Back to Baby Names

Flora

Pronunciation: [ fl-AWR-uh ]

Girl Name #647 Most Popular Rising 2 Syllables

The Roman goddess of spring blooms again

English Scottish Italian Spanish
Vintage Elegant Earthy Gentle Whimsical

Meaning & Origin

"flower"
Origin: Latin (flos, floris)
Language: English
"goddess of flowers and spring"
Origin: Roman mythology
Language: English

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

Latin Flora
French Flore
Italian Flora
Spanish Flora
Scottish Gaelic Flora

Famous People Named Flora

F

Flora Robson

Actor

1902

British actress, one of the great classical actresses of the 20th century, known for historical dramas

F

Flora MacDonald

Activist

1722

Scottish Jacobite heroine who helped Bonnie Prince Charlie escape to France after the Battle of Culloden

F

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

Flo Florie

Pairs Well With

Flora Rose Flora Jane Flora Mae Flora Grace Flora June Flora Claire

Sibling Names

Also a Boy Name

Flora is also used as a boy name, ranked #26127.

View Flora as a boy name →

Similar Names

Playground Safety

Kid-Friendly

Can't decide?

Start a tournament bracket with Flora and other names you're considering.

Start a Tournament

Like this name?

Check how Flora sounds with your surname and test for potential nicknames.

Analyze This Name
Browse more girl names →

Explore More Generators

Frequently Asked Questions About Flora

What does the name Flora mean?
"flower" (from Latin (flos, floris)). "goddess of flowers and spring" (from Roman mythology). 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.
What is the origin of the name Flora?
Flora has Latin (flos, floris), Roman mythology, English, Scottish, Italian, and Spanish origins. In Latin (flos, floris), it means "flower". In Roman mythology, it means "goddess of flowers and spring".
Is Flora a boy or girl name?
Flora is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #647. As a boy name, it is ranked #26127. Flora is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Flora?
Flora is pronounced fl-AWR-uh.
How popular is the name Flora?
Flora is currently ranked #647 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Flora?
Common nicknames for Flora include Flo and Florie.
What are good middle names for Flora?
Popular middle name pairings include Flora Rose, Flora Jane, Flora Mae, Flora Grace, Flora June, and Flora Claire.
What are good sibling names for Flora?
Names that pair well with Flora as siblings include Iris, Felix, Violet, Hugo, Hazel, and Edmund.
How many syllables does Flora have?
Flora has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Flora a common or rare name?
Flora is moderately common, ranked #647 for girls in the US. You will encounter it, but it stands out.

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.

Explore Name Lists