Herb and Spice Baby Names Are the Latest Trend, Check Our Tasteful Favorites!

Herb and spice baby names have taken off in the US over the last several years. These botanical appellations have long been popular across Europe and it has taken American parents some time to catch up. While recognizable and accessible, many herb and spice baby names are extremely rare, making them great options for parents who are looking for names that feel unique and often singular.

We decided to take a closer look at botanical names to discover the best ones that have associations with herbs and spices. And, let us just say, they are absolutely delicious! These names are evocative of aromas, flavors, and even tastes. That makes them some of the most compelling appellations you can give your child. Take a look at our tasteful finds to find a scrumptious name for your little one.

Sesame

Sesame is a name that is common in France but most Americans only associate it with the seed or a kid-friendly street. We think it has so much potential as a given name and you will get the option to use “Sam” or “Sammy” as a nickname.

Valerian

Now, there are not a ton of herb and spice names that are just for boys but there are some! Valerian is one such name and it once belonged to a Roman Emperor. Valerian is an herb that has long been used for its sedative properties.

 Cicely

One of our very favorite herb and spice names for girls, Cicely has never been widely favored in the US but it did enjoy its best years in the 1970s. Cicely shares the same Latin root as Cecilia which means “blind.” Cicely is an herbaceous plant with a strong flavor similar to anise.

Dill

Dill is a common nickname for Dillon which makes it feel like it could work as a name for boys. Now, we must point out that Dillon is a unisex name so if you like the name Dill for a girl, you would be in safe territory. Dill is one of the most delicious herbs on the planet and we think the name is equally as appealing.

Nigella

Nigella seeds are tiny, black seeds that are sometimes called black caraway. The Latin root of Nigella means “black.” Some might consider the name a feminine form of Nigel but we think Nigella is an infinitely better name and it deserves its herb and spice association.

Laurel

Laurel is a unisex option that is going to be beautiful for any baby. Laurel is a gentle, botanical option and a reference to the “bay tree.” In addition to being a prized herb in antiquity, the laurel plant was a symbol of peace and prosperity to the ancient Romans who used the leaves to make crowns.

Fennel

Fennel could work for girls but we think the Finn- sound makes it appropriate for baby boys. Fennel is one of the most scrumptious herbs that is used around the world for its distinct flavor. The name comes from a Latin root that translates to “little hay.” This name is extremely rare so you will be charting relatively new territory if you decide to go with it.

Rue

Rue is yet another one of the herb and spice names that can go to any baby. Rue is of Latin origin and refers to the plant but also means “regret.” The herbal plant, Rue was discovered by the Romans and has been cherished for its medicinal properties. It was thought that the plant sharpened vision and treated epilepsy.

Jasmine

The most popular herb and spice name on this list, Jasmine has been a widely used name for girls since the 1970s. Jasmine is a gorgeous flower and its blossoms are used to impart floral aroma to teas and other beverages. The name originated in Persian and it is often considered to mean “gift of God.”

Marjoram

Marjoram is a herb and flower name that has never been extremely popular in the US. But, with the name Marigold on the rise again, perhaps it is time for Marjoram to be considered as a winning option. Marjoram is a delightful herb that pairs well with lemon and is often used in savory dishes. There are a whole host of nickname possibilities here from Marj to Jo.

Caraway

Caraway is one of the herb and spice names for babies that is unisex. Caraway seeds are an extremely popular spice that can be found baked into rye bread or dusting a bagle. This name has gone virtually unused in the US but we think there is potential here.

Ginger

Ginger peaked as a given name in the US in the 1970s and we are sad that it has fallen from favor. Once considered a nickname for Virginia, Ginger feels much more energetic and tasty than its parent form. Ginger is used in countless applications from tea to stir fry.

Lavender

Lavender smells like a dream and we think it makes for a dreamy name as well. Lavender is one of the flower names that has gone overlooked by most American parents. The Latin roots found in this name mean “blue wash” a reference to the color of these flowers and its use as a washing agent in ancient times (it’s still used as such today!).

Cinnamon

Cinnamon is a very sweet name that has been pretty rare for girls in the US. It did have a banner year in 1969 thanks to the popularity of the Neil Young song “Cinnamon Girl.” We find this herb and spice name to be extremely warm and inviting.

RELATED: 100 Nature Names for Girls and Boys

Sage

Sage is a unisex name that is currently given to three girls for every one boy. It’s one of the more popular herb and spice names on the list. Sage is a name of Latin origin that means “wise.” The fragrant leaves of this plant make things much more delicious and they have long been prized for their cleansing properties.

Rosemary

We are so thankful that Rosemary is a name on the rise today. The herb is so named because of its ability to grow in salty, coastal locations. The roots of the name mean “dew of the sea.” Rosemary sounds very established and would be one of the least controversial options on this list.

Juniper

Juniper has begun to trend for baby girls but it is technically a unisex name. The juniper tree and its botanical berries have been used for generations. Juniper is a name of Latin origin and it means “youth.”

Clove

Again, another herb and spice name that can go to either boys or girls, Clove has so much potential and parents have begun to tap into it. This name could be a real winner for a baby thanks to the more established appellation, Clovis.

Cassia

Cassia is a feminine form of Cassius, a Roman clan name that means “hollow.” Cassia also names a kind of cinnamon and its meaning can relate to that as well. Parents have begun to turn to this herb and spice name and we expect it will be popularized in the next few years.

Basil

Basil is a delightful herb name for boys. Basil is a name derived from Greek, meaning “regal.” Basil was once popular in the US but the name fell out of fashion by the 1970s. We really hope it makes a comeback as it is a delight.

Anise

Anise is inspired by the star-shaped spice used around the world for its unique and distinctive flavor. The think the name itself has a lot in common with that flavor profile. This name has been extremely rare until now as it has begun to trend with only a handful of babies getting the name. There’s plenty of room for this name to continue to grow.

Saffron

Saffron is both an herb and spice name and a color name. Saffron is one of the planet’s most expensive herbs and rightfully so. It imparts a floral and fruity flavor unlike any other into a variety of foods. The golden orange color of the spice is so special that Saffron can be prized as a name belonging to the wonderful hue.

Pepper

Pepper is technically a unisex name but we like it a touch better for girls. The name is of English origin and is derived from a Latin root that means “berry.” Pepper was slightly popular for baby girls born in the 1970s but it has been missing from birth certificates ever since then. Pass the Pepper, please.

Bay

Bay is a unisex herb and spice name that we like a bit more for boys. Bay and Laurel are essentially the same names when it comes to meaning as they are interchangeable.

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Poppy

Poppy is an herb and spice name for girls that has shot up the popularity charts since 2016. The connection here is obviously those yummy poppy seeds used to stud muffins and bagels. Poppy’s meaning comes from the plant’s color, “red flower.” After enjoying years of favor in the UK, we are so happy this name crossed the pond!

How special are these unique names? If you loved these herb and spice baby names, keep reading as we have even more botanical and nature-inspired appellations to share with you!

Check Out These Delightful Nature Baby Names for Boys & Girls!

Nature Baby Names for Boys – Botanical Options

• Rue– A gender-neutral option kicks this list off! Rue is the perfect unisex choice that works for boys thanks to it sounding close to Drew. Rue was treasured by the ancient Romans for its medicinal applications. However, the name means “regret.”
• Sage– Another beloved herb by the Romans, Sage is a special name meaning “wise.”
• Florian– A distinguished and established name, Florian has Latin roots that mean “flower.”
• Betony– A virtually unused name, Betony is also the name of a wildflower.
• Campion– Campion is a French name that means “champion.” However, campion wildflowers are beloved for their pink and red petals.

Nature Baby Names for Boys Continued – More Botanical-Inspired Appellations

• Basil– Basil comes from a Greek root meaning “kingly.” It’s why basilicas are called such. Basil is also the name of a beloved herb!
• Sorrel– An edible herb with reddish-purple flowers, sorrels have a scrumptious name. Sorrel is also a French name meaning “reddish.”
• Reed– The name Reed enjoys English origins and is associated with boys with red hair. Reeds, of course, are the grassy plant often found growing near marshes.
• Zahur– Zahur has Egyptian and Arabic roots and is one of a few nature boy names that means “flower.”
• Oleander– Not only is Oleander a mashup of wildly popular Oliver and Alexander, Oleander names a flowering shrub.

Nature Baby Names for Boys – Trees

• Rowan– The Rowan tree gave us the Scottish name Rowan. In Ireland, the name means “redhead.”
• Ash– From the Hebrew name Asher, Ash also refers to the Ash tree.
• Ewan– Scottish Gaelic, Ewan, means “born of the yew tree.”
• Oren– A Hebrew name that means “laurel” and “pine tree.”
• Elon– Another Hebrew treasure, Elon means “oak tree.”

Nature Baby Names for Boys – Minerals, Stone, and Rocks

• Slate– An excellent alternative to Slade, if your are looking for one, Slate refers to the cool, smooth rock.
• Alabaster– Alabaster makes for an evocative name for boys as it describes a smooth, white stone. The name evolved from Egyptian al-abaste, which refers to the Egyptian God Bast.
• Jasper– Thankfully, Jasper has grown in popularity in recent years. This awesome Persian name means “bringer of treasure.” But, you will also find a variant of it in Hebrew, meaning “speckled stone.”
• Onyx– The smooth black stone you know and love has such a wonderful name! Onyx contains Greek elements which mean “claw.”
• Kito– Kito is a Swahili name for boys that means “precious jewel.”

Nature Baby Names for Boys – Topographic and Landscape-Inspired Appellations

• Forest– A name you know and love, Forest makes for a remarkable name for boys.
• Glenn– A Scottish name that’s used for both boys and girls, Glenn means “wooded valley.”
• Hawthorn– A touch prickly, Hawthorn sounds rather buttoned-up but we urge you to consider it! Hawthorn, like Glenn, is a topographic name referring to a “hedge of hawthorn.”
• Heath– Heath is a handsome name for boys that refers to a “heathland dweller.”
• River– River has been a hot nature name since the 1990s. River simply refers to the flowing bodies of water.

Nature Baby Names for Boys – Mythological Names

• Sylvan– Sylvan comes from the Roman forest god Sylvan. Thus, this Latin name means “woods.”
• Aries– An astrology, mythology, and animal name all in one, Aries has it all. The Roman God of with a name that translates to “ram.”
• Atlas– The Name of Greek Titan who held the entire earth. This name is great for travelers as well. The name means “to carry.”
• Lir– Pronounced exactly the same way as Lear, Lir is an Irish name for boys that belonged to the god of the sea.
• Pan– A Greek mythological figure of a figure who possessed the legs of a goat! The being was tied to nature and the name Pan means “shepherd.”

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Nature Baby Names for Boys – Animals

• Bear– Bear has been a hot name in the UK for years now and it’s finally come to the US. A little grizzly and a little teddy.
• Finch– Finch could make for a colorful choice. The name belongs to the bird but also has a history as an English name meaning “to swindle.”
• Fox– Sleek and a bit wild, Fox would be the perfect name for a boy with playful parents.
• Hawk– Sometimes spelled with an E as a surname, Hawk simply refers to the bird of prey.
• Wolf– Is Wolf too much of a name for a baby boy to shoulder? You get to decide! If it’s too literal, the German name Wolfgang means “wolf traveler.”

Nature Baby Names for Boys – More Animals

• Wren– Wren is an English bird name that benefits from sounding exactly like the established name Rene.
• Robin– A unisex option, Robin refers to the bird, but it’s also an English diminutive form of Robert. In fact, it’s been a nickname for Robert for centuries. Thus, the name means “bright fame.”
• Buck– A touch rough around the edges, Buck may or may not appeal to you. We think it’s a strong name. It, of course, means “male deer.”
• Drake– Drake is a handsome one! This English name can mean “dragon” or “male duck.”
• Raoul– If you’re looking for a nature name with a touch of mystery, the French name Raoul might be the perfect option. It means “wolf-counsel” and sounds way better than its Germanic form: Ralph.

Now, Nature Baby Names for Girls

Nature Baby Names for Girls – Beautiful Botanicals

• Liliosa– Liliosa is probably the best form of the name Lily. This  Spanish option offers distinction and warmth.
• Daisy– Daisy is an English flower name for the happy flower you know and love. It got its name because of the way it opens at dawn, “day’s eye.”
• Xochitl– A Nahuatl or Aztec floral name used in southern Mexico and pronounced so-chat-l, Xochitl means “flower.”
• Pema– A Tibetan girl’s name, Pema means “lotus flower.”
• Nasrin– Nasrin is a popular appellation in Iran, Turkey, and Azerbaijan today. It means “wild rose.” Are you in love?

More Nature Baby Names for Girls – Fresh Botanicals

• Marigold– A vintage charmer, Marigold is an English flower name that refers to the gorgeous yellow flower. Unfortunately, this name has never appealed to many parents outside the UK.
• Lita– Lita is a shortened form of Rosalita, a Spanish name with Hebrew origins that means “garden.” This is one of our favorite nature names with the Rose- component.
• Kalina– Unless you have Polish heritage, you likely have never heard the Polish name, Kalina. It translates to “viburnum,” which is a flowering shrub.
• Jessamine– Jessamine is an ornate Persian name that simply means “jasmine.” It’s a great alternative to the many Jess- names out there.
• Irit– A Hebrew name you might not have encountered Irit before. This treasure refers to the “asphodel flower,” a perennial native to the Mediterranean and the Middle East.

Nature Baby Names for Girls – More Botanical But Less Flowery

• Briar– Briar is an English botanical name that (surprise, surprise!) means “briar patch.”
• Fern– Fern is one of those nature names that has faded through the years. We would love for this name, which means “bold voyager,” to return to popularity.
• Lavender-An English plant and color name, Lavender deserves a place next to other nature names like Sage and Lilac.
• Rosemary- Rosemary refers to the herb, but is also a standalone name that means “dew of the sea.” Coincidentally, rosemary plants enjoy that climate.
• Marjoram– Marjoram is likely something you have cooked with as it is a popular herb for home cooks. We hope this dusty gem gets shined up again soon.

More Nature Baby Names – Yes, Girls Enjoy A Lot of Botanical Options!

• Posy– Posy is a quintessentially English name that means “a bunch of flowers.”
• Willow– Willow came into use as a given name far after the willow tree, whose name came from the Old English word welig, meaning “willow.”
• Hazel– Hazel is such a magical nature name for girls. It means “a hazelnut tree.” Who does not love hazelnut?
• Magnolia– Magnolia is a French name and surname that means “Magnol’s flower.” A touch ornate but if you love drama, this is the one!
• Keziah– An Old Testament name that means “cassia tree,” Keziah is one to watch. It’s been criminally underused and we foresee it gaining steam in the coming years.

Nature Baby Names for Girls – Gems, Minerals & More

• Amethyst– In ancient Greece, Amethyst was a popular name for girls. Unfortunately, that’s not the case for this gem and color name. Let’s change that, parents!
• Gemma– Gemma is a pretty Italian appellation and one of our favorite nature names. Gemma means “precious stone.”
• Amber– A warm and intoxicating name, Amber means “jewel,” in Arabic, the language it originated in.
• Pearl– Pearl comes from Latin and means, well, “pearl.” This classic is set to see a renaissance in the next couple of years. We can’t wait!
• Giada– Jade is a perfectly wonderful name and we urge you to pick it. You might not know, however, that Giada is the Italian form of the name.
  

More Gem Nature Baby Names for Girls

• Diamante– If the name Diamond seems over the top to you, you may or may not like its Greek form, Diamante. We think it gives it even more romance.
• Coralie– Coralie is a French name that is currently more popular in Quebec! This name simply means “coral.”
• Opal– Another one of these gem nature names we wish would come back is Opal. Opal comes from Sanskrit and means “gem.”
• Beryl– Beryl is a Greek name for girls that means “sea-green jewel.” It’s currently hot in the UK.
• Garnet– Garnet offers you a two-for-one in that it’s a dark, red gemstone. However, Garnet means “pomegranate.” The stones were actually names for the fruit!

More Nature Baby Names for Girls – Sparkly Things Continued

• Peridot– Peridot is the deep green birth gemstone for the month of August. The name of the stone comes from Arabic. This would be a distinguished choice!
• Ruby– To us, Ruby will always be a pleasant, spunky, and playful choice. We love it and encourage lovers of red to go for it!
• Citrine– Citrine is the birthstone for babies born in November. You would be wise to consider it as a name for your baby girl born in November.
• Esmeralda– A Spanish name that means “emerald,” Esmeralda is one of the most popular Spanish names for girls in the US today.
• Jewel– Some classic nature names are classic for a reason. Jewel is one such name that has been a top 1000 name for girls in the US for a century!

Animal Nature Baby Names for Girls

• Dove– Love birds? Doves have long been considered a symbol of peace and good fortune. Why not use Dove as name?
• Paloma– Want a more subtle nod to the Dove? Paloma is a Spanish name that means “dove.” It’s one of our favorite Spanish nature names.
• Yara– Yara is a romantic, Arabic name that means “small butterfly.” This name is already red-hot and we imagine it’s only going to get hotter from here on it.
• Mariposa– Another name that means “butterfly,” Mariposa has Spanish origins and sounds so intriguing.
• Lark– A unisex bird name that works well for both boys and girls like Robin, Lark would be a fresh and bold choice today.

Nature Baby Names for Girls – Look to the Sky

• Luna– Every new parent’s favorite, Luna, which is Latin and means “moon” is still good even though it is overused.
• Estelle– A French name that means “star,” Estelle is hot once more!
• Ayla– Ayla is a name with Turkish and Hebrew origins. It can mean “oak tree,” “halo,” and “moonlight.”
• Sky– A name that was virtually unheard of until the late 1990s, Sky is now a big contender and favored for baby girls.
• Aurora– One of the best nature names for girls, Aurora is a classic Latin name that means “dawn” and fills up with hope.

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Nature Baby Names for Girls – Topographic and Landscape Names

• Meadow– We have The Sopranos to thank for this gentle nature name. Meadow is warm and welcoming.
• Marine– A popular name for girls in France, Marine has Latin origins and means “of the sea.”
• Sylvie– Another French option, Sylvie is another form of Sylvia, both names mean “from the woods.”
• Prairie– If you like names with a distinctive Western feel, Prairie would do the trick.
• Neve– Neve is a Latin name that means “snow” and it is widely used among Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese families. We love how cool and casual this one feels.

There you go! We hope you feel inspired by these nature baby names for girls and boys. We low-key want to take a hike now. We only scratched the surface of nature baby names as the possibilities are endless! If you are drawn to something of natural beauty, find a name with that meaning! Nature has always inspired names and there seems to be a name for every natural element on earth! Happy baby name hunting and congrats!