Juniper

Juniper, the evergreen tree or shrub.

Juniper is an English nature name used for girls, taken directly from the word for the evergreen tree or shrub. Its botanical image is more woody than floral: green foliage and the aromatic character of the plant give the name an outdoorsy, fresh feel. If you enjoy plant names, this is a different kind of beauty from a blossom name. The English pronunciation has three syllables, with the first stressed. The initial “j” is followed by a long “oo”, then two lighter syllables follow; the p gives the ending a small, crisp lift. To our ear, that makes Juniper bright and gently playful, with enough length to feel full without sounding formal.

Etymology: An English plant word used as a given name. The word ultimately comes from Latin iuniperus, “juniper”; the deeper origin of that Latin word is uncertain.