Ever popular and enchanting, these first names are a delight.
They're pretty, easy on the tongue, attractive to the spirit.
It's almost impossible to go wrong with these names - and there is a bunch of choice!
From fruits and trees, to fields and harvest. Exotic plants and flowers all welcome. Don't throw away your gardening magazines - they may be all the inspiration you need!
Arista Arista's Latin origins tell of the harvest with reference to an ear of corn. Also the name of a famous record label, Arista has a fresh, crisp feel to add to her musical associations.
Avalon Meaning "apple", Avalon name also refers to King Arthur's final resting place.
Blossom Peach blossom, cherry, apple, orange - this name is fruity, fragrant and flowery all at the same time.
Bryony Bryony is a crawling vine with poisonous yet medicinal properties. Centuries ago, white bryony was used as a cure for leprosy, and today is used as a homeopathic remedy for a variety of complaints.
Chloe A name with Greek origins that refers to a blooming plant or a growing shoot. And Chloe has indeed shot up the US rankings for first names over the last twenty years, coming in at a high at number 19 in 2005. In the UK, Chloe was queen for six years, finally relinquishing her hold on the top spot in 2003.
Enya An Irish name, meaning "kernel", Enya originates from the name Eithne. Also the name of a famous Irish musician.
Fleur French for "flower" with the diminutive Fleurette, this is a pretty, feminine name. In the same bouquet, Flora, meaning "flowering" is the Roman goddess of spring, and has a slightly stronger feel.
Jasmine A Persian name that has featured in the top thirty since 1989, Jasmine's sweet scents are appreciated in tea as well as perfume. Elegant and timeless.
Marguerite With her origins in the Persian form of Margaret, meaning "pearl" or "child of light", Marguerite is the French name for a daisy.
Olivia From the Latin for "olive tree", Olivia is smooth and classy and very, very popular, taking the number 7 spot in the US rankings, and Queen at number 1 in the UK rankings.
Posy Originally a short form of Josephine, surprisingly enough, but now very much a flower name.
Primrose Another name of Latin origin, meaning "first rose." More rosy names include, of course, Rosy, Rosaleen, with Irish origin meaning "little rose" and Rosalyn or Rosalind. Not forgetting Rose herself, of course!
Tamara Tamara is a Hebrew name, meaning "palm tree." She reached the top 100 in the US in the 60s and 70s.
Willow Willow appeared in the top 1000 rankings in 1998 and is a name to watch.
Sweet and simple first names
These names get straight to the point. How about some spicier alternatives such as Cinnamon, Caraway or Ginger? You could find further inspiration in your kitchen cupboard or favorite cookery book! Meanwhile, here's a selection of herby first names for girls:
Aloe (and of course Vera!)
Angelica
Anise
Avina
Chaparral
Gentian
Thyme
Fruity names are bright and breezy. Berry, Cherry (or her French couterpart Cerise), Apple, Plum. Strawberry, Tamarind, Peach. Just be careful where you go with this one!
Other simple garden first names... ...include Clover, Fern, Hazel and Holly. Marigold, Violet, Lily and Heather - Hyacinth? Ivy? It's time to turn this one over to you!
