30 Secret Nature Girl Names That Offer a Subtle Nod to Our Natural World

Parents today love nature-inspired baby names. They are the trendiest appellations of the moment and for good reason. Nature names evoke images of our gorgeous, natural world while also appealing as a celebration of what resources we still have left! However, not every parent wants to name their baby girls Daisy, River, or Rose. Many new parents today are looking for nature girl names that are a bit subtler in their approach. If this describes you, you are in luck! There are so many nature girl names that you would never know are related to nature.

We have rounded up all of the best nature-inspired girl names that hide their nature-relatedness in their meanings. We have curated dozens of names for you to consider from around the world that hold meanings ranging from botanical to celestial. If you are looking for a subtle, not too hippyish appellations for your daughter, you have come to the right place! Discover the best name for her below!

Avalon

Avalon, an island paradise of Celtic myth and Arthurian legend. It’s the place King Arthur was taken to recover from his battle wounds. Avalon has Celtic origins and is very old. We think it’s time for this name to make a comeback in the states. Avalon means “island of apples.” Sold!

Elowen

A popular choice in the UK, Elowen might start trending in the US in the coming years. This gentle appellation has Cornish origins and means “elm.” It makes for a very attractive alternative to established E baby girl names, Elodie and Eleanor.

Farasha

Farasha means “butterfly”y in Arabic, which means that to English speakers, it feels more like a soft feminine name and less like a fluttery animal. It’s a gorgeous name that feels somewhat exotic. Despite being one of the most handsome names on this list, it has never been a popular choice among American parents.

Lupita

Now it’s time to learn about St. Anastasia Guadalupe García Zavala! She dedicated herself to the care of ill people and was noted for her compassion and faith. She came to be known as “Mother Lupita.” Lupita and Lupe are diminutive forms of Guadalupe. The name means “the river of the wolf.” It holds double significance because of Our Lady Guadalupe and her miraculous appearance(s). Lupita itself means “little wolf.”

Paloma

Paloma is a name that’s having a moment in the US where it’s currently a top 1000 name. It is of Spanish origin and means “a dove.” Doves are associated with peace, purity, and friendship which makes them a favorite inclusion in all manner of Christmas cards, stamps, and decorations.

Tabitha

Tabitha is a name of Aramaic origin that means “gazelle.” The name of a charitable woman who was restored to life by Saint Peter in the Bible, Tabitha was a popular Puritan choice. The name peaked in the US in 1978 and it has since garnered a reputation as an “old lady” name. We think that should change!

Dylan

Dylan, in Welsh mythology, is a legendary sea god who made the seas between England and Ireland weep when he passed away. The fabulous name that’s fitting for both boys and girls, means “son of the sea.”

Marlowe

Marlowe is of English origin and means “driftwood.” Huh. We didn’t know that! But we like driftwood, and we love the unisex name, Marlowe. Marlowe was the last name of Christopher Marlowe, who some people believe wrote all of the plays credited to Shakespeare. Novelist Raymond Chandler named his most iconic detective Philip Marlowe, so this name has history, strength, and a real cool factor.

Bindi

In the Noongar language of Western Australia, Bindi means “butterfly.” Bindi is usually seen as a girl’s name, as evident with Bindi Irwin, daughter of the late Steve Irwin. Bindi makes for a playful and charming option that more US parents should give a shot.

Kiri

The name Kiri was made famous by New Zealand soprano Kiri Te Kanawa, whose original name was Claire. Kiri is a girl’s name of Maori origin meaning “tree bark.”

Kamala

Born to civil rights activist parents, Kamala Harris is an American politician and attorney who is the 49th and current Vice President of the United States. She is the United States’ first female vice president, the highest-ranking female elected official in US history, and the first African American and first Asian American vice president. She has been the first in many of her titles and we would love to see her continue to rise. Kamala is an absolutely stunning name that you will find in Hindi and Hawaiian tradition as a name that means “lotus,” “pale red,” or “garden.”

Ione

Pronounced eye-OH-nee or ee-OH-nee, Ione is a classic Greek name that means “violet-colored stone.” Ione was one of the fifty sea nymphs, Nereids, in ancient Greek mythology. The name was last popular in the US in 1943! Parents are rediscovering the name today and we expect this one to make a real comeback in the coming years.

Tamara

Tamara (Tamar is another variant and a great option as well) was once a hugely popular appellation in the US but it fell from the popularity chart in 2009. We think that’s a shame as it is truly a perfectly rhythmic and balanced name. The name comes from a Hebrew root that means “date palm tree.”

Naia

A multicultural name used in a variety of naming traditions including Hawaiian, Greek, and Basque, Naia has a couple of possible meanings and all of them are nature-related! Meanings include “dolphin,” “wave,” “sea foam,” and “flowing.” We are not mad about a single one of those!

Xochitl

Xochitl is a Nahuatl or Aztec floral name used in southern Mexico and pronounced so-chat-l. The name means “flower.” Xochitl could honor your family’s heritage and make for an exquisite choice.

Briallen

Briallen is a girl’s name of Welsh origin meaning “primrose.” It’s one of the most underutilized flower names for girls that more parents should take into account. It has the attractive Bri element that makes for a charming nickname with the Allen bit offering an established boost.

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Una

In an epic poem, the personification of truth, beauty, and unity, Una is an ancient name that is popular in Ireland but rarely heard here. Una, also spelled Oona, was last popular in the US in the 1940s! We think it has so much untapped potential. In Latin, the name is taken to mean “one.” But, the Irish form of the name is commonly translated as “lamb.”

Roxana

Roxanne has been the favored form of this name, but Roxana offers a more direct vehicle for the Persian root that means “dawn.” Roxana was first used in the English-speaking world in the 1600s and was popularized by Daniel Defoe’s novel Roxana, published in 1724. 

Selene

One of the prettiest Greek goddess names, Selene comes from a Greek word related to “light” and means “moon goddess.” According to myth, Helios the sun god is the brother of Selene. The name is really on the rise in the US today and we expect its popularity to only grow in the coming years.

Esca

Esca or Eska is a unisex name you will hear in South Africa. It is of Afrikaans origin and means “creek.” The name is also found in Gaelic tradition as an appellation most commonly given to boys and meaning “water.”

Seren

Seren is a top girls’ name in Wales – and a lovely choice almost unknown elsewhere. Seren, in the Sirona form, was an ancient goddess of the hot springs. This name is found in both Welsh and Turkish traditions as a name meaning “star” or “sail mast.” Let’s bring this Welsh hit to the US!

Elain

Another Welsh option for you, Elain is a name that means “fawn.” This appellation will undoubtedly be confused with Elaine, a name found in both Scottish and French naming traditions. But, if you do not mind correcting folks, it could be a remarkable name for your daughter.

Indra

Indra is a unisex name of Hindu, Sanksrit origin meaning “possessing drops of rain.” In the ancient Hindu religion, Indra is the warrior god of sky and rain. That’s what gives this charmer its meaning! Somehow, this excellent option has never been a popular one in the US. Parents, you know what to do!

Asherah

Asherah is probably one of the most ancient mother goddess symbols, recorded in the histories of several civilizations from the tenth century BCE. As the mother to innumerable gods and goddesses, she is often depicted as having the capacity to walk on water. The Sumerian goddess name takes its meaning from that ability, meaning “she who walks on the sea.”

Danica

Danica comes from Slavic origin and is associated with Diana or Venus. The name means “morning star.” We love that this name sounds balanced, both feminine and straightforward.

Zora

Zora is an inspiring literary heroine appellation honoring Zora Neale Hurston, an important black writer, and leader of the Harlem Renaissance. Zora is a multicultural hit and you will find it in a number of naming traditions including Slavic, Arabic, and many languages spoken throughout Africa. The name means “dawn.”

Vesper

The name Vesper comes from Latin and means “evening star.” It’s a mysterious and fun name for girls. Evening prayers are often called vespers in Catholic practices. For a name that connotes mystery, contemplation, and stars, Vesper is a winner.

Kirsi

Kirsi is a multicultural name found in Finnish and Hindi. The Hindu roots of the name give it the meaning “amaranth blossoms,” which is, pretty much, the greatest name meaning ever. Further, in Finnish, the appellation is taken to mean “frost.”

Mariposa

Mariposa is a girl’s name of Spanish origin meaning “butterfly.” Mariposa is an excellent option for a variety of reasons but if you’re in it for the nicknames, you found a winner with this one. Mari is firstly there for the using but we are fond of the nickname Posie.

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Daphne

Daphne has seen many ups and downs through the years and its most popular year for babies was 1962. It’s on the climb again and it could best its previous record this year. Daphne is a name of Greek origin, meaning “bay tree” or “laurel tree.”

There you go! We hope you found these secret, nature girl names to be as excellent as we feel they are. If you want to discover even more nature names, keep reading because we have a ton more to share with you.

Discover the Perfect Unisex Baby Names Inspired by Nature Below:

25. Cypress

Like Juniper and Willow, Cypress is a wonderful tree-inspire nature name that is waiting for new parents to climb. This name is the perfect choice for lovers of trees and Cypress Hill. The name of the tree comes from a Greek myth about a boy who turned into a tree.

24. Jupiter

Despite being associated with the Roman father of all gods, the name Jupiter is much more common among baby girls than boys. We love this unisex nature baby name for both boys and girls. Jupiter was believed by the ancient Romans to assume the body of an eagle. The god was seen as a controller of lightning, thus an eagle holding a lightning bolt in its talons became a symbol for the god and Rome itself. Jupiter’s roots mean “sky father.”

23. Sage

Sage is a top 500 baby name in the US for both boys and girls today. We love that parents have adopted this name en masse since the 1990s. Sage is the name of a delicious herb and also a Latin term meaning “wise and knowing.” Ancient cultures from the Greeks to the Arabs believed that burning sage imparted wisdom and could lead to a very long life.

22. Cricket

Cricket is a delightful unisex nature baby name chosen by Busy Philipps for her daughter. Cricket works for both boys and girls and we would love to hear more of this chirping name. This quirky nickname has existed for a long time in American culture and we are pleased it has been adopted by parents as a proper given name. It’s a delight!

21. Elm

Elm is name to a tree, but it also has roots as a genuine baby name in German, Danish, and Norse traditions. The name is typically given to boys and often as a middle name meaning “red” and “brown.” Elm works perfectly for baby boys but we love it for baby girls as it fits in the names like Emily, Alma, and Ann.

20. Lake

It’s a mystery to us why Lake as given name has not landed in the US top 1000 most popular baby names in recent years. Lake is an established, English surname, but it also is very similar to the perennial favorite Blake. Like Blake, Lake is considered a unisex nature baby name that works well for both boys and girls. Get ahead of the trend when choosing this name, we expect it to be a hit in the next few years.

19. Rowan

Rowan is a top 500 name for both boys and girls today with the scale tipped, ever so slightly, in the boys’ favor. Rowan sounds exotic but the name comes from Scottish and Irish tradition as a unisex nature baby name that means “rowan tree” and “little redhead.” In Celtic tradition, the Rowan tree was seen as an actor for good, warding off witches and bad vibes.

18. Aspen

Aspen is a unisex nature baby name that has emerged as a new favorite among nature-loving parents and it might be the new Brooklyn in the next couple of years. Aspen is a top 500 baby name for girls today, but we expect that to be true for boys as well soon enough. Aspen is the name of a poplar tree with heart-shaped leaves that gave the cool ski town Aspen its name.

17. Oak

Oak trees have long been a symbol of solidarity and longevity. These beautiful trees also have an equally pleasant name in Oak. Oak works as a unisex nature baby name that’s somewhat blunt but also stately. Variants include Oakes and Oakley. This appellation also works perfectly as a middle name.

16. Sky

Sky is an attractive unisex nature baby name that goes to girls more often than boys these days. Even with the character Sky Masterson appearing in the Guys and Dolls musical of the 1950s, Sky has yet to take off for boys. Let’s change that, new parents! Sky refers to the heavens, yes, but its roots mean “scholar.”

15. Cedar

Cedar is yet another unisex nature baby name inspired by trees. Cedar is pushing boundaries today, discovered, but not completely established, Cedar could be the new Ash given time. Mentioned in the Bible, the Lebanon Cedar was used to build King Solomon’s temple in Jerusalem. That may or may not appeal to you but it’s why so many hospitals have Cedars in their names.

14. Ocean

If you’re looking for an appellation with depth, we urge you to consider Ocean. Ocean is a gorgeous unisex nature name that new parents are beginning to choose for its beautiful sound and powerful meaning. Oceane is a hot variation of this name in France as well as Oceanus. This name is sure to make a splash!

13. Arden

Literature lovers will recognize Arden as the name of a mystical forest in Shakespeare’s As You Like It. Beyond that association, Arden is an English unisex nature baby name that means “valley of the eagle.” This sleek and stylish name is popular for baby boys and girls today with the balance leaning towards boys at the moment.

12. River

As far as unisex nature baby names go, River is essentially the end all be all of names. It’s perfect for both boys and girls as it feels very cool and most fresh. The name is super popular today for all babies in the US and UK. Kelly Clarkson was the latest celebrity to choose this name for her daughter and we think you should follow.

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11. Wren

Another wildly popular unisex nature baby name today is Wren which has emerged as a particular favorite for baby girls. The Druids believed that wren birds were prophetic, even magical creatures. Wren has English origins and landed in the top 500 for girls last year in the US. We’d love to hear more boys with this name as well.

10. Harbor

Harbor is in a class of emerging unisex nature baby names that are beginning to be seen as possibilities. Harbor sounds fabulous and feels like gifting your child a safe haven in name form. Harbor has long been a common surname, so it could easily make the jump to given name territory.

9. Sunny

Sunny is going to more baby girls than boys today, but we think it’s a unisex nature baby name that works well for all babies. Sunny began as a nickname for a cheerful child and evolved into a given name possibility in the middle of the twentieth century. We are glad new parents are rediscovering this vintage charmer and applying today.

8. Bay

Like Harbor, Bay is another nautical nature baby name. However, Bay has a longer history as a baby name as it was used by the ancient Romans. In Latin, Bay means “berry,” a reference to the prized laurel bay tree used for medicinal and culinary purposes for centuries. Despite this appellations historical precedent, it has not taken off as an option for most American parents. We think that should definitely change!

7. Indigo

Indigo is a unisex nature baby name that is currently very popular in Australia and England but for some reason has yet to appeal as widely among American parents. Indigo has Greek origins meaning “Indian dye,” a reference to the treasured pigment used since antiquity to give clothes a vibrant bluish color.

6. Everest

Everest is the name of the world’s tallest peak, making it a scalable choice as a baby name today. Everest is the perfect unisex nature baby name for parents who never fear a challenge, and instead, live for adventure. The name has only just begun to emerge as an option for parents and we foresee this name climbing high in the years to come.

5. Timber

Timber is given to more baby girls than boys today likely as an alternative to the name Kimberly. Timber is a unisex nature baby name that evokes the imagery of large, statuesque trees. For boys, you could consider the name a cousin to Tim.

4. Vega

Vega is an Arabic baby name adopted by the Romans. It was given to the brightest star in the Northern Constellation. Vega is currently an extremely trendy name for baby girls in Spain today but it has been largely undiscovered elsewhere. Vega means “landing eagle.” This unisex nature baby name sounds zesty enough for your little star.

3. Zenith

We got the word Zenith by accident. Medieval European scholars poorly translated an Arabic term as “direction of the head” and thus, Zenith was born. Zenith is considered a word name referring to the atmosphere and peak point above you. The name works well for boys as an alternative of Kenneth and both boys and girls would love to be called the nickname Zen.

2. Lynx

Lynx combines a few qualities of names trending today for new parents. This is a unisex nature baby name but it also happens to have an attractive X-ending which parents can’t seem to get enough of today. Lynx is one of the fiercest new animal names to emerge in recent years and we expect this one to catch fire soon enough.

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1. Rue

A botanical name you will not live to regret, Rue is a charming and charismatic unisex nature baby name that parents are flocking to today. The rue plant was discovered by the ancient Romans to have medicinal value. Rue has yet to land in the US top 1000 but we expect that to change. Casual yet sophisticated, Rue is a real winner for both boys and girls.

There you go! We hope these unisex nature baby names sound like a breath of fresh air to you. Each one of these names is infinitely versatile making them perfect for parents looking for something that fits with everything. Nature is such a divine source of inspiration and we urge you to look to the great outdoors to inform your baby name decision. Happy baby name hunting!