What does Peony mean and where does it come from?
Peony is a name derived from the peony flower, which has deep cultural significance in Chinese tradition, symbolizing wealth, good fortune, and prosperity. The name is also associated with Greek mythology, where Paeon, a physician of the gods, transformed into the peony flower. The usage of Peony as
Cultural significance
Peony has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in China-speaking communities, where it reflects values of 牡丹 (mǔdān) - representing wealth and good fortune..
Peak popularity
Reached #9105 in 2020 — currently #14507 in the US.
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Related Reading
China-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Peony?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Peony?
Peony works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Peony Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Peony Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Peony Blair
One syllable · on the rise
Peony Ruth
One syllable · timeless choice
Peony Wren
One syllable · vintage charm
Peony Faith
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is Peony right now?
Rising fast — up 2584 spots — currently #14507 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #14507 | 6 | ▲ up 2584 · +20% births |
| 2024 | #17091 | 5 | ▼ down 5160 · -37% births |
| 2023 | #11931 | 8 | ▲ up 42 |
| 2022 | #11973 | 8 | ▼ down 50 |
| 2021 | #11923 | 8 | ▼ down 2818 · -27% births |
| 2020 | #9105 | 11 | ▲ up 8079 · +120% births |
| 2015 | #17184 | 5 | ▼ down 1117 |
| 2000 | #16067 | 5 | ▼ down 6791 · -29% births |
| 1985 | #9276 | 7 | — |
The story of Peony
Peony is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1985. With 76 total births recorded, Peony remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #9276 in 1985, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #11931 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Peony in 2020:
Peony by decade
Peony peaked in the 2020s. See all 2020s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1980s | 14 | |
| 1990s | 6 | |
| 2000s | 11 | |
| 2010s ★ | 34 | |
| 2020s | 22 | |
💎Peony has only 76 total recorded births since 1985 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Peony?
What names sound and feel like Peony?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Peony also consider these
Common questions about the name Peony
What does the name Peony mean?
Peony means "牡丹 (Mǔdān) - representing wealth and good fortune." — a name rooted in China tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Peony?
Peony is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Peony have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Peony?
Peony originates from China tradition. China names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Peony?
Peony is a three-syllable name pronounced PEE-un-ee. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Peony?
Peony pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar China heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.