Discover the power and beauty of water names for your baby, with a wide range of references for your baby name inspiration.
Water is a fundamental element of life, and its importance cannot be overstated. It has inspired countless works of art, literature, and culture throughout human history.
Many cultures have given names that mean water to their children, honoring its life-sustaining properties and its beauty. In this article, we will explore some of the most interesting names that mean water, inspired by fun culture references.
Whether you’re looking for a unique name for your child or simply interested in the rich history and symbolism of water in human culture, this article will provide you with a fascinating glimpse into the world of water-themed names. So, dive in and let’s explore the wonderful world of names that mean water!
- Literature: “Names That Mean Water” is a fascinating exploration of literary-inspired names that pay homage to the element of water.
- Mythology: “Names That Mean Water” takes a dive into the world of mythology and explores the names that pay tribute to the powerful element of water.
- Film/TV: “Names That Mean Water” dives into the world of film and TV to explore the water-themed names inspired by iconic characters and stories.
- Cultural References: “Names That Mean Water” explores the diverse cultural references and meanings behind names inspired by water.
- Nature: “Names That Mean Water” celebrates the beauty and power of nature by exploring the names inspired by water.
- Languages and Etymology: “Names That Mean Water” delves into the linguistic roots of different languages to uncover names with meanings related to water.
- Historical Figures: “Names That Mean Water” takes inspiration from famous historical figures who had a significant connection to water, such as explorers, sailors, or marine scientists.
- Famous Landmarks: “Names That Mean Water” explores the world’s most iconic water-related landmarks, such as famous rivers, waterfalls, and fountains, to inspire names with a strong connection to water.
Table of Contents
24 Literature-Theme Water Names
Literature-Theme Water Names For Boys:
- Undine – From the Latin “undina” meaning “little wave”, this is the name of a water spirit in German literature.
- Melusine – A name from French and German mythology, meaning “sea-fog” or “spray”, and referring to a legendary water spirit.
- Triton – This Greek name refers to the son of Poseidon and Amphitrite, and was used in literature to represent a messenger of the sea.
- Ondine – A French name meaning “little wave”, and also the title character of a play by Jean Giraudoux.
- Delta – A name of Greek origin meaning “mouth of a river”, also inspired by the triangular shape of the stony river delta.
- Brooke – An English name meaning “small stream”, also the name of a character in Jane Austen’s “Emma”.
- Marisol – A Spanish name meaning “sea and sun”, and also the name of a character in “Mamma Mia!”.
- Morwenna – This Cornish name means “waves of the sea”, and was also the name of a character in the novel “Jamaica Inn” by Daphne du Maurier.
- Kai – This Hawaiian name means “sea”, and has been used in literature for characters ranging from pirates to mermaids.
- Liriel – A name created by combining the Hebrew words for “my God” and “song”, and used in the fantasy novel “The Serpent’s Shadow”.
- Pearl – A name of English origin that simply means “pearl”, a precious jewel often found in bodies of water.
- Sapphire – A name of Greek origin meaning “blue gem”, inspired by the deep blue color of the ocean.
Literature-Theme Water Names For Girls:
- Marina – This Latin name means “of the sea” and is also the name of the main character in Shakespeare’s play “Pericles, Prince of Tyre”.
- Cordelia – A name of Welsh origin meaning “jewel of the sea”, famously used in Shakespeare’s “King Lear”.
- Nerida – A Greek name meaning “sea nymph” or “mermaid”. It is a distinctive and mysterious name that carries an air of individuality.
- Lorelei – This German name means “alluring enchantress of the rocks”, inspired by the mythological siren who lured sailors to their doom.
- Thalassa – A Greek name meaning “sea”, also the name of a primordial sea goddess.
- Mira – This name has multiple meanings across different cultures, including “ocean” in Sanskrit and “sea” in Slavic languages.
- Nami – A Japanese name meaning “wave”, and also the name of a character in the anime “One Piece”.
- Ophelia – This name of Greek origin means “help” or “aid”, and was famously used by Shakespeare for the tragic heroine in “Hamlet”.
- Aqua – A name of Latin origin meaning “water”, often used in literature for characters with magical or supernatural powers.
23 Mythology-Theme Water Names
Mythology-Theme Water Names For Boys:
- Poseidon – This Greek name means “lord of the sea”, and was the name of the god of the sea, earthquakes, and horses in Greek mythology.
- Oceanus – A Greek name meaning “ocean”, and also the name of a Titan god of the shining sea and freshwater.
- Nereus – A Greek name meaning “protector”, and also the name of a Titan god of the sea.
- Pontus – A Greek name meaning “sea”, and also the name of the ancient Greek personification of the sea.
- Manannan – An Irish name meaning “son of the sea”, and also the name of a god of the sea and weather in Irish mythology.
- Lir – An Irish name meaning “sea”, and also the name of a god of the sea in Irish mythology.
- Varuna – A Hindu name meaning “he who encompasses”, and also the name of the god of the oceans, rivers, and the celestial ocean in Hindu mythology.
- Yam – A Canaanite name meaning “sea”, and also the name of a god of the sea in Canaanite mythology.
- Tiamat – A Mesopotamian name meaning “the saltwater sea”, and also the name of the goddess of the sea in Babylonian mythology.
- Susa-no-o – A Japanese name meaning “he who causes the sea to roar”, and also the name of the god of the sea and storms in Japanese mythology.
- Njord – A Norse name meaning “wealthy”, and also the name of the god of the sea, wind, and fishing in Norse mythology.
- Ran – A Norse name meaning “robber”, and also the name of a sea goddess who captured drowned sailors in Norse mythology.
- Aegir – A Norse name meaning “sea”, and also the name of a god of the sea and brewing in Norse mythology.
Mythology-Theme Water Names For Girls:
- Nerthus – A Germanic name meaning “mother earth”, and also the name of a goddess of fertility and the sea in Germanic mythology.
- Amphitrite – A Greek name meaning “the third one who encircles”, also the name of Poseidon’s wife and a sea goddess.
- Morgana – Welsh name meaning “sea circle”; sorceress and half-sister of King Arthur.
- Sedjet – An Egyptian name meaning “the one who swims”, and also the name of a goddess of the Nile and the inundation in Egyptian mythology.
- Yamuna – A Hindu name meaning “one that has emerged from yama”, and also the name of the goddess of the sacred river Yamuna in Hindu mythology.
- Thetis – A Greek name meaning “creation”, and also the name of a sea goddess and mother of Achilles in Greek mythology.
- Tethys – A Greek name meaning “nurse”, and also the name of a Titan goddess of the sea and freshwater.
- Ganga – A Hindu name meaning “swift-goer”, and also the name of the goddess of the river Ganges in Hindu mythology.
- Saraswati – A Hindu name meaning “one who flows”, and also the name of the goddess of knowledge, music, and the arts in Hindu mythology.
- Sedna – An Inuit name meaning “goddess of the sea”, and also the name of a goddess of the sea and marine animals in Inuit mythology.
17 Film/TV-Theme Water Names
Film/TV-Theme Water Names For Boys:
- Aquaman – A superhero name from DC Comics, whose powers are derived from the ocean.
- Mera – A name of French and English origin meaning “sea”, and also the name of Aquaman’s wife in DC Comics.
- Calypso – This Greek name means “to hide”, and is also the name of the sea goddess and sorceress in Greek mythology and the “Pirates of the Caribbean” franchise.
- Ocean – A unisex name that simply means “sea”, also the name of the character in the movie “Ocean’s Eleven”.
- Sebastian – This Latin name means “venerable”, and is also the name of the crab in Disney’s “The Little Mermaid”.
- Percy – A name of Greek origin meaning “piercing the valley”, and also the name of the demigod son of Poseidon in the “Percy Jackson” series.
- Kelpie – A name of Scottish origin referring to the water horse from Scottish folklore, and also a creature in the TV series “Supernatural”.
- Coraline – A name of English origin meaning “coral”, and also the name of the protagonist in the movie “Coraline”.
- Davy Jones – This English name refers to the legendary pirate and captain of the Flying Dutchman, who is also a character in Disney’s “Pirates of the Caribbean”.
- Morgana – This Welsh name means “sea circle”, and is also the name of the sorceress and half-sister of King Arthur in Arthurian legend.
Film/TV-Theme Water Names For Girls:
- Ursula – This Latin name means “little bear”, and is also the name of the sea witch in Disney’s “The Little Mermaid”.
- Ariel – This Hebrew name means “lion of God” and is also the name of the mermaid princess in Disney’s “The Little Mermaid”.
- Moana – A name of Hawaiian origin meaning “ocean”, also the name of the title character in Disney’s “Moana”.
- Siren – A mythical name referring to the dangerous creatures who lured sailors to their doom with their enchanting voices.
- Atlanna – A name of Greek origin meaning “woman from Atlantis”, and also the name of Aquaman’s mother in DC Comics.
- Madison – An English name meaning “son of Matthew”, and also the name of the mermaid in the movie “Splash”.
- Syrena – A name of Greek origin meaning “enchanter”, and also the name of a mermaid in the movie “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides”.
21 Culture-Theme Water Names
Culture-Theme Water Names For Boys:
- Boudica – A Celtic name meaning “victorious”, and also the name of the warrior queen who led an uprising against the Romans in Britain.
- Tlaloc – An Aztec name meaning “of the earth”, and also the name of the god of rain, thunder, and water in Aztec mythology.
- Llyr – A Welsh name meaning “sea”, and also the name of the god of the sea in Welsh mythology.
- Oshun – A Yoruba name meaning “sweet water”, and also the name of the goddess of love, fertility, and the river valley in Yoruba mythology.
- Vellamo – A Finnish name meaning “goddess of the sea”, and also the name of the Finnish mythological goddess of water and lakes.
Culture-Theme Water Names For Girls:
- Maya – A name of Sanskrit origin meaning “water”, and also the name of a river in India.
- Kaveri – A Hindu name meaning “a river in India”, and also the name of a sacred river in southern India.
- Deniz – A Turkish name meaning “sea”. Turkish origin meaning “sea.” Often associated with the vastness, depth, and tranquility of the ocean.
- Maris – A Latin name meaning “of the sea”. It conveys a deep connection to the ocean, symbolizing a sense of freedom and grace.
- Adhara – An Arabic name meaning “virgins”, and also the name of the star in the constellation Canis Major, which was used by ancient sailors for navigation.
- Nerissa – A name of Greek origin meaning “sea nymph”, and also the name of a character in Shakespeare’s “The Merchant of Venice”.
- Mako – A Japanese name meaning “sincere child”, and also the name of the shark in the movie “Jaws”.
- Aysu – A Turkish name meaning “moon water”. It reflects a delicate and ethereal nature, merging the serene qualities of the moon and water.
- Rheia – A Greek name meaning “flowing”, and also the name of the Titaness who was the mother of Zeus and the other Olympian gods.
16 Nature-Theme Water Names
Nature-Theme Water Names For Boys:
- Cove – A name inspired by the small and sheltered bodies of water found along coasts and cliffs.
- Bay – A name inspired by the wide and curving bodies of water found along coasts and beaches.
- Coral – A name inspired by the beautiful and colorful coral reefs found in oceans around the world.
- Lagoon – A name inspired by the shallow and protected bodies of water found near coasts and islands.
- Marsh – A name inspired by the wetlands and swamps that are rich in water and wildlife.
- Oasis – A name inspired by the isolated and fertile patches of land that are surrounded by dry deserts.
- Tidal – A name inspired by the rise and fall of the tides in the oceans and seas.
- Brine – A name inspired by the salty and mineral-rich water found in the oceans and seas.
Nature-Theme Water Names For Girls:
- Brook – An English name meaning “small stream”.
- Lake – A name inspired by the serene and tranquil bodies of water found in nature.
- Fjord – A name inspired by the long and narrow bodies of water found along the coasts of Scandinavia and New Zealand.
- Loch – A name of Scottish origin meaning “lake”, often used for the deep and mysterious bodies of water found in Scotland.
- Falls – A name inspired by the powerful and majestic waterfalls found in nature.
- Wave – A name inspired by the rhythmic and dynamic movement of leaping water in the ocean.
- Mist – A name inspired by the fine droplets of water that form when water vapor condenses in the air.
- Rain – A name inspired by the life-giving water that falls from the sky in the form of raindrops.
26 Languages and Etymology Water Names
Languages and Etymology Water Names For Boys:
- Dylan – This Welsh name means “son of the sea”, and was also the name of a Welsh god associated with the sea.
- Moses – Derived from the Hebrew name “Moshe,” meaning “to draw out,” Moses has a water-related origin as he was drawn out of the River Nile in a basket.
- Trent – An English name that comes from the Latin “Trēs,” meaning “to cross” or “pass through.” It’s also the name of a major river in England, making it a water-related name.
- Mortimer – An English name with Old French origin, meaning “still water” or “pond.” It is derived from the elements “mort” (still, stagnant) and “mer” (sea, water).
- Calder – A Scottish name meaning “rocky water” or “stream,” Calder is a strong and unique choice for a water-inspired name.
- Irving – This name has Scottish origins and means “green water” or “sea friend,” making it a water-related name with a serene feel.
- Rio – A Spanish and Portuguese name meaning “river,” Rio is a simple and straightforward choice for a water-inspired name.
- Aalto – A Finnish name meaning “wave,” Aalto is a unique and modern choice for a water-inspired name.
- Arno – An Italian name derived from the Latin “Arnus,” which is the name of a river in Tuscany, Italy. Arno has a strong connection to water.
- Bourne – An English name meaning “stream” or “brook,” Bourne is a sophisticated and classic choice for a water-related name.
- Douglas – A Scottish name meaning “dark river,” Douglas is a strong and traditional choice with a water-related origin.
- Eder – A Basque name meaning “beautiful water,” Eder is an attractive and unique choice for a water-inspired name.
- Hali – A Greek name meaning “sea,” Hali is a short and simple water-related name.
- Zale – A Greek name meaning “sea strength,” Zale is a unique and powerful choice for a water-inspired name.
Languages and Etymology Water Names For Girls:
- Naia – A name of Basque origin meaning “wave” or “sea foam,” Naia has a strong connection to water and the ocean.
- Genevieve – A French name meaning “white wave,” Genevieve is a classic and graceful choice for a water-inspired name.
- Mayim – A Hebrew name meaning “water,” Mayim is a unique and distinctive choice for a water-related name.
- Sirena – An Italian and Spanish name meaning “mermaid” or “siren,” Sirena is an enchanting and alluring choice for a water-inspired name.
- Isla – A Scottish name meaning “island”, and also the name of a river island in Scotland.
- Aura – A Latin name meaning “soft breeze” or “gentle wind,” Aura is a delicate and lovely choice for a water-related name.
- Anahita – An ancient Persian name meaning “immaculate” or “undefiled,” Anahita is also the name of the Persian goddess of water, fertility, and healing.
- Darya – A Russian and Persian name meaning “sea” or “ocean,” Darya is an elegant and sophisticated choice for a water-inspired name.
- Kendra – A Welsh name meaning “greatest champion” or “high hill,” Kendra is also the name of a river in Wales, making it a water-related name with a strong background.
- Lana – A Hawaiian name meaning “calm as still waters,” Lana is a peaceful and serene choice for a water-inspired name.
31 Historical Figures Water Names
Historical Figures Water Names For Boys:
- Marco – Inspired by Marco Polo, the famous Venetian explorer who traveled extensively by sea.
- Ferdinand – Named after Ferdinand Magellan, the Portuguese explorer who led the first expedition to circumnavigate the globe by sea.
- Francis – In honor of Sir Francis Drake, the English sea captain and explorer known for his circumnavigation of the world.
- Christopher – Named after Christopher Columbus, the Italian explorer who crossed the Atlantic Ocean and initiated European exploration of the Americas.
- Leif – Inspired by Leif Erikson, the Norse explorer who is believed to have been the first European to reach North America by sea.
- James – Named after Captain James Cook, the British explorer who made detailed maps of the Pacific Ocean and discovered several islands.
- Ernest – In honor of Sir Ernest Shackleton, the British explorer who led several expeditions to the Antarctic, navigating through treacherous icy waters.
- Jacques – Named after Jacques Cousteau, the French oceanographer, and filmmaker known for his extensive research on marine life and conservation efforts.
- Matthew – Inspired by Matthew Flinders, the English navigator and cartographer who was the first to circumnavigate Australia and identify it as a continent.
- Robert – In honor of Robert Fulton, the American engineer, and inventor who developed the first commercially successful steamboat.
- Thor – Named after Thor Heyerdahl, the Norwegian explorer and ethnographer who famously sailed the Pacific Ocean on the Kon-Tiki raft to demonstrate the possibility of ancient transoceanic contact.
- George – Inspired by George Vancouver, the British explorer who mapped the Pacific Northwest coast of North America, including the Strait of Georgia and Vancouver Island.
- Vasco – Named after Vasco da Gama, the Portuguese explorer who was the first to sail directly from Europe to India, opening up an important sea route for trade.
- Samuel – In honor of Samuel de Champlain, the French explorer and “Father of New France” who established settlements in Canada and mapped the Great Lakes.
- Edmund – Named after Sir Edmund Hillary, the New Zealand mountaineer who, along with Tenzing Norgay, was the first to reach the summit of Mount Everest, which is the source of several rivers.
Historical Figures Water Names For Girls:
- Amelia – Inspired by Amelia Earhart, the American aviator who flew solo across the Atlantic Ocean and was a pioneering female figure in aviation history.
- Isabella – Named after Queen Isabella I of Castile, who sponsored Christopher Columbus’s voyage across the Atlantic Ocean, leading to the European exploration of the Americas.
- Jeanne – In honor of Jeanne Baret, the French botanist who became the first woman to circumnavigate the globe, disguising herself as a man to join the expedition.
- Sylvia – Named after Sylvia Earle, the American marine biologist, and oceanographer who has made groundbreaking contributions to the study of ocean life and ocean conservation.
- Ida – Inspired by Ida Lewis, the American lighthouse keeper known for her bravery in saving numerous lives from the treacherous waters around Lime Rock in Rhode Island.
- Rachel – In honor of Rachel Carson, the American marine biologist and author whose work, “Silent Spring,” helped shape the modern environmental movement and highlighted the importance of protecting water resources.
- Grace – Named after Grace O’Malley, the Irish pirate queen who ruled the seas around western Ireland during the 16th century.
- Mary – Inspired by Mary Anning, the English paleontologist who made significant discoveries in marine fossils, including the first complete ichthyosaur skeleton.
- Ann – In honor of Ann Davison, the British sailor and writer who became the first woman to sail solo across the Atlantic Ocean.
- Eugenie – Named after Eugenie Clark, the American ichthyologist, and marine biologist known for her extensive research on sharks and other fish species.
- Valentina – Inspired by Valentina Tereshkova, the Soviet cosmonaut who became the first woman to travel to space, orbiting the Earth and crossing over multiple oceans.
- Laura – In honor of Laura Dekker, the Dutch sailor who became the youngest person to circumnavigate the globe solo by sailboat.
- Ada – Named after Ada Blackjack, the Inupiat woman who was the only survivor of an ill-fated Arctic expedition and navigated the icy waters to safety.
- Florence – Inspired by Florence Chadwick, the American swimmer who was the first woman to swim the English Channel in both directions.
- Ellen – In honor of Ellen MacArthur, the British sailor who set the world record for the fastest solo circumnavigation of the globe by sailboat.
- Annette – Named after Annette Kellermann, the Australian professional swimmer, and actress who was a pioneer for women’s swimming and water safety.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the diverse cultural, literary, mythological, and natural references offer a wealth of inspiration when it comes to choosing a name that means water. Beautiful water names for baby boys and girls have beautiful meanings like night rain, beaver stream and calm sea.
From the powerful deities and creatures of ancient mythology to the serene and tranquil bodies of water found in nature, there is a name to suit every taste and preference. The water names also resemble the names of famous rivers like Roe river, Hudson river, Lake land, River crossing and River Kent.
These names not only evoke a sense of peace and tranquility but also pay tribute to the life-giving and transformative power of water, reminding us of the deep connection we share with the natural world.
Whether you are looking for a name for your child or simply seeking inspiration for your next creative project, exploring the rich meanings and associations of water names for boys is sure to be a rewarding and enriching experience.
