Names Inspired by Celtic Birth Trees
by Ruth Fitzpatrick
Everyone knows about birthstones and star signs, but what about Celtic birth trees? Based on ancient mythology and philosophy, birth trees are associated with lunar phases. The Celts had a strong belief and connection with nature, and believed different trees held different powers. But even if your beliefs aren't quite the same, these Celtic birth trees will definitely give you some cool, nature-inspired names for your magical little one.
December 24 – January 20: Birch
With their silver-sheened bark, birch trees can look pretty magical and other worldly. Berkeley means 'where the birches grow', but might sound a little pretentious for US parents to choose. A better option might simply be Birch, and this definitely is a usable and meaningful name which could be used for either your little girl or boy.
January 21 – February 17: Rowan
Rowan is a popular name in Ireland, where the Celtic mythological connection is surely not lost. The rowan tree was said to ward off witches (!) and is distinguishable by its pretty white flowers in summer, and bright red berries in fall. In 2016, it made the boys' top 200 and the girls' top 250 in the US, and it is definitely on an upward trend!
February 18 – March 17: Ash
Ash trees are particularly important in Irish and Scottish culture, as they provide the material needed for their favorite sport: hurling. In fact, they frequently call the game 'the clash of the ash'. Ashley – and its many variants – has seen a decline in popularity in recent years, but it is definitely still a classic. Asher and Ashe for your little boy sounds simple, boisterous and powerful, and still quite unique.
March 18 – April 14: Alder
Alder was thought to be extremely magical and is the birth tree for this spring moon. Alder sounds perhaps a little too lofty to be usable, but we like Nairn, a pretty Scottish boy's name meaning 'river with alder trees'. To make it look slightly more feminine, you can use the spelling variant, Nairne. Nelda is quite an unusual choice, though it does have a familiar ring to it. It's an Irish girl's name meaning 'one who lives by the alder tree'.
April 15 – May 12: Willow
Supple, wispy and mysterious, willow trees have a long association with traditional medicine, mythology and culture across the world. The name >Willow has become quite a popular choice in the US, last year entering the top 100. Boys' names inspired by willow include Salton and Selby.May 13 – June 9: Hawthorn
People born under this tree's moon are thought to be very creative and have excellent conversation skills! Hawthorn and Hawthorne might be a little too haughty for a modern little boy though, even with the famed 'gift of the gab'!
June 10 – July 7: Oak
Oaks have featured prominently in many cultures' belief systems and folktales, and they're often associated with wisdom and learning. We like he names Dara (Irish), Ilana (Hebrew) and Acton (English), all which mean oak in their respective languages.
July 8 – August 4: Holly
Although holly is more readily associated with the holiday season, in the Celtic lunar system, holly is a late summer tree. Holly is always a popular choice for little girls, and is a fun-sounding classic. For a boy, Cullen is a possibility and is the Irish for 'holly tree'.
August 5 – September 1: Hazel
Not only associated with the tree, but also with the alluring green-brown eye color, Hazel has proved popular with American parents over the last decade or so. If you're looking for something slightly different, try Aveline, which is the French variant.
September 2 – September 29: Vine
People born under this moon tree are said to be a little temperamental but also extremely refined! SO to channel that refinement try Liana or Haines.September 30 – October 27: Ivy
Like the plant itself, ivy children are pretty persistent. Like Hazel and Rose, Ivy has been making its comeback in recent years as parents look for classic chic options for their little girls. Last year Ivy was the 112th most popular name in the US, and it looks to still be rising.
October 28 – November 23: Reed
Associated with calm waters and melodious music, reeds are graceful, playful, plants. Both the names Reid and Reed actually come from the word for 'red-hair', but could definitely be used for reed-born babies too.
November 24 – December 23: Elder
Elders are associated with immense power and magic (think Harry Potter and the Elder Wand!), but unfortunately, Elder is not a particularly usable name for any little boy or girl! Ellery definitely has potential, though, and means 'island with elder trees'.
