▲The origin of its name is unclear, though speculation suggests Carl Linnaeus (1707–1778), considered the father of taxonomy, named the flower after a student called Dahl. Its meaning includes inner strength, commitment, and a warning against betrayal.

▲Christian Ecklon (1795–1868) named this delicate flower after fellow botanist Friedrich Freese (?–1876). Friendship, trust, and thoughtfulness, are just three of the meanings associated with the bloom.

▲Symbolic of fame and perfect love, the tulip was first cultivated in Persia and Turkey. The origins of its name has been lost in translation, though ancient Persians wore tulips in their turbans and the Turkish people cultivated the flower as an emblem of paradise on earth.

▲Singular in its radiant beauty, the flower's scientific name Helianthus combines the two Greek words for sun and flower. It symbolizes long life, adoration, and brightness of mood, among other representations.

▲The flower originates in Japan, but its name comes from the Greek "hydor," meaning water, and "angos," meaning jar or vessel—a reference to its cup-shaped flower and need for an abundance of water.

▲A member of the genus narcissus, named for the Greek demigod, some of the most common meanings associated with this flower include creativity, forgiveness, and awareness. Remember, Narcissus fell in love with his own reflection.

▲Belonging to the Myosotis genus of flowers—a Greek name which means mouse's ear and alludes to the shape of the flower's petals—this delicate bloom is associated with true love, fidelity and loyalty in a relationship, as well as affection between two people, among other connotations.

▲Derived from the the ancient Greek term leirion (one of the first words for flower), the lily flower symbolizes purity, passion, and rebirth, among other meanings.

▲The word lilac derives from a host of languages: English, French, Spanish, Arabic, Persian, and even Sanskrit! A harbinger of spring, the flower represents versatility but also recollection, especially that of an old flame.

▲The Greeks named it twice: "antirrhinon," meaning nose-like, and “kynokephelon,” or dog-headed. Sometimes used as a charm against falsehood, the flower also symbolizes grace and inner strength.

▲Believe it or not, orchids owe their name to the Greek word orchis, meaning testicle. In antiquity, an orchid with pronounced tuberous roots symbolized a male child, while those with small tubers characterized a female child.

▲Some etymologists believe the word carnation comes from "carone," the Roman word for flower. Others suggest the name derives from the Latin word "caro," meaning flesh—the color of the first carnations. Used in Victorian times to illustrate secret coded messages, the flower today is a wedding and Mother's Day perennial.

▲Named for Swedish naturalist Baron Clas Alströmer (1736–1794), who discovered it, this tropical wonder has petals that radiate all sorts of meaning including friendship, devotion, and aspiration.

▲Greek mythology speaks of a beautiful boy called Hyakinthos. The flower's name is also derived from the word jacinth, meaning a blue gemstone. The flower's meaning can relate to jealousy or sincerity, depending on its color.

▲In Latin, "rana" means frog and "unculus" little. Ranunculus is found in large numbers near streams so perhaps this is why the flower is named as such. Charm, radiance, and attractiveness are all associated with this showy bloom.

▲With a name borrowed from the Latin word rosa, and with its roots in Italian and Greek dialects, the rose is one of the world's most popular flowers. It has many meanings depending on its color, with love, passion, and honor favorite expressions.

▲Named by the Greeks to honor Iris, the goddess of the rainbow and messenger to the Olympian gods. The flower's meaning is interpreted widely, but is often associated with royalty. Faith and wisdom are also closely aligned with the bloom.

▲In Greek mythology Paeon was the physician of the gods, from whom this flower takes its name. The iconic bloom represents ideas and values such as honor and wealth. However, it can also mean shame and reticence.

▲The word heather stems from the Middle English word hadre, but which was chiefly Scots until the 16th century. The flower has always been associated with good fortune.

▲Named after botanist Joel Roberts Poinsett (1779–1851), the first US ambassador to Mexico, the poinsettia has become a cherished symbol of Christmas. Depending on color, its symbolism relates to the birth of Christ: the popular red variety means the blood of Christ.

▲One of this plant's family names is Calendula, which translates from the Latin as little clock. More poetically, Marigolds were once used in place of gold coins as an offering to the Virgin Mary. Among its meanings are the warmth of the rising sun, promoting cheer, and desire for wealth.

▲Pluck a single bloom from this plant and you'll notice it resembles a cavorting dolphin. Delphinium is borrowed from the Greek word for this playful mammal! Aptly, the flower means celebration, openness, and achievement, among other symbolism.

▲Derived from the Old English dægesege, from dæges eage, meaning "day's eye," because the petals open at dawn and close at dusk. The daisy flower means purity, innocence, and new beginnings, as well as love and harmony.

▲Held in high esteem by many Eastern cultures and frequently used in religious ceremonies, the Lotus flower's symbolic significance depends on flower variety and color. In Japan for example, this is the flower used as the seat of Buddha; in China it's known as the sacred Lotus.

▲Brought together, the Greek words "oura," meaning tail, and "anthos," meaning flower, translates as tail flower, a nod towards the tail-like spike in the center of the flower. Hospitality, happiness, and abundance are the meanings behind this tropical plant.

▲Acknowledged by the Greeks for its value and beauty by their combining the words "chrysos," meaning gold, with "anthemon," meaning flower, this bloom generally symbolizes friendship and cheerfulness.

▲The ancient Greeks called this flower xiphium, after "xiphos," their word for sword. It later became known as gladiolus after the Latin word "gladius," which also means sword. Honor and remembrance are its primary meanings, but the flower is also symbolic of integrity and strength of character.

▲Singular in its bird-like appearance, the flower's scientific name, Strelitzia, is drawn from Queen Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz (1744– 1818). Not surprisingly, it symbolizes royalty, paradise on earth, and magnificence, among other meanings.

▲Named for Jesuit missionary and naturalist George Joseph Kamel (1661–1706), these exuberant flowers symbolize desire or passion, refinement, and perfection, among other meanings.

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Originating in the tropical regions of Asia, Jasmin is named after the Persian word "yasmin," meaning gift from God. It's associated with love, beauty, and sensuality.

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Colorful and fragrant, flowers are one of nature's most enchanting natural wonders. But where do flower names originate, and what's the meaning behind them?

Click through the gallery and say it with flowers, as picked by Flower Meaning.