Little-known baby names that will bloom in 2024, according to experts

Another year is almost done and dusted and, when it comes to baby names, we’ve seen old favourites reign supreme, as well as TV shows and celebrities influencing choices.

But there’s no denying that flower-inspired names are a pretty timeless option for parents-to-be, especially when it comes to girls (we’re looking at you Lily, Daisy and Rose).

But some other lesser-known floral-inspired baby names are set to surge next year – perfect for expectant parents looking for a little inspiration.

After analysing data from 1906 to the present, experts have predicted the top 10 flora and fauna-inspired names for boys and girls that we can expect to see rising in popularity over the next 12 months – with the top three being more off-the-beaten-track monikers on both lists.

Topping the list for flower-themed girls’ names is Juniper, which comes from Latin origin and simply means ‘young’ or ‘evergreen’.

In second place is Azalea – typically a symbol of abundance and a name that stands for overwhelming joy and success.

Namberry’s editor Sophie Kihm also confirms this name is rising.

She says: ‘The fastest-rising floral name in England and Wales between 2020 and 2021 (the latest year we have data for) was Azalea. It’s a fresh and quirky choice featuring the bold letter Z, and the flower itself is a beautiful bright pink bloom.

While Blossom takes third position in the rankings – a flower that often symbolises new beginnings and beauty (which seems pretty fitting for a new arrival).

Sophie adds that two other rising names are Clover and Dahlia.

‘Clover is an upbeat choice associated with good luck via the four-leaf clover. And Dahlia is a feminine and sophisticated choice that works well as a cross-cultural name – the Dalia variation, also on the rise, is used among Spanish and Arabic speakers,’ she adds.

Likewise Sophie stresses that pan-floral names, like Flora and Meadow, are also on the rise in England and Wales, along with Rose variations like Roisin – the Irish form of Rose – Rosanna, and Rosalie.

She adds: ‘Double-barrel names with Rose as the second component are hot right now too, with Delilah-Rose, Ivy-Rose, and Aria-Rose the fastest risers. Interestingly, Rose itself is falling in popularity.’

For the boys, the top spot goes to Orion – a flower that represents good health and happiness. While second place goes to Rowan, a shrub that’s traditionally used for protection.

Third position goes to Ren, which is known as the Buddhist symbol of perfection – and in many cultures is a symbol of good luck and fortune.

In terms of other rising baby trends for 2024, the team at Nameberry have revealed ‘girls’ names for boys will be big. Think Cleo, Eden, Fern and Hazel.

In addition to this, names associated with the sky and atmosphere will fly high in 2024, so we’ll be seeing more monikers like Aero, Sky and Storm.

Likewise, ‘feminine feminist names’ were another top trend – all thanks to Barbie– so the likes of Guinevere, Mavis and Billie will rise up the ranks.

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