Flower names for babies are declining in popularity in the Netherlands

With flower names declining in popularity in the Netherlands, 2025 parents may have the opportunity to give their new baby an extra special, unique name by opting for a name inspired by flowers. 

Our research found the flower names most at risk of extinction are:

Our study found that the baby name Iris is the flower name most at risk of extinction, with a -71% decrease in popularity in the last 10 years. 

However, this beautiful baby name would be a perfect choice for any new parents looking for a special meaning. Not only is Iris associated with the iris flower, which symbolises hope, faith, and courage, but it also has another beautiful meaning: rainbow. 

Of Greek origin, Iris was the name of the Greek goddess of the rainbow. According to Greek mythology, Iris delivered messages between the Gods and humans across a rainbow bridge.

The second-most flower name at risk of extinction is Fleur. Over the past decade, Fleur has seen an average of a -64% decrease in popularity. 

This unique baby name is of French origin, meaning “flower”, and while this name might suggest delicacy and softness, flowers are more resilient than they look, making this the perfect choice for strong-willed baby girls.

Our research also found that the name Daphne has seen a -52% decrease in popularity, meaning we could expect fewer baby Daphnes in 2025 than ever before. 

While Daphne might not initially seem like a flower or botanical name, in Greek mythology, Daphne was a nymph who turned into a laurel tree to escape a relentless romantic pursuit from Apollo. Since then, the laurel tree became a symbol of victory, honour, and immortality. 

That’s why the girl's name Daphne means “laurel tree”.

Another flower name for girls at risk of extinction in 2025 is Roos, with a -51% decrease in popularity. 

Roos is a girl's name of Latin origin, and the sweet-smelling name simply means ‘roos’, like its namesake flower. 

The name Roos is a timeless and universal symbol of love and passion, which carries a historical resonance dating back to ancient Greek and Roman times through Aphrodite, the goddess of beauty and love.

New parents can also opt for the English flower name spelling of “Rose”.

Madelief is another beautiful girl’s name at risk of extinction, with an average decline in popularity of -47% over the past 10 years. 

Madelief is a Dutch name derived from the namesake flower: madeliefje. The madeliefje is said to symbolise innocence, youth, and purity. 

Interestingly, in 2023, the madeliefje became the national flower of the Netherlands. 

Any parents with baby girls due in April might want to especially consider Madelief as a name option. The madeliefje is the birth flower for April, meaning it would be an extra special choice.

The name Florian is a boy's name with Latin origins meaning “to flower” or “the blooming one”.

However, our research shows that this flower name has seen a -42% decrease in popularity. 

This floral baby boy name is an excellent choice for parents looking to remind their sons of the importance of growth no matter what stage in their life.

Our research found that the name Jasmijn could also be at risk of extinction, with a -35% decrease in popularity. 

Jasmijn is a girl’s name of Dutch origin and is said to mean “gift from god”, making this name extra special. The name is related to the namesake jasmine flower, which is said to symbolise purity and innocence.

While our research found that, for the most part, flower names are declining in popularity in the Netherlands, there were four stand-out names that are blooming. 

So, in 2025, you can expect to see more of:

Our research found that in the past 10 years, the girl’s name Olivia has seen an astounding +1,100% growth in popularity in the Netherlands, so be set to see more baby Olivias in 2025. 

Olivia is a name of Latin origin, and its primary meaning is “olive tree”. However, in Greek mythology, olive trees were symbols of peace and friendship.

Another flower name increasing in popularity that we can expect to see more of in 2025 is Lily, with a +161% increase in the past decade. 

The name Lily is of Latin origins and is used in reference to the popular, white namesake flower: Lily. 

Lily is said to mean ‘purity and innocence’, and parents can pick from various spellings, from Lilly to Lily to Lillie.

Olivier is a boy’s name of Latin origin, and our research found that it has seen a +59% increase in popularity in recent years. 

Much like Olivia, the male version, Olivier, is related to the olive tree, and literally means “olive planter”.

Another floral-inspired boy’s name growing in popularity is Floris, with a +11% growth. 

Floris is a beautiful Dutch name and is understood to be gender-neutral. The name means “prosper”, “flourish” and “flower”, so any new parents can expect baby Floris to always strive for self-improvement.

Floris was also the given name of five monarchs of the County of Holland, so it’s also rich in history.