US Popularity Rank: 9022

Origin: Persian

Meaning: A flowering pale-purple shrub

While some look to mythology, the Bible, or their favorite movies for brainstorming baby names, others are drawn to Earth's natural splendor. If you're one of the latter, take a moment to admire the girl's name, Lilac, as in the tree with fragrant bluish-purple flowers. This whimsical name derives from the Arabic word laylak and the Persian word nylac, both meaning blue. Much like Rose, Lily, and Violet, this nature-inspired name will instill in baby a deep appreciation for the environment. When they stop to smell the roses, bury their toes in the cool, wet sand, and splash courageously in puddles, their heart and soul will feel at peace. Actor Stephen Moyer, who played Bill Compton on the hit HBO series True Blood, chose the name Lilac for his daughter.