"flower"
Flora
Pronunciation: [ fl-AWR-uh ]
The Roman goddess of spring blooms again
Meaning & Origin
"goddess of flowers and spring"
The Story of Flora
Flora comes directly from the Latin word 'flos' (flower), making it one of the most transparently beautiful names in the English language. In Roman mythology, Flora was the goddess of flowers and spring, honored with the Floralia festival each April. The name spread through Europe via Roman culture and became particularly beloved in Scotland, where it was associated with Flora MacDonald, the Jacobite heroine who helped Bonnie Prince Charlie escape after the Battle of Culloden in 1746.
Flora was well-established in Victorian Britain and has been on a gentle rise since the 2010s as part of the botanical name revival—alongside Iris, Violet, Poppy, and Lily. It particularly resonates with parents who love nature-inspired names that feel classic rather than invented.
In Scotland, Flora MacDonald is a national heroine—her daring rescue of the Young Pretender is celebrated in song and legend. In Disney animation, Flora is the wise, red-robed good fairy in Sleeping Beauty (1959), giving the name a gentle magical quality for modern audiences.
Fun Facts
- The Romans celebrated the goddess Flora with the Floralia festival (April 28 to May 3), featuring flowers and dancing
- Flora MacDonald helped Bonnie Prince Charlie escape Scotland dressed as her maidservant in 1746
- Flora is one of the three good fairies in Disney's Sleeping Beauty (1959)
Flora in Other Languages
Famous People Named Flora
Flora Robson
Actor
1902
British actress, one of the great classical actresses of the 20th century, known for historical dramas
Flora MacDonald
Activist
1722
Scottish Jacobite heroine who helped Bonnie Prince Charlie escape to France after the Battle of Culloden
Flora Fictional
Other
The wise red-robed good fairy in Disney's Sleeping Beauty (1959), leader of the three fairies
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #647
- Total SSA Count
- 452
- Cultural Origins
- English Scottish Italian Spanish
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Pairs Well With
Sibling Names
Also a Boy Name
Flora is also used as a boy name, ranked #26127.
View Flora as a boy name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Flora
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Is Flora a boy or girl name?
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About the Name Flora
Flora is a girl name with English, Scottish, Italian, and Spanish origins . The name means "flower" in Latin (flos, floris) .
Is Flora a boy or girl name? Flora is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #647 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #26,127. Flora is more commonly used as a girl name.
Flora is currently ranked #647 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Flora has 2 syllables and is pronounced fl-AWR-uh, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Flora include Flo and Florie. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Flora include Florence, Flor . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.