As parents, we often seek out names that hold special meaning for our children. If you’re drawn to the beauty and power of water, consider giving your child a name that reflects this natural element. Water is essential for life, and it’s no wonder that many cultures have rich traditions surrounding water and its symbolism.
We’ll explore names that mean water, from the familiar to the exotic, and discover their origins, meanings, popularity, and unique qualities. We also used data from the Social Security Administration to determine the popularity of some of the names listed here.
In This Article
50 Water Baby Names for Boys
Here are 50 cool water themed named for boys.
Aalto
Aalto is a Finnish surname that has gained attention as a unique and modern first name. The name is most famously associated with the Finnish architect and designer, Alvar Aalto.
Arroyo
Arroyo is a Spanish word that means stream or small river. It is also used as a surname. The name gained attention as a first name in the US in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
Bay
Bay is a simple and unique name that is derived from the English word for an inlet of the sea. It has been used as a first name since the 19th century and has been gaining popularity in recent years.
Bradman
Bradman is an English surname that means "from the broad meadow". The name is most famously associated with the Australian cricketer, Sir Donald Bradman, who is considered one of the greatest batsmen of all time.
Calder
Calder is most famously associated with the American sculptor, Alexander Calder, who is known for his innovative mobiles and public sculptures. The name has been used as a first name since the 19th century.
Carlow
Carlow is an Irish name that is derived from the Gaelic word Cearbhall, which means "a place of standing stones" or "a ford of the cattle." Carlow is also the name of a county in Ireland, which was named after the town of Carlow.
Caspian
Caspian is a name that is derived from the Caspian Sea, which is the largest inland body of water in the world. The name gained popularity after the publication of C.S. Lewis's "The Chronicles of Narnia", which features a character named Prince Caspian.
Clyde
Clyde is a Scottish name that comes from the River Clyde in Scotland. The name became popular in the 19th century due to the popularity of the Scottish poet, Sir Walter Scott, who used the name in his novels.
Danube
The Danube is Europe's second-longest river, flowing through ten countries. The name Danube is derived from the Latin word for the river, Danubius. The name has been used as a first name since the 19th century.
Delmar
Delmar is an English name that means "from the sea". The name gained popularity in the US in the early 1900s and has been used as a first name ever since. Delmar Watson was a popular American child actor in the 1930s and 1940s.
Deniz
Deniz is a Turkish name that means "sea". It is a unisex name that has been used as a first name in Turkey and other Turkish-speaking countries. Deniz Akkaya is a popular Turkish model, while Deniz Koyu is a German DJ of Turkish descent.
Douglas
Douglas is a Scottish name that means "dark water". It is derived from the Gaelic language and was originally a surname. Douglas Adams was a popular British author best known for his science fiction series "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy".
Dylan
Dylan is a Welsh name that means "son of the sea". It is derived from the Welsh word for sea, "dylyn". The name gained popularity in the US after Bob Dylan, an American musician, became famous in the 1960s.
Eaton
Eaton is an English surname that originates from a town situated by a river. The name means "settlement by a river", with the Old English word "ēa" meaning "river" and "tūn" meaning "settlement".
Eddy
Eddy is a name that has been used as a first name since the 19th century. Eddy Arnold was a popular American country singer in the mid-1900s, while Eddy Curry is a former American basketball player.
Fjord
Fjord is a Norwegian name that refers to a narrow inlet of the sea between cliffs or steep slopes. It is a name that is associated with Norway's rugged landscape and has been used as a first name in Norway and other Scandinavian countries.
Ford
Ford is an English name that refers to a shallow river crossing. It is a name that has been used as a first name since the 19th century. Harrison Ford is a popular American actor known for his roles in "Star Wars" and "Indiana Jones", while Henry Ford was an American industrialist who founded the Ford Motor Company.
Gaza
Gaza is a Hebrew name that means "strong". It is a name that is associated with the Gaza Strip, a coastal area on the eastern Mediterranean that is part of the Palestinian territories. The name has been used as a first name since the 20th century.
Holmes
Holmes is an English name that refers to an island in a river. It is a name that has been used as a first name since the 19th century. Sherlock Holmes is a fictional detective created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, while Katie Holmes is an American actress known for her roles in "Dawson's Creek" and "Batman Begins". Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. was an American jurist who served as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States.
Hudson
Hudson is an English name that means "son of Hudde or Hugh". It is a name that has been used as a first name since the 19th century. Rock Hudson was a popular American actor in the mid-1900s, while Hudson Taylor was a British missionary who worked in China in the late 1800s. Hudson Swafford is an American professional golfer.
Jordan
Jordan is a biblical name that means "to flow down." It is most famously associated with the Jordan River, which is considered a holy site in Christianity and Judaism.
Kai
Kai is a Hawaiian name that means "sea." It is a popular name for boys in Hawaii and other parts of the world.
Kano
The name Kano comes from the Japanese words "ka" meaning "water" and "no" meaning "field". In Japanese mythology, Kano is also the name of a water god.
Lachlan
Lachlan is a Scottish name that means "from the fjord-land." It is a popular name in Scotland and other parts of the world.
Lir
Lir is an Irish name that means "sea." It is the name of a sea god in Irish mythology and is associated with the legend of the Children of Lir.
Maelstrom
Maelstrom is a dramatic and unique name that is inspired by one of nature's most awe-inspiring phenomena. It could be a great choice if you who want a name that is both striking and meaningful.
Marlin
Marlin is a name with a nautical feel, inspired by a popular game fish. It's a fresh alternative to more common names like Martin or Marvin, and could be a great choice if you love the ocean.
Meri
Meri is a simple and sweet name that means "sea" or "ocean" in Finnish. It could be a great choice if you want a name that is both unique and meaningful.
Nile
Nile is a strong and simple name that is inspired by one of the world's great rivers.
Ocean
Ocean is a name that is both powerful and serene, inspired by one of the world's most awe-inspiring natural wonders. It's a unisex name that has been gaining popularity in recent years.
Oceanus
Oceanus is a unique and powerful name, with roots in Greek mythology. The name is associated with the ocean and all its might and majesty.
Orwell
Orwell is a locational surname that originated from a place name in Suffolk, England. It was first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as "Horwella" and is believed to mean "shore frequented by pigs" in Old English.
Oshen
Oshen is a beautiful and unique name that means "ocean" in Hawaiian. The name can evoke a sense of tranquility and vastness, reflecting the beauty and power of the ocean.
Pacific
Pacific is a beautiful and serene name that means "peaceful". It's a unique choice that evokes the calm and tranquility of the ocean.
Pelagios
In Greek mythology, Pelagios was one of the many sons of Poseidon, the god of the sea. The name has been used in various forms throughout history, including as a place name for several towns and villages in Greece.
Rayan
Rayan is a name of Arabic origin that means "flowing water" or "irrigated land." The name is often associated with purity, freshness, and renewal, and is sometimes given to boys born during the month of Ramadan. In Islamic tradition, Rayan is also the name of one of the gates of paradise.
Rio
Rio is a simple and catchy name that has gained some popularity in recent years. The name is also associated with the city of Rio de Janeiro, which is famous for its beaches and Carnival festival.
River
River is a simple and nature-inspired name that has gained popularity in recent years. The name is associated with the natural beauty and tranquility of rivers, and has been used by several celebrities for their children.
Ronan
Ronan is a popular name in Ireland and has gained some popularity in other parts of the world in recent years. The name is associated with the intelligence and playfulness of seals.
Salton
Salton is an English name that means "salt lake". It is a unique and nature-inspired name that has not gained much popularity. The name is associated with the Salton Sea, which is a large saltwater lake in California, USA.
Samudra
In Hindu mythology, Samudra is the personification of the ocean and one of the 14 Ratnas (jewels) that emerged from the churning of the cosmic ocean. The name is not commonly used in the US.
Seaton
Seaton has been in use since the Middle Ages, and it is derived from the Old English words "sæ" meaning "sea" and "tūn" meaning "town." Seaton is a rare name in the US, but it has gained some popularity in the UK.
Shannon
Shannon is derived from the name of the River Shannon, which is the longest river in Ireland. The name was first used as a given name in the mid-20th century and has gained some popularity in the US and other English-speaking countries.
Struan
Struan is a Scottish name that means "stream" or "river". It is derived from the Gaelic words "sruth" and "abhuinn". The name is not very common and is mostly used in Scotland. In Scottish mythology, water was considered a powerful element and was often associated with purification and healing. The name Struan reflects this connection to the natural world and the power of water.
Tiber
The Tiber is the third-longest river in Italy and is significant in Roman history, as the city of Rome was founded on its banks. The name is not commonly used in the US but has been used as a given name since the 17th century.
Trent
Trent is an English name referring to the River Trent, which is the third-longest river in England. The name is derived from the Old English words "Trenta" meaning "gushing" or "full of fish." The name has been used as a given name since the Middle Ages.
Triton
Triton is a Greek name meaning "son of Poseidon, god of the sea." In Greek mythology, Triton was a merman who was the son of Poseidon and Amphitrite. Triton is also the name of the largest moon of Neptune, which was discovered in 1846 by British astronomer William Lassell.
Varuna
Varuna is an Indian name that means "God of the cosmic ocean and celestial waters". In Hinduism, Varuna is one of the oldest and most important gods, known for his role as the keeper of the cosmic order and as the god of water and the celestial ocean. In Indian mythology, Varuna is often associated with the night sky and the stars, and is sometimes depicted riding a sea serpent.
Wade
Wade has a strong and masculine sound to it, making it a great name for a boy. It has been used by several famous athletes and coaches throughout history.
Zale
In Greek mythology, Zale was the son of Poseidon, the god of the sea, and the protector of sailors. The name Zale has been used sparingly over the years, but it has gained some popularity in recent times as a unique and modern name choice.
50 Water Baby Names for Girls
Check out this 50 water-inspired names for girls.
Aqua
Aqua is a unique name that is inspired by the tranquility and beauty of water bodies. It is a relatively uncommon name but has been gaining some popularity in recent years, possibly due to its association with the color blue and water-related themes.
Brooke
Brooke is a unisex name that originated in Old English, meaning a brook or stream. It became popular in the mid-20th century and has remained a popular name for girls ever since. It is associated with nature and tranquility, and has been used in literature and media as a symbol of purity and freshness.
Cascade
Cascade is a nature-inspired name that means waterfall. It is often used as a first name for girls. The name is associated with power, energy, and beauty, reflecting the majesty of cascading waterfalls. In some cultures, waterfalls are considered sacred places and are believed to possess spiritual energy.
Coral
Coral is a popular name for girls that is inspired by the vibrant and colorful underwater world of coral reefs.
Darya
Darya has been used in Persian and Russian cultures for centuries, and it is also found in other Slavic countries. It is a popular name in Iran and Russia, and it has been borne by several notable figures, including a famous Iranian actress and a Russian Olympic figure skater.
Delta
The name Delta comes from the Greek letter of the same name, which symbolizes the number four. It is also the name for the fourth letter of the English alphabet. Delta is also commonly used to refer to the mouth of a river where it meets the ocean.
Delaney
Delaney is a unisex name that has become increasingly popular for girls in recent years. The name has several notable namesakes in the world of entertainment.
Kailani
Kailani is a popular name for girls in Hawaii and has gained popularity in other parts of the world as well. The name is associated with the beauty and tranquility of the ocean and the sky.
Kaveri
Kaveri is a popular Indian name and is associated with the Kaveri River, which is one of the major rivers in India. The name has a poetic and lyrical quality.
Liana
Liana is a name that is often associated with strength and flexibility, as vines are known for their ability to bend and adapt to their surroundings. The name has several notable namesakes in the world of entertainment.
Marina
Marina is a popular name in many countries and cultures, likely due to its connection to the sea.
Marisol
Marisol is a beautiful name that combines the Spanish words for "sea" and "sun". It has been used by several famous artists and celebrities, including a Venezuelan sculptor and an American actress.
Mayim
Mayim is a Hebrew name that means "water". In Jewish tradition, water is seen as a symbol of life, purity, and renewal. The name Mayim is often used as a unisex name, and it has been gaining popularity in recent years.
Mermaid
Mermaid is a unique and unusual name that is associated with the mythical sea creature of the same name. While it may not be a common given name, it has been used in popular culture and literature for many years.
Mira
Mira is a beautiful name with origins in Sanskrit, meaning "wonderful" or "peaceful". It has been used by many famous people throughout history, including film directors and actresses.
Moana
Moana is a name of Polynesian origin, meaning "ocean" or "sea". It gained popularity due to the Disney movie of the same name, which tells the story of a young girl who sets out on a journey across the sea.
Monroe
Monroe is a Scottish name that means "mouth of the River Roe". The River Roe is located in Northern Ireland and flows into the Atlantic Ocean. The name Monroe has been used as a surname for many years and has also become a popular given name, especially for girls.
Morwenna
Morwenna is a traditional Cornish name that means "waves of the sea". It was borne by a 6th-century Welsh saint who was said to have founded a church in Cornwall. The name has been used in literature, including in the popular novel "Poldark".
Morgan
Morgan is a unisex name that means "sea-born" in Welsh. It has been used as a given name since the Middle Ages, and has been popularized by several notable individuals, including the actor Morgan Freeman. It is also the name of a sorceress in Arthurian legend.
Naida
In Greek mythology, the naiads were nymphs who presided over fountains, wells, and other bodies of fresh water. The name has been used in literature and music, including by the British classical pianist Naida Cole.
Narelle
Narelle is an Aboriginal Australian name that means "woman of the water" or "sea maiden". The name is often associated with the ocean and the beach, reflecting the close relationship that Indigenous Australians have with the land and sea.
Nebula
Nebula is a Latin name that refers to a cloud, mist, or fog. In astronomy, a nebula is a cloud of gas and dust in space where stars are born. The name Nebula has gained recognition in pop culture, particularly through the Marvel Comics character Nebula, who is portrayed as a space pirate and villain in various films and television series.
Nerida
Nerida is an Australian Aboriginal name that means "water lily". It has been used as a given name since the 19th century, and is sometimes spelled "Nerissa". The name has been used in literature and music, including by the Australian composer Nerida Tyson-Chew.
Nereida
In Greek mythology, the nereids were sea nymphs who were the daughters of the sea god Nereus. The name has been used in literature and science, including to name a family of sea slugs known as Nereidae.
Nerina
Nerina is a beautiful name that means sea nymph in Greek. It is a rare and unique name that is perfect for parents looking for something that is not commonly used. In Greek mythology, the sea nymphs were known for their beauty and their ability to charm sailors with their singing.
Nira
Nira is a Hebrew name that can mean "water". It is also sometimes associated with a plowed field or a sprout, reflecting the idea of growth and fertility.
Nixie
Nixie is a playful and whimsical name that is perfect for a little girl. In Germanic mythology, Nixies were water sprites that lived in rivers and streams and were known for their beauty and mischief.
Oceane
Oceane is a rare and exotic name, popular among parents who love the water and the beach. Oceane is not very popular in the United States, but it has gained popularity in France and other French-speaking countries.
Ondine
Ondine is the name of a water spirit in Germanic folklore who was believed to have the power to control the waves and cause shipwrecks.
Pearl
Pearl is a classic English name that means pearl. It is a timeless and elegant name that has been popular for centuries. In ancient times, pearls were believed to have magical properties and were often worn as a symbol of wealth and status.
Raine
Raine is a unisex name of English origin. It is a nature-inspired name that has been rising in popularity in recent years.
Rheya
Rheya is an Indian name meaning "singer." It is a unique name that is not commonly used in the United States.
Riverine
Riverine is a name of English origin, meaning "belonging to a river." It is a unique and rare name that refers to something relating to or found in a river.
Sabrina
Sabrina is a Celtic name that means "from the river Severn" or "boundary line", reflecting the importance of water as a natural boundary. In Celtic mythology, Sabrina was also the name of a water nymph who lived in the river Severn.
Selkie
In Irish and Scottish folklore, a selkie is a mythical creature who is able to transform from a seal to a human by shedding its skin.
Serena
Serena is a Latin name that means "serene" or "tranquil". It has been used as a given name since the Middle Ages, and was particularly popular in the 19th and 20th centuries.
Shandy
Shandy is an English name that means "waterway, sandy water, or water meadow". The name likely derives from the Old English word "sceond", which means "sand", and "ea", which means "river" or "water". Shandy was also the name of a popular drink in England in the 18th century, made by mixing beer and lemonade or other soft drinks.
Shore
Shore is an English surname that refers to the land along the edge of a sea, lake, or other large body of water. The name is often associated with beaches, coastal towns, and seaside resorts. The video game Destiny features a multiplayer map called Shores of Time, which is set on a tropical island surrounded by water.
Shiloh
Shiloh is a Hebrew name with a peaceful meaning. It gained popularity in the USA after it was chosen as the name of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt's daughter.
Sirena
Sirena is a name with a mermaid-inspired meaning that has been used in Italian and Spanish cultures. It has a unique and exotic sound.
Tallulah
Tallulah is a Native American name that refers to leaping water or running water. It has been used as a given name since the 19th century and became popular in the United States in the 1920s and 1930s.
Talia
Talia is a Hebrew name that means "dew from heaven".
Talise
Talise is a Native American name that means "lovely water". It is a name that has become popular in recent years and is often used as a baby girl name.
Tarni
Tarni is an Aboriginal name that means "wave" or "water". In Aboriginal culture, water is seen as a life-giving force that connects all living things. The name Tarni is most commonly used for girls, but it can also be used as a unisex name. Tarni is a unique and meaningful name that celebrates the beauty and power of nature.
Tiamat
Tiamat is a Babylonian goddess of the sea and chaos. The name means "sea" and has been used in various forms throughout history. It is a unique and exotic name that would be perfect for a baby girl.
Thalassa
Thalassa is a beautiful and unique name that comes from Greek mythology. As the goddess of the sea, Thalassa was revered by ancient Greeks who relied heavily on the ocean for their livelihood.
Undine
Undine is a unique and ethereal name that has been used in literature and the arts for centuries. In mythology, Undines were water spirits that were said to inhabit rivers, lakes, and oceans.
Venice
Venice is a lovely name that is associated with the famous city in Italy. Venice is known for its beautiful canals, stunning architecture, and rich history.
Winslet
Winslet is a unique English name that is derived from a surname. It gained some popularity after the actress Kate Winslet became well-known for her roles in films such as Titanic and The Reader.
Zarya
Zarya is a Slavic name that has multiple meanings, including "sunrise", "dawn", and "water". In Slavic mythology, water is associated with cleansing and renewal, while the sunrise represents new beginnings and hope. The spacecraft Zarya was the first component of the International Space Station and was named after the Russian word for "sunrise".