Find out how popular the first name Sunflower has been for the last 25 years (from 1999 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.
A sunny and vibrant name representing optimism and joy.
Based on the last 25 years of data, Sunflower is exclusively a female name.
For the most recent data in 2023, there were 13 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Sunflower.
Year | Male Count | Female Count |
---|---|---|
2023 | 0 | 13 |
2022 | 0 | 9 |
2021 | 0 | 25 |
2020 | 0 | 10 |
2019 | 0 | 14 |
2016 | 0 | 7 |
1999 | 0 | 6 |
The name Sunflower is a relatively modern invention, likely coined in the late 20th century as a whimsical given name inspired by the bright yellow flower. It does not have any known ancient roots or linguistic origins, as it is an entirely new construction.
While the sunflower plant itself has been cultivated for thousands of years by Native American tribes and civilizations across the Americas, there is no evidence of the name Sunflower being used as a personal name until recent times. It appears to be a purely creative and descriptive name, chosen for its cheerful and nature-inspired connotations.
One of the earliest recorded instances of Sunflower as a given name can be found in the United States birth records from the late 1960s and early 1970s. This coincides with the rise of the hippie counterculture movement, which embraced nature-inspired names and a free-spirited approach to naming children.
Sunflower gained some notable bearers in the latter half of the 20th century, though it remained a relatively uncommon and unique choice. One of the first public figures to bear the name was Sunflower Chaloney, an American artist and activist born in 1950. She was known for her vibrant paintings and advocacy for environmental causes, aligning with the name's natural symbolism.
Another notable Sunflower was Sunflower Diaz, a Mexican-American actress and singer born in 1971. She appeared in several films and television shows, including the popular sitcom "That '70s Show," where her character's name played into the show's retro aesthetic.
In the literary world, Sunflower Greenstein was a Canadian poet and writer born in 1958. Her works often explored themes of nature, spirituality, and the human connection to the natural world, making her name a fitting choice.
Sunflower Huxtable, born in 1965, was a prominent figure in the civil rights movement in the United States. She worked tirelessly to advocate for racial equality and social justice, using her unique name as a symbol of her commitment to creating a more vibrant and inclusive society.
While not as common as more traditional names, Sunflower has left its mark on various fields throughout its relatively short history. Its whimsical and nature-inspired essence has made it a choice for those seeking a unique and uplifting name for their children.
The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.
The history and meaning of the name Sunflower was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.
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"Sunflower first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com. Accessed on May 11, 2025. http://namecensus.com/first-names/sunflower-meaning-and-history/.
"Sunflower first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com, http://namecensus.com/first-names/sunflower-meaning-and-history/. Accessed 11 May, 2025
Sunflower first name popularity, history and meaning. NameCensus.com. Retrieved from http://namecensus.com/first-names/sunflower-meaning-and-history/.
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