300+ Forest Baby Names (Strong, Grounded & Timeless)
From mighty oaks to whimsical wildflowers, discover 300+ enchanting forest baby names inspired by trees, woodland creatures, and the magic of nature.
If you’ve ever taken a walk in the forest and felt that calm, grounding magic—the smell of pine, the hush of tall trees, the way the sunlight filters through the leaves—you’ll understand why so many parents are turning to forest-inspired names for their little ones. There’s just something timeless about names that whisper of mossy paths, old oaks, and hidden woodland streams.
Whether you’re dreaming up names for a sweet little wildflower, a strong oak of a boy, or a whimsical gender-neutral woodland wanderer, this list is packed with inspiration. We’re talking trees, flowers, woodland creatures, earthy gems, and mystical nature picks—all with meanings, origins, and a dash of fun commentary.
So grab your (virtual) hiking boots—let’s wander through 300+ gorgeous forest baby names together.
Tree-Inspired Baby Names (Strong, Grounded & Timeless)
These are the sturdy oaks, graceful willows, and evergreens of the baby name world. Perfect for kids you hope will grow tall and strong.
- Oakley (English) – Means “oak meadow.” Rustic but trendy, with that cool -ley ending.
- Oliver (Latin) – “Olive tree.” Always a classic; plus, Oliver Twist keeps it literary.
- Olive (Latin) – A gentler, vintage twist on Oliver. Peaceful vibes.
- Elowen (Cornish) – “Elm tree.” Dreamy, fairytale-like name from Cornwall.
- Ash (English) – From the ash tree. Simple, cool, and unisex (Pokémon fans will grin here).
- Ashton (English) – “Ash tree town.” Feels modern while rooted in nature.
- Rowan (Gaelic) – “Little red tree.” Magical, protective tree in Celtic lore.
- Sylvan (Latin) – “Of the forest.” Old-world charm and mystical air.
- Willow (English) – Graceful tree symbolizing resilience and flexibility.
- Cedar (English) – Strong and fragrant evergreen, used in rituals worldwide.
- Linden (German) – A leafy tree with heart-shaped leaves. Gentle and soft-sounding.
- Maple (English) – Sweet and autumnal; has a warm, syrupy feel.
- Sequoia (Native American) – Majestic redwood trees of California. Towering strength.
- Birch (English) – Elegant, pale-barked tree. Crisp and fresh name choice.
- Alder (English) – Hardy tree linked with strength and protection.
- Hazel (English) – Both a tree and a vintage chic name that’s made a huge comeback.
- Aspen (English) – Quaking aspen tree; also a luxe ski town. Stylish and woodsy.
- Juniper (Latin) – Evergreen shrub with berries; fun nickname potential (“June,” “Junie”).
- Yew (English) – Ancient, long-living tree, tied to resilience.
- Elm (English) – Short, crisp, and grounded like the tree itself.
- Acer (Latin) – Means “maple.” Sleek, modern, and botanical.
- Cypress (Greek) – Tall evergreen associated with strength and mourning rituals.
- Hawthorn (English) – Sacred tree in Celtic lore; whimsical yet strong.
- Acacia (Greek) – Thorny tree; elegant, lyrical name.
- Sycamore (English) – Grand tree, ancient and sturdy.
- Pine (English) – Simple and evocative of mountain air.
- Spruce (English) – Crisp and fresh; old-fashioned word for “neat.”
- Redwood (English) – Towering trees of California. Majestic vibe.
- Teak (English) – Durable, valuable wood. Strong name choice.
- Ashira (Hebrew) – Feminine take on “ash tree,” also means “I will sing.”
- Aisling (Irish) – “Dream” but feels woodland-y with soft sounds.
- Bay (English) – From bay trees; also linked to oceanic calm.
- Plum (English) – Quirky, fruit-tree inspired name. Sweet and stylish.
- Tamarack (Algonquian) – Native North American larch tree. Rare, earthy.
- Oleander (Greek) – Hardy flowering shrub. Bold and exotic.
- Poplar (Latin) – Tall, fast-growing tree. Cool as a middle name.
- Fig (Latin) – Warm and fruity; short and fun.
- Elder (English) – Sacred tree in folklore, with healing properties.
- Sumac (Arabic) – Spice tree; short and fiery.
- Carob (Greek) – Sweet pod tree, alternative to chocolate. Unique pick!
Enchanted Woodland Names (Mystical, Fairytale & Dreamy)
For parents who imagine their little one wandering through a storybook forest with fairies, deer, and a sprinkle of magic.
- Sylvie (French) – “Of the forest.” Light, lyrical, and sweet.
- Fauna (Latin) – Roman goddess of forests and animals. Disney nod: Sleeping Beauty’s fairy.
- Arden (English) – “Great forest.” Shakespeare used it in As You Like It.
- Evangeline (Greek) – “Bearer of good news.” Feels like moonlight through trees.
- Fern (English) – Simple, delicate plant name with vintage charm.
- Moss (English) – Soft, earthy, and whimsical. Also recalls Moss Hart, the playwright.
- Thicket (English) – A dense patch of woodland. Unique and rugged.
- Briar (English) – “Thorny patch.” Fairy-tale chic thanks to Briar Rose (Sleeping Beauty).
- Nysa (Greek) – Mythical woodland nymph. Elegant yet uncommon.
- Sylvana (Latin) – “Woodland.” Mystical and feminine, a cousin of Sylvan.
- Aislinn (Irish) – “Dream, vision.” Whispery forest magic.
- Eira (Welsh) – “Snow.” Fits a frosty woodland scene.
- Lorelei (German) – Rhine river siren. Haunting, fairy-tale energy.
- Tamsin (Cornish) – Earthy and mysterious; often linked to foresty folklore.
- Isolde (Welsh/Germanic) – Legendary tragic heroine. Romantic, ethereal.
- Sorrel (French) – Herb with a tangy taste. Quirky, rustic name.
- Aislene (Irish) – Variant of dream-like Aislinn. Mystical twist.
- Woodrow (English) – “Row of houses by the wood.” Presidential, yet woodsy.
- Everdeen (English) – Inspired by the evergreen + Katniss Everdeen (Hunger Games).
- Faeryn (Modern) – Whimsical invented name, sounds like “faerie.”
- Badger (English) – Tough, earthy little animal. Rare but fierce.
- Sable (Slavic) – Forest-dwelling marten; also luxurious fur. Sleek name.
- Finch (English) – Chirpy little bird. Bright, happy vibe.
- Heron (Greek) – Graceful waterbird. Elegant and rare.
- Pike (English) – Freshwater fish, but also a strong one-syllable name.
- Roe (English) – Type of deer; short, gentle, gender-neutral.
- Buck (English) – Masculine, country-strong, but charmingly retro.
- Cub (English) – Baby bear reference. Adorable nickname potential.
- Cougar (English) – Wild cat; edgy and daring.
- Faline (Italian) – Disney’s Bambi love interest. Soft, deer-inspired name.
- Hart (English) – Old word for “stag.” Regal and strong.
- Colt (English) – Young horse, spirited vibe.
- Chip (English) – As in chipmunk. Playful nickname style.
- Dove (English) – Symbol of peace. Gentle and spiritual.
- Kestrel (English) – Small falcon; unique bird name.
- Osprey (English) – Bold bird of prey. Rare but strong.
- Swallow (English) – Sweet old-fashioned bird name.
- Moose (Algonquian) – Majestic forest giant. Quirky and cool.
- Beaver (English) – Industrious woodland builder. Nostalgic vibe.
- Hare (English) – Quick, sleek woodland creature.
Herb, Plant & Flower-Inspired Names
These names bring the forest floor to life—ferns, herbs, blossoms, and wildflowers galore.
- Sage (Latin) – Both an herb and wisdom. Gender-neutral, trendy.
- Rosemary (Latin) – Herb name with vintage vibes. Also Beatles-coded.
- Basil (Greek) – “King.” Classic herb, cool retro boy’s name.
- Minty (English) – Refreshing nickname-style name.
- Ivy (English) – Evergreen climbing plant; sleek, stylish, and Victorian.
- Laurel (Latin) – Symbol of victory. Regal plant name.
- Poppy (Latin) – Bold, bright flower. Lively and modern.
- Lupin (Latin) – Forest flower + Harry Potter’s Professor Lupin.
- Clover (English) – Lucky and sweet, fits a whimsical nature vibe.
- Camellia (Latin) – Elegant blossom; Southern belle feel.
- Thyme (Greek) – Herb with a fragrant kick; unique as a name.
- Marigold (English) – Cheerful, golden bloom. Retro-cool comeback.
- Azalea (Greek) – Flowering shrub, stylish and sassy.
- Dahlia (Swedish) – Named after botanist Dahl. Sophisticated floral.
- Petal (English) – Soft, whimsical, perfect middle name too.
- Hyacinth (Greek) – Rare flower name with mythological roots.
- Amaranth (Greek) – “Unfading flower.” Unique, poetic vibe.
- Fleur (French) – Simply “flower.” Chic and international.
- Viola (Latin) – “Violet.” Shakespearean, musical, delicate.
- Holly (English) – Evergreen with festive holiday charm.
- Bluebell (English) – Cheerful wildflower. Whimsical and fun.
- Heather (English) – Purple moorland flower, classic 80s fave with comeback potential.
- Calla (Greek) – From calla lily, symbol of purity. Chic and minimal.
- Primrose (Latin) – Old-fashioned charm; delicate and dainty.
- Zinnia (German) – Colorful, spunky flower.
- Iris (Greek) – “Rainbow” and flower name. Mythological too.
- Begonia (French) – Tropical bloom with flair.
- Jasmine (Persian) – Fragrant blossom, eternally popular.
- Yarrow (English) – Healing wildflower with soft sound.
- Peony (Greek/Chinese) – Symbol of beauty and honor.
- Magnolia (English) – Southern grandeur; nickname “Maggie” adds charm.
- Chrysanthemum (Greek) – “Golden flower.” Bold and distinctive.
- Anemone (Greek) – Woodland wildflower. Delicate but striking.
- Crocus (Greek) – Early spring bloom; rare and lyrical.
- Aster (Greek) – “Star.” Cosmic and floral.
- Lotus (Sanskrit) – Sacred flower of purity. Spiritual resonance.
- Gardenia (English) – Fragrant Southern bloom. Glamorous vintage choice.
- Verbena (Latin) – Magical herb, often tied to folklore.
- Foxglove (English) – Tall forest flower. Quirky yet enchanting.
- Lily (Latin) – Classic floral pick with timeless grace.
Forest Creatures (Wildlife-Inspired Baby Names)
Names from the animals, birds, and critters that call the forest home.
- Wren (English) – Tiny bird with a powerful song. Sweet and popular.
- Raven (English) – Mysterious, dark bird. Edgar Allan Poe fans will approve.
- Fox (English) – Clever, quick, sly—short and spunky.
- Bear (English) – Strong and cuddly all at once. Teddy name tie-in.
- Deer (English) – Gentle, nature-bound. Rare but soft.
- Fawn (English) – Baby deer name. Delicate and sweet.
- Wolf (Germanic) – Fierce, primal energy. Popular in Europe.
- Lynx (Greek) – Wild cat of the forests. Sleek and mysterious.
- Hawk (English) – Bold and sharp-eyed bird of prey.
- Otter (English) – Playful, river-loving animal. Quirky pick!
- Robin (English) – Familiar forest bird + classic name.
- Oriole (Latin) – Colorful bird, melodic sound.
- Eagle (English) – Symbol of strength and vision.
- Sparrow (English) – Tiny but spirited bird. Celebrity nod: Nicole Richie’s son.
- Falcon (English) – Swift, noble bird. Marvel superhero tie-in.
- Jay (English) – Blue jay bird + casual boy’s name.
- Lark (English) – Songbird with cheerful energy.
- Hedge (English) – From hedgehog, or hedgerow. Quirky, rustic vibe.
- Owl (English) – Wise woodland bird. Rare but mystical.
- Stag (English) – Majestic male deer. Regal and wild.
Mystical & Mythological Woodland Names
Drawing from old myths, legends, and gods of forests and nature.
- Pan (Greek) – God of the wild and shepherds. Playful and mischievous.
- Daphne (Greek) – Nymph who became a laurel tree. Classic and pretty.
- Artemis (Greek) – Goddess of the hunt, moon, and forests. Fierce and divine.
- Sylvia (Latin) – “Forest.” Regal and feminine.
- Endymion (Greek) – Shepherd loved by the moon goddess Selene. Dreamy.
- Idris (Welsh) – “Lord.” Tied to Welsh mountains and lore.
- Freya (Norse) – Goddess of love, magic, nature. Fierce but lovely.
- Gaia (Greek) – Earth goddess. Powerful, nurturing.
- Cernunnos (Celtic) – Horned god of forests. Unique and strong.
- Diana (Roman) – Goddess of hunting and woodland. Classic yet mystical.
- Dryad (Greek) – Tree spirit nymph. Mystical and rare.
- Eldrin (Celtic) – “Old forest.” Dreamy, Tolkien-esque sound.
- Nerida (Greek) – Water nymph. Ethereal and foresty.
- Alvina (English) – “Elf friend.” Magical, medieval charm.
- Oberon (Germanic) – King of the fairies in Shakespeare. Enchanting.
- Titania (Latin) – Fairy queen in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Regal.
- Eirlys (Welsh) – “Snowdrop.” Magical winter forest vibe.
- Calypso (Greek) – Sea nymph in The Odyssey. Whimsical energy.
- Rhea (Greek) – Mother goddess linked to nature. Strong yet soft.
- Jupiter (Roman) – Sky god, but gives big forest-night energy.
- Lugh (Celtic) – Sun god tied to harvest and nature. Powerful.
- Thalassa (Greek) – Personification of the sea, but forest-stream vibe fits.
- Titania (Latin) – Fairy queen, glowing and magical.
- Hollis (English) – “Holly tree.” Subtle folklore charm.
- Esylle (Invented) – Evokes sylvan woods and elvish magic.
- Melia (Greek) – Nymph of ash trees. Light and lyrical.
- Puck (English) – Mischievous forest sprite. Shakespearean fun.
- Auberon (French) – Variant of Oberon. Noble fairy-king energy.
- Rhoswen (Welsh) – “White rose.” Fairylike beauty.
- Nokomis (Ojibwe) – Grandmother spirit in Native lore. Deep roots.
Rare & Unique Forest Finds (Unexpected Treasures)
Forrest (English) – Literally “forest.” Old-school charm, Tom Hanks nod.
- Woodley (English) – “Clearing in the woods.” Gentle, surname-style.
- Auberne (French) – “Brownish-red.” Forest-autumn vibes.
- Myrtle (Greek) – Evergreen shrub tied to love. Vintage rare gem.
- Grove (English) – Small group of trees. Minimalist chic.
- Leaf (English) – Literal but whimsical nature name.
- Bracken (English) – Fern-like plant; rugged outdoorsy sound.
- Tansy (Greek) – Wildflower name with zest.
- Ashwin (Sanskrit) – “Light, horse tamer.” Has a foresty, autumn tie.
- Sorcha (Irish) – “Radiance.” Soft woodland glow.
- Forestine (French) – Feminine twist on “forest.” Vintage rarity.
- Wilder (English) – Adventurous, free-spirited surname name.
- Sylviane (French) – “Woodland.” Elegant and chic.
- Quercus (Latin) – Scientific name for oak. Quirky and intellectual.
- Everest (English) – Majestic mountain name, nature-linked.
- Thorne (English) – Sharp, bold, and edgy.
- Auburn (English) – “Reddish-brown.” Warm autumnal forest color.
- Elon (Hebrew) – “Oak tree.” Short and powerful.
- Nettle (English) – Stingy plant, but unique as a bold baby name.
- Vale (English) – “Valley.” Soft, poetic woodland image.
A–Z Forest-Inspired Baby Names
Sometimes, the easiest way to get inspiration is to go straight through the alphabet. Here’s a woodland-inspired pick (or a few!) for every letter, complete with meanings, origins, and foresty vibes.
A Names
- Alder (English) – Hardy water-loving tree. Rooted and strong.
- Aspen (English) – Quaking tree, chic and stylish.
- Ashlyn (Irish) – “Dream.” Soft, leafy sound.
- Acorn (English) – Symbol of potential and growth. Cute quirky pick!
B Names
- Birch (English) – Pale, graceful tree. Minimalist chic.
- Briar (English) – “Thorny patch.” Fairytale cool (Briar Rose).
- Bay (Latin) – “Laurel tree.” Simple, breezy, coastal-forest vibe.
- Bramble (English) – Wild, thorny shrub. Rugged and rare.
C Names
- Cedar (English) – Aromatic evergreen, sacred across cultures.
- Clover (English) – Lucky meadow plant. Bright and whimsical.
- Cypress (Greek) – Tall, elegant evergreen.
- Coriander (Greek) – Herb with spice. Fun foodie vibe.
D Names
- Dahlia (Swedish) – Striking garden flower.
- Dove (English) – Peaceful woodland bird.
- Dogwood (English) – Spring-blossoming tree. Gentle, folksy charm.
- Driftwood (English) – Beach-forest crossover, quirky rare.
E Names
- Elowen (Cornish) – “Elm tree.” Dreamy fantasy vibe.
- Eira (Welsh) – “Snow.” Forest frost aesthetic.
- Evergreen (English) – Eternal life symbol. Strong and unisex.
- Elder (English) – Healing tree with mystical folklore.
F Names
- Fern (English) – Graceful forest plant. Vintage charm.
- Fox (English) – Clever woodland creature. Short and bold.
- Falcon (English) – Swift bird of prey. Strong energy.
- Fawn (English) – Baby deer. Gentle, sweet, and foresty.
G Names
- Grove (English) – Small woodland. Minimalist chic.
- Garnet (French/Latin) – Red gemstone; forest-floor earthiness.
- Gilia (Latin) – Flowering woodland plant. Delicate.
- Greenwood (English) – “Green forest.” Medieval vibe.
H Names
- Hazel (English) – Tree + vintage stylish pick.
- Hawthorn (English) – Sacred Celtic tree.
- Holly (English) – Evergreen with festive charm.
- Hart (English) – Old word for “stag.” Noble woodland energy.
I Names
- Ivy (English) – Evergreen vine, sleek and timeless.
- Indigo (Greek) – Deep blue plant dye. Mystical and artsy.
- Isle (English) – Island feel, still linked to wild green spaces.
- Isolda (Germanic/Welsh) – Romantic heroine, dreamy woodland vibes.
J Names
- Juniper (Latin) – Evergreen shrub; fun and lively.
- Jasmine (Persian) – Fragrant forest flower.
- Jay (English) – Bright blue woodland bird.
- Jade (Spanish) – Green gemstone with earthy grounding.
K Names
- Kestrel (English) – Small falcon. Rare and cool.
- Koa (Hawaiian) – “Brave,” also a type of tree. Strong and short.
- Kauri (Maori) – Tall native New Zealand tree. Noble and unique.
- Kiri (Maori) – “Tree bark” or “skin.” Gentle and earthy.
L Names
- Linden (German) – Sacred tree with heart-shaped leaves.
- Lark (English) – Joyful songbird.
- Laurel (Latin) – Victory plant. Regal and green.
- Leaf (English) – Literal but poetic.
M Names
- Maple (English) – Sweet, autumnal vibe.
- Moss (English) – Forest floor greenery, soft and whimsical.
- Magnolia (English) – Large, fragrant tree flower.
- Mulberry (English) – Fruiting tree. Quirky, colorful vibe.
N Names
- Nettle (English) – Stingy plant, but edgy as a name.
- Nysa (Greek) – Mythical woodland nymph.
- Norwood (English) – “North forest.” Old-fashioned surname style.
- Nerine (Greek) – Water nymph and flower. Dreamy.
O Names
- Oak (English) – Strong, ancient tree.
- Oleander (Greek) – Hardy flowering shrub.
- Orchid (Greek) – Exotic woodland bloom.
- Oriole (Latin) – Bright forest bird.
P Names
- Pine (English) – Mountain tree, simple and clean.
- Petal (English) – Soft floral name.
- Poppy (Latin) – Vibrant, cheerful bloom.
- Primrose (English) – Fairytale flower.
Q Names
- Quercus (Latin) – Scientific name for oak. Nerdy cool.
- Quill (English) – Forest feather image; also creative writerly vibe.
- Quinley (English) – “Estate by the oak.” Modern surname-style.
- Quenna (Invented) – Inspired by “queen” and forest sounds.
R Names
- Rowan (Gaelic) – “Little red tree.” Magical, protective.
- Raven (English) – Mysterious forest bird.
- Rosewood (English) – Rare fragrant wood.
- Reed (English) – Grasslike plant, slim and sleek.
S Names
- Sylvan (Latin) – “Of the forest.” Mystical and refined.
- Sage (Latin) – Herb + wisdom.
- Spruce (English) – Fresh evergreen.
- Sorrel (French) – Tangy herb; rustic and unique.
T Names
- Thorn (English) – Sharp and bold.
- Tamarack (Algonquian) – Native larch tree. Strong, unusual.
- Timber (English) – Straight from the forest. Rugged and modern.
- Tansy (Greek) – Wildflower with cheery yellow blossoms.
U Names
- Ursula (Latin) – “Little bear.” Woodland animal tie-in.
- Ulva (Old Norse) – “Wolf.” Powerful, primal energy.
- Umber (Latin) – Earthy brown pigment. Warm woodland hue.
- Ursa (Latin) – “Bear.” Constellation + forest beast.
V Names
- Vale (English) – “Valley.” Soft and poetic.
- Vireo (Latin) – Small green forest bird. Unique and lyrical.
- Verde (Spanish) – “Green.” Simple and fresh.
- Violet (Latin) – Woodland flower. Vintage chic.
W Names
- Willow (English) – Graceful, resilient tree.
- Wren (English) – Tiny bird with a big song.
- Woodrow (English) – “Row of houses by the woods.” Folksy presidential.
- Wilder (English) – Adventurous surname-name.
X Names
- Xylo (Greek) – “Wood.” Funky, musical vibe.
- Xylon (Greek) – “From the forest.” Rare, strong sound.
- Xavia (Spanish) – Inspired by “Xavier,” woodsy twist.
- Xanthos (Greek) – “Golden.” Forest sunlight energy.
Y Names
- Yew (English) – Ancient, long-living tree.
- Yara (Indigenous Brazilian) – “Water lady,” tied to river forests.
- Yarrow (English) – Healing wildflower.
- Yalun (Indigenous Australian) – “Tree.” Rare global gem.
Z Names
- Zinnia (German) – Bright, spunky flower.
- Zephyr (Greek) – “West wind.” Breezy woodland pick.
- Zelkova (Japanese) – Strong elm tree species. Rare but grounded.
- Zora (Slavic) – “Dawn.” Fits the magical forest sunrise.
Wrap-Up: Naming Your Little Forest Spirit
And there we have it—300+ forest baby names rooted in trees, flowers, wildlife, herbs, myths, and woodland magic. From timeless classics like Hazel and Rowan to quirky treasures like Bracken and Otter, the forest is absolutely full of inspiration.
Whether you’re drawn to sturdy tree names that feel grounding, whimsical fairy-tale choices, or simple, earthy word names, each of these has a little spark of nature woven in.
Remember: picking a name is like planting a seed. It grows with your child, stretching toward the light in its own unique way. So go with the one that makes your heart feel calm, rooted, and maybe even a little enchanted.