also refer to the flowers and vines of the mango. Taken together, those two meanings convey the idea of a bouquet.

Tree is an ultimate nature name, made famous by longtime Taylor Swift publicist Tree Paine, born Trina Snyder.

A cool and breezy nature name with a stylish sound, used by Volkswagen for one of its cars.

It's a nature name evocative of rushing waterfalls. But also a dishwashing detergent.

With River and Ocean becoming mainstream, why not consider Sea?

nature namesare in, and even fish names like Pike and Salmon are open for consideration.

Seagrass plays an important role in the aquatic ecosystem. They are the only plants that can flower underwater and provide food and shelter to many organisms. Seagrasses also improve water quality, slowing down pollution, and help prevent coastal erosion. Those passionate about marine conservation may find Seagrass a meaningful name — probably as a middle, unless you're particularly brave.

Strong meaning, sweet but strong sound, fresh and earthy: a winner.