The Ancient Roots of the Name Flora

The name Flora was not originally a name at all, but a powerful Roman deity. She served as the goddess of flowers and springtime, representing the blossoming fertility of the natural world.

Long before it became a popular name for girls, Flora was worshipped by Romans who prayed to her for a successful harvest. The name comes from the Latin word flos, meaning flower, which is the same root used for the word floral today. It also served as a feminine version of the masculine name Florus. By choosing this name, one is actually invoking the spirit of an ancient fertility goddess.