Choosing a name for your baby can be a chore, but we beg you to go with your gut! Food, cooking, and the best part, eating are all enjoyed by every single human. If you fancy yourself an epicure; a gastronome; a true lover of the art of cooking; consider foodie baby names inspired by the culinary arts. We’ll look to famous chefs, notable ingredients, and even drinks to inspire some of the best baby names that are food adjacent. Yes, feel free to have fun while choosing a name for your baby by celebrating one of your favorite interests.
We found some sweet, spicy, quirky, and cheesy names we think are appropriate for children. We’re not suggesting you name your child broccoli or chorizo, but you should definitely consider the names of herbs, berries, and cakes. Without cooking up too much of a mess, we’ve found dozens of the best foodie baby names we think are delectable. Bon appétit!
Foodie Baby Names for Girls
Brie
Brie is a French name and feminine form of Brian that means “marshland.” Brie also refers to the famed cheese-making region of France that’s renowned for its soft cheeses. Is there anything better than creamy cheese? Absolutely not! Brie would be a fantastic foodie baby name for a little girl.
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 foodie name, and you can use “Sam” or “Sammy” as a nickname.
Ginger
Foodie names inspired by spice and flavor will always inspire parents. As a name, Ginger started out as a pet form of Virginia, and in the UK, it was a unisex nickname given to people with red hair. Virginia means “pure.” It stands to reason that the name Ginger means “pure zest.”
Clementine
Clementine is the French form of the Latin name Clement, and it means “merciful.” A clementine is a citrus fruit that somehow improves on the good old orange. Clementine makes for a cute foodie name for a girl that is both sweet and floral.
Rosemary
Rosemary is an English foodie name with Latin origins. It, of course, refers to our favorite plant, but in Latin, it means “dew of the sea.” The name was given to the plant because of its ability to thrive in coastal climates.
Poppy
Poppy seed muffins, salad dressings, cookies, and bagels are integral to life. We need the humble poppy seed! Poppy is a charming English foodie name for girls of Latin origin, and it refers to the red flower. Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver named his daughter Poppy.
Saffron
Saffron is a precious spice that comes from crocus and has a subtle orange-scent and dazzling yellow hue. Saffron is a much more common name for girls in the UK than in the US, but we think some food-inspired Americans are ready to change that! Accomplished British actor Saffron Burrows recently wowed audiences in Mozart in the Jungle. She wears the foodie name well.
Laurel
Laurel is a unisex option that is going to be beautiful for any baby. Laurel is a gentle botanical choice 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.
Gabrielle
Chef Gabrielle Hamilton has been awarded numerous James Beard Awards for her cooking and writing. She opened her New York City restaurant, Prune, in 1999, and it became a sensation. Gabrielle is a gorgeous name for girls with French vibes and means “God is my strength.”
Anise
Anise is a girl’s foodie name that also belongs to a licorice plant. Anise, the spice, comes in the shape of a star, giving this warming seasoning even more sweetness. A little girl named Anise will always be your little star!
Jasmine
The most popular foodie baby 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 is often considered to mean “gift of God.”
Madeleine
The proper French spelling of this foodie name is Madeleine, which means “woman from the high tower” and is associated with Mary Magdelene. Madeleines are also the name for delicate small cakes baked in shell-shaped molds. This sweet name is perfect for lovers of classic French baked goods.
Nigella
Nigella Lawson is a hugely popular food writer and chef based in London. Nigella is the perfect foodie name for a chef because it also belongs to a small black seed that’s absolutely delicious. Nigella seeds taste like a cross between oregano and black pepper and look very similar to sesame seeds. Nigella is the female form of the name Nigel and means “black” or “dark.”
Marjoram
Marjoram is a herb foodie 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 many nickname possibilities here, from Marj to Mar to Jo.
Cassia
Cassia is a feminine form of Cassius, an Ancient Roman clan name that means “hollow.” Cassia also names a kind of cinnamon, and its meaning can also relate to that. Parents have begun to turn to this foodie baby name, and we expect it will be a big contender in the next few years.
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Foodie Baby Names for Boys
Reuben
Reuben is a Biblical name that originates in Hebrew and means “behold, a son.” We think it actually means “behold, a sandwich.” The classic deli staple, a Reuben sandwich consists of corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing, grilled between slices of rye bread. Reuben is a foodie name that’s simply griddled to perfection.
Benedict
Benedict is a Latin name that means “blessed,” but we know why you’re here! Eggs benedict is a classic brunch dish that was invented in New York City to the acclaim of a nation. The dish consists of a toasted English muffin, poached eggs, ham or Canadian bacon, and hollandaise. This foodie baby name offers you the opportunity to give your baby boy a classic moniker that also reminds you of breakfast.
Valerian
Now, there are not a ton of herb and spice names that are just for boys, but there are some! Valerian is a foodie name that once belonged to a Roman Emperor. Valerian is an herb that has long been used for its sedative properties.
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 and the bulbs are also delightful. It is used around the world for its distinct flavor. The name comes from a Latin root that translates to “little hay.” This foodie name is extremely rare, so you will be charting relatively new territory if you decide to go with it.
Sage
Sage is a unisex name that is currently given to three girls for every one boy. It’s one of the more popular foodie baby names on the list. Sage is an appellation 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.
Bran
Not just a weird kid in Game of Thrones, Bran is an English name with Celtic origins that means “broom-covered hill.” Bran was a Celtic god of the underworld! Yay! Bran is also the hard outer layer of cereal grain.
Layton
Layton is an Old English name that’s a great alternative to Clayton. It also has a traditional food meaning. Layton means “herb garden” or “settlement with a leek garden.” Yum! Herbs and leeks, we’re all about this subtle foodie name for boys.
Basil
Basil is a delightful herb name for boys. Basil is an appellation 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 this foodie baby’s name is a delight.
Jacques Pépin
The chef’s chef, Jacques Pépin was born in France, but he’s been teaching Americans to cook for decades. Jacques is a very French name that means “supplanter.” This foodie name would honor a great chef and is an excellent alternative to Jack.
Colby
Should you name your child after a block of American cheese? 100% yes. Colby cheese hails from Colby, Wisconsin, and is a type of mild cheddar that’s beloved for its creamy texture. The foodie name Colby has emerged as a popular gender-neutral name for children. It’s an English name that means “coal town.”
Chadwick
We hope you’ll never tire of the cheese and dairy-inspired foodie names on this list. Cheese is just the greatest! Chadwick is an English name that few people know means “dairy farm.” Sign us up! Chadwick Boseman of Black Panther fame gave this name a huge boost.
Grant
Grant Achatz is a Chicago-based chef who is known for his progressive culinary takes on his dishes which contributed to the popularity of molecular gastronomy. Grant is an attractive foodie name for boys with Scottish origins and means “large.”
Bay
Bay is a unisex herbaceous foodie name that we like a bit more for boys. Bay and Laurel are essentially the same names regarding meaning, as they are interchangeable.
Puck
Colorful character and chef Wolfgang Puck runs over 50 restaurants with a frozen food and kitchenware empire. He’s doing fine. We love the Puck. But we mostly just really enjoy his name. Wolfgang is a German name that means “traveling wolf.” Puck was the name of a mischievous character in Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream and was a part of English mythology before that. We think either of these unique foodie names would be great for a baby boy.
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Clove
Again, another foodie 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. Exciting!
There you go! What did you think of these foodie baby names? We hope you found them to be as tasteful as we did. For even more baby name inspiration, check out the cool nature names we also suggest below.
Check Out These Peaceful Nature Names for Boys & Girls!
Nature 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 Boy Names Continued – More Botanicals
- 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 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 Names for Boys – More Trees
- Cedar– Cedar comes from Latin roots and indeed means “cedar tree.”
- Leif– Scandinavian name Leif actually means “heir” but it’s pronounced just like the word leaf.
- Birch– Birch refers to the tree but it’s an established name that means “dweller in the birch forest.”
- Branch– Of all the nature names on this list, we imagine that Branch might be the most polarizing. We think it works, but if it seems like to much of a stretch, don’t!
- Banyan– The name of a tropical Indian fig tree, Banyan translates to mean “the God tree.”
Nature Names for Boys – Stones, Minerals & 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 Names for Boys – Landscapes & Topographic 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 Names for Boys – More Landscapes & Topographic Names
- Bay– Bay has Latin origins and means “berry,” so this one is a two-for-one in that it’s a botanical name and a name for a body of water.
- Lake– Thanks to its proximity to Blake, Lake works as an excellent alternative that highlights nature.
- Flint– An English topographic name, Flint means “born near a crop of Flint.” This name was once wildly popular in the 1960s.
- Pike– Yes, Pike is a fish, but it’s also the name of Pike’s Peak which was so named by Zebulon Pike.
- Everest– Not our favorite of the nature names on this list, but one that’s been getting used far more often these days. The name of the world’s tallest mountain.
Nature Names for Boys – Mythology
- 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 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 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 Names for Girls!
Nature Names for Girls – Botanical Beauties
- 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 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 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, that 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 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 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 foresee it gaining steam in the coming years.
Nature 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 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 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 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 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 Names for Girls – Topographic & 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 names for girls and boys. We low-key want to take a hike now. We only scratched the surface of nature 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!