Ever notice how some of the prettiest girl names are inspired by the garden? From delicate flowers to sturdy trees, botanical names carry a natural beauty that many parents are drawn to.
I’ve gathered over 400 botanical girl names, from the super popular picks everyone knows to hidden gems you might not have considered. Whether you’re expecting a baby girl or just love exploring unique names, this guide has something for everyone.
Let’s dig into these gorgeous nature-inspired names together!
Botanical girl names draw inspiration from flowers, trees, plants, and other elements of the natural world. These names have surged in popularity as parents increasingly seek connections to nature while choosing meaningful, beautiful names for their daughters.
There’s something magical about naming your daughter after something that grows—it symbolizes life, beauty, and resilience. Plus, most botanical names come with built-in sweet meanings and pleasant associations. Who wouldn’t want their daughter to have the delicate beauty of a Rose or the strength and flexibility of a Willow?
This guide will walk you through the most popular botanical options, some unique alternatives, and plenty of rare finds that might be perfect for your little one. I’ve included meanings, origins, and even some tips for choosing the name that blooms just right for your family.
Check out these names that mean lucky for more nature-inspired options
Popular Botanical Girl Names
These garden-inspired names have climbed the popularity charts and become beloved choices for many families.
Top 10 Most Popular Botanical Girl Names
- Lily – A symbol of purity and innocence (English)
- Violet – Named after the purple flower, representing modesty (Latin)
- Rose – The classic flower name meaning “flower” or “pink” (Latin)
- Ivy – Symbolizes fidelity and eternity, from the climbing plant (English)
- Hazel – From the hazelnut tree, also a color name (English)
- Willow – Named after the graceful tree known for flexibility (English)
- Daisy – Meaning “day’s eye” as the flower opens at dawn (English)
- Jasmine – A fragrant flower name meaning “gift from God” (Persian)
- Holly – From the holly tree with its distinctive red berries (English)
- Laurel – Named after the laurel tree, symbolizing victory (Latin)
These names have stood the test of time and continue to charm parents year after year. They’re familiar without being overused, and they carry beautiful natural symbolism.
Botanical Names Rising in Popularity
Some flower and plant names are experiencing a surge in popularity:
- Juniper – Once unusual, this tree name has skyrocketed in recent years
- Magnolia – A Southern classic making a comeback
- Dahlia – A striking flower name gaining attention
- Briar – A thorny plant name with a bit of edge
- Poppy – The bright red flower name climbing the charts
- Sage – An herb name that works beautifully for girls
- Clover – A lucky plant name experiencing renewed interest
- Iris – The flower name meaning “rainbow” is blooming again
Looking for more nature-inspired names? Check out names that mean forest
Unique Botanical Girl Names
If you love the botanical theme but want something a bit less common, these names offer natural beauty with a distinctive touch.
Less Common But Recognized Botanical Names
These names appear on birth certificates but won’t likely be shared with multiple classmates:
- Azalea – A colorful flowering shrub (Greek)
- Cassia – A type of cinnamon tree with yellow flowers (Greek)
- Fern – Named after the feathery plant (Old English)
- Acacia – A tree with yellow or white flowers (Greek)
- Zinnia – A vibrant garden flower (Latin)
- Aspen – Named after the quaking tree (English)
- Camellia – An elegant flowering shrub (Latin)
- Marigold – The golden yellow flower (English)
Unique Names with Botanical Meanings
These gems have botanical connections but aren’t immediately recognized as plant names:
- Calla – From the elegant calla lily (Greek)
- Tansy – A yellow flowering herb used medicinally (Greek)
- Evanthe – Means “fair flower” (Greek)
- Fleur – Simply means “flower” (French)
- Leilani – Means “heavenly flowers” (Hawaiian)
- Posy – A small bouquet of flowers (English)
- Senna – A flowering plant with yellow blooms (Arabic)
- Xyris – A yellow-flowering marsh plant (Greek)
Find more unique options among these names that mean bright
Rare Botanical Girl Names
For parents seeking truly distinctive options, these botanical rarities offer natural beauty with very little chance of meeting another child with the same name.
Very Rare Botanical Names
- Amaryllis – A stunning red flower (Greek)
- Bryony – A climbing plant with green flowers (Greek)
- Cereus – A night-blooming cactus (Latin)
- Eglantine – A wild rose variety (French)
- Gentian – A blue mountain flower (Latin)
- Jessamine – An alternative form of jasmine (Persian)
- Linnea – Named after a small pink woodland flower (Swedish)
- Magnolia – The southern flowering tree (Latin)
- Primrose – One of the first flowers of spring (Latin)
- Wisteria – A climbing plant with hanging purple flowers (English)
Botanical Names from Different Cultures
- Ayana – “Beautiful flower” (African)
- Cynthia – Associated with the moon goddess and moon flowers (Greek)
- Evanthe – “Fair flower” (Greek)
- Fleur – Simply “flower” (French)
- Hana – “Flower” (Japanese)
- Kalina – “Viburnum” berry-producing shrub (Slavic)
- Linnea – Popular in Sweden, named after the twinflower (Swedish)
- Sakura – “Cherry blossom” (Japanese)
- Zahara – “Flowering” or “shining” (Arabic)
- Zhen – “Precious” often associated with the lily (Chinese)
Discover more beautiful options with these Japanese girl names
Flower Names for Girls
Flowers provide endless inspiration for beautiful girl names, each carrying the special meaning and characteristics of its namesake.
Popular Flower-Inspired Names
| Name | Meaning | Origin |
|---|---|---|
| Lily | Symbol of purity | English |
| Rose | The classic flower of love | Latin |
| Violet | The purple flower of modesty | Latin |
| Daisy | “Day’s eye” that opens at dawn | English |
| Jasmine | Fragrant white flower | Persian |
| Poppy | Bright red flower | English |
| Iris | Rainbow goddess, purple flower | Greek |
| Dahlia | Named after botanist Anders Dahl | Swedish |
| Marigold | Golden yellow flower | English |
| Petunia | Trumpet-shaped garden flower | French |
Unique Flower Names
- Anemone – “Daughter of the wind” windflower (Greek)
- Begonia – Tropical flowering plant (Named after botanist Michel Bégon)
- Calla – Beautiful lily variety (Greek)
- Daphne – Associated with the laurel flower (Greek)
- Edelweiss – Alpine star-shaped flower (German)
- Freesia – Fragrant funnel-shaped flower (Named after botanist Friedrich Freese)
- Gardenia – Fragrant white flower (Named after botanist Alexander Garden)
- Hyacinth – Spring flower named after a figure in Greek mythology
- Jonquil – A type of daffodil (Latin)
- Lotus – Sacred water flower (Greek)
Explore more delicate options with names that mean butterfly
Tree Names for Girls
Tree names offer strength, endurance, and deep roots—wonderful qualities to bestow on a daughter.
Popular Tree-Inspired Names
- Willow – The graceful, flexible tree (English)
- Hazel – From the hazelnut tree (English)
- Laurel – The tree of victory and honor (Latin)
- Olive/Olivia – From the olive tree, symbolizing peace (Latin)
- Aspen – The quaking tree with heart-shaped leaves (English)
- Rowan – The mountain ash tree with red berries (Scottish/Irish)
- Holly – Tree with distinctive red berries (English)
- Juniper – Evergreen tree with berries used for gin (Latin)
Meanings and Symbolism
Tree names often carry powerful symbolism:
- Willow represents flexibility, resilience and growth near water
- Aspen symbolizes determination and overcoming fears
- Hazel was traditionally associated with wisdom and protection
- Laurel has been a symbol of victory since ancient times
- Holly represents domestic happiness and protection
- Olive symbolizes peace and friendship across many cultures
Find more protective names with these names that mean guardian
Other Plant Names
Beyond flowers and trees, the plant world offers many other beautiful naming possibilities.
Herb and Vine Names
- Sage – An aromatic herb associated with wisdom (Latin)
- Rosemary – “Dew of the sea” herb (Latin)
- Ivy – Evergreen climbing vine (English)
- Clover – Lucky plant with typically three leaves (English)
- Basil – “Royal” herb (Greek)
- Yarrow – Healing herb with feathery leaves (English)
- Thyme – Aromatic herb (Greek)
- Lavender – Fragrant purple herb (Latin)
- Moss – Soft green plant (English)
- Fern – Feathery plant (Old English)
Meanings and Origins
- Sage comes from the Latin “salvere” meaning “to heal” or “to save,” reflecting the herb’s medicinal properties
- Rosemary combines “ros” (dew) and “marinus” (sea) in Latin
- Ivy symbolizes fidelity and eternal life in many cultures
- Clover represents good luck, especially the four-leaf variety
- Lavender derives from the Latin “lavare” meaning “to wash”
Discover more healing names with these names that mean healer
Alphabetical List of Botanical Girl Names
Here’s a handy A-Z reference of botanical girl names:
A: Acacia, Amaryllis, Anemone, Aspen, Azalea
B: Basil, Bay, Begonia, Belladonna, Briar, Bryony
C: Calla, Camellia, Cassia, Cedar, Celandine, Cereus, Clover, Coriander
D: Dahlia, Daisy, Daphne, Delphine
E: Eglantine, Elm, Edelweiss
F: Fern, Flora, Fleur, Forsythia, Freesia
G: Gardenia, Gentian
H: Hazel, Heather, Holly, Hyacinth
I: Iris, Ivy
J: Jasmine, Jessamine, Jonquil, Juniper
K: Kalina, Kalmia
L: Laurel, Lavender, Leilani, Lilac, Lily, Linnea, Lotus
M: Magnolia, Mallow, Marigold, Meadow, Moss, Myrtle
N: Narcissa, Nasturtium, Nettle
O: Olive, Olivia, Orchid
P: Pansy, Peony, Petunia, Poppy, Posy, Primrose
Q: Quince
R: Rhododendron, Rose, Rosemary, Rowan, Rue
S: Sage, Sakura, Senna, Sorrel, Sunflower, Sweet Pea, Syringa
T: Tansy, Thyme, Tulip
U: Ume
V: Verbena, Vetch, Violet
W: Willow, Wisteria, Woodruff
X: Xyris
Y: Yarrow, Yucca
Z: Zinnia
How to Choose a Botanical Name
Finding the perfect botanical name involves balancing several considerations:
Tips for Selecting the Right Botanical Name
- Consider the meaning – Does the plant have symbolic significance that resonates with you?
- Think about sound – How does it sound with your last name? Is it easy to pronounce?
- Check family traditions – Are there any botanical connections in your family history?
- Reflect on personal connections – Does a particular plant or flower hold special meaning for you?
- Test for teasing potential – Could the name lead to unwanted nicknames?
- Look at initials – What initials will the name create?
- Consider siblings’ names – How does it sound with existing children’s names?
Considering Trends vs. Timelessness
It’s worth thinking about whether you prefer:
- A currently trending botanical name (like Ivy or Willow)
- A classic botanical name that’s always in style (like Rose or Lily)
- A rare botanical discovery that few others will have
Remember that botanical names as a category tend to age well, but individual plant names may rise and fall in popularity.
For more guidance, explore these names that mean destiny
Trends in Botanical Names
The popularity of botanical names has evolved significantly over time.
Historical Trends
Botanical names have ebbed and flowed in popularity:
- Victorian Era (1837-1901): Flower names like Rose, Lily, and Violet were extremely popular
- Early-Mid 20th Century: Many botanical names fell out of fashion in favor of more modern-sounding names
- 1960s-1970s: Nature names saw a revival during the hippie movement
- 1980s-1990s: Most botanical names were considered old-fashioned
- 2000s-Present: Strong resurgence of botanical names, with both traditional choices and new additions gaining popularity
Current Trends and Predictions
Based on recent data:
- Botanical names continue to grow in popularity as parents seek names with natural connections
- Tree names (Willow, Hazel, Juniper) are particularly trending upward
- Vintage flower names (Violet, Rose) have made a strong comeback
- Unusual botanical names (Zinnia, Amaryllis) are increasingly being discovered
- Botanical names for boys are also on the rise (though that’s a topic for another day!)
Predictions for the future suggest botanical names will remain strong, with more parents discovering rare plant names and international botanical options.
Explore more unique options with names that mean unique
Final Thoughts
Botanical names offer a beautiful blend of nature, meaning, and style for your daughter. Whether you choose a popular flower name everyone recognizes, a strong tree name, or a rare plant-inspired gem, these natural choices connect your child to the beauty and wonder of the natural world.
The perfect botanical name balances your personal style, family history, and hopes for your daughter’s future. As you consider these garden-inspired options, remember that the most important factor is finding a name you and your family love—one that will grow and blossom with your daughter throughout her life.
I hope this guide has helped you discover some beautiful botanical possibilities for your little one! Like plants in a garden, each name has its own special characteristics and beauty.
Would you choose a classic like Rose or something more unusual like Amaryllis? The botanical garden of names is yours to explore!