Flora

Flora is a female name derived from the Latin flos meaning, quite simply, “flower,” itself traced to the prehistoric Proto-Indo-European root *bhle- meaning “to blossom, flourish.”  Apropos, according to ancient Roman mythology, Flora was the goddess of flowers, vegetation, fertility and spring. She was also the wife of Zephyr (the west wind), whose gentle, warm breezes indicated the approach of springtime. The Romans celebrated her festival, known as the Floralia, for six straight days starting April 28 – historically remembered as a pleasure-seeking jubilee of debauchery that included sexual theatrics and excessive drinking. Nevertheless, Flora is one of the most ancient and revered of all Roman goddesses; her altar was said to have been erected as far back as the 8th century BC.  As a female given name, Flora was first popularized in France during the Renaissance. The name remains well-circulated in France, but also appears to be a favorite among Hungarians. 

 

Aside from Flora’s Latin roots, this name was also occasionally used in Scotland as an Anglicized form of Fionnuala (Finola), meaning “fair shoulder,” from the Irish-Gaelic fionn “white, fair, blessed” and guala “shoulder.”  According to Irish folklore, Fionnuala was one of the four children of Lir who were transformed into swans for 900 years (see Finola for more details).