"little rush, little reed (from the leaf shape)"
Origin: Spanish/Latin
Language: English
Jonquil
Jonquil is a girl name of Spanish/Latin origin meaning "little rush, little reed (from the leaf shape)." Ranked #66,535 in the US, popular nicknames include Jonny, Quil, and Jon.
A rare vintage bloom with intoxicating fragrance
English
American
French
Floral
Vintage
Distinctive
Elegant
Unusual
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
"type of narcissus flower, pale yellow"
Origin: English
Language: English
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The Story of Jonquil
Jonquil comes from the Spanish junquillo, meaning little rush or little reed — a diminutive of junco (rush, a marsh plant), from Latin juncus. The name refers to the narrow, rush-like leaves of the jonquil flower, a member of the narcissus family with intensely fragrant yellow or white blossoms. Jonquil is a true flower name, sitting alongside Lily, Violet, and Jasmine in the botanical naming tradition, though far rarer. It was used as a given name primarily in Britain and America in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Jonquil was a fashionable floral name in the Victorian and Edwardian eras, when nature names flourished. Today it is exceedingly rare, making it a distinctive choice for parents drawn to vintage botanical names.
Jonquil flowers have symbolized desire, affection, and the return of spring in the language of flowers (floriography) since the Victorian era. The jonquils intense fragrance made it particularly prized in perfumery.
Historical Record
Jonquil first appeared in US Social Security records in 1962.
Over 209 babies have been named Jonquil in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Jonquil is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #66,535 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- The jonquil is closely related to the daffodil but technically refers specifically to Narcissus jonquilla, which has multiple blooms per stem and is more strongly fragrant
- Jonquil is also an old name for a pale yellow color, used in art and fashion
Jonquil in Other Languages
French
Jonquille
Italian
Giunchiglia
Spanish
Junquillo
Japanese
ジョンキル
Popularity Over Time
#66,535
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Jonquil
J
Jonquil Howard
Other
British childrens book author who wrote the Miss Bianca series
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #66,535
- Total SSA Count
- 5
- Cultural Origins
- English American French
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Common Nicknames
Jonny
Quil
Jon
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Jonquil
5 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Jonquil is also used as a boy name, ranked #28062.
View Jonquil as a boy name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Jonquil
What does the name Jonquil mean?
"little rush, little reed (from the leaf shape)" (from Spanish/Latin). "type of narcissus flower, pale yellow" (from English). Jonquil comes from the Spanish junquillo, meaning little rush or little reed — a diminutive of junco (rush, a marsh plant), from Latin juncus. The name refers to the narrow, rush-like leaves of the jonquil flower, a member of the narcissus family with intensely fragrant yellow or white blossoms. Jonquil is a true flower name, sitting alongside Lily, Violet, and Jasmine in the botanical naming tradition, though far rarer. It was used as a given name primarily in Britain and America in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
What is the origin of the name Jonquil?
Jonquil has Spanish/Latin, English, American, and French origins. In Spanish/Latin, it means "little rush, little reed (from the leaf shape)". In English, it means "type of narcissus flower, pale yellow".
Is Jonquil a boy or girl name?
Jonquil is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #66535. As a boy name, it is ranked #28062. Jonquil is more commonly used as a boy name.
How popular is the name Jonquil?
Jonquil is currently ranked #66535 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Jonquil?
Common nicknames for Jonquil include Jonny, Quil, and Jon.
What are good middle names for Jonquil?
Popular middle name pairings include Jonquil Rose, Jonquil Belle, Jonquil Iris, Jonquil Mae, and Jonquil Violet.
What are good sibling names for Jonquil?
Names that pair well with Jonquil as siblings include Amaryllis, Dahlia, Iris, and Peony.
How many syllables does Jonquil have?
Jonquil has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Jonquil a common or rare name?
Jonquil is an uncommon name, ranked #66535 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Jonquil
Jonquil is a girl name with English, American, and French origins . The name means "little rush, little reed (from the leaf shape)" in Spanish/Latin .
Is Jonquil a boy or girl name? Jonquil is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #66,535 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #28,062. Jonquil is more commonly used as a boy name.
Jonquil is currently ranked #66,535 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Jonquil has 2 syllables, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Jonquil include Jonny, Quil, and Jon. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis