Calendar in Bloom

Why is May called “Květen” in Czech?

The word květen is a linguistically unique Czech name for the fifth month of the year. It expresses exactly what can be seen and felt in nature - May brings warmer weather and blooming landscapes.

The name květen originated during the Czech National Revival as part of a linguistic reform. It was first used in 1805 by Czech linguist Josef Jungmann as an alternative to the Latin maius (May), which refers to Maia, the Roman goddess of spring - after whom most European languages still name this month.

But květen is not the only exception. Czech month names are relatively unique in the global context, as most European languages have adopted the Latin ones. Czech, however, chose to name its months based on natural phenomena and seasonal activities.

When flowers inspire names

Since ancient times, people have chosen names inspired by nature - so it’s no wonder that beautiful flowers became a natural choice. Even today, they symbolize beauty, innocence, passion, and healing power. Giving a child a flower-inspired name was often seen as passing on the flower’s qualities or a kind of a blessing.

Traditional and modern flower names that bloom with meaning

Floral names are especially popular for women, but men haven’t been left out either. You might first think of names like Rose or Florian, but did you know that names such as Oliver or Susanna also have roots in the plant world? Which floral names are commonly used in Czech, and what do they mean?

Flower Names for Women:

• Angelica – of Latin origin, associated with the medicinal plant Angelica archangelica.
• Daphne – from Greek, meaning “laurel”.
• Erica – of Latin origin, meaning “heather”.
• Flora – from Latin, the name of the Roman goddess of flowers and spring; symbolizes blooming beauty.
• Hydrangea – rarely used as a name, but inspired by the hydrangea flower.
• Iris – of Greek origin, also the name of the iris flower and the goddess of the rainbow.
• Jasmine – derived from the fragrant jasmine flower.
• Dahlia – inspired by the flower of the same name, known in Czech as Jiřina.
• Florence / Flora / Fleur – variations symbolizing "flower" or "blooming" (related to names like Květoslava or Květa in Slavic languages).
• Lily / Liliana – from Latin lilium, meaning “lily,” a symbol of purity.
• Olivia – of Latin origin, meaning “olive tree”; botanical but not a flower.
• Rose / Rosalie / Rosina – all derived from the rose, one of the most beloved and symbolic flowers.
• Veronica – a Latin-origin name linked to the healing herb Veronica officinalis (speedwell).
• Violet / Violeta – from Latin, meaning “violet flower.”
• Susanna / Susan – from Hebrew Shoshannah, meaning “lily” or sometimes “rose.”

Flower Names for Men:

• Florian – of Latin origin, meaning “blooming” or “belonging to flowers.”
• Hyacinth – from Greek mythology, referring to the hyacinth flower and the tragic figure Hyakinthos. Rare as a male name today, but historically used.
• George – the English equivalent of Jiří; traditionally linked to the earth (geōrgos = farmer), but in Czech, it's also associated with the flower Dahlia (called Jiřina).
• Florent / Florentin – names related to Florian or inspired by the Slavic Květoslav, symbolizing “glorious in bloom.”
• Narcissus – of Greek origin, derived from the narcissus flower and the mythological youth known for his beauty. Rare as a modern name.
• Oliver – of Latin origin, meaning “olive tree.” Botanical, though not floral.
• Valerian – of Latin origin, meaning “strong” or “healthy”; associated with the medicinal plant Valeriana officinalis.
• Laurence / Lawrence – derived from the Latin Laurentius, meaning “from Laurentum” or “crowned with laurel”.

Anglická jména květin zní jako něžná oslovení In English, Flower Names Bloom with Tenderness

Many flower-based names have variants across different languages, but English stands out for its global reach and melodic sound. So which English names inspired by flowers are the most beloved?

• Azalea – a vibrant flowering shrub symbolizing femininity and abundance.
• Basil – a fragrant herb often tied to love and protection.
• Camellia – a refined blossom symbolizing admiration and perfection.
• Daisy – a cheerful flower representing innocence and purity.
• Fern – a graceful plant symbolizing sincerity and magic.
• Heather – a wildflower linked to independence and natural beauty.
• Holly – traditionally connected with protection and winter festivities.
• Hyacinth – a fragrant spring flower named after a Greek myth.
• Iris – symbolizes wisdom and hope, and is named after the goddess of the rainbow.
• Jasmine – a sweet-scented flower symbolizing grace and sensuality.
• Lavender – associated with calm, healing, and serenity.
• Lily – represents purity, motherhood, and renewal.
• Marigold – a bright flower tied to warmth, creativity, and remembrance.
• Petunia – a vibrant flower that stands for resilience and charm.
• Poppy – a delicate flower symbolizing sleep, peace, and remembrance.
• Rose – a classic flower of love and beauty.
• Violet – a modest flower associated with loyalty and humility.
  

Flower-inspired names are popular even among celebrities. Actresses like Rose McGowan, Lily Collins, and Daisy Ridley carry names that evoke softness, beauty, and strength. In the Czech Republic, floral names have graced notable women such as Květa Fialová and Jiřina Jirásková. Interestingly, the very first Czech beauty queen to represent the country at an international pageant in Paris in 1910 was also named after what many consider the most beautiful flower- Růžena Brožová, the Czech equivalent of “Rose.”

Flowers as Heritage and Inspiration

Flowers influence the choice of names across cultures - whether it’s the Czech Jiřina, the English Poppy, or the Japanese name Ren (meaning lotus). Many of these names are not only beautiful but deeply symbolic, carrying meanings rooted in mythology, literature, or folk traditions. Just like blossoms in nature, these names bloom in different times, languages, and lives - reminding us that the language of flowers is truly universal.