Emma Girl
EH-muh
“whole, universal” · Germanic
#3
Juniper
GirlEnglish, Latin· “juniper shrub”
- Meaning
- juniper shrub
- Origin
- English, Latin
- Pronunciation
- JOO-nih-pur
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #100
- US babies 2025
- 2,618
- Best rank
- #100 (2025)
- Peak year
- 2025
Meaning and origin of Juniper
Juniper is an English and Latin name that means “juniper shrub”.
Juniper comes straight from the name of the evergreen shrub, known in Latin as juniperus. The plant is known for its blue, berry-like cones, the flavoring behind gin, and for its hardy habit of growing on dry hillsides and rocky ground. As a given name it belongs to the modern wave of botanical choices alongside Willow, Hazel and Ivy, which feel natural and a little whimsical at the same time. Juniper also has an older Christian echo: Brother Juniper was an early companion of Saint Francis of Assisi. Nicknames include June, Junie and Juni, which let the name grow from playful to grown-up.
Popularity over time
Juniper first appears in US Social Security records in 1969. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 15 different years, starting in 2011. It is at its all-time high right now: 2025 brought both its best national rank, #100, and its highest count, 2,618 babies. Use has grown 251% in ten years.
Its national rank moved from #7,041 in 1980, #5,061 in 2000, #1,147 in 2010, and #100 in 2025. Of the 21,856 US girls named Juniper since records began, 62% were born in the 2020s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 7,356 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Georgia, Amara, Sienna, Margot, and Cecilia.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Juniper ranked highest in Alaska, Oregon, and Montana.
Gender, sound and spelling
About 99% of US babies named Juniper over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
Juniper is usually pronounced JOO-nih-pur, with three syllables. It has seven letters, starts with J and ends in “-er”.
Middle names for Juniper
A few middle names that flow with Juniper: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Juniper
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Lists that include Juniper
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Juniper mean?
Juniper is an English and Latin name that means “juniper shrub”.
What is the origin of the name Juniper?
Juniper has English and Latin roots. Juniper comes straight from the name of the evergreen shrub, known in Latin as juniperus.
Is Juniper a popular name?
Yes. Juniper ranked #100 in the US in 2025, which makes it one of the 100 most popular names.
Is Juniper a boy or girl name?
Juniper is mainly a girl's name. About 99% of US babies named Juniper over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
How do you pronounce Juniper?
Juniper is usually pronounced JOO-nih-pur. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings