15 Rare and Unexpected Flower Names
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Flowers symbolize much in our culture. Each state posseses one to call their own, as each month of the year claims one as well. They are given away to tell someone to get well, that you love them, or say you’re sorry. Much of history tells of different cultures using flowers to heal or to use them in story telling. They can be representative of much and often speak when words can’t.
If you love flower names but you aren’t sold on some of the more popular ones out there such as Rose, Violet, or Lily, you’re in the right place. I’ve listed 15 flower names that don’t rank in the top 400 in the US and most of them are outside of the top 1000.
Origin: English
Pronunciation: lav-un-dur
Meaning: Flower Name
Popularity: Has never ranked in the top 1000 and was only used 86 times last year.
Analysis: I am continually surprised that Lavender hasn’t gained more popularity. Lavender soaps, candy, coffees, ice cream, and just about everything else is very on trend now but the name hasn’t caught on. Lavender Brown in Harry Potter is possible the most well known pop culture reference. I think with Violet being on the uptrend, Lavender would be a lovely alternative for parents who want something a little more rare!
Origin: English
Pronunciation: ah- ZAY-lee-uh
Meaning: Flower name
Popularity: Azalea entered the top 1000 in 2012 and currently ranks at 578 in the US.
Analysis: I can see this name gaining more well deserved recognition due to rapper Iggy Azalea. “A” names are quite popular and Azalea has the cool “z” sound that many parents are liking. You could use the nickname “Lea” if you wanted something a bit more approachable.
Origin: Named after German botanist Johann Gottfried Zinn in the 1700s.
Pronunciation: zin-ee-uh
Meaning: Flower Name
Popularity: Zinnia has never ranked in the top 1000 in the US and was only used 145 times last year!
Analysis: Zinnia are beautiful multi-colored flowers in the daisy family. This name has many of the qualities that modern parents enjoy such as: ending in “ia,” easy to spell, has a “z.” This name is beautiful, rare, and ripe for the picking!
Origin: German
Pronunciation: eh-del-vice
Meaning: Flower name, “noble, white”
Popularity: Edelweiss has never ranked in the top 1000 in the US and was only used 7 times last year!
Analysis: Edelweiss in a mountain flower that grows mainly in the Alps. It is loaded with symbolism for those in Switzerland, Austria, Germany, and the surrounding areas. Towards the end of WW2, it was often used as a symbol of resistance against nazism. Much of the rest of the world knows of this hardy white flower through the song written for The Sound of Music. While Edelweiss may be a little difficult for some in America to spell or pronounce, I think this name would be an absolutely stunning choice for the brave namer. It could be a lovely tribute for someone who has a deep love for The Sound of Music or have German, Swiss, or Austrian heritage.
Origin: From Turkish
Pronunciation: TOO-lip
Meaning: Probably means turban, named for the shape of the flower.
Popularity: Tulip has never ranked in the top 1000 in the US and was only used 21 times last year!
Analysis: While some may think Tulip is a little cartoonish at first, I think it has a lovely sound and would fit into the same category as Daisy or Poppy. I am actually surprised it doesn’t get used more often. I think it could be a lovely choice for a Spring baby!
Origin: Swedish
Pronunciation: li -NEH- uh
Meaning: twinflower
Popularity: Linnea last ranked in the top 1000 in 1955 but was most popular in 1945 at 745. Last year, just 153 girls were name Linnea in the US. It has been one of the most popular names in Sweden for many years and is well used in several other Scandinavian countries.
Analysis: The name is derived from Swedish botanist Carl Linneaus. I think Linnea is one of the most approachable and beautiful traditional Scandinavian names for Americans. It has so many beautiful modern sounds yet it has a rich history. I would love for it to be used more. Being from the Midwest, I did hear some more of it growing up and have great associations with it. Most recently, Danish actress Linnea Berthelsen stars as Kali in Stranger Things.
Origin: Greek
Pronunciation: call-uh
Meaning: Beautiful
Popularity: Calla has never ranked in the top 1000 in the US and only 175 girls were named that last year.
Analysis: With the names Callie and Lily having been on the popular side for a few years, I think Calla fits right in! What do you think?
Origin: English from Persian
Pronunciation: LIE-lac
Meaning: purple flower name
Popularity: Lilac has never ranked in the top 1000 in the US and only 16 girls were named in last year!
Analysis: Perhaps this name has never gained much potential due to the first sound in it being “lie,” but I think it could be a stunning choice. You could use the nickname Lila instead of Lie if you were worried about teasing. It is a great purple flower alternative if you wanted something a less popular than Violet! I am definitely crushing on this name right now. It would be an excellent choice for the brave baby namer!
Origin: Greek
Pronunciation: uh-kay-shuh
Meaning: Thorny
Popularity: Acacia has never ranked in the top 1000 in the US and only 89 girls were named it last year!
Analysis: Acacia is most commonly known for the tree and its wood. We have a couple kitchenware items that are made from Acacia wood! Acacia flowers are white or yellow and small but abundant! It has a similar sound to Alicia and it could make a lovely choice for someone who is wanting something nature themed and rare, but not unheard of.
Origin: From Old English
Pronunciation: hawl-ee
Meaning: Holly tree
Popularity: Holly was most popular in 1983 at 48 and currently ranks 494 in the US.
Analysis: I had to throw at least one sort of vintage style flower name on this list. I aboslutely love this name. I think it could be great for a winter time baby or for anyone who just loves winter! I love how it is easy to spell and pronounce but it is still rare these days! To me, it has a similar feel to Ruby which has recently made a resurgence.
Origin: Cornish
Pronunciation: el-LES-tren
Meaning: Iris flower
Popularity: Elestren has never ranked in the top 1000 in the US and fewer than 5 girls were named it last year!
Analysis: Elestren is a Cornish word name for the Iris flower. The Cornish language has recently had a revival but this name is still rarely used. While it may take a little bit to get used to the sound, I think it is absolutely stunning. I love that it has a similar sound to the trending “Emerson,” but is more exotic and whimsical. As with many Cornish names, the second syllable is emphasized instead of the first.
Origin: Latin
Pronunciation: Flor-uh
Meaning: Flower
Popularity: Flora last ranked in the top 1000 in 1972 and was most popular in 1902 at 100. Just 222 girls were named Flora last year!
Analysis: I couldn’t make this list without mentioning Flora. Flora also fits the vintage flower name group and I think it is absolutely stunning! I think it fits in with other names that are climbing the ranks like Luna, Freya, and Nora. It is easy to pronounce and spell. I would love to meet more little girls named Flora. What do you think?
Origin: Scottish, English
Pronunciation: prim-rose
Meaning: First rose
Popularity: Primrose has never ranked in the top 1000 in the US and was only used 56 times last year!
Analysis: Primrose Everdeen in the Hunger Games trilogy has brought fresh attention to this name in recent years. Primrose was also the name of one of Samwise and Rose Gamgee’s daughters in the Lord of the Rings. Even though Primrose has been used in two prominent works of literature, and among a few celebrities, it has not yet caught on in the US.
Origin: Greek
Pronunciation: eye-AN-thee or ee-AN-thee
Meaning: Purple flower
Popularity: Ianthe has never ranked in the top 1000 in the US and fewer than 5 girls were named it last year!
Analysis: The slight difference in the most common pronunciations should not be enough to dissuade anyone who loves this name from using it. I think it is uncommon enough that people will pronounce it however you say it is pronounced.
Origin: Maori
Pronunciation: WIN-ih-ka
Meaning: Orchid
Popularity: Winika has never ranked in the top 1000 in the US and fewer than 5 girls were named it last year!
Analysis: Winika is a white orchid native to New Zealand. I think this name would work beautifully if you love the name Winnie but want something more formal and Winifred is too old fashioned for you. It reads almost as a mix between Winifred and Annika and I think makes it very wearable.
Thanks so much for reading along! Let me know what your favorite names on this list are and if you have any requests, leave them in the comments below!
I am not an expert by any means in baby names but historical, etymological, cultural, and linguistic accuracy is important to me. If you have any questions or comments about a particular name, be sure to let me know!
All name data is taken from the SSA with 1900 being the farthest back I am able to search.
Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash
