Baby names inspired by nature are appealing to many of us at this moment because we’re longing for an escape and a breath of fresh air. Many of us are cooped up in our homes and wish to be reconnected with the beauty and grandeur of the natural world. For people expecting a baby, you can always turn to Mother Nature and let her be your guide to find a name for your newborn.
Names inspired by the great outdoors evoke adventure, fun, and openness. If you love to hike, travel, and experience all that our gorgeous planet has to offer, consider these nature-inspired baby names for your child.
25. Aurora
Aurora Borielas or the Northern Lights is a spectacle that definitely amazes. The name Aurora comes from Latin and was the name of the Roman Goddess of dawn. The name means “dawn” and would be perfect for a little girl with a sunny disposition.
24. Cliff
Short for Clifford or Clifton, we think the name Cliff can stand on its own. The name means “slope.” This single syllable name evokes a sense of casual coolness and would be an excellent name for your little boy.
23. Sahara
Sahara is such a beautiful name. Inspired by the Saharan Desert, the largest hot desert on Earth, Sahara is Arabic and means “dawn.” Although Sahara is an uncommon name for a child, it’s instantly recognizable and would be warmly welcomed by anyone.
22. Spencer
Lake Spencer or Pink Lake is a saltwater lake located in Western Australia. The salt concentration in the lake is so high that it appears pink! Spencer is an English name that means “steward” and would be a handsome name for your son.
21. Ruby
Ruby Falls near Chatanooga, Tennessee is the largest underground waterfall in the United States. There’s a beautiful song called Ruby Falls by the singer-songwriter Waxahatchee that captures the beauty and mystery you feel when you see the spectacular sight! The name Ruby refers to the gemstone and means “red.”
20. Forrest
There are so many incredible national forests across the United States to inspire this name. The Redwood National Forest in California is one that comes to mind. Forrest is an English and Scottish name that means “outside.”
19. Lake
Actress Lake Bell famously has this fantastic name. The Great Lakes are the largest freshwater lakes in the world and if you’ve not had a chance to check out the shores on Lake Michigan, you should take a trip to the midwest the next time you’re able. The name Lake is a gender-neutral name that would be perfectly suitable for your little boy or girl.
18. Red
We’ve got the Redwood Forest on the brain! Red is a wonderful name for a little boy and its simplicity and ease make it very appealing. While the name or nickname is most commonly given to boys, we think it would be great for girls as well. The name Red is often given to children with red hair and if you’re expecting a little ginger, you should consider it.
17. Prairie
The Great Plains or Prairie Lands encompass much of the upper midwest. Prairie hasn’t been utilized as a name often enough. It’s beautiful and ready to be a moniker for your child. Prairie comes from French and means “meadow.”
16. Ash
The Ashfall Fossil Beds in Nebraska are an incredible sight to behold and inspired us to consider the boy’s name Ash. Often a shortened form of Ashton, Ashley, or Asher, we think Ash can stand on its own. The name Ash refers to the ash tree.
15. Dakota
The Dakotas offer some of the most stunning landscapes in the United States. The name is Dakota is translated to mean “friend”, “friendly” or “allies” in the Yankton-Yanktonai and Santee dialects of the Dakota language.
14. Bear
Bear is a wholly American name and nickname that’s perfect for a little boy. Animal bears can be found across the northern hemisphere and are truly remarkable creatures. Bear Grylls is a famed individual who goes by the name.
13. Savannah
Savannah, Georgia is an incredible coastal town that boasts stunning waterways and plenty of charm. The name comes from a group of Shawnee who migrated to Georgia in the 1680s. The name Savannah also has roots in Spanish (adopted from the Taino word, “zabana”) and means “treeless plain.”
12. Ren
While a wren is a bird, Ren is a unisex name in Japan. The name is most popular for boys in Japan and means “water lily” or “lotus.” Ren is a very handsome name we’d love to see used more often in the West.
11. Meadow
Meadow is a fresh name for girls that’s gaining popularity in the United States. It peaked in 2007, but we think it’s still on the rise. The name comes from the Olde English word, “mædwe” which means “field.”
10. Heath
The boy’s name Heath is very attractive and evokes the image of golden meadows. Heath comes from English and refers to a person from the “heathland” or “the moors.” Heathcliff from Brontë’s novel Wuthering Heights might be reason enough to choose the name.
9. Lark
The expression “happy as a lark” has long-been associated with merry times and refers to the cheery songbird of the same name. Lark is an English baby name that means “songbird.”
8. River
Carly Simon told us to “Let the River Run” and we’re gonna let it! River is a captivating name for boys or girls that comes from the Latin word “ripa” which means “riverbank.”
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7. Po
The River Po flows across Northern Italy through the Italian Alps. In Greek mythology, the Po River is referred to as Eridanos and was the subject of many culturally significant occurrences in Europe. Po would be an excellent name for a little girl or boy.
6. Reed
Reed started out as a family name before becoming a popular nickname in Ireland and across the UK for someone with red hair. In nature, reeds are slender, grassy plants commonly found in rivers. Reed would make an exceptional name for a little boy.
5. Luna
Is there anything more captivating than the moon at night? Of course, the girl’s name Luna comes from the Latin word for moon. The name also belonged to the Roman Goddess of the moon. Luna would be a charming name for your daughter.
4. Montana
Montana contains diverse landscapes including the Rocky Mountains and the Great Plains. Montanans refer to the state as “big sky country.” Montana comes from Spanish and means “mountain.” Montana is the perfect name for a little boy or girl.
3. Sky
Sky is an English name that comes from the Old Norse word for “cloud.” Sky is a very hippy-sounding name but its appeal is as boundless as the horizon itself. Sky would make the perfect name for your daughter.
2. Rain
Like Sky, Rain is a name that’s been favored by nature-lovers for decades. The name Rain is appropriate for a child of any gender and became popular for boys as spelled with two N’s like Rainn Wilson. The name Rain makes us think of blessings from above.
1. Coral
Our oceans offer vast beauty in many forms. Coral reefs are a remarkable sight to behold and are often pink or red in color. Coral is a charming name for girls that has fallen from popularity since the 1980s but we think it’s prime time for a comeback.
Did this list feel like a breath of fresh air? We certainly hope so! These nature-inspired baby names will help you bring the splendor of the natural world into your home.