As the frost melts away and the first buds of spring begin to blossom, so does the anticipation for the newest members of our families. It’s springtime, the season that marks a rebirth, rejuvenation, and new life. Therefore, it’s not surprising that spring babies are often given spring-themed names. Names that represent flowers or relate to the words new or green are ever popular during this season.
From names inspired by nature’s awakening to those that celebrate the rich tapestry of cultures around the globe, this year’s trends reflect a world that’s more connected and conscious than ever.
If you’re searching for a springtime baby name for your bundle of joy, you’re in the right place. Here is a list of 15 popular spring baby names.
Aries
Origin: Old Latin
Meaning: Aries is the Latin word for ‘ram’
Aries is a spring zodiac sign, named after one of the constellations. The constellation, however, gets its name from Greek mythology, specifically the myth of Phrixus. In the story, there is a ram with a Golden Fleece named Aries.
Interestingly, Aries is the first sign in the zodiac, and its symbol depicts the horns of a ram. In Greek, Aries means “battle strife”. It also refers to the Roman God of war—Ares.
The name can be spelled in other ways, such as Aris, Ariese, Arius, or Ares. Common nicknames include Arie and Ari. Today, the name is well-known in pop culture. There is a popular Marvel character named Ares.
One of the key antagonists in Spellcaster’s Cataclysm, a novel by E.E. Hurley is named Aries Moon. If you live in Jefferson County, Washington State, you may have heard of Aries Mountain. It is a great baby boy name that is easy to pronounce and short.
Neo
Origin: From the Greek word neos
Meaning: Neos or Neo is the Greek word for ‘new’
Nothing says spring like a name that means new. Neo is a gender-neutral name. In the Tswana language of South Africa, neo comes from the word ‘naya’ or ‘to give’ and means ‘gift’.
The name is quite popular among parents looking to name their baby something uncommon. Although the name is gender-neutral, it is more commonly used for boys. The people of Japan also have a version of the name Néo which also means new and is masculine.
Unsurprisingly, the name gained a lot of popularity after Keeanu Reeves’s portrayal as the protagonist Neo in ‘The Matrix’. Once again, Neo is popular in the Marvel-verse. It is the name of a fictional superhuman race created by Chris Claremont. Manga fans will enjoy the name Neo as it is the name of a popular character in Digimon Next.
Asher
Origin: It originates from the Hebrew word Osher
Meaning: Osher means happiness or blessing
The name Asher appears in the Old Testament of the Bible in the book of Genesis. In Latin and Greek, the name is spelled Aser. Asher was the name of Prophet Jacob’s eighth son.
While the name was not a popular baby boy name in the ’80s and ’90s, it became increasingly popular in the 2000s. A couple of famous people who share this name are – Arthur Asher Miller the playwright who wrote Death of a Salesman and, American baseball pitcher, Alec Edward Asher.
Did you know?
The name Asher is also featured in ‘The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel’ a period drama. One of the show’s recurring characters is named Asher Friedman.
Phoenix
Origin: From the Greek ‘phoinix’, Latin and the Old French word ‘fenix’
Meaning: In Greek, ‘phoinix’ means ‘crimson’ or ‘dark red’
Phoenix is a gender-neutral name (more commonly used for boys) that is associated with a mythological bird with the same moniker that bursts into flames when close to death and re-emerges from the ashes. Much like spring, the phoenix is a symbol of rebirth and regeneration.
Other ways to spell the name are – Phoenicks, Fenix, Phenix, Foenicks, and Phoenix. There are many nicknames too – Nix, Phoe, Nixon, and Nick.
It can be used as a first name but is common as a last name too. For example, almost everyone has heard of Oscar-winning actor Joaquin Phoenix who has starred in movies such as Joker, Walk the Line, and Gladiator.
Did you know?
In Harry Potter, it was Albus Dumbledore’s beloved phoenix Fawkes, who helped save Harry in the Chamber of Secrets by blinding the basilisk, bringing Harry the sword of Gryffindor, and saving Harry’s life with his tears.
Cruz
Origin: Spanish and Latin
Meaning: It means cross or crucifix in Spanish and derives from the Latin word ‘crux’
While most commonly used as a surname, Cruz has slowly become popular as a first name for baby boys but can be used for girls. Cruz, in Spanish culture, is a name given to people who live near a cross or crossroad. Additionally, in Portugal and Spain, there are several places named La Cruz, the inhabitants of these areas are given the surname Cruz.
Given the name’s Christian connotations, Cruz is an excellent baby name for religious families. It is a spring name given its connection to Easter. The name has a few spellings based on region. For instance, it is spelled ‘Krooth’ in European Spanish, ‘Kroosh’ in European Portuguese, and ‘Kroos’ in Latin America and Brazil.
Did you know?
Cruz Ramirez was a character featured in the popular Pixar movie, Cars 3. Also, David and Victoria Beckham used the name for their third child, 19-year-old Cruz Beckham. Another notable celebrity who has Cruz as a surname is Spanish actress, Penelope Cruz.
Storm
Origin: English and possibly Old Norse
Meaning: In English, the name means ‘tempest’ and in Old Norse, it derives from the word ‘stormr’ a windy storm or gale
The name Storm is often bestowed upon children born during a storm in Dutch culture. In fact, in Sweden and Denmark, it is a popular surname. There are several variations of this name, such as – Storme, Sturm, and Stormi (Think Kylie Jenner’s daughter, Stormi Webster). While unisex, the name is more frequently used for girls and is still pretty unique and rare.
The name is perfect for a spring baby, as spring storms are quite common in the U.S. and other parts of the world. It’s a symbol of energy and power and became a popular choice in the 20th century.
Did you know?
There’s no X-Men without Storm, this badass female mutant lived up to her name in the Marvel comics by controlling the weather. She is probably one of the reasons why Storm is a popular name today.
Nova
Origin: Latin
Meaning: Derived from the Latin word ‘novus’, which means new
The term ‘nova stella’, which means new star, was used throughout the mid-19th century when a nebula or star was discovered. Given its connection to astronomy, the name Nova (short for Nova Stella) has positive connotations. It is linked to a sense of newness, brightness, youth, and freshness, making it a perfect spring baby girl name.
The Native Americans also associate the name with a beautiful meaning – ‘the one who chases butterflies’. Nova is a popular name in Europe, similar to other pretty names such as Nava, Noah, and Nola. There are other spelling variations of the name, such as Noova, Novvah, Nova, and Novalee.
Did you know?
Marvel struck again and created a superhero with the name Nova. She first appeared in the Fantastic 4 comic series in 1975.
Leif
Origin: Scandinavian
Meaning: Derived from the Old Norse word ‘leifr’, Leif means heir or descendent
It is a masculine name and was made famous by the Norse explorer Leif Erikson. He is considered to be the first European to set foot on America 500 years before Christopher Columbus reached the continent. Born in Iceland, Leif Erikson was the son of Erik the Red who discovered Greenland.
According to Islandic stories, Erikson established a Norse village in North America. As a way to commemorate Icelandic contributions to America’s culture, the 9th of October was officially recognized as Leif Erikson Day in 1964.
River
Origin: Latin, Anglo-Norman French, and Middle English
Meaning: River is a Middle English word derived from Anglo-Norman French and originally derived from the Latin word ‘ripa’ which means bank of a river
Since the 12th century, the name has been used as a surname. It was used as a first name in the 17th century and since then many variations have come into existence. For example, Rawan and Rowan in Gaelic, Riva or Rivka among Jewish people, Rivv in Germany, Rivvera in Italy, and Rivere in China.
It is a gender-neutral name with nicknames such as Rev, Rea, Rive, and Riv. The name River is also exceptionally popular in the U.S., U.K., and Canada, even among celebrities like Kelly Clarkson whose daughter is named River Rose.
Did you know?
The name also appears in several TV shows such as the character River Baldwin in The Young and the Restless, and River Tam in Firefly. Joaquin Phoenix who we mentioned earlier, has a son with actress Rooney Mara, who they named River.
Lark
Origin: English
Meaning: It is the name of a songbird
Nothing says spring like birdsong, therefore the name Lark would make for a beautiful baby girl name. Alternative spellings for the name include the Danish variations – Lærke and Lahrk. Lark is common both as a first or last name, and many noteworthy people share this name.
Aurora
Origin: Latin
Meaning: Dawn
Disney fans will love this name because of Princess Aurora from Sleeping Beauty. Similarly, the name was used in the movie Maleficent featuring Angaline Jolie as Maleficent and Elle Fanning as Aurora. It is a feminine and dainty name, perfect for little girls. In Latin mythology, the Goddess of dawn is Aurora.
The name is also beautiful because of the Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights. The Northern Lights were named after Aurora, the Roman Goddess of Dawn, in 1619 by Galileo Galilei, the Italian astronomer. It is a name associated with magic, grace, strength, and beauty.
Spring
Origin: Old English
Meaning: It is derived from the Old English word ‘springan’ which means to burst forth. It also denotes the season as well as the arrival or birth of something
It wouldn’t be a list of spring baby names without the word itself! Spring is a great name for a little girl born during this time of year.
The name symbolizes hope, positivity, and renewal and there are a few nicknames for it like Sprig, Spry, and Sprout. Other names to consider that are associated directly with the season are Persephone who is the Greek Goddess of spring and Flora which we will cover below.
Iris
Origin: Greek
Meaning: Rainbow
Give your little girl a vibrant name with Iris which means rainbow in Greek, flower in Hebrew, and bringer of joy in Latin. According to Greek mythology, Iris was the Goddess of the rainbow and messenger to the Gods. She would use rainbow bridges to deliver messages to Zeus. Iris is often described as a beautiful winged woman.
Did you know?
Leslie Mann, the actress from ‘This is 40’ and ‘The Other Woman’ named one of her daughters Iris.
Willow
Origin: Old English
Meaning: Derived from the word ‘welig’, which is the Old English name for the willow tree
The willow is a tree known for its grace and resilience because its branches bend instead of break. It is a name used by Shakespeare in his plays, and Willow also has biblical connotations having been mentioned numerous times in the Bible.
Alternative spellings for the name include Willoh, Wyllow, and Wilow. A few adorable nicknames could be Willa, Will, and Lola.
Did you know?
The best friend of Buffy the Vampire Slayer (the popular 90s TV show) was named Willow Rosenberg, played by Alison Hannigan.
Flora
Origin: Latin
Meaning: Derived from the word ‘flos’ meaning flower
In Roman mythology, Flora is the Goddess of flowers, youth, and spring. The ancient Roman festival of Floralia was dedicated to the Goddess Flora. It is a sweet name that represents natural beauty. The name as we refer to it now, Flora, is an Americanized version of Fluer from French or Flory from German.
Like Aurora, the name is featured in Disney’s Sleeping Beauty. It is the name of one of the fairies that blessed Aurora with beauty during her christening. If you’ve ever watched the animated show Winx Club, you’ll know that one of the characters is named Flora. She has the nature-based power to grow and control plants.
