Jasmine

Jasmine is the English flower name, with a word history that leads back to Persian yasmin. Its literal meaning is the plant itself. The frequently repeated explanation “gift from God” is not the direct translation of the Persian flower word and should not replace that botanical meaning.

The flower’s fragrance gives the name a clear sensory association, while Princess Jasmine in Disney’s Aladdin provides a familiar fictional one. Yasmin, Yasmine, and Jazmin offer related forms with different spelling traditions. Jazz is a possible short form, although Jasmine works comfortably in full. Parents choosing among these forms may want to consider pronunciation in their own languages as well as the appearance of the name.