An econame is a variety of nature name that has a clear and open connection to the natural world. They’re favorites of environmentally conscious parents who hope to raise down-to-earth and eco-minded children. Additionally, many econames are unisex or even gender-neutral, a feature parents are prioritizing more and more.
These baby names are not short on drama either. They conjure images of majestic mountains and lush greenery. From botanical names to animal inspiration, these names for boys bring a certain earthy goodness to the monikers. They’re becoming hugely popular among celebrity parents and it’s no wonder why! Our earth is a gorgeous place full of natural splendor that we all would be wise to appreciate more! Here are 25 econames for boys that are full of spirit and plenty of sunshine.
25. Rue
Rue is the perfect unisex choice that works for boys thanks to it sounding close to Drew. Rue has been used as a name since the ancient Romans introduced the plant as a herb with medicinal qualities. In English, the name also means “regret” (feel free to ignore that fact).
24. Sage
For every one boy given the name Sage, three girls are getting it. Just because it’s trending for baby girls doesn’t mean this name isn’t completely wonderful for boys too! Sage is another name with roots in Latin and it means “wise.”
23. Ash
We love the name Ash and when it’s given to boys, it’s commonly considered a diminutive of Asher, however, we think Ash stands on its own. This econame has English origins and refers to the “ash tree.”
22. Timber
If you’re looking for a more broad tree-name, timber makes for a great option. This name sounds acceptable because it’s similar to the many Tim- names. A boy with this name is certain to build something great in their lifetime.
21. Banyan
This evocative name of a dramatic tropical Indian fig tree is ready to move west. This awesome name means “the God tree.” If you’re looking for a nature name that hasn’t gotten as much play as the others, Banyan is ripe for the picking.
20. Birch
Rolling right along with the tree names starting with B, we get to the wonderful Birch. Birch is a rarely used nature name that calls to mind the lovely image of the tall, strong but graceful white-barked tree. Birch makes for a strong, yet approachable name.
19. Branch
Branch is an attractive name with associations both with trees and with branching out into brave new worlds. This might not be for many parents, but we think it’s a name that really works as it’s similar to other B-names like Birch or Brandon.
18. Cedar
Cedar is a beloved English and French name that has Latin roots and means… “cedar tree.” This fantastic name belonged to jazz pianist Cedar Walton and we think it’s an excellent choice.
17. Leaf
The nature boy version of the Scandinavian Leif, which actually means “heir,” Leaf is a wonderful nature name that would be perfect for your son. It sounds so similar to Keith that it’s completely acceptable.
16. Oak
The name Oak is an English boy’s name meaning “tree from the genus Quercus.” If this name appeals to you but you don’t think it’s just right, consider it as a middle name as it plays very well with others.
15. Bear
Bear is a perfectly fine animal name that’s long been popular in the UK. It’s taken off in the US recently and we’re thrilled about this grizzly econame. Jamie Oliver used it as the middle name for his boy, Buddy, and more recently Alicia Silverstone called her son Bear Blu, followed by Kate Winslet‘s Bear Blaize.
14. Finch
Finch is an English name with an interesting meaning: “to swindle.” Finches are colorful birds that make for the perfect inspiration for this name. The name also has literary clout as it belonged to Atticus in To Kill a Mockingbird.
13. Fox
Fox is one animal name backed by tradition, and then popularized by the lead character Fox Mulder on X Files. Fox is easy, sleek, and a little bit wild, and could make an interesting choice for a first or middle name. This name is currently in the top 1000 and we foresee its popularity to continue to grow.
12. Hawk
Hawk is an exceptional bird name that parents are beginning to see as a possibility. The name makes for an energetic marker and would be a welcome alternative to Heath or Henry.
11. Koi
The Koi is a variety of carp especially popular in exquisite gardens in Japan, where they are a symbol of good fortune. In Buddhist culture, the koi is associated with courage. The name means exactly what you think it does and with the name Kai on the rise, this could be a great alternative.
10. Wolf
Wolf is a diminutive of Wolfgang, a German name that means “traveling wolf.” Aside from also belonging to the canine, Wolf also was the name of Wolf Larson, the hero of Jack London‘s novel, The Sea-Wolf.
9. Wren
Wren is another brilliant bird name on the rise and, as of last year, it’s just outside of the top 1000. The name is popular for both boys and girls. It works so well because it sounds similar to Ren, the diminutive of Rene.
8. Bay
Name your bay-bay Bay. Bay has Latin origins and means “berry.” If you love spending time by the sea or simply like the sound of it, this name is worth it.
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7. Frost
Frost is an English surname that has made the crossover to given name territory. The name means “freezing” which should come as no surprise. If you’re after a chilly, winter name you could do no better.
6. Flint
Flint is a boy’s name of English origin meaning “born near an outcrop of flint.” This name was only popular in the US in the early sixties, but we think it’s time to revisit. If you’re looking for an alternative to Clint, this is the one!
5. Lake
Go ahead and name your son Lake. You won’t regret it. Not only does this name conjure images of serene bodies of water, but it also sounds similar to Blake which makes for an easy transition to a name.
4. Rain
Rain is such a joyful name that describes precipitation but also is a diminutive of Raines, an English name that means “from Rayne or Rennes.” This would be a bold choice and we think you should make it!
3. Reef
Reef has surfer vibes going for it and thanks to its similarity to Reed and Keith, it makes for a perfectly good name for boys. Be prepared, however, for this child to be killed “reefer” come teenage years.
2. River
River is now a top 200 name and there’s no denying that it’s a pleasant and handsome name. Keri Russell and the Taylor Hanson both have sons named River, Natasha Henstridge used it as a middle name for her boy, Tristan, and Jason Schwartzman pluralized it for daughter Marlowe Rivers. This name is as versatile as it gets!
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1. Woods
Not just the name of your favorite blonde lawyer, Elle Woods, in Legally Blonde, Woods is a classic nature name and surname you’ll commonly find in countries where English is spoken. We absolutely adore this name but as with Reef, Woods lends itself to some pretty silly nicknames!
There you go! 25 econames for boys that bring the charm and thrill of nature home. We hope you feel inspired by these monikers and will consider them for your little tyke.
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