"yarrow plant"
Origin: English
Language: Old English
Yarrow
Pronunciation: [ y-AHR-oh ]
Does Yarrow flow with your last name?
A wildflower warrior name rooted in ancient healing lore
English
American
Celtic
Nature
Botanical
Earthy
Unusual
Adventurous
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
"rough stream"
Origin: Celtic
Language: Brythonic
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The Story of Yarrow
Yarrow comes from the Old English word gearwe, referring to the flowering plant Achillea millefolium, a common wildflower native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. The plant has been used for thousands of years in traditional medicine to staunch wounds and treat fever. Its botanical genus name, Achillea, references the legend that Achilles used yarrow to heal his soldiers during the Trojan War. As a given name, Yarrow fits squarely into the modern botanical naming movement alongside Sage, Briar, and Thistle.
Yarrow has gained quiet momentum among nature-inspired names, appealing to parents who want something botanical but less common than Sage or Rowan. Its strong consonant sounds give it a bold, adventurous feel while still feeling rooted in the natural world.
The yarrow plant holds significance across many cultures as a healing herb. In Norse tradition, yarrow was associated with Frigg, goddess of healing. In Celtic tradition, it was carried as a protective charm against illness and negative energy.
Historical Record
Yarrow first appeared in US Social Security records in 1973.
Over 54 babies have been named Yarrow in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Yarrow is past its peak , currently ranked #9,348 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- The scientific name for yarrow, Achillea millefolium, literally means Achilles thousand leaves
- Yarrow has been found at Neanderthal burial sites, suggesting ritual use at least 60000 years ago
- There is a River Yarrow in Lancashire, England, whose name derives from a Celtic root meaning rough stream
Yarrow in Other Languages
Welsh
Yarrow
French
Yarrow
German
Yarrow
Spanish
Yarrow
Japanese
Yaro
Popularity Over Time
#9,348
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Peaked 1973
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Yarrow
P
Peter Yarrow
Musician
1938
American folk singer, member of the legendary trio Peter, Paul and Mary
Y
Yarrow Mamout
Other
1736
American freed slave and devout Muslim, subject of two notable portraits among the earliest African Americans depicted i...
American freed slave and devout Muslim, subject of two notable portraits among the earliest African Americans depicted in American portraiture
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Compare Yarrow with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #9,348
- Total SSA Count
- 9
- Cultural Origins
- English American Celtic
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Casual
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Common Nicknames
Yar
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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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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Classic pairing, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Classic pairing, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Classic pairing, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Yarrow
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Yarrow is also used as a girl name, ranked #22496.
View Yarrow as a girl name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Yarrow
What does the name Yarrow mean?
"yarrow plant" (from English). "rough stream" (from Celtic). Yarrow comes from the Old English word gearwe, referring to the flowering plant Achillea millefolium, a common wildflower native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. The plant has been used for thousands of years in traditional medicine to staunch wounds and treat fever. Its botanical genus name, Achillea, references the legend that Achilles used yarrow to heal his soldiers during the Trojan War. As a given name, Yarrow fits squarely into the modern botanical naming movement alongside Sage, Briar, and Thistle.
What is the origin of the name Yarrow?
Yarrow has English, Celtic, and American origins. In English, it means "yarrow plant". In Celtic, it means "rough stream".
Is Yarrow a boy or girl name?
Yarrow is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #9348. As a girl name, it is ranked #22496. Yarrow is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Yarrow?
Yarrow is pronounced y-AHR-oh.
How popular is the name Yarrow?
Yarrow is currently ranked #9348 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Yarrow?
Common nicknames for Yarrow include Yar.
What are good middle names for Yarrow?
Popular middle name pairings include Yarrow Stone, Yarrow Ridge, Yarrow Fox, Yarrow Blue, Yarrow Moss, and Yarrow River.
What are good sibling names for Yarrow?
Names that pair well with Yarrow as siblings include Sage, River, Rowan, Ash, Birch, and Wren.
How many syllables does Yarrow have?
Yarrow has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Yarrow a common or rare name?
Yarrow is an uncommon name, ranked #9348 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Yarrow
Yarrow is a boy name with English, American, and Celtic origins . The name means "yarrow plant" in English .
Is Yarrow a boy or girl name? Yarrow is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #9,348 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #22,496. Yarrow is more commonly used as a boy name.
Yarrow is currently ranked #9,348 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Yarrow has 2 syllables and is pronounced y-AHR-oh, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Yarrow include Yar. 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