From the Old English 'clafre,' referring to the flowering clover plant. As a name, it evokes the luck and cheerfulness long associated with the three-leafed plant.
Clover is a unisex name of English origin, taken directly from the common meadow plant whose name dates back to Old English 'clafre.' While clover and the shamrock are closely linked to Irish folklore and St. Patrick, the given name itself belongs to the English word-name tradition — joining the 19th-century fashion for botanical names like Ivy, Fern, and Violet. It stayed quietly on the edges of naming charts for most of the 20th century before catching on with parents drawn to nature names that feel fresh without sounding invented.
The four-leaf clover has been a symbol of good luck across European cultures for centuries, and that warm association travels with the name. In the US, UK, and Canada, Clover has gained ground as part of a broader wave of nature-inspired names — appealing to parents who want something botanical but less expected than Lily or Rose. Its gender-neutral quality adds to the appeal for families looking to step away from strictly gendered choices.
Clover tends to conjure images of someone free-spirited and grounded at the same time — the kind of person who brings a little unexpected luck into a room. The name feels playful but not frivolous, and its connection to open fields and wildflowers gives it an outdoorsy, easygoing charm.
Clover has been climbing steadily in English-speaking countries since the 2010s, carried by the nature-name trend and its appealing gender-neutral feel. It peaked at #618 in the US, #670 in the UK, and #718 in Canada. It remains relatively uncommon, which is part of its draw — recognizable enough to wear comfortably, rare enough to stand out.
Clover comes from the Old English word 'clafre,' the name of the flowering meadow plant. As a given name it carries the plant's associations with luck, nature, and cheerfulness — it's a straightforward word name in the tradition of Ivy or Fern.
Clover is a rare but rising name. It peaked at #618 in the US, #670 in the UK, and #718 in Canada, making it uncommon enough to feel distinctive while still being recognizable. Its popularity has grown steadily since the 2010s alongside the broader nature-name trend.
Clover is genuinely gender-neutral and is given to both boys and girls, though it currently skews slightly more toward girls in English-speaking countries. Its soft sound and botanical nature make it versatile across genders, and many parents choose it specifically for that flexibility.
Clover is uncommon but not obscure — it sits in a sweet spot where most people have heard of it and it's easy to spell and pronounce. If you love nature names but want to avoid the well-worn Lily or Violet, Clover offers something fresh that still feels grounded and wearable.