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Juniper

♂ Boy

Pronounced JOO-ni-per /ˈdʒuːnɪpər/High

Meaning: From Latin juniperus, the name of the aromatic evergreen shrub; possibly from juvenis (young) + parere (to produce)High

In 30 seconds: Juniper is a Latin nature name meaning 'the juniper tree,' an aromatic evergreen symbolising protection, healing, and eternal life. Long used for girls, it also carries a legitimate medieval masculine heritage through Brother Juniper, companion of St Francis of Assisi.
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Origin HighLatin
MeaningFrom Latin juniperus, the name of the aromatic evergreen shrub; possibly from juvenis (young) + parere (to produce)
U.S. rank (2024)#3180 ↗ Rising
2024 U.S. births38 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year2024
Total births (all-time)≈ 233

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 202420122024

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Juniper derives from the Latin juniperus, the name of the evergreen conifer shrub in the genus Juniperus, which has been valued across cultures for its aromatic wood, medicinal berries, and spiritual protective qualities. The Latin word may come from juvenis (young) and parere (to produce), suggesting regenerative life force. As a given name, Juniper has a genuine medieval masculine history through Frate Ginepro (Brother Juniper), a beloved Franciscan friar.

In the modern era, Juniper has been predominantly used as a girl's name in English-speaking countries. However, its historical masculine use and the current movement toward gender-expansive nature names have made it an emerging choice for boys as well. On the male side, it remains rare but notably distinctive.

Did you know? Brother Juniper was one of the original twelve companions of St Francis of Assisi in the 13th century, famous for his radical simplicity and joyful holiness — earning him a saintly masculine pedigree that predates modern naming trends.
Overall data confidence 87%
Behind the Name — Juniper — Latin etymology and usage historyThe Little Flowers of St Francis (Fioretti) — Accounts of Brother Juniper as companion of St Francis

Variations

JuniJunipero

Nicknames

JuneJuniJunieJup

Famous Bearers

  • ★Brother Juniper (Fra Ginepro) (c. 1190–1258)
    One of the original companions of St Francis of Assisi, remembered for his simplicity and humility and known as 'the renowned jester of the Lord'.

If you like Juniper…

Jasper— nature-adjacent name with the same warm, three-syllable feel
River— modern nature name with a flowing, outdoorsy character for boys
Ash— short nature name from a tree, part of the same botanical naming family
Cedar— tree name with a similar earthy, aromatic character

Frequently Asked

What does the name Juniper mean?

Juniper comes from the Latin juniperus, the aromatic evergreen shrub, possibly meaning 'youth-producing.' It symbolises protection, healing, and eternal life.

How do you pronounce Juniper?

Juniper is pronounced JOO-ni-per /ˈdʒuːnɪpər/ — three syllables with stress on the first.

Is Juniper a boy or girl name?

Juniper is predominantly used as a girl's name today, but it has a genuine medieval masculine history through Brother Juniper of Assisi. It is listed here in its male usage context.

How popular is Juniper?

Juniper has risen sharply as a girl's name in the US since the 2010s. As a boy's name it remains very rare, making it distinctive for parents who know its Franciscan history.