Names that mean “butterfly” are perfect for capturing the beauty, grace, and transformation that these delicate creatures symbolize.
In this post, we’re diving into baby names that mean “butterfly”—we’ve got picks for boys, girls, and even some unisex options that capture the magic of these enchanting insects.
Butterfly-inspired names really took off after Travis Scott and Kylie Jenner picked one for their baby girl, Stormi. Plus, don’t forget the iconic actress Butterfly McQueen from “Gone with the Wind.”
Let’s check out some beautiful butterfly names!
Girls Names That Mean Butterfly
For parents looking for a butterfly names that embody the delicate beauty of the butterfly, there are many options to choose from. Some popular baby names that mean butterfly include:
Vanessa: A traditionally feminine name with Latin origins, Vanessa means “belonging to Venus,” the god of love. It also refers to the mystic Greek goddess Phanessa, who had a fascination for butterflies. This name of Greek origin gained popularity in the mid-20th century and means “butterfly”.
Dana: This name is derived from the genus name “Danaus”, which includes the monarch butterfly. It is a short and sweet name with a subtle reference to the butterfly.
Iris: According to Chinese Origin, Iris means the purple butterfly. According to Greek mythology, it is translated as the messenger to a rainbow. It also means flower in the Hebrew language.
Bindi: In the indigenous language Nyungar of Western Australia, the name Bindi means ‘butterfly’.
Cynthia: The name Cynthia is procured from the Painted Ladies, a group of brilliantly colored butterflies. This name was also the sobriquet of the Greek goddess Artemis.
Mariposa: This Spanish name means “butterfly” and is a great choice for parents who want a name that is both unique and meaningful.
Papillon: This French name means “tiny butterfly ” or “little butterfly” and has a sweet and delicate sound to it.
Nymphaeus: This ancient Greek origin name is derived from “nymph” and refers to the nature spirits of ancient mythology often associated with the butterfly.
Eros: This Greek origin name means “love” and is the name of the god of love and desire in Greek mythology.
Farasha: This Arabic name means “butterfly”. It is a beautiful and unique name that can be used for girls.
Vlinder: This Dutch origin name means “butterfly”. It is a simple and elegant name that can be used for girls. Vlinder Vlinder, pronounced flin-der, is a feminine name.
Chouko: This Japanese origin name means “butterfly child”. It is a beautiful and unique name that can be used for girls. The name is a combination of “chou” meaning butterfly and “ko” meaning child, and can represent the beauty and grace of a butterfly. Japanese flowers also have the meaning of this name.
Aello: In Greek mythology, Aello was one of the Harpies, creatures with the body of a bird and the face of a woman. The name Aello (Greek origin) means “storm swift”, and is also the name of a genus of butterflies.
Kallima: This Greek origin name means “beautiful” or “lovely”, and is the name of a genus of butterflies known for their camouflage ability. It could be used as a unique and pretty name for a girl.
Thetis: In Greek mythology, Thetis was a sea goddess who could transform into a butterfly. The name Thetis (Greek origin) means “disposer” or “establisher”.
Lepidoptera: This Greek origin name is the scientific name for the order of insects that includes butterflies and moths. It could be used as a unique and unusual name that means butterfly for a girl.
Zephyr: This ancient Greek origin name means “west wind”, and is also the name of a genus of butterflies known for their distinctive markings. It could be used as a unique and interesting name for a girl.
Eurybia: In Greek mythology, Eurybia was a sea goddess who could transform into a butterfly. The name Eurybia (Greek origin) means “wide strength”.
Athalia: Hailing from the Nymphalidae family of butterflies, Athalia is a strong, feminine name. According to Hebrew Origin , it means “God is exalted.” It also has a Biblical reference in the chapter of ll Kings, as the only women who ruled Israel.
Parvaneh: In Ancient Persian, this feminine name means “butterfly.”
Kimana: Kimana is a feminine moniker. It has Native American roots and means ‘butterfly.’
Kimama: According to native American Origin the name Kimama translates to butterfly girl.
Kimimela: The name Kimimela is of Native American origin and means ‘little butterfly.’ It has the built-in nickname, Kimi.
Luna: The name Luna is also the Latin term for the moon, and also the name of an eye-catching moth known as the Actias Luna. It’s also a trendy baby name at the moment.
Butterfly: (American origin) means ‘the beautiful species’ works wonderfully for a baby girl. Butterfly McQueen is an American actress who acted in the classic ‘Gone With The Wind.’
Caria: This name is taken from a group of colorful butterflies that are found across the American continent.
Chrysalis: Chrysalis is a fitting name for a tough girl. It refers to the hard shell that covers the caterpillar during its transition. The name comes from the Greek word chrysos, meaning golden.
Josephina: The name Josephina originates from Hebrew and means ‘God will increase.’ It’s also the name of a giant white butterfly with brown or black spots called the Ganyra Josephina.
Flutura: (Albanian origin) means ‘butterfly.’
Farasha: Albanian origin name Farasha indicates a baby girl. The meaning of this name is “butterfly.”
Vivalter: (Middle German origin) means ‘butterfly.’ The name can be shortened to Viva.
Boys Names That Mean Butterfly
For parents seeking boy butterfly names that reflect the transformative journey of the butterfly, there are many options available. Some popular names that mean butterfly include:
Hector: The masculine name Hector is taken from the grand crimson and black Pachliopta Hector butterfly. In Greek legend, Hector was also a Trojan hero warrior who fought against the Greeks.
Mariano: This Italian name means “of the sea” and is a variant of the name Mario, meaning “warrior of Mars.”
Smith: Smith is a sub-species of a blue butterfly. This name comes from the Anglo-Saxon smitan, meaning “to smite or strike.”
Zoltán: This Hungarian name means “life” or “life-giver” and is often associated with the butterfly as a symbol of new beginnings and rebirth.
Leif: This Norse name means “heir” or “descendant” and has been associated with the butterfly as a symbol of the continuation of life and the passing on of genetic traits.
Farid: This Arabic name means “precious” or “unique” and has been associated with the butterfly as a symbol of beauty and rarity.
Morpho: This ancient Greek origin name means “form” or “shape”, and is the name of a genus of butterflies known for their vibrant blue wings.
Mantech: (Ethiopian origin) means ‘butterfly.’
Taurins: This name of Latin American origin refers to a yellow-hued butterfly. It is most suitable for a baby boy born under the sign of Tauras.
Danaus: Danaus is a masculine name inspired by the genus of regal-looking butterflies by the same name.
Pepe: (Samoan origin) means ‘butterfly.’ The name or word is associated with ‘Pepe the Frog’, a popular internet meme.
Kamehameha: (Hawaiian origin) means ‘the one set apart.’ The name refers to the Kamehameha butterfly. Kamehameha is also a signature power move of Goku from the ‘Dragonball’ series.
Argus: This bluish-brown Eurasian butterfly’s name means “bright” in Greek. In Greek mythology, Argus means a 100 eyed monster or a watchful guardian. The brown Eurasian butterfly has a unique eyelike marking near the wing margins.
Nir: In Hindi, an Indian language, Nir means ‘nectar, elixir’ as in the nectar that all the butterflies flutter around for.
Perhonen: (Finnish origin) means ‘butterfly.’
Kamehameha: (Hawaiian origin) means ‘the one set apart.’ The name refers to the Kamehameha butterfly. Kamehameha is also a signature power move of Goku from the ‘Dragonball’ series
Adonis: (Greek origin) means ‘handsome.’ It is known as the eternally youthful God. This name took popularity after Drake’s son was named Adonis Graham. The name Adonis had its origin in ancient Greek mythology. Adonis was a charming man and a lover of the goddess Aphrodite. It is also the name of an enchanting blue butterfly species.
Jay: In it’s Sanskrit origin, the name Jay has several meanings—the holder, healer, triumph, and victory. It is the short form of the names, Jason and James. It is also the name of a black tropical butterfly species which is green spotted.
Aglais: The name of the butterfly genus comes from the Latin “Aglaia,” which comes from the ancient Greek mythological character Aglaia, the youngest of the three Charities (Graces), who personifies dazzling beauty and splendor
Unisex Butterfly Baby Names
For parents looking for a name that can be used for either a boy or a girl, there are several options that reflect the beauty and grace of the butterfly. These names that mean butterfly include:
Mariposa: This Spanish name means “butterfly” and is a great choice for parents who want a name that is both unique and meaningful.
Papillon: This French name means “butterfly” and has a sweet and delicate sound to it.
Psyche: This ancient Greek origin name means “butterfly” or “soul” and is a great choice for parents who want a name that reflects both the beauty and the inner essence of the butterfly. In Greek mythology, Psyche was a beautiful princess who was loved by the god Eros (also known as Cupid).
The word “psyche” means “butterfly” or “soul” in Greek, reflecting the transformation and beauty of the insect. This name has been popular for both girls and boys and has a timeless quality that makes it a classic choice for parents looking for a name that means butterfly.
Kaleb: This Hebrew name means “dog” or “faithful” and has been associated with the butterfly as a symbol of loyalty and devotion in some cultures.
Motho: This Sesotho name from South Africa means “butterfly” and is a unique and meaningful choice for parents who want a name that reflects the beauty and grace of this insect.
Farid: This Arabic name means “precious” or “unique” and has been associated with the butterfly as a symbol of beauty and rarity.
Leif: This Norse name means “heir” or “descendant” and has been associated with the beautiful butterfly as a symbol of the continuation of life and the passing on of genetic traits.
Pepe: “The cute butterfly” is the meaningful word of the cute unisex name Pepe. This name comes from Samoan origin.
Die: The name Die comes from Chinese Origin, and it translates to butterfly. According to the Greek Origin, it means soul.
Indian Hindu Girl’s Name That Mean Butterfly
Here are some Hindu origin butterfly names:
Titli: This Hindi name means “butterfly”. It is a simple and beautiful name that can be used for girls.
Patanga: This Hindi name means “butterfly”. It is a unique and pretty name that can be used for girls.
Rajhansini: This Hindi name means “queen of the swans”. While it doesn’t directly mean “butterfly”, it is a beautiful and elegant name that can be associated with the grace and beauty of a butterfly.
Abitha: This Sanskrit name means “without fear” or “fearless”, and is also the name of a species of butterfly found in India. It is a unique and meaningful name that can be used for girls.
Chitrali: This Hindi name means “decorated with pictures” or “painted”. It is also the name of a species of butterfly found in India. It is a pretty and unique name that can be used for girls.
Indradhanush: This Hindi name means “rainbow”, and is also the name of a butterfly found in India. It is a unique and colorful name that can be used for girls.
Pakhi: This Hindi name means “bird” or “winged creature”. While it doesn’t directly mean “butterfly”, it is a beautiful and graceful name that can be associated with the beauty of a butterfly.
Sulochana: This Sanskrit name means “beautiful-eyed”, and is also the name of a species of butterfly found in India. It is a unique and pretty name that can be used for girls.
Bhramari: This Hindi name means “bee”, and is also the name of a species of beautiful butterfly found in India. It is a unique and interesting name that can be used for girls.
Tishya: This Sanskrit name means “a star”, and is also the name of a species of butterfly found in India. It is a unique and beautiful name that can be used for girls.
Native American Origin Names That Mean Butterfly
Here are some Native American origin butterfly baby names:
Shikoba: This Choctaw name means “butterfly”. It is a beautiful and unique name that can be used for girls.
Aponi: This Hopi name means “butterfly”. It is a simple and pretty name of Native American origin that can be used for girls.
Catori: This Hopi name means “spirit”. While it doesn’t directly mean “butterfly”, it can be associated with the transformative and spiritual nature of a butterfly.
Mariposa: This Spanish name means “butterfly”, and is also used by Native Americans in the southwestern United States. It is a beautiful and elegant name that can be used for girls.
Papillon: This French name means “butterfly”, and is also used by some Native American communities. It is a unique and interesting name that can be used for girls.
Sesi: This Inuit name means “snowy owl”, but it is also used to refer to a species of butterfly found in Alaska. It is a unique and meaningful name of Native American origin that can be used for girls.
Hania: This Hopi name means “spirit warrior”. While it doesn’t directly mean “butterfly”, it can be associated with the transformative and powerful nature of a butterfly.
Kitchi: This Algonquin name means “brave” or “strong”, and is also the name of a species of butterfly found in Canada. It is a unique and meaningful name that can be used for girls.
Ahiga: This Navajo name means “he fights”. While it doesn’t directly mean “butterfly”, it can be associated with the resilience and strength of a butterfly.
Kiona: This Sioux name means “brown hills”. While it doesn’t directly mean “butterfly”, it can be associated with the natural beauty and harmony of a butterfly in its environment.
Names That Mean Obsidian Butterfly
A name that means “obsidian butterfly” is a unique and interesting name. Here are a few ideas for such a name:
Obsidiana: This name is a variation of the Spanish word “obsidiana”, which means “obsidian”, a volcanic glass that is usually black. This name can be combined with “Mariposa”, the Spanish word for “butterfly”, to create the name “Obsidiana Mariposa”, which means “obsidian butterfly”.
Onyxia: This name is derived from the word “onyx”, which is a type of black gemstone, and can be combined with Papillon (French origin), the French word for “butterfly”, to create the name “Onyxia Papillon”, which means “obsidian butterfly”.
Obsidianelle: This name is a combination of “obsidian” and the French suffix “-elle”, which is used to create feminine diminutives. This name can be combined with “Farfalla”, the Italian word for “butterfly”, to create the name “Obsidianelle Farfalla”, which means “little obsidian butterfly”.
Obsidianwing: This name combines “obsidian” with “wing”, referring to the wings of a butterfly. This name can be combined with “Chrysalis”, the stage in a butterfly’s metamorphosis, to create the name “Obsidianwing Chrysalis”, which means “the transformative obsidian butterfly”.
German Names That Mean Butterfly
The German word for butterfly is “Schmetterling”, but it is not commonly used as a name. However, there are a few German names that are related to butterflies:
Farfalla: This Italian word for “butterfly” is sometimes used as a German baby girl’s name. It has a unique and pretty sound.
Flora: This Latin origin name means “flower”, but it is also associated with butterflies and other winged insects. It is a classic and timeless name.
Sylphie: This name is derived from the Greek word “sylph”, which refers to a mythological creature with butterfly wings. It is a unique and whimsical name.
Vanessa: This name was created by author Jonathan Swift for a character in his poem “Cadenus and Vanessa”, and it later became associated with a species of butterfly called the “Vanessa atalanta”. It is a popular and familiar name in Germany.
Aurora: This name means “dawn” or “daybreak”, but it is also associated with butterflies and their fluttering wings. It is a beautiful and ethereal name.
Schmetti: This name is a diminutive of “Schmetterling”, the German word for butterfly. It is a cute and playful name.
Elvira: This name means “truth” or “fairness”, but it is also associated with the Elvira butterfly, a species found in Central America. It is a strong and elegant name.
Leptidea: This name is derived from the Greek word “leptos”, which means “thin”, and refers to a genus of small white butterflies. It is a unique and scientific-sounding name.
Names Related to Butterfly (Of Many Origins)
Turkish Origin
The Turkish word for butterfly is “kelebek”. However, there is no Turkish origin name that directly means “butterfly”. Here are some Turkish names that have a connection to nature and may be of interest:
- Deniz: This name means “sea” and can evoke a sense of natural beauty and tranquility.
- Aylin: This name means “moon halo” or “moonlight” and can evoke a sense of celestial beauty.
- Ceren: This name means “young gazelle” and can evoke a sense of grace and agility.
- Nazlı: This name means “delicate” or “graceful” and can evoke a sense of fragility and beauty.
- Elvan: This name means “multicolored” and can evoke a sense of vibrancy and diversity.
- Ebru: This name means “marbled paper” and can evoke a sense of artistic beauty.
- Gülnur: This name means “flower light” or “rose light” and can evoke a sense of natural beauty and elegance.
While none of these butterfly names directly mean “butterfly”, they do have connections to nature and may be a good fit for someone looking for a Turkish name with a similar feel.
Scottish Origin
There is no Scottish origin name that directly means “butterfly”. However, there are some Scottish names that have a connection to nature or animals and may be of interest:
- Ainslie: This name means “meadow” or “clearing”, which can evoke a sense of nature and the outdoors.
- Blane: This name means “yellow” or “fair-haired”, but it is also the name of a Scottish saint associated with healing and nature.
- Elspeth: This name is a Scottish form of the name Elizabeth, which means “pledged to God”, but it also has a connection to nature as it was the name of a fairy queen in Scottish folklore.
- Fiona: This name means “fair” or “white”, and can evoke a sense of purity and beauty, similar to the delicate wings of a butterfly.
- Isla: This name means “island”, which can evoke a sense of natural beauty and tranquility.
- Lachlan: This name means “from the fjord-land”, which can evoke a sense of rugged natural beauty and adventure.
- Rowan: This name means “little red-haired one” and is also the name of a tree with red berries that is considered sacred in Celtic mythology.
While none of these butterfly names directly mean “butterfly”, they do have connections to nature and may be a good fit for someone looking for a Scottish name with a similar feel.
Japanese Origin
The Japanese word for butterfly is “chou”. Here are some Japanese names that have a connection to butterflies or may be inspired by them:
- Midori: This name means “green” and can evoke a sense of natural beauty and harmony, similar to the delicate wings of a butterfly.
- Kaede: This name means “maple” and can evoke a sense of natural beauty and tranquility, similar to the peaceful nature of butterflies.
- Ayame: This name means “iris” and can evoke a sense of grace and elegance, similar to the delicate beauty of butterflies.
- Rinka: This name means “bellflower” and can evoke a sense of delicate beauty and innocence, similar to the gentle nature of butterflies.
- Miyabi: This name means “elegance” or “refinement” and can evoke a sense of sophistication and beauty, similar to the gracefulness of butterflies.
While not all of these butterfly names directly mean “butterfly”, they do have connections to nature and may be a good fit for someone looking for a Japanese name with a similar feel.
Why Are Names That Mean Butterfly So Popular?
Names that mean butterfly are popular because they evoke feelings of beauty, grace, and transformation.
Butterflies are known for their delicate and captivating appearance, as well as their transformative journey from a caterpillar to a winged insect. This symbolizes growth, change, and new beginnings, which are all positive and inspiring qualities.
In addition, the butterfly is often seen as a symbol of hope, renewal, and resilience, making it a popular choice for parents who want their child’s name to reflect these values. The butterfly is also associated with the soul, which is a popular theme for many parents when choosing a name for their child.
Moreover, many butterfly names have a beautiful sound and are unique, which makes them appealing to parents who want a name that is special and stands out. These names often have a timeless quality and can be used as either boy names or girl names, making them a versatile choice for parents who are looking for a unisex name.
Overall, the popularity of names that mean butterfly is a result of their beautiful meaning, positive associations, and timeless quality.
Names That Mean Butterfly Reflect Beauty and Grace
If you’re looking for a name that reflects the beauty, grace, and transformation of the butterfly, there are many names that mean butterfly to choose from.
Whether you’re looking for Japanese origin, German origin, Greek origin, Latin origin, Arabic origin, or Native American origin names for a baby boy, a baby girl, or a unisex name, there is a name that embodies the essence of the butterfly, making it a meaningful and special choice for your child.
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