jug to avoid sediment. Meaning & Symbolism of Heather Shop for Heathers Heather's scientific name, "Calluna vulgaris," comes from the Greek "Kallune," meaning "to clean or brush," and the Latin "vulgaris," meaning "common," as heather twigs were once used for making brooms. passionate energy focused in your life? adapted from Women's Rites, Women's Mysteries by Ruth Barrett 2004 and Heather is generally used as a girl's name. A daring name that will be loved by parents. // -->