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2nd February 2026
02:29pm GMT
Choosing a baby name is one of the most personal decisions parents will have to make. Often, it reflects not just the parents' likes and family heritage, but also the values they hold and the small details that bring them joy.
Many Irish parents have been choosing strong Irish monikers for their little ones, however, it's also no secret that the Irish love their floral-inspired names, just think of Bláithín, meaning "little flower".
Now Bloom & Wild’s floral experts have revealed how botanical baby names have surged in popularity in recent years, with classic blooms and garden-inspired choices leading the way, and there's no doubt these will be a hit for babies due in 2026.
The exports have explored the biggest floral baby naming trends of recent years, using Office for National Statistics (ONS) data, alongside their own predictions for the names set to blossom in 2026 in the UK.
ONS data shows a long-term shift in the types of floral names that have been popular over the years. Many floral names have shown significant upward movement over the past decade, with short, vintage-style flower names proving especially popular.
Data confirms that Lily, Ivy, Daisy, Rose, Hazel, Jasmine and Violet are already firmly established favourites, all ranking within the Top 100 baby girl names of 2024.
Notably, Ivy has seen a striking rise, now ranking 5th nationally, up 49 places since 2014, signalling parents’ growing appetite for short, nature-led names with symbolic meaning.
While floral and botanical names for boys remain more niche, interest continues to grow. The top plant-inspired boys’ names for 2025 were William, Jared, Linden, Basil, and Florian.
As we look ahead to 2026, floral baby names are continuing to be a popular choice for many parents. Rather than chasing what’s new or viral, there’s a clear preference for names that feel gentle, familiar and meaningful.
Our experts predict that the following floral and botanical girls’ names will rise in popularity in 2026.
Alongside these, classic flower names such as Rose, Lily, Daisy, Violet, Iris, Jasmine and Dahlia remain firm favourites, while softer garden-inspired choices like Flora, Lavender, Magnolia, and Poppy continue to gain momentum.
Additionally, Flora has climbed an impressive 223 places in recent rankings, highlighting the enduring appeal of garden-inspired names with historical charm.
Botanical names are also branching out beyond gender norms.
Names such as Sage and Basil are increasingly popular alongside traditional plant-linked boys’ names like Heath and Linden.
"We’ve noticed a significant shift in how parents use the natural world for inspiration,” says Lucy Hook, Floral Lead at Bloom & Wild.
“It’s no longer just about the traditional favourites like Rose or Lily. Parents are now digging deeper into the garden, choosing names like Juniper and Sage that feel more grounded and organic. These botanical choices act as a bridge between timeless tradition and a modern desire for individuality."
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