The name 'pansy' is derived from the French word pensée meaning "thought", and was so named because
the flower resembles a human face.
The specific colors of the flower – purple, yellow, and white – are meant to symbolize
memories, loving thoughts and souvenirs, respectively.
The universally loved pansy is known by various common names many of which
play on the whimsical nature of love.
The name “love in idleness” was meant to imply the image of a lover who has little or no other employment
than to think of his (or her) beloved one.* - Shamelessly copied and pasted from Wikipedia
*Not a valid excuse for failing to put out the recycling or forgetting to make supper.