18 Brand-New Nature Names

18 Brand-New Nature Names

Nature names for baby girls and baby boys are trending in a big way right now. Along with popular picks like Lily and River, more daring choices such as Fox and Onyx are climbing swiftly up the popularity charts.

But there are many more brand-new undiscovered nature names for babies that we’ve recently added to the Nameberry’s ever-growing database.

Here are our freshest unique baby names, for name-lovers, nature-lovers and expectant parents keen to discover new choices.

True Nature Names

About half of our collection of brand-new nature names come right out and state their connection to the natural world. These unique choices reference the natural world from the sky to under the ground.

Cardinal

Cameron Diaz and Benji Madden recently brought this nouveau animal name to the spotlight when they named their son Cardinal this past March. The bright red bird makes for an intriguing addition to Wren, Sparrow, Lark, Raven, and co.

Harbour

Harbor — the default spelling in the States — is one of the names we've got our eyes on. Fresher than popular Harper, and with two lovely meanings (either the coastal landscape or a place of refuge), we endorse this name for any gender. The Harbour spelling — used in much of the English-speaking world — is one of our new additions to the database.

Peridot

We have had this one in the database as a girl name for a little while, but it's time to look at this olive green gemstone with fresh eyes. Pronounced "PAIR-i-doh", we especially love it as a boy name with the adorable nickname Perry.

Saffron

Another nature name with gender neutral potential. Saffron was given to only 18 baby girls last year, signifying that it is not necessarily tied down as a strictly feminine name. Recently added as a boy name, Saffron feels bright, vibrant, and aromatic, with a touch of luxury (being the world's most expensive spice).

Sole

Spanish Sol, French Soleil, and English Sunny are some of the hottest nature names in recent years. And over in Italy, word name Sole is rising quickly for girls, now ranking in the Top 50.

Summit

Summit has an adventurous personality, conjuring up mountain expeditions and symbolizing achievement — similarly to rising names Zion, Everest, and Zenith. While we have recognized Summit as a boy name for several years, 31 baby girls were named Summit last year, making the name officially gender-neutral and inspiring our addition of Summit as a girl name.

Tree

At Nameberry, we love a tree name. Aspen, Willow, Rowan, Juniper... but how about just Tree? This name was brought into the spotlight by Taylor Swift's longtime publicist Tree Paine, and feels fitting for any gender.

Trillium

We discovered Trillium when it was used for the daughter of one of our very own Berries! The Trillium flower is known by botany enthusiasts as one of the most recognizable wildflowers, with its name inspired by the three symmetrical petals, three sepals, and three leaves of the plant.

Westland

While the familiar Wesley and Weston have subtler geographical meanings, Westland brings the landscape to the forefront — west land. This Anglo-Saxon surname would make a more interesting path to cool-guy nicknames Wes or West.

Hidden Nature Names

These baby names keep their nature connection on the down-low, hidden in the meaning or in their language of origin. If you prefer your nature names subtle

Esad

Today's parents love a leonine meaning, with Leo leading the pack. Esad is a handsome Arabic boy name meaning "lion" — a variation of the more common Asad which was given to 88 baby boys in the US in 2022. Whichever spelling, this name is simple, grounded, and handsome.

Fiala

One of my personal favorite additions to the database is the gorgeous Fiala — a Slavic name meaning "violet". Purple-hued names are increasingly stylish, from Violet and Iris to Lavender and Lilac, and Fiala is particularly pretty.

Heura

Another lovely international spin on a botanical favorite is Heura — pronounced "EH-oo-ra". Heura is the Catalan word for the ivy plant, derived from ivy's Latin name, hedera.

Laveau

This lavish French surname meaning "valley" has a witchy vibe, a la Marie Laveau — a dedicated practitioner of Voodoo, healer, midwife, and herbalist from the 1800s New Orleans.

Lihua

Many Chinese girl names have lovely nature meanings, taking inspiration from the beautiful foliage native to East Asia. Lihua — pronounced "lee-hwah" — has the delicate floral meaning of "pear blossom".

Nayiri

Referring to the Ancient name for Armenia — Nairi — meaning "land of cannons" or "land of rivers", Nayiri is a striking gender neutral name used in native Armenia.

Oihan

From the Basque region of Spain and France comes Oihan, with the woodsy meaning of "forest". Pronounced "oy-hahn", Oihan is more interesting than Owen, more distinct than Rohan.

Perris

S-ending surnames — Hollis, Harris, Ellis, etc. — are increasingly stylish for boys and girls. Perris is a Greek name meaning "rock" or "stone", related to Biblical Peter. We love the idea of Perris as an honor for an Uncle Pete or a Grandpa Perry.

Yahvi

Derived from the Sanskrit word yav, which means "to unite" or "to join together", Yahvi is a girl name used in India that refers to the union of heaven and earth — a gorgeous spiritual name with roots in Hinduism.

About the Author

Brynn McKeon

Brynn McKeon

Brynn McKeon joined the Nameberry team in August of 2022 as an editor, and has written about topics such as the Ultimate Guide to Goddess Names and Quirky Nicknames for Classic Names. As Head Moderator, she also oversees our active Nameberry forums community.

Outside of Nameberry, Brynn lives in New Jersey with her dog Raven and cat Phoebe, where she works as an occupational therapist. You can reach her at brynn@nameberry.com