Are you expecting a little bundle of joy soon and struggling to find the perfect name for your baby girl? If you love the ocean and its mysteries, why not consider a name inspired by the sea? From the serene colors of the water to the powerful creatures that live within it, the ocean offers a plethora of inspiration for unique and meaningful baby girl names.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the most beautiful and evocative names inspired by the sea, including those that directly reference the ocean and draw on the emotions, mythology, and elements associated with the sea. So dive in and explore some enchanting baby girl names inspired by the sea!
Ocean-Inspired Baby Girl Names
Ocean-inspired names for girls have become increasingly popular in recent years, and for a good reason. Not only do they evoke a sense of tranquility and beauty, but they also pay homage to the vastness and mystery of the sea. Here is a complete list of the best ocean names for girls and their meanings.
Marina
Marina is a beautiful name derived from the word “marinus,” which means “of the sea.” As the name suggests, it is inspired by the beauty and vastness of the ocean. Marina is a name that has been popular in various cultures, including Italian, Spanish, and Russian. This name has been associated with multiple sea symbols, such as the mermaid, the anchor, and the wave.
Coral
Coral is an ocean name inspired by its beautiful colors; it comes from the Latin word “corallum,” which means precious coral. Coral is associated with the ocean, as corals are found in marine environments worldwide. Coral’s popularity as a name dates back to the early 1900s and has become trendy.
Pearl
Pearl is a beautiful name with a strong association with the ocean and water. It is derived from the Latin word “Perla,” which means “pearl,” and it was perhaps first used as a name in the 19th century. The name Pearl has become increasingly popular in recent years as parents are drawn to its elegant and timeless sound. Those who choose this name for their child may be tempted by its symbolic meaning of purity, innocence, and wisdom. As a water baby name, Pearl also represents water’s calming and soothing qualities and its ability to bring healing and renewal.
Sandy
Sandy is a unisex name that, as its meaning suggests, refers to the beautiful beaches and sand dunes that can be found along the coasts of many countries. The name Sandy is derived from the Greek name Aleksandros, which means “defender” or “protector of mankind.” Sandy is a name that evokes a sense of calmness and tranquility associated with the ocean and the beach.
Shelly
The name Shelly refers to the beautiful shells found on the beach. It is a perfect name for a little girl who loves spending time in the ocean, collecting shells, and enjoying the waves. Shelly has a unique and refreshing sound compared to other names. It is not too popular either, making it a perfect choice for parents who want something unusual yet meaningful.
Seanna
Seanna is a beautiful name that has its origins in Ireland. It is a variant of the Irish name Sinead. What makes this name unique is its meaning – “a gift from the ocean.” Seanna derives its roots from the Gaelic language, where “Sean” means old, wise, or ancient, and “na mara” means “of the sea.”
Neptune
Neptune is a planet in our solar system named after the Roman god of the sea. It is the eighth planet from the sun and the farthest from Earth. The name “Neptune” comes from the Latin word “Neptunus,” which means “god of the sea.” This name is fitting as Neptune’s color, blue, and its discovery during the age of maritime exploration make it a planet closely related to the sea.
2. Names Inspired by Sea Creatures
Ariel
Ariel is a Hebrew name that means “lioness of God.” It is most famously associated with the beloved Disney princess from the Little Mermaid. Ariel is just one of the many ocean-related names popularized in recent years.
Delphine
Delphine is a beautiful name for a baby girl of Greek origin. The name means “dolphin” in Greek and is often associated with the ocean due to the playful nature of these sea creatures. A dolphin represents intelligence, agility, grace, and positivity.
Darya
Darya is a name of Persian origin, derived from the word “dāraya,” which means “sea” or “ocean.” It is a beautiful name that reflects the majesty and mystery of the ocean.
Kailani
Kailani is a unique and popular name that originates from Hawaii. It is derived from two Hawaiian words, “Kai” and “Lani,” meaning “Sea” and “Sky,” respectively. Kailani refers to “Sea and Sky,” symbolizing the fusion of these vast elements of nature. The name is associated with water and embodies the free-spirited essence of the ocean. It is a charming and ethereal name that has gained popularity across the globe. In Hawaiian culture, the sea is considered sacred and is deeply embedded in their traditions and beliefs.
Nerissa
Nerissa is said to have originated from Greek mythology as a sea nymph associated with the Aegean Sea. Is a name that means “daughter of Nereus,” who was the ancient Greek god of the sea. Nerissa has also been used as a variant of “Nereida,” which means “sea nymph” in Greek.
Oceana
Oceana is derived from the Greek word “oceanos,” meaning “sea.” As such, it is an obvious choice for parents who love the ocean and all its splendor. This name is often associated with adventure, freedom, and endless possibilities. Oceana is also considered a cute ocean name due to its unique sound and the fact that it is rare.
3. Names Inspired by the Colors of the Ocean
- Azure
- Blue
- Indigo
- Marine
- Teal
- Turquoise
The colors of the sea can be a great source of inspiration for sea names. Azure is a blue shade representing the clear blue sky and the sea. Blue is a classic name that is associated with calmness and tranquility. Indigo is a deeper shade of blue that represents the ocean depths. Marine is a name that means “of the sea,” while Teal and Turquoise are shades of blue-green that are reminiscent of the ocean.
4 . Names Inspired by the Mythology of the Sea
Amphitrite
Amphitrite is derived from the Greek word “amphitrite’s,” which means “the third one who encircles.” It was the name of a sea goddess in Greek mythology who was the daughter of Nereus, the god of the sea. Amphitrite was often called the “Queen of the Sea” and was worshiped as one of the Olympian gods. Her role was to protect sailors and sea creatures and bring calm and tranquility to the ocean. The ancient Greeks believed that Amphitrite controlled the waves and the waters and that she was responsible for the tides and currents.
Lara
Lara is a name that derives from the Latin word “Larus,” meaning “seagull” or “protector.” However, another theory about the origin of this name links it to the Brazilian myth of Iara. According to this legend, Iara was a beautiful mermaid living in the Amazon River. She used her enchanting voice and irresistible beauty to lure men into the water and drown them. Some say that Lara is a variation of Iara, meaning “water nymph” or “sea maiden.” Despite its dark connotations, Lara has become a popular name in various cultures and is often associated with beauty.
Melusine
The origin of the name is said to be from medieval European folklore, specifically from the story of the water nymph Melusine. She was a mermaid-like creature cursed to live as a serpent from the waist down when her husband discovered her secret. Melusine has been a popular character throughout European history. The name is often associated with mythology, magic, and mystical powers.
Nereida
Nereida is a unique name with roots in Greek mythology. The name means “sea nymph” or “daughter of the sea” and is often associated with the god Poseidon. Nereids were believed to be beautiful female sea creatures that lived in the Mediterranean Sea. The name is often used to honor the element of water, which is essential for life and symbolizes purity, calmness, and serenity.
Thalassa
The name Thalassa is of Greek origin and is derived from the ancient Greek word “Thalassa,” which means “sea.” Thalassa was also the name of a prominent sea goddess worshipped by the ancient Greeks. In Greek mythology, Thalassa was believed to be a daughter of Pontus (the sea) and Gaia (the Earth). According to many Greek legends, Thalassa could control the sea and was worshipped by sailors and fishermen.
Undine
Undine is a name that has its roots in German mythology. It is derived from the Latin word “Undina,” which means “little wave” in Latin. Undine is the name of a water spirit popular in European folklore. She is said to be a beautiful woman who lives in or near water bodies, such as waterfalls, rivers, and lakes. According to the legend, Undine is a mermaid or a water nymph who falls in love with a mortal, but their relationship is fraught with difficulties. The name Undine has been used in literature and music, such as in the fairytale by Friedrich de la Motte Fouqué and in the opera Undine by E.T.A. Hoffmann.
The sea has been the subject of mythology and folklore for centuries. Many names are inspired by the ocean’s mythical creatures and deities. Amphitrite was the Greek goddess of the sea and the wife of Poseidon. Calypso was a nymph in Greek mythology who lived on an island and kept Odysseus as her captive. Melusine was a French fairy who was half-human and half-serpent. In Greek mythology, Nereida was a sea nymph, while Thalassa was the ancient Greek personification of the sea. Undine was a water spirit in German folklore.
5 . Names Inspired by Famous Ships and Sailors
Amelia – This name is of German origin and means “industrious.” It’s a tribute to Amelia Earhart, the famous female aviator who disappeared while attempting to fly around the world.
Anne – Anne’s name means “grace” or “favor.” However, the name Anne has also been inspired by famous ships and sailors. Anne is the English version of the name Anna, which has been used for many notable vessels. One is the HMS Anna, a warship that played a significant role in the Royal Navy during the Napoleonic Wars. Another famous ship was the Anne and the Little James, which transported pilgrims on the Mayflower voyage to America.
Adelaide – This name is of German origin and means “noble kind”. It’s a tribute to the HMS Adelaide, a famous British ship that saw service in World War II.
Nina – This name is of Spanish origin and means “little girl”. It’s a tribute to the Nina, one of the three ships used by Christopher Columbus on his voyage to the New World.
Eliza – This name is of Hebrew origin and means “pledged to God.” It’s a tribute to the HMS Queen Eliza, a famous British ship that served during World War II.
Isadora – This name is of Greek origin and means “gift of Isis.” It’s a tribute to Isadora Duncan, the famous American dancer known for her love of the sea.
The ocean or sea has been the backdrop for many famous ships and sailors. Their names can be a great source of inspiration.
6 . Names Inspired by Coastal Locations
Marina – This name is of Latin origin and means “of the sea.” It’s a beautiful tribute to the coastal regions and the vast expanse of the ocean.
Meridian – This name is of Latin origin. It refers to the imaginary line that runs north to south through the oceans and separates the eastern and western hemispheres.
Calais – This name is of French origin and refers to the town of Calais in northern France, located on the English Channel’s coast.
Devon – This name is of English origin. It refers to the county of Devon in southwestern England, known for its rugged coastline and beautiful beaches.
Sydney – This name is of English origin. It refers to Sydney in Australia, located on the coast and known for its iconic opera house and beautiful harbor.
7 . Names Inspired by Oceanic Elements
If you’re looking for a name that reflects your love for the ocean and its elements, here are some beautiful girl names inspired by oceanic elements:
Coralie – This name is a French name derived from “coral,” a marine invertebrate that can form beautiful reefs in the ocean.
Delta – This name is derived from the Greek letter “delta” (Δ), shaped like a river delta where a river meets the sea. It’s a reference to the way rivers and the ocean are interconnected.
Lagoon – This name is inspired by the shallow bodies of water found along coastlines and separated from the ocean by sandbars, coral reefs, or other natural formations.
Raina – This name is of Hawaiian origin and is a name that means “queen.” In Hawaiian mythology, the ocean is ruled by the goddess Namaka, who is known as the queen of the sea.
Solana – This name is of Spanish origin. It means “sunshine”, but it can also reference the sun’s effect on the ocean, such as warming the water and causing ocean currents.
Many elements of the ocean can inspire the baby girl’s name. Aqua is a name that means “water.” Coralie is a name that means “coral.” Delta is a name that means “mouth of a river,” which can be associated with where the river meets the sea.
8 . Best Ocean-Inspired Girl Names
Ocean-inspired names have a timeless charm that embodies the beauty and mystery of the sea. For parents seeking a name that reflects their love for the ocean, we’ve compiled a list of some of the most beautiful girl names that mean the ocean.
- Kai – Hawaiian for “sea.”
- Naida – is a name of Greek origin and means “water nymph.” It can be interpreted as “daughter of the sea,” as water nymphs were often associated with the sea.
- Maris – This name means “of the sea” and is of Latin origin.
- Darya – Persian for “sea” or “ocean.”
- Cordelia – Welsh for “heart of the sea.”
- Morwenna – Cornish for “waves of the sea.”
- Mira – Sanskrit for “ocean” or “sea.”
- Delmar – French for “of the sea.”
- Lir – Irish for “sea.”
- Meri – Finnish for “of the sea.”
- Marilla – of Latin origin, this name means “shining sea.”
- Talise – Native American for “lovely water.”
- Morgan – Welsh origin, and it means “of the sea.”
- Thalassa – Name of Greek origin that means “sea.”
- Delmare – French for “from the sea.”
- Niamh – Irish for “brightness of the sea.”
- Liriel – Hebrew for “my heart belongs to the sea.”
- Coralie – French for “coral.”
- Marisol – This name is of Spanish origin and means “sea and sun.” It’s a beautiful name that evokes the warmth and brightness of the ocean.
- Nami – Japanese for “wave.”
- Pelagia – Greek for “of the sea.”
- Manannan: This name is of Irish origin and is the name of the god of the sea in Irish mythology.
- Marilla – This name is of Latin origin and means “shining sea.” It can also be interpreted as “daughter of the sea.”
Water-inspired names
Water names for girls:
- Delta – of Greek origin, meaning “mouth of a river.”
- Brook – of English origin, meaning “small stream.”
- Mira is of Sanskrit origin, meaning “ocean” or ” sea.”
- Bay – of English origin, inspired by coastal bays and inlets
- Ocean – of English origin, inspired by the vastness of the sea
- Raina is of Latin origin, meaning “queen” or “water queen.”
- Misty – of English origin, inspired by the mist and fog over water bodies
- River – of English origin, inspired by flowing water bodies
Choosing a name for your baby girl is a big decision, and we hope this list of names inspired by the sea has given you some inspiration and ideas. Whether you want a name that directly references the ocean or is inspired by the sea’s colors, creatures, mythology, or emotions, there are plenty of beautiful and meaningful options. Remember to choose a name that you love, and that has personal significance.
Baby Girl Names Inspired by Colors
Baby Girl Names Inspired by Nature
Baby Girl Names Inspired by Flowers
What are good ocean names?
Ocean names can be a great way to give your child a unique and meaningful name. The most popular names are Aqua, which means “water” in Latin. Marin is another beautiful ocean name that means “of the sea” in French. The name Kai, meaning “sea” in Hawaiian, is also popular for boys. Other ocean-inspired names perfect for your little ones are Coral, Marina, Nemo, Pearl, Seamus, and Ariel. These names are lovely and unique and powerfully connect with nature and the ocean’s vastness.
Are these names only suitable for babies born near the ocean?
No, these names suit any baby girl, regardless of where she is born.
Are these names too unique or unusual for a baby girl?
Not at all! These names are beautiful and meaningful.
Are there any cultural or religious associations with these names?
Some of these names may have cultural or religious associations. Still, they can be adapted to fit any cultural or religious background.
Can these names be used for a middle name instead of a first name?
Absolutely! These names can be used as first, middle, or even as a combination.
