[Opinions] Re: Do you think flower/gemstone girl names can be unisex names?
in reply to a message by Francisinfp5w4
Depends on the name. Even if they're not used traditionally as names, the names of flowers especially usually strike me as having a particular gender. For example, Abelia, Ixora, and Junellia seem feminine and Lupin, Oleander, Linden, Yarrow and Hawthorn strike me as masculine. I find that even when the name of a flower sounds maybe gender neutral or even masculine, it will still end up being a feminine name because flowers themselves I suppose are more typically seen as feminine and people are more likely to name their daughters after them. For example, Dandelion, and Aspen are both plant names that I have heard used as masculine names on actual people, but they are used more frequently for girls and on this website they are listed as feminine. Dianthus, Coriander and Alyssum seem masculine to me, but it is also listed as feminine. Some to me are definitely gender neutral, like Aster and Ash. So for flowers, it really depends. A lot of flowers are named after mythological figures, or might have a history as a name before being used on plants, so I think in such cases the traditional gender of the name determines its use. For example, Rose has a history as a feminine name apart from being the name of a flower. Same with all the flowers named after nymphs.
As for gemstone names, I think that really depends. Ruby defintitely seems feminine to me, as Jasper masculine (because it has a history as a masculine name apart from the stone). Much of the rest seem like they could work on anyone in theory. I think maybe Opal could work on a boy?
As for gemstone names, I think that really depends. Ruby defintitely seems feminine to me, as Jasper masculine (because it has a history as a masculine name apart from the stone). Much of the rest seem like they could work on anyone in theory. I think maybe Opal could work on a boy?
This message was edited 3/22/2024, 12:06 PM
Replies
Nicknames could be a factor sometimes. Dandelion shortens so conveniently to Dan, and Dianthus is very close to Diane/Diana. Ashley is gender neutral, just like Ash! Linden seems fem to me, like Helen and Karen; but there's always Alan, Aiden and dozens of others to spoil the association.
You've met someone named Dandelion? What were they like?
I never met him in person, but he was someone I know's dad.
I know a girl whose nickname is Dandelion. It's legally Danielle but she's preferred Dandelion since she was a kid. I think its strange personally but to each their own. This girl is an artist by trade.
This message was edited 3/22/2024, 5:58 PM
Alyssum seems feminine to me because of Alyssa.