Rare Flower Names

Hello, readers!

With names like Lily, Violet, Rose, Daisy, Dahlia, and Hazel rising up the charts, it might be nice to find names to add to the garden!

Numbers in parentheses refer to the number of babies born with the name in 2014!

Amaryllis (49)
Similar sounding names like Amelia, Emily, and even classic Amy have been popular, so why not Amaryllis? It offers a few dozen nicknames and it's floral without being allergenic.

Tulip (9)
Quirky and fun, Tulip would make for an excellent middle name choice if you can't quite get behind it as a first name. Symbolically, tulips have been associated with love and fame.

Fern (63)
The name of the kind and caring little girl in Charlotte's Web, Fern sounds down-to-earth without being dated. Fern abounds in other popular media as well, like Fern Gully and Arthur.

Daffodil (0)
I'm surprised this name hasn't been used - there is a veritable dearth of D names in my opinion, and I think the nickname Daffy is way too cute. Daffodils are also associated with new beginnings.

Lavender (46)
Usage in the Harry Potter books has kept this name alive, but just barely. I personally think the connection to the fragrant flower and pretty color is enough to make Lavender a winning choice.

Freesia (0)
There were seven baby Freesia's in 2000, but the name didn't make it into records at any other time. It's much more unusual, but the "free" sound reminds me of Frieda or Freya.

Chrysanthemum (0)
Any fan of Kevin Henkes' children's books knows the little mouse Chrysanthemum, who came to love her long name. It's a mouthful, but very sweet!

Aster (23)
I first heard this name on HBO's Dexter, but the name has been in use since the early twentieth century. It seems very grown-up, and sounds a bit like up-and-coming Astrid.

Hyacinth (7)
While Cynthia has been popular for decades, original flower name Hyacinth has never ranked in the top 1000. Variations Jacinta and Jacinda are also in use, but Hyacinth is much more elegant.

Lilac (10)
The recent trend of the double-L sound - Lily, Layla, Lola - has helped Lilac gain footing, but the uncommon -c ending has kept it rare. And wouldn't Lilac and Violet be an adorable set?

Lotus (94)
The most-used name on my list, Lotus is gaining popularity with the resurgence of New Wave names: Serenity, Genesis, etc. It was recorded for both boys and girls in 2014!

Calla (139)/Canna (0)
Calla was in the top 1000 in the nineteenth century, and Canna has been recorded a few times, but I'm not convinced. Somehow neither name seems finished to me.

Amaranth (0)
My favorite on this list, I've come across the name a few times. The name Amaranth comes from the Greek meaning "eternal, everlasting", in reference to a flower that never fades.

Fleur (0)
Another Harry Potter name, Fleur hasn't quite made a comeback the way Flora and Florence have. But it's a lovely, French option that's nickname-proof!

Tell me your favorites in the comments!