Wild Nature Names

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.

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

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.

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

Moss is an authentic nature name in English, but the name Moos, popular in the Netherlands, sounds like Moose in English, a not-very-complimentary animal name.

Solemn but soaring name with patriotic symbolism.

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.

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

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.

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.

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".

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

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?

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.