Did you know there are hundreds of names for boys and girls inspired by the color green? These unforgettable names that mean green are everywhere, so you may forget where to look for them.
Our sweeping guide to the coolest green names includes both classics and more recent additions to the list. From each name’s detailed history to its many variations, you’ll have all the info needed to make the best choice for your little green fairy.
100 Cool Names Meaning Green
Enjoy the most environmentally friendly names that mean green for the baby you’re expecting.
Acker
Acker comes from the High German and Middle Dutch “acker,” meaning cultivated field.” It was used for a peasant and as a nickname for a “friend” in England.
- Origin: English, German
- Meaning: Meadow of oak trees
- Pronunciation: ACK-ehr
- Popularity: Acker is extremely rare worldwide, with 88 known occurrences in 2014, mostly in the U.S.
Acton
Acton means “oak tree settlement” in Old English and is the name of multiple places in England named Acton.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Village with oak trees
- Pronunciation: ACK-tuhn
- Variations: Ackton, Actun, Akton
- Popularity: Acton is very rare worldwide and mainly used in Tanzania.
Alaska
Alaska is based on the “alakshak,” meaning “peninsula.” As an Aleut term meaning “great lands,” this gender-neutral name was used for the majestic U.S. state of Alaska.
- Origin: Eskimo
- Meaning: Great land
- Pronunciation: Ah-LAES-Kah
- Namesakes: María Olvido Gara Jova (known as Alaska), a Spanish-Mexican singer and a founding member of the La Movida Madrileña artistic movement.
- Popularity: Alaska is very rare worldwide and primarily used in Nigeria.
Aneeza
Aneeza is one of the more mysterious entries into names that mean green. It means “happiness” and “green valleys” as a single concept and is traditionally an Islamic name for girls.
- Origin: Arabic
- Meaning: Happiness and green valleys
- Pronunciation: Ah-NIY-Zah
- Variations: Aniza
- Namesakes: Aneeza Fatima, a Pakistani member of the Provincial Assembly of the Punjab from 2018 to 2023.
- Popularity: Aneeza is very rare worldwide and mostly used in Pakistan.
Apple
Apple derives from the Old English “æppel” for the famous autumn fruit. It appears more as a nickname, but Gwenyth Paltrow’s daughter Apple made it cool to call your baby Apple.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Apple (fruit)
- Pronunciation: AEP-ahl
- Variations: Apel, Appel
- Namesakes: Apple Hong, a Singaporean singer, and a Mediacorp artist from 1999 to 2011. Apple Pope, an American rugby league player for the U.S. national team.
- Popularity: Apple is rare worldwide and mainly used in the Philippines, where it ranked 965th in 2014.
Ardan
Ardan also means “valley of the eagle” and derives from the Latin “ardanach,” meaning “high aspiration.” In Celtic mythology, Ardan helped Deirdre escape to Scotland to avoid marrying King Conchobhar MacNessa. It’s also the name of two locations in Iran.
- Origin: Arabic, Latin
- Meaning: Green forest
- Pronunciation: AAR-Dahn
- Variations: Arden, Ardun
- Namesakes: Ardan Aras, an Indonesian footballer for Persijap Jepara.
- Popularity: Ardan is very rare worldwide and primarily used in Indonesia.
Arley
Arley also means “deer hunter” and “hare meadow,” as well as “promise” in Hebrew. It’s also famous for Upper Arley, owned by the Earls of Mountnorris in the 19th-century.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: From the rabbit meadow
- Pronunciation: AAR-Liy
- Variations: Arlie, Arleah, Arleigh
- Popularity: Arley is rare worldwide, mostly used in Colombia, and ranked 339th in 2014.
Army
Army is a more casual variation of Armie and shares an English and French origin meaning “military land force.” Almost no one is named Army, but the military organization is known worldwide.
- Origin: English, French
- Meaning: Soldier
- Pronunciation: AAR-Miy
- Variations: Armie
- Popularity: Army is very rare worldwide and mainly used in Indonesia.
Ashton
Ashton means “from the ash tree” in Old English. It’s also the name of many towns, villages, and areas across the United Kingdom.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Ash tree place
- Pronunciation: AESH-Tahn
- Variations: Ashten, Ashtin, Ashtun
- Namesakes: Ashton Kutcher, an American actor best known for the Fox series That ’70s Show (1998 to 2006). Ashton Pankey, an American basketball player for Hapoel Galil Elyon.
- Popularity: Ashton is rare worldwide and primarily used in the U.S., ranking 147th for boys in the U.S. in 2021.
Basil
Besides being the oldest of names meaning green, Basil has been used by kings throughout history. Basil brings the green herb to mind and is known for St. Basil the Great.
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: Regal
- Pronunciation: BAEZ-ihl
- Variations: Basel, Bazil
- Namesakes: Basil Rathbone, a South African- English actor known for David Copperfield (1935). Basil Arthur, the Speaker of the New Zealand House of Representatives from 1984 to 1985.
- Popularity: Basil is rare worldwide, mostly used in Nigeria, and ranked 164th in Nigeria in 2014.
Bentley
Bentley also means “dweller at the winding meadow.” It refers to a “moor” and is composed of the Old English “beonet,” meaning “bent grass,” and “leah,” meaning “clearing.” Bentley was first used as a surname in the 12th-century, so it has a history among grassy names.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Meadow with coarse grass
- Pronunciation: BEHNT-Liy
- Variations: Bentleah, Bentleigh
- Popularity: Bentley is very rare worldwide and mainly used in the U.S., where it ranked 151st for boys in 2021.
Berilo
Berilo is the Spanish equivalent to Beryl, meaning “pale green gemstone.” It’s also the masculine version of Beryl and is a location name in Brazil, where it’s most popular.
- Origin: Spanish, Greek
- Meaning: Beryl
- Pronunciation: Bey-RIY-low
- Variations: Beryl, Berillo
- Popularity: Berilo is very rare worldwide and primarily used in Brazil.
Beryl
Beryl takes its name from beryllium, a mineral that is used for green gemstones. It derives from the Greek “béryllos” and is one of the most unique girl names that mean green.
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: Sea-green jewel
- Pronunciation: BEH-Rihl
- Namesakes: Beryl Vertue, an English TV producer and founder of Hartswood Films. Beryl Fox, a Canadian documentary film director and winner of three Canadian Film Awards.
- Popularity: Beryl is rare worldwide, mostly used in England, and ranked 112th in Jamaica in 2014.
Binda
Binda is also a Polish nickname meaning “strip strap” or “shackles.” It was also used as an occupational name for someone who sewed women’s belts or clothes.
- Origin: Aboriginal
- Meaning: Green place
- Pronunciation: BIHN-dah
- Variations: Bindi
- Popularity: Binda is rare worldwide, mainly used in India, and ranked 487th in Liberia in 2014.
Bradshaw
Bradshaw was used to denote a “dweller in the big forest.” It originated as Bradeshaghe in the 13th-century and meant “broad wood or copse.”
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Broad Forest
- Pronunciation: BRAED-SHaow
- Namesakes: Terry Bradshaw, a former NFL player and sportscaster.
- Popularity: Bradshaw is very rare worldwide, primarily used in the U.S., and ranked 843rd in the Cayman Islands in 2014.
Briar
Briar means “brambles” and is a description of a “thorny bush of wild roses.” It’s another name for Sleeping Beauty and entered the top 100 of the U.S. names chart in 2015.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: A thorny patch
- Pronunciation: BRIY-Ahr
- Variations: Brier
- Popularity: Briar is very rare worldwide, mostly used in New Zealand, and ranked 515th for girls in the U.S. in 2021.
Calla
Calla is so rare that it only has popularity stats listed as a surname. It’s short for Callista and is a type of Lily meaning “beautiful.” Calla is also a Swedish girl’s name that’s short for Carolina and an Irish diminutive of Caoileann.
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: Beauty
- Pronunciation: KAEL-Laa
- Variations: Cala, Callah
- Namesakes: Calla Curman, a Swedish writer and one of the founders of the women’s association Nya Idun. Calla Urbanski, an American pair skater, and the 1991 Skate America champion.
Cash
Cash was first a surname from the 18th-century and was given to a “box maker.” It comes from the Latin “caisse,” meaning “money case.” Cash became a 19th-century boy’s name and is a character in William Faulkner’s As I Lay Dying.
- Origin: English, Latin
- Meaning: Hollow
- Pronunciation: KAESH
- Namesakes: Cash Asmussen, an American thoroughbred horse racing jockey and winner of the Beldame Stakes in 1979. Cash Peters, a British writer known for The Two Ronnies comedy sketch show.
- Popularity: Cash is very rare worldwide and mainly used in the U.S., where it ranked 253rd for boys in 2021.
Cassia
Cassia is inspired by the cassia tree with its yellow flowers that ultimately create cinnamon. It dates back to the Hebrew Keziah in the Bible and is also a version of Catherine, meaning “pure.”
- Origin: Greek, Latin
- Meaning: Cassia tree, cinnamon
- Pronunciation: KAE-Shah
- Variations: Casia, Cassea, Cassiah
- Namesakes: Cassià Maria Just, a Catalan (Spanish) abbot of Santa Maria de Montserrat from 1966 to 1989. Cassia O’Reilly, an Irish singer-songwriter who toured with the Australian DJ Flume.
- Popularity: Cassia is rare worldwide and primarily used in Brazil, ranking 483rd in 2014.
Cedrina
Cedrina means “kindly and loved” in Old English but is listed among names that mean green for “healing mint.” It also means “battle chieftain” as a feminine form of Cedric.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Mint green
- Pronunciation: Seh-DRIY-nah
- Popularity: Cedrina is extremely rare worldwide, with 84 known occurrences in 2014, mostly in the U.S.
Chloe
In Greek, Chloe also means “blooming” or “fertility” when based on the Greek Khlóros, meaning “greenish-yellow color.” Chloe is another name for the goddess Demeter and can bring some gorgeous color into your baby girl’s life.
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: Young green shoot
- Pronunciation: KLOW-iy
- Variations: Cloe, Khloe
- Namesakes: Chloë Sevigny, an American actress known for Boys Don’t Cry (1999). Chloe Hooper, an Australian author of A Child’s Book of True Crime (2002), a New York Times Notable Book.
- Popularity: Chloe is rare worldwide, mainly used in England, and ranked 24th for girls in the U.S. in 2021.
Clooney
Clooney comes from the Irish “cluain,” meaning ”a green plain or pasture.” It can mean “intriguing rogue” for those who want the unique Clooney among boy names that mean green.
- Origin: Irish
- Meaning: From the meadow
- Pronunciation: KLUW-Niy
- Variations: Cluny
- Popularity: Clooney is extremely rare worldwide, with only 14 known occurrences in 2014, primarily in the Philippines.
Clora
Clora means “healthy and green” and “goddess of flowers.” This is inspired by the Greek Chloris, taken from “chlōrós,” meaning “pale green.” Chloris was a nymph associated with flowers and all that springtime brings.
- Origin: Latin
- Meaning: Fresh and green
- Pronunciation: KLAOR-aa
- Namesakes: Clora Bryant, an American jazz musician and the only female trumpeter to perform with Dizzy Gillespie.
- Popularity: Clora is very rare worldwide and mostly used in the U.S.
Clover
Clover refers to a type of plant, based on the Old English “clāfre.” The plant often represented both good luck and Ireland itself in the form of a shamrock, a four-leaf clover.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Meadow flower
- Pronunciation: KLOW-Vehr
- Variations: Klover
- Namesakes: Clover Maitland, an Australian field hockey player, and gold medalist at the 1998 Commonwealth Games. Clover Moore, the Lord Mayor of Sydney, Australia, since 2004
- Popularity: Clover is very rare worldwide and mainly used in the U.S., where it ranked 866th in 2021.
Cyan
Cyan derives from the Greek “kyanos,” meaning “dark blue.” It’s used for the blue of Lapis Lazuli and was officially used as a color name in English in 1879.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Greenish-blue color
- Pronunciation: Saey-AEN
- Variations: Cian, Cyann
- Popularity: Cyan is rare worldwide, primarily used in China, and ranked 272nd in Hong Kong in 2014.
Daphne
Daphne is one of the most mythological girl names that mean green. It’s the name of a nymph whom Apollo turned into a bush. Laurel is a strong symbol of victory, as evidenced by laurel crowns.
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: Bay/laurel tree
- Pronunciation: DAEF-Niy
- Variations: Daphnie, Daphney
- Namesakes: Daphne Zuniga, an American actress appearing on the soap opera Melrose Place from 1992 to 1996. Daphne Jordan, an American New York State Senate member from 2019 to 2022.
- Popularity: Daphne is rare worldwide and mostly used in the U.S., ranking 288th for girls in 2021.
Dawn
Dawn represents “daybreak” in the cycle of a day. It relates to Eos, the Greek goddess of the dawn, often depicted in a green field or golden brown light.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Sunrise
- Pronunciation: DAOWN
- Variations: Dawnn, Dawne
- Namesakes: Dawn Best, an American comic artist who worked on Sonic the Hedgehog. Dawn French, a British comedian known for the BBC sketch show French and Saunders.
- Popularity: Dawn ranked 1,432nd worldwide and is mainly used in the U.S., where it ranked 1,994th for girls in 2021.
Denver
Denver is possibly associated with the French surname Danvers, meaning “from Anvers.” It’s best known as a city nestled in the Colorado Rocky Mountains named after the 19th-century governor, James W. Denver.
- Origin: English, French
- Meaning: Green valley, from Anvers
- Pronunciation: DEHNV-er
- Variations: Denvar, Denvur
- Namesakes: Denver Nicks, an American journalist for Time magazine. Denver Pyle, an American actor appearing in The Andy Griffith Show.
- Popularity: Denver is rare worldwide and primarily used in the U.S., where it ranked 505th for boys in 2021.
Derry
Derry comes from the Irish “doire,” meaning “oak grove.” Derry is located in Ireland and was originally called Daire Calgaich, meaning “oak grove of Calgach.”
- Origin: English, Irish
- Meaning: Like an oak
- Pronunciation: DEH-riy
- Variations: Derri, Derrie
- Namesakes: Derry Hayes, an Irish hurler for the Cork senior hurling team. Derry Power, an Irish actor performing in Brendan Behan’s play The Quare Fellow in 1954.
- Popularity: Derry is rare worldwide, mostly used in Indonesia, and ranked 425th in Ireland in 2014.
Drupal
Drupal is a funny example of green names with more of a green aura. It comes from the Dutch “druppel,” meaning “drop,” and calls upon the image of rain falling on leaves.
- Origin: English, Dutch
- Meaning: Drop
- Pronunciation: DRUW-pahl
- Popularity: Drupal is extremely rare worldwide, with 37 known occurrences in 2014, mainly in India.
Eartha
Eartha is simply made up of the English “earth” plus the suffix “-a,” once used by the Puritans. It fell off the U.S. naming charts after the 1990s.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Earth
- Pronunciation: EHR-Thaa
- Variations: Ertha
- Namesakes: Eartha Kitt, an American singer known for the song Santa Baby. Eartha Moore, an American musician, and winner of a Grammy Award in 2003.
- Popularity: Eartha is very rare worldwide, primarily used in the U.S., and ranked 601st in Suriname in 2014.
Elmore
Elmore is one of many names associated with green that begin with “E,” which was super popular in the 1910s. It also means “noble” but began as a surname for someone from Elmore in Gloucestershire, England.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Moor with elm trees
- Pronunciation: EHL-Maor
- Variations: Ellmor, Ellmore, Elmoor
- Namesakes: Elmore Leonard, an American writer best known for Get Shorty. Elmore Smith, an American basketball player for the Los Angeles Lakers.
- Popularity: Elmore is very rare worldwide and mostly used in the U.S.
Elowen
Elowen means “elm tree” in Cornish culture and is still used by Cornish people today. The elm tree represents new beginnings and is often found on college campuses – where your little one is headed!
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Elm
- Pronunciation: Eh-LOW-Waan
- Variations: Elowyn, Elowynn
- Popularity: Elowen is extremely rare worldwide, with only eight known occurrences in 2014, mainly in Indonesia and South Africa.
Elwood
Elwood was first a surname for “forest dweller,” meaning “noble woods.” Elder trees are said to symbolize prosperity and good health.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Elder tree forest
- Pronunciation: EHL-Wud
- Variations: Ellwood
- Namesakes: Elwood Barker, an American member of the Illinois House of Representatives from 1911 to 1915. Elwood Morris Wherry, an American Presbyterian missionary known for work as an Islamic scholar.
- Popularity: Elwood is rare worldwide and primarily used in the U.S.
Emerald
Emerald derives from the Greek “smaragdus,” meaning “green.” It’s used for the green gemstones in the Beryl family and is called the “jewel of kings.”
- Origin: English, Persian
- Meaning: Green
- Pronunciation: EHM-Raold
- Variations: Emmarald
- Namesakes: Emerald Fennell, an English actress, and filmmaker known for directing Promising Young Woman (2020).
- Popularity: Emerald is rare worldwide, mostly used in Afghanistan, and ranked 913th for girls in the U.S. in 2021.
Ensley
Ensley means “solitary clearing” as a variation of Ainsley. It was a surname that came about for Annesley (meaning “Anne’s meadow”) in Nottinghamshire, England.
- Origin: English, Scottish
- Meaning: One’s own meadow
- Pronunciation: EHNS-Liy
- Variations: Ensly, Ensleigh
- Namesakes: Ensley Bingham, a British boxer and winner of the Inter-Continental Light Middleweight Championship. Ensley A. Carpenter, an American doctor for whom the town of Carpenter, Kentucky, was named.
- Popularity: Ensley is very rare worldwide and mainly used in the U.S., where it ranked 789th for girls in 2021.
Esmerelda
Esmerelda is a slightly unique spelling of the Spanish Esmeralda, meaning “emerald.” Esmerelda (spelled Esmeralda) is a character in Victor Hugo’s 1831 novel The Hunchback of Notre Dame.
- Origin: Portuguese, Spanish
- Meaning: Emerald green
- Pronunciation: Ehs-meh-REHLD-ah
- Variations: Esmeralda
- Popularity: Esmerelda is very rare worldwide, primarily used in South Africa, and ranked 453rd for girls in the U.S. in 2021.
Fern
Fern is based on the Old English “fearn” to describe the leafy plant. Ferns existed 100 million years before the dinosaurs and are known for loving shade over the sun.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Fern plant
- Pronunciation: FEHRN
- Variations: Ferne, Fyrn
- Namesakes: Fern Sawyer, an American cowgirl inducted into the Rodeo Hall of Fame in 1991. Fern Sutherland, a New Zealand actress known for The Almighty Johnsons series.
- Popularity: Fern is rare worldwide, mostly used in the U.S., and ranked 262nd in Luxembourg in 2014.
Fields
Fields sounds the most like a surname included in names meaning green. It was first used for those from Field in Leigh Staffordshire, England, and derives from the Old English “feld,” meaning “flat open country.”
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Meadow
- Pronunciation: FIYLDZ
- Popularity: Fields is very rare worldwide and mainly used in the U.S.
Finnegan
Finnegan is taken from the Irish surname Ó Fionnagáin, itself inspired by Fionn mac Cumhaill, an Irish hero. Finnegan became more than a surname after James Joyce’s novel Finnegans Wake.
- Origin: Irish
- Meaning: Fair
- Pronunciation: FIHN-eh-Gihn
- Variations: Finegan, Finegen, Finnegen, Finnigan
- Popularity: Finnegan is very rare worldwide and primarily used in the U.S., ranking 376th for boys in 2021.
Forrest
Forrest represents the English spelling of the Old French “forest,” from the Latin “foreste.” It came to England with the Normans and uses the Latin root “foris,” meaning “outside.”
- Origin: French
- Meaning: Woodsman, woody
- Pronunciation: FAOR-ehst
- Variations: Forest, Forreste
- Namesakes: Forrest Aguirre, an American fantasy author and winner of the 2003 World Fantasy Award. Forrest Goodluck, an American actor appearing in the 2015 film The Revenant.
- Popularity: Forrest is rare worldwide and mostly used in the U.S., where it ranked 414th for boys in 2014.
Foster
Foster is a shortened occupational version of Forester, meaning “forest guardian.” It’s also associated with the French “forcetier” given to a “maker of scissors.”
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Forester
- Pronunciation: FOWST-er
- Variations: Forester
- Namesakes: Foster Brooks, an American comedian who appeared on the Steve Allen Show in the 1960s. Foster Campbell, a member of the Louisiana State Senate from 1976 to 2002.
- Popularity: Foster is rare worldwide, mainly used in Ghana, and ranked 997th for boys in the U.S. in 2021.
Giada
Giada is the Italian word for Jade, a light green jewel. The Jade stone is famous in China, symbolizing kindness, wisdom, and truth.
- Origin: Italian
- Meaning: Jade
- Pronunciation: JHAA-Daa
- Variations: Jada
- Namesakes: Giada De Laurentiis, an Italian-American TV personality and host of Food Network’s Giada at Home. Giada Wiltshire, an Italian beauty pageant contestant, and Miss World Italy 2007.
- Popularity: Giada is rare worldwide and primarily used in Italy, ranking 551st in 2014.
Grover
Grover began as a surname for someone residing near a “grove” or “thicket.” It also means “one who dwells among the trees” and peaked at 20th in the U.S. in 1884 and 1885.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Lives near a grove of trees
- Pronunciation: GROW-Vehr
- Variations: Grovar, Grovur
- Namesakes: Grover Cleveland, the 22nd and 24th president of the U.S. from 1885 to 1889 and 1893 to 1897. Grover Wiley, an American boxer known for defeating Julio César Chávez in his farewell fight.
- Popularity: Grover is rare worldwide, mostly used in the U.S., and ranked 215th in Bolivia in 2014.
Grun
Grun comes from the Middle German “grūene,” meaning “green,” along with “fresh” and “raw.” It’s a nickname for anyone who dressed in green, lived amongst green trees, or near places like Gruna in Poland.
- Origin: German
- Meaning: Green
- Pronunciation: GRUHWN
- Variations: Gruen
- Popularity: Grun is extremely rare worldwide, with 24 known occurrences in 2014, mainly in Russia.
Hadassah
Hadassah refers to the Hebrew myrtle tree associated with peace and prosperity. In the Bible, Hadassah happens to be the Hebrew name for the Persian Queen Esther.
- Origin: Hebrew
- Meaning: Myrtle tree
- Pronunciation: Haa-DAH-saa
- Variations: Hadasa, Hadasah, Haddasah
- Namesakes: Hadassah Lieberman, the second wife of former U.S. Senator Joe Lieberman. Hadassah, a Jewish-American dancer, and chairperson of the Ethnic Division of the New Dance Group.
- Popularity: Hadassah is very rare worldwide and primarily used in the U.S.
Hailey
Hailey is made up of the Old English “heg,” meaning “hay” and “leah,” meaning “clearing.” It also means “hero” in Norse and “wise one” in Irish.
- Origin: English, Scottish
- Meaning: Hay’s meadow
- Pronunciation: HHEY-Liy
- Variations: Haylie, Hayley, Hailee
- Namesakes: Hailey Abbott, an American teenage romance novel author of Summer Boys (2004). Hailey Armstrong, a Canadian curler and the 2017 Ontario Junior Curling Championships.
- Popularity: Hailey is rare worldwide and mostly used in the U.S., where it ranked 225th for girls in 2023.
Hallie
Hallie is an unusual derivative of Harriet, the female equivalent of Henry. Hallie can also appear as a nickname for Hallelujah.
- Origin: English, Scandinavian
- Meaning: Dweller at the meadow by the manor
- Pronunciation: HHAEL-iy
- Variations: Halley
- Namesakes: Hallie Lomax, an African-American journalist who started the Los Angeles Tribune in 1941. Hallie Haglund, an American comedian and head writer on Wyatt Cenac’s Problem Areas.
- Popularity: Hallie is rare worldwide and mainly used in the U.S., ranking 317th for girls in 2021.
Harial
Besides being an Indian word for the color green, Harial refers to a green pigeon. This pigeon is called a yellow-footed pigeon found in India and Southeast Asia, yet not as rare as Harial.
- Origin: Indian
- Meaning: Green colored
- Pronunciation: HHAH-riy-Ehl
- Popularity: Harial is extremely rare worldwide and primarily used in Indonesia.
Hazel
Hazel comes from the Old English “haesel” to describe a hazel plant. It’s also the name for eyes with shades of darker olive green. Celts believed the hazel tree was sacred, while ancient Greeks made headpieces from the branches to protect them against evil.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Hazelnut tree
- Pronunciation: HHEY-Zehl
- Variations: Haezel, Haizel, Hazell
- Namesakes: Hazel McCallion, the fifth mayor of Mississauga from 1978 to 2014. Hazel Hutchins, a Canadian children’s author, and winner of the Shining Willow Young Readers’ Choice Award.
- Popularity: Hazel is uncommon worldwide and mostly used in the U.S., where it ranked 28th for girls in 2021.
Hazelbrook
Hazelbrook is one of the most inventive girl or boy names that mean green. It combines the old-fashioned Hazel with the girl’s name Brooke and is also a place in New South Wales, Australia.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Brook near the hazel trees
- Pronunciation: HHEY-zehl-Bruk
- Popularity: Hazelbrook is extremely rare worldwide, with just one known occurrence in 2014 in Ireland.
Holt
Holt refers to a “dweller on the woodland,” but can simply mean “woods” or “forest.” As an Old English surname, Holt means “at the holt,” given to someone living in a wooded area.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Son of unspoiled forests
- Pronunciation: HHOWLT
- Variations: Holte, Holyt
- Namesakes: Holt McCallany, an American actor best known for the series Mindhunter.
- Popularity: Holt is very rare worldwide and mainly used in the U.S.
Hunter
Hunter is a shorter name for the occupational Huntsman, taken from the Old English “hunta.” As a color, Hunter looks like a deep, dark green.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: One who hunts
- Pronunciation: HHUHNT-er
- Variations: Huntor
- Namesakes: Hunter S. Thompson, an American journalist famous for Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1971). Hunter Carpenter, an American college football player inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1957.
- Popularity: Hunter is rare worldwide and primarily used in the U.S., ranking 86th for boys in 2021.
Ireland
Ireland comes from the Old Irish Eire, meaning “land of abundance” and “fertile land.” It’s the official name for Ireland, inspired by the Celtic Goddess Eriu, a heroic figure in Irish mythology.
- Origin: English, Irish
- Meaning: Ireland (country)
- Pronunciation: AY-ehr-Laend
- Variations: Eireland, Irland
- Namesakes: Ireland Baldwin, an American fashion model and daughter to actors Alec Baldwin and Kim Basinger.
- Popularity: Ireland is very rare worldwide and mostly used in the U.S.
Irving
Irving is inspired by the Scottish River Irvine and means “green or fresh river.” Irving became more common among Jewish-American boys during World War I and lives on today.
- Origin: Scottish
- Meaning: Green river, sea friend
- Pronunciation: EHR-Vihng
- Variations: Irvin
- Namesakes: Irving Berlin, an American composer whose work comprises the Great American Songbook. Irving Taylor, a Canadian ice hockey player, and gold medalist at the 1948 Winter Olympics.
- Popularity: Irving is rare worldwide and mainly used in the U.S.
Ivy
Ivy is based on the Old English “ifig,” for “ivy.” In Greek culture, the evergreen ivy plant represents faithfulness in marriage. It became popular in Victorian times, along with other flower and plant names for girls.
- Origin: English, Latin
- Meaning: Vine
- Pronunciation: AY-Viy
- Variations: Ivey, Ivie
- Namesakes: Ivy Ruckman, an American children’s book writer of Night of the Twisters. Ivy Wedgwood, an Australian senator for Victoria from 1950 to 1971.
- Popularity: Ivy is uncommon worldwide and primarily used in the U.S., where it ranked 49th for girls in 2021.
Jada
Jada is the Spanish word for Jade and is known for the phrase “piedra de la ijada” meaning “stone of the colic.” Jade is believed to have cured colic in babies if placed on their tummies, which is as powerful as green names come.
- Origin: Spanish
- Meaning: Jade
- Pronunciation: JHEY-Dah
- Variations: Jayda, Jaeda, Jaida
- Namesakes: Jada Pinkett Smith, an American actress, and co-host of the Facebook Watch talk show Red Table Talk. Jada Renales, a Trinidadian badminton player who competed at the 2014 Veracruz Central American and Caribbean Games.
- Popularity: Jada is rare worldwide and mostly used in the U.S., ranking 683rd for girls in 2021.
Jade
Jade is one of the greenest stones around, making one of Jade’s meanings “precious gemstone.” While green comes in many shades, from lime and neon to slime, Jade may be the prettiest of them all.
- Origin: Spanish
- Meaning: Stone of the side
- Pronunciation: JHEYD
- Variations: Jadah
- Namesakes: Jade Jagger, a British-French jewelry designer and daughter of Mick and Bianca Jagger. Jade Barbosa, a Brazilian artistic gymnast and a two-time bronze medalist at the World Championships.
- Popularity: Jade is rare worldwide, mainly used in England, and ranked 91st for girls in the U.S. in 2021.
Juniper
Juniper is composed of the Latin “junio,” meaning “young,” and “parere,” meaning “to produce.” The “evergreen” feeling of youth is the last and most bold meaning of the Juniper, a tree symbolizing life.
- Origin: English, Latin
- Meaning: Tree
- Pronunciation: JHUW-nay-Per
- Variations: Junipyre, Junyper, Junypyre
- Namesakes: Juniper Shuey, an American visual artist and the co-artistic director of Zoe|juniper. Juniper Sage (pen name of Margaret Wise Brown), an American children’s book writer known for Goodnight Moon.
- Popularity: Juniper is very rare worldwide and primarily used in the U.S., where it ranked 138th for girls in 2021.
Kale
Kale is an alternative spelling to the Middle English “cale,” for the healthiest kind of leafy green. It goes back to the Latin “caulis,” meaning “cabbage,” but when based on the Gaelic “caol,” it means “slender.”
- Origin: English, Latin
- Meaning: Cabbage
- Pronunciation: KAEYL
- Variations: Kayle
- Namesakes: Kale Kayihura, the Inspector General of the Uganda Police Force from 2005 to 2018. David “Kale” Browne, an American actor appearing on the soap opera Another World (1986 to 1993).
- Popularity: Kale is rare worldwide, mostly used in India, and ranked 428th in Nepal in 2014.
Kelly
Kelly is related to the Cornish “celli,” meaning “wood” or “grove.” When the Irish surname Kelly influenced the kelly green color, it brought the vibrant green of the Irish hills along.
- Origin: Irish
- Meaning: Warrior
- Pronunciation: KEHL-Liy
- Variations: Kelley, Kelli, Kellie
- Namesakes: Kelly McGillis, an American actress known for Top Gun (1986). Kelly Brook, an English model appearing on the sitcom One Big Happy (2015).
- Popularity: Kelly ranked 545th worldwide and is mainly used in the U.S., ranking 849th for girls in 2021.
Kensley
Kensley takes its name from the English Kyneslay, meaning “king’s wood clearing.” It’s also associated with the Norse “kelda,” meaning “spring” or “well,” and the Old English “lēah,” meaning “glade.”
- Origin: English, Norse
- Meaning: King’s meadow
- Pronunciation: KEHNZ-Liy
- Variations: Kinsley
- Popularity: Kensley ranked 859th worldwide, is primarily used in Haiti, and ranked 564th for girls in 2021.
Kezia
Kezia is the Hebrew appearance of Cassia, the tree that produces cinnamon (and is known for its strength). In the Bible, Kezia (spelled Keziah) was one of Job’s daughters.
- Origin: Hebrew
- Meaning: Cassia tree
- Pronunciation: KEH-ziy-Ah
- Variations: Keziah
- Namesakes: Princess Kezia Rukidi of Toro, the Queen of Toro who was also the king’s chief advisor from 1965 to 1998.
- Popularity: Kezia is rare worldwide, mostly used in Brazil, and ranked 1,194th for girls in 2023.
Khizar
Besides its place among boy names that mean green, Khizar means “prophet” or “mystic.” It’s a traditional Muslim name given to a spiritual figure in the Quran who possesses great wisdom.
- Origin: Arabic
- Meaning: Green
- Pronunciation: KHIH-Zahr
- Variations: Khidar
- Namesakes: Khizar Durrani, a Malaysian cricketer who played at the 2014 ICC World Cricket League Division Three tournament. Khizar Hayat Tiwana, the Prime Minister of British India between 1942 and 1947.
- Popularity: Khizar is rare worldwide and mainly used in Pakistan, where it ranked 622nd in 2014.
Kyla
Kyla also means “narrow spit of land” in Scottish. It derives from the Gaelic surname O’Cadhla, meaning “graceful,” “beautiful,” or “descendant(s) of the graceful one.”
- Origin: Irish
- Meaning: Crown of laurel
- Pronunciation: KAEY-Lah
- Variations: Khyla, Kylah
- Namesakes: Kyla Richey, a Canadian volleyball player and member of the Canada women’s national volleyball team. Kyla Reid, a British singer known for the song “Do You Mind.”
- Popularity: Kyla is rare worldwide and primarily used in the U.S., ranking 497th for boys in 2021.
Laramie
Laramie specifically means “canopy of leafy boughs” and “protective hands.” It began as a surname for the frontiersman Jacques La Ramee and is a town in Wyoming.
- Origin: French
- Meaning: Leafy grove
- Pronunciation: LEH-raa-Miy
- Variations: Laramey, Larami, Laramy
- Popularity: Laramie is very rare worldwide and mostly used in the U.S.
Laurel
Laurel derives from the Latin “laurus,” for the laurel tree or bay leaf tree. It refers to the laurel wreath always worn by the winners in ancient Rome.
- Origin: Latin
- Meaning: Laurel tree
- Pronunciation: LAOR-ehl
- Variations: Laurelle
- Namesakes: Laurel Collins, a member of the House of Commons of Canada since 2019. Laurel Edwards, an Australian TV presenter and host of the children’s program OK for Kids in 1987.
- Popularity: Laurel is rare worldwide and mainly used in the U.S., where it ranked 636th for girls in 2021.
Leaf
While many think Leaf is an American spelling of the Scandinavian given name Leif, it may have greener origins. Leaf could be associated with the English surname Greenleaf, used as a nickname for someone living amongst the leaves.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Heir
- Pronunciation: LIYF
- Variations: Leife, Leif, Leiff
- Namesakes: Joaquin Phoenix (known as Leaf Phoenix), an American actor and winner of two Golden Globe Awards.
- Popularity: Leaf is very rare worldwide and primarily used in the U.S.
Leland
Leland is made up of the Old English “leah,” meaning “meadow” and “land,” for a piece of earth. It also means “fallow land” or “uncultivated land,” as long as the land part is key.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Meadowland
- Pronunciation: LIY-Lahnd
- Variations: Lelend, Lelund, Leyland
- Namesakes: Leland Chapman, an American bail bondsman and star of the A&E series Dog the Bounty Hunter. Leland Irving, a Canadian ice hockey player for the Calgary Flames.
- Popularity: Leland is rare worldwide and mostly used in the U.S., ranking 430th for boys in 2021.
Lennox
Lennox points to a land “with many elm trees.” It was first a Scottish surname inspired by a region of Scotland called The Lennox. In Celtic mythology, the elm tree was a supposed home for woodland creatures from fairies to elves.
- Origin: Scottish
- Meaning: Elm grove
- Pronunciation: LEHN-ayks
- Variations: Lenox, Lenoxe
- Namesakes: Lennox Gordon, an American football player for the Buffalo Bills. Lennox Sebe, the first president of Ciskei from 1981 to 1990.
- Popularity: Lennox is rare worldwide, mainly used in South Africa, and ranked 254th for boys and 599th for girls in 2021.
Levitt
Levitt originated from the English surname Leavitt, meaning “wolf cub.” It’s also a Jewish name meaning “Levite,” a term used in ancient Israel.
- Origin: English, German
- Meaning: Place where yew trees grow
- Pronunciation: LEH-Viht
- Variations: Levit, Levitte, Levyt, Levytt
- Popularity: Levitt is extremely rare worldwide, with 76 known occurrences in 2014, primarily in the U.S.
Liberty
Liberty goes back to the Latin Libertus, a god in Roman mythology who personified freedom. Among names that mean green, it refers to a shade called “liberty green.” Liberty green’s pale yellowish-green color got its name from the Statue of Liberty.
- Origin: English, Latin
- Meaning: Freedom
- Pronunciation: LIH-ber-Tiy
- Variations: Libertey, Libertie
- Namesakes: Liberty Ross, an English model who appeared in Harper’s Bazaar. Liberty DeVitto, an American drummer for Billy Joel.
- Popularity: Liberty is rare worldwide, mostly used in the Philippines, and ranked 619th for girls in the U.S. in 2021.
Lindsay
Lindsay is a place known as “the marshlands of Lincolnshire.” It derives from the Old English surname Lindesie, made up of “lind,” meaning “linden tree,” and “ey,” meaning “wetland.”
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Island of linden trees
- Pronunciation: LIHND-Ziy
- Variations: Lindsey, Lyndsay
- Namesakes: Lindsay Lohan, an American actress appearing in Mean Girls (2004). Lindsay Hoyle, the Speaker of the British House of Commons since 2019.
- Popularity: Lindsay is uncommon worldwide, mainly used in the U.S., and ranked 56th in New Zealand in 2014.
Lucky
Don’t be put off that Lucky is often one of the most popular dog names. It means “fortune” and is the ultimate hat’s off to St. Patrick’s Day in an Irish shade of green.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Good fortune
- Pronunciation: LUH-Key
- Variations: Lucki
- Namesakes: Lucky McKee, an American director known for the 2002 horror film May. Lucky Dube, a South African reggae musician and winner of the 1996 Best Selling African Musician Award.
- Popularity: Lucky is uncommon worldwide, primarily used in Nigeria, and ranked 66th in South Africa in 2014.
Meadow
Meadow is based on the Old English “maedwe,” meaning “field,” and became a given name in 1970s America. Meadow is best known as Tony Soprano’s daughter’s name in the HBO series The Sopranos.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Field of grass
- Pronunciation: MEHD-ow
- Variations: Meadoe, Meadowe, Medowe
- Namesakes: Meadow Sisto, an American actress appearing in the 1992 film Captain Ron.
- Popularity: Meadow is very rare worldwide and mostly used in the U.S., where it ranked 499th for girls in 2021.
Merald
Merald is an unexpected Spanish nickname for Emerald. It still refers to the precious green gemstone from the Beryl family and is a more boyish choice.
- Origin: Spanish
- Meaning: Green gemstone
- Pronunciation: MEH-Raold
- Namesakes: Merald “Bubba” Knight, an American R&B singer and a member of Gladys Knight & the Pips.
- Popularity: Merald is very rare worldwide and mainly used in the Philippines.
Midori
Midori is a general shade of green in Japanese for “shoots,” “young leaves,” and “plants.” It also points to the forest and the woods, symbolizing fame and wealth.
- Origin: Japanese
- Meaning: Green
- Pronunciation: MIY-Dow-riy
- Variations: Midorey, Midorie, Midory
- Namesakes: Midori Katō, a Japanese voice actress known for the anime Sazae-san (1946). Midori Takahashi, a Japanese volleyball player for Toyota Auto Body Queenseis.
- Popularity: Midori is rare worldwide and primarily used in Japan, ranking 153rd in 2014.
Morley
Morley was an English surname for a “dweller by the meadow on the moor.” It’s composed of the Old English “mor,” meaning “marsh,” and “leah,” meaning “clearing in the woods.” Morley is also the name of several UK locations, including Morley in Norfolk.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Moor, meadow clearing
- Pronunciation: MAOR-Liy
- Variations: Morlie
- Namesakes: Morley Safer, a Canadian-American broadcast journalist for CBS News. Morley Griswold, the 16th governor of Nevada from 1934 to 1935.
- Popularity: Morley is very rare worldwide and mostly used in Canada, where it ranked 1,321st in 2014.
Moss
In Hebrew, Moss is another version of Moses and actually means “descendant of Moses.” It also means “saved by water” and is an English surname meant for a “dweller by the peat bog.”
- Origin: English, Hebrew
- Meaning: Peat bog
- Variations: Moses
- Namesakes: Moss Hart, an American playwright known for You Can’t Take It with You (1936). Moss Burmester, a New Zealand swimmer, and gold medalist at the 2006 Commonwealth Games.
- Popularity: Moss is very rare worldwide, mainly used in Bangladesh, and ranked 1,962nd in Ireland in 2014.
Myrthe
Myrtle is the English name for an “evergreen shrub,” taken from the Greek “myrtos,” also meaning “victory.” Myrtle became common in the 19th-century with other botanical names and symbolized a happy marriage.
- Origin: English, Greek
- Meaning: Myrtle tree
- Pronunciation: MEHR-Tihl
- Variations: Mirtle
- Namesakes: Myrtle Allen, an Irish chef, and correspondent for the Irish Farmers Journal. Myrtille Gollin, a French speed skater who competed at the 2006 Winter Olympics.
- Popularity: Myrtle is rare worldwide, primarily used in the U.S., and ranked 95th in Jamaica in 2014.
Naim
Naim also means “happy” in both Scottish and Arabic. It also means “comfort” in Arabic, plus “pleasant” in Hebrew, rounding out the positives for names meaning green beautifully.
- Origin: Scottish, Arabic
- Meaning: River with Alder trees
- Pronunciation: Naey-IYM
- Variations: Na’im, Nayeem, Naeem
- Namesakes: Naim Talu, the Prime Minister of Turkey from 1973 to 1974. Naim Ateek, a Palestinian priest and founder of the Sabeel Ecumenical Liberation Theology Center.
- Popularity: Naim is uncommon worldwide, mostly used in India, and ranked 11th in Kosovo in 2014.
Nash
Nash is better recognized as a surname taken from the Middle English “atten ash,” meaning “at the ash tree.” It was a super-specific way to denote the neighbor who lived next to an ash tree at one time.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: By the ash tree
- Pronunciation: NAESH
- Variations: Naish, Nashe
- Namesakes: Nash Rawiller, an Australian jockey, and winner of the 2004 Caulfield Cup. Nash Edgerton, an Australian stuntman for The Matrix trilogy.
- Popularity: Nash is rare worldwide and mainly used in the U.S., ranking 233rd for boys in 2021.
Oakes
Oaks was born from the Old English “ac,” meaning “oak.” It began as a surname in Somerset, England, as a definite nod to the mighty oak tree.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Dweller by the oak tree
- Pronunciation: OWKS
- Variations: Oachs, Oaks, Okes
- Popularity: Oakes is extremely rare and primarily used in the U.S.
Oleander
In Greek mythology, we find the story of Leander, a young man marred by tragic love. He perished holding sweet-scented flowers we now call Oleanders as a symbol of true love.
- Origin: English, Greek
- Meaning: Evergreen tree
- Pronunciation: OW-liy-Aen-der
- Popularity: Oleander is extremely rare worldwide, with 77 known occurrences in 2014, mostly in the U.S.
Olive
The olive tree was symbolically created by the Greek goddess Athena. In Rome, the olive branch symbolizes victory, which is why Olive is more popular than ever in the U.S.
- Origin: English, Latin
- Meaning: Olive tree
- Pronunciation: AO-Lihv
- Variations: Olivia
- Namesakes: Olive Thomas, an American silent-film actress who danced for the Ziegfeld Follies. Olive Dehn is an English children’s writer for the BBC Radio Children’s Hour program.
- Popularity: Olive is rare worldwide, mainly used in England, and ranked 18th for girls in the U.S. in 2021.
Oliver
Oliver derives from the French “olivier” and the Latin “oliva,” for the olive tree. It’s been around for boys since medieval times and symbolizes peace like the olive branch.
- Origin: English, French
- Meaning: Olive tree
- Pronunciation: AAL-ah-Vehr
- Variations: Olliver, Ollivor
- Namesakes: Oliver Geissen, a German TV presenter and host of Die Oliver Geissen Show from 1999 to 2009. Oliver Ivanović, the State Secretary of the Ministry for Kosovo and Metohija from 2008 to 2012.
- Popularity: Oliver ranked 1,212th worldwide, is primarily used in Germany, and ranked 3rd for boys in the U.S. in 2020.
Oran
Oran is often associated with the Gaelic Odhrán, meaning “little green one.” It uses the root “odhra,” meaning “pale green,” and is popular in Ireland as the name of 17 saints.
- Origin: Irish, Aramaic
- Meaning: Little green one
- Pronunciation: AOR-ehn
- Variations: Odhrán
- Namesakes: Oran McPherson, a member of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta (Canada) from 1921 to 1935. Oran Pape, an American football player for the 1930 Green Bay Packers.
- Popularity: Oran is very rare worldwide, mostly used in the U.S., and ranked 1,215th in Ireland in 2014.
Peridot
Peridot ultimately comes from the Arabic “faridat,” meaning “gem.” It’s the traditional birthstone for August and stands out due to its unique pale green color.
- Origin: French, Arabic
- Meaning: Green gemstone
- Pronunciation: PARE-eh-Dow
- Popularity: Peridot is extremely rare worldwide, with 32 known occurrences in 2014, mainly in the U.S.
Pine
Pine goes back to the Latin “pinus,” for the pine tree. Pine trees are also close cousins to fir trees, which is why Pine relates to the Middle English “firre.”
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Pine tree
- Pronunciation: PIEYNN
- Popularity: Pine is very rare worldwide and primarily used in Nigeria.
Sage
Sage takes inspiration from the Latin “salvia,” meaning “wise” and “healthy.” It’s best known as an aromatic herb often used in cooking and the pale gray-green color called sage.
- Origin: English, Latin
- Meaning: Wise
- Pronunciation: SEYJH
- Variations: Saige, Sayge
- Namesakes: Sage Kirkpatrick, a Czech actress appearing in the Showtime series Dexter. Sage Canaday, an American long-distance runner and the youngest runner at the 2008 U.S. Olympic Trials marathon.
- Popularity: Sage is rare worldwide, mostly used in DR Congo, and ranked 223rd for girls in the U.S. in 2022.
Silas
Silus also means “prayed for” and is a shorter version of Silvanus. Silvanus was the Roman god of forests, using the Latin “silva,” meaning “woods.”
- Origin: Greek, Latin
- Meaning: Of the forest
- Pronunciation: SAEY-Lahs
- Variations: Sylas, Sylus
- Namesakes: Silas Katompa Mvumpa, a Congolese footballer for the DR Congo national team. Silas Stillman Soule, an American abolitionist involved with the Underground Railroad.
- Popularity: Silas is uncommon worldwide, mainly used in Brazil, and ranked 91st for boys in the U.S. in 2021.
Tauriel
Tauriel is one of the only girl names that mean green with no actual origin. It’s the last one you’d think of but honors the character of Tauriel in J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit. According to Tolkien’s created Sindarin language, Tauriel means “forest maiden.”
- Origin: Unknown
- Meaning: Daughter of the forest
- Pronunciation: TAO-riy-Ehl
- Popularity: Tauriel is extremely rare worldwide, with just eight known occurrences in 2014, primarily in Brazil and Russia.
Teal
Teal is best known as a vibrant blue-green color synonymous with Cyan. It also refers to a blue-green duck with a teal-colored stripe on her head.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Duck species
- Pronunciation: TIYL
- Variations: Teale, Teele
- Namesakes: Teal Fowler, an ice hockey player for the German League team DEL in 2000. Teal Wicks, an American performer in the musical Wicked.
- Popularity: Teal is very rare worldwide and mostly used in the U.S.
Vardon
Vardon also means “from the green hill.” It inadvertently influenced Jewish surnames like Rosenwald, using the root “vered,” meaning “rose.”
- Origin: French
- Meaning: Green knoll
- Pronunciation: Vaar-DAON
- Variations: Varden
- Popularity: Vardon is extremely rare worldwide, with 60 known occurrences in 2014, mainly in the U.S.
Verda
Verda is closely connected with the Spanish “verdad,” meaning “truth.” It’s also a form of Vera that means “faith” and “green,” just in time for spring.
- Origin: Spanish, Latin
- Meaning: Green
- Pronunciation: VEHR-Dah
- Variations: Verdah
- Namesakes: Verda Erman, a Turkish pianist who performed with the Presidential Symphony Orchestra of Turkey. Verda Smith, an American football player for the Los Angeles Rams.
- Popularity: Verda is rare worldwide and primarily used in the U.S.
Verna
Virna is a uniquely feminine form of Vernon and Vern and a pet name for Laverne. It derives from the Latin “vernus,” meaning “spring-like,” as a symbol of the greenest season.
- Origin: Latin
- Meaning: Spring green
- Pronunciation: VER-Nah
- Variations: Vernah, Vyrna
- Popularity: Verna is rare worldwide and mostly used in the U.S., where it ranked 1,230th for girls in 2023.
Viridi
Viridi means “blooming” and has origins in the medieval Viridis. It’s an Italian name meaning “green” that helped multiple green-themed names blossom.
- Origin: Latin
- Meaning: Green
- Pronunciation: Vih-RIY-diy
- Variations: Virida
- Popularity: Viridi is extremely rare worldwide, with just four known occurrences in 2014, mainly in India.
Yarkona
Yarkona specifically refers to a “green meadow” in Hebrew. It remained most in use in Israel as the name of a local settlement inspired by the Yarkon River.
- Origin: Hebrew
- Meaning: Green
- Pronunciation: Yaar-Kow-naa
- Variations: Yarkonah, Yarkonna, Yarkonnah
- Popularity: Yarkona is extremely rare worldwide, with 33 known occurrences in 2014, primarily in Israel.
Ye
Ye means “light” too and relates to the Chinese city of Ye. It focuses on the leaves of spring when life blooms across the globe.
- Origin: Chinese
- Meaning: Leaf
- Pronunciation: YEH
- Namesakes: Ye Wenling, a Chinese novelist and a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference. Ye Rongguang, a Chinese chess player and the first to become a grandmaster in 1990.
- Popularity: Ye is uncommon worldwide and mostly used in Myanmar, ranking 39th in 2014.
Zelena
Zelena is a Greek variation of Selēnē, the ancient goddess of the moon. It combines the moon goddess with the color green. This leads some to define Zelena as “green and wicked,” like the witch in The Wizard of Oz.
- Origin: Croatian/Slovenian, Greek
- Meaning: Green
- Pronunciation: ZEH-leh-Nah
- Variations: Zelina, Zelyna
- Popularity: Zelena is very rare worldwide and mainly used in the U.S.
