To celebrate the beauty of spring, we’re looking for those colorful, fragrant flower names for girls that are off the beaten path. They move beyond today’s much-loved baby names such as Violet, Rose, and Lily to florals that are a bit less expected.
Some of these flower names for girls are vintage picks, whereas others are more modern, but all are charming in their own ways.
Floral names have always held a special interest for parents. Every decade, there seems to be a new floral name that has captivated Americans’ attention, but what are some floral names that are popping up today?
Read on for 15 overlooked but beautiful flower names for girls that we can’t get enough of. Floral names are feminine and unique, perfect for any little sweet pea.
Amaryllis
A beautiful genus of flowers, amaryllis have origins in South Africa. The red blooms make a stunning alternative to poinsettias during the holidays, and because they received their name in part from the Greek amarysso, meaning “to sparkle,” they are especially festive and bright.
As a name, Amaryllis is elegant and charming, with loads of options for creative nicknames (Amy, Marie, and even Rylie or Mary).
Azalea
This gorgeous floral name is no longer a well-kept secret, experiencing some rise in popularity (although it’s still very unusual). The vividly colored flowering bush is native to several countries, but it’s a true southern favorite in the US.
Between the beautiful image this name evokes, its southern charm, its on-trend sound, and the irresistible nicknames, such as Zalee or Zalea, that it inspires, Azalea is sure to please.
Calla
Botanist Carl Linnaeus may have mistakenly named the gorgeous calla lily, but we’re glad the name stuck. Coming from the Greek word for beauty, Calla is a natural for a girl’s name. Its sound has similarities to Callie, Kayla, and even Isla or Bella.
The elegant white flower with deep green leaves is a favorite for weddings and often plays a role in Easter celebrations, not to mention religious works of art. In Victorian times, the Calla Lily represented faith and purity or wedded bliss for a newly married couple. It was used a bit as a given name in the 1800s, and we think now is the perfect time for a Calla revival.
Chrysanthemum
This flower may not be an easy sell because of its spelling, but it has a charming sound and is the star of a beloved children’s book about a mouse who overcomes teasing despite her perfect name. Though we have spring on the mind, mums are a beautiful fall favorite and make a fitting namesake for an autumn baby, too. Possible nicknames could include Chrys and Annie.
Dahlia
This sweet floral often blooms in a dazzling geometric pattern that resembles a honeycomb and blooms in many colors. It’s another southern favorite and is the national flower of Mexico.
Gardenia
There isn’t a more lush, floral name that declares “garden” quite like Gardenia does. The flowers have a boldly sweet scent and are most often a brilliant white color. It may seem like a mouthful, but it’s a nice mouthful, and shortening it to Denia is a possibility that makes our hearts swoon.
Lavender
Lavender is a lovely flowering shrub that wears a famed soft blue-purple hue. It’s incredibly versatile, prized for its use as an herb, a fragrance, an essential oil, and an ornamental in the garden.
As a name, Lavender has yet to catch on as a popular pick. That’s too bad, because aside from its very positive floral and color associations, it also has a wonderful sound.
Lilac
We hope it’s only a matter of time before Lilac catches on. With similarities to Lyla and Lyric, Lilac is a natural contender for the top 1,000 baby names, and it’s just waiting to be discovered. Its sound is truly trend-worthy, and it’s a floral star, known for its pale violet color.
Magnolia
Add two simple vowels to the end of botanist Pierre Magnol’s name, and you have a very good thing. This gorgeous name is inspired by a flowering plant species known for its snow-white petals. The flowers hold a special place in the heart of the South, especially since the debut of the play and movie Steel Magnolias. We’ve seen it on a character in Hart of Dixie and as the home design company of Fixer Upper fame.
Marigold
These flowers have qualities any girl would like to share, with their bright, cheerful, and sunny blooms. The two simple words that inspired its common name come from early Christians who would offer the flowers at the feet of statues of the Virgin Mary. These sweet flowers, together with their history and religious namesake, make for a familiar floral that’s anything but ordinary.
Poppy
The vivid color of poppy blooms, their tasty seeds, and their medicinal properties are just some of the reasons we love these flowers. They are also a symbol of remembrance for soldiers who have died during wartime. As a name, Poppy can be given in reference to the flower, but it’s also a tried-and-true nickname for Penelope and Calliope.
It’s darling and contemporary, a bit unusual but definitely not unheard of, which makes it a perfect pick for many. Poppy was chosen by chef Jamie Oliver and his wife for one of their daughters (sister to Daisy, Petal, Buddy, and River), while another Poppy in bloom is the daughter of Nate Berkus and Jeremiah Brent.
Posy
In Victorian times, “posy” was used much more often than it is today to describe a small flower or a small bouquet of flowers. Meanwhile, the name Josephine gives us the darling nicknames Posey and Posy. Posy is a sweet “little” name with floral overtones and a sense of vintage whimsy.
Primrose
It’s one of the earliest flowers of the season, making the pale yellow primrose a perfect way to welcome spring. In fact, that’s how it was named, from prima rosa, meaning “first rose.” Shakespeare referenced the flower in Hamlet with the (already established) phrase “primrose path,” or an easy, pleasurable life that may end badly.
It’s also a Scottish surname, and now it’s known for a character in the Hunger Games trilogy. All of these facts point to one sure thing: Primrose is a flower that’s seen as pure, innocent, and cheerful, which are great qualities for a name.
Rue
Another name from The Hunger Games, Rue is a flowering herb that has a simple, sweet sound. It’s also a word that means “bitter regret,” though in French it translates to “street.” We think this name is lovely, but for some it lives in the shadow of the book and movie series.
Zinnia
This energetic floral name is ready to hit the playground with friends like Sienna or Savannah. It starts with an ever-desired z and moves on to repeating consonants and a splash of femininity with its ending. Add the attraction of this bold-colored blossom, and there’s no reason why Zinnia shouldn’t make your list of favorite flower names for girls.
