Popular Earthy and Gender-Neutral Baby Names
Nature is a wonderful source of baby names that evoke traits of strength, peace, and the beauty found in the great outdoors. Many names that have inspiration from the natural world are unisex – not necessarily associated strictly with girls or boys, and lovely for any baby. You might just fall in love with one of these enchanting names.
Nature-Inspired Names Through the Ages
Parents have drawn inspiration from the awe and wonder of nature for baby names for millennia. For instance, the ancient Egyptian name Khepri means ‘morning sun.’, and the ancient Celtic name Taran means ‘thunder.'
Ash
Ash is sometimes short for the unisex name “Ashley” but it can also refer to the Ash tree, or to the ash from a volcanic eruption.
Aspen
This is a beautiful name for any gender and refers to the Aspen tree, whose name comes from the Old English word æspe.
Phoenix
This unisex name is both a place name and a bird name referring to the fiery rising-from-the-ashes Phoenix of Greek myth.
River
River is a name that brings to mind both the power and free-flowing spirit of water. It represents a constant, adaptable, and peaceful presence.
Ocean
The name Ocean is a tribute to the expansive and mysterious waters that cover our planet. It embodies depth, exploration, and a sense of vastness.
Sage
Sage is a name associated with wisdom and deep knowledge, much like the sage plants used in herbal remedies. It reflects a sense of calm and insight drawn from nature.
Briar
Briar invokes the image of tangled, thorny vines in the forest. It symbolizes resilience, protection, and the untamed beauty found in nature.
Oakley
Derived from the mighty oak tree, Oakley symbolizes strength, endurance, and resilience. It's a name that conveys a sense of grounding and stability.
Lux
Meaning “light” in Latin, Lux is a name that signifies illumination, clarity, and the transformative power of nature's radiance.
Elowen
Elowen is a name of Cornish origin, meaning “elm tree.” It celebrates the strength, growth, and interconnectedness found in the natural world.
Keziah
Keziah is a name inspired by the aromatic cassia tree. It signifies fragrance, healing, and a deep connection to the earth's resources.
Luca
Luca is a name inspired by “light” in Italian. It symbolizes clarity, illumination, and the guiding presence of nature's brilliance.
This post was made with help from Babynames.com, and Nameberry.
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Alissa Zorn is an author, and founder of the website Overthought This. She's a coach and cartoonist passionate about helping people overcome perfectionism and shame to build authentic, joyful lives. Alissa is certified through the International Coach Federation and got her Trauma-Informed Coaching certification from Moving the Human Spirit. She wrote Bounceback Parenting: A Field Guide for Creating Connection, Not Perfection, and is always following curiosity to find her next creative endeavor.