Baby Names Inspired by the Sea

Finding the perfect name for your baby can be stressful. There are so many options out there. Are you a water lover? Sea, ocean, rivers, lakes, etc? The beach is one of my favorite places on earth. The ocean is so peaceful, beautiful, and houses my favorite animal.

If you love the beach/ocean as I do, then I have just the thing for you! I have compiled a list of about 35 names (for both genders) inspired by the sea for all my fellow ocean lovers. You just might find the perfect name for your little one.

Ariel

This is the number one name I think of when I think of baby names inspired by the sea. Three words: The Little Mermaid.

Aqua

A Latin name meaning “water”.

Banks

A surname that was originally given to people who dwelled on the banks of a river. Recently Hilary Duff named her baby girl Banks and I thought it was so cute and fitting for those who love water inspired names.

Bay

I’ve heard this name a couple of times and think it’s great for water lovers as there are many water bay’s in the world.

Brooke/Brooks

Brooke is typically a girl’s name it is an English name meaning “small stream”. Brooks I’ve heard on boy’s before and it is also typically an English surname that means “dweller by the brook”.

Caretta

This is the scientific name of a loggerhead sea turtle. I heard this name in a movie and fell in love with how it sounded. It’s still on my favorite baby names list currently.

Cordelia

A Welsh name meaning “jewel of the sea”. Such a pretty and unique name.

Coral

This is a semi-precious sea growth often deep pink or red. When I was pregnant with my daughter and we couldn’t agree on a name, my mom actually mentioned using this as a name because of my love of the ocean. We didn’t end up using it but I thought it was cool.

Dune

This is a mountain of sand. If you love the beach you probably know what a sand dune is. I thought this was a unique option similar to other names like Dunn.

Hurley

An Irish name meaning “sea tide”. Such a cool sounding name similar to the popular name Harley.

Isla

A Scottish name meaning “island”. There is no better name for the island and tropical lovers.

Kai

A Hawaiian name meaning “sea”. This is a popular name for kids and dogs. It just sounds so cool and laid back.

Lake

This is a body of water that runs deep. I’ve heard it for girls and boys, and you can even play around with the spelling and try “Layke”, etc.

Lana

A Hawaiian name meaning “afloat, calm as still waters”. This is such a gorgeous name.

Marina

A Latin name meaning “sea woman”. It is also a word used for a harbor for small boats.

Misty

An American name meaning “covered with mist, dew”.

Moana

A Hawaiian name meaning “ocean”. It is highly recognizable now thanks to the Disney movie of the same name.

Navy

This is a shade of blue and also the name of the military branch primarily working on water/ships. I have heard it being used quite a bit recently for baby girls.

Nixie

A German name meaning “little water sprite”. This was the name of a mermaid in a TV show I love and I just think it’s super cute.

Ocean/Oceania

This is another great name for water lovers that speaks for itself. I’ve heard it a lot lately for both girls and boys.

Pearl

This is a precious jewel found in the sea. It is such a pretty and sophisticated name.

Rain

I’ve heard this name quite a bit, especially as a middle name. You can make it more unique by playing around with spelling (Rayne) and even create a variation of it (i.e. Rainey).

Reef

This is a bar of rock, sand, coral, or similar material, lying beneath the surface of the water. I recently saw someone on Instagram who’s son was named this and I thought it was so cool! Similar in sound to the names Reed and Reese.

Ridley

The name of a small tropical sea turtle. A cool, unique name to use.

River/Rivers

An English name meaning “stream of water that flows to the sea”. This is a popular name lately and I have also seen some people put an “s” at the end of it.

Sailor/Saylor

This is a name I associate with water because of sailors on boats. Its name has been growing in popularity for the last couple of years for girls and boys.

Sandy

This is another great name associated with the beach and sounds laid back.

Sebastian

This is another name commonly associated with “The Little Mermaid”.

Shelly

Inspired from seashells, this is a pretty, beach-y type of name.

Siren/Sirena

A siren is a song a mermaid sings to cast a spell on humans. I think it sounds so cool. You can also add an “a” to the end of it to have a similar feel as the name Serena.

Skip/Skipper

This is another word for captain and also associated with skipping rocks.

Summer

Who doesn’t think of the beach and vacation when hearing the name Summer? I do. It is my favorite season, makes me think of the ocean, and is such a cute name!

Sydney

This is another name I love that makes me think of the sea because when I hear it I instantly think of the Sydney Harbour in Australia.

Triton

A Greek name meaning “God of the sea”. It was also the name of Ariel’s dad in “The Little Mermaid” and just a general term associated with mermen.

Zale

A Greek name meaning “strength of the sea”. It is such a strong and cool sounding name.

I hope these names give you some inspiration while picking out the perfect name for your baby. I love names with special meaning and if you love the water/ocean these are great options to consider. Do you have a favorite baby name inspired by the sea? Share it in the comments below.