July's Flower: Sunflower The name "sunflower" originates from the Greek helios meaning "sun" and anthos meaning "flower", since these flowers always turn towards the sun. According to legend, the Greek sun-god Helios was drowned by his uncles, the Titans, and then raised to the sky, where he became the sun. He was beloved by a mortal named Clytie, who died of her love for him. Clytie was "rooted" in her grief, and thus followed Helios' daily journey through the sky. A sunflower's meaning differs from culture to culture. To some, the sunflower promises power, warmth, and nourishment — all the attributes of the sun itself.