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Jonquil
Pronounced JONG-kwil /ˈdʒɒŋ.kwɪl/Low
Meaning: Jonquil is a botanical name taken straight from the jonquil, a sweet-scented species of narcissus. The word travels from French jonquille back to Spanish junquillo and ultimately Latin juncus, 'reed,' after the plant's slender, rush-like leaves.Low
Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data
U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.
SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.
History & Origin
Jonquil comes directly from the flower, one of the daffodil family's most fragrant members. English speakers borrowed the plant's French name, jonquille, and the trail leads back through Spanish to Latin juncus, 'reed,' named for the jonquil's narrow leaves.
As a given name it was always uncommon, given to only about fifteen girls a year at its peak around 1987 and appearing on and off from the 1930s. It sits with the rarer flower names, distinctive precisely because it never became fashionable.
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Frequently Asked
What does the name Jonquil mean?
It is a flower name from the jonquil, a fragrant narcissus, via French jonquille from Latin juncus, 'reed.'
How do you pronounce Jonquil?
It is said JONG-kwil /ˈdʒɒŋ.kwɪl/ - two syllables.
Is Jonquil a boy or girl name?
Jonquil is used as a girl's name.
How popular is Jonquil?
It was always rare in the United States, given to only about fifteen girls a year around its peak in the late nineteen-eighties.