Fish Names

While we don't see many parents adopting Otter as a name for their own babies, Zooey Deschanel put this one in the lexicon when she used it as a middle name for her adorably-named daughter Elsie Otter. Even in the celebrisphere, Otter is one of the most <a href="https://nameberry.com/unique-names">unique baby names</a> we've heard.

Otter

Pacific is an adventurous kind of place-name, with the added bonus of the association with peace. 

Pacific

Sweet and soft but outdoorsy too, Pasha could make an interesting alternative to Sasha. Typically used as a diminutive for Russian male names like Pavel, it has also been used for the feminine name Praskovya. 
 
In Turkish, it may be linked to the word paşa meaning "well-behaved, good behaviour" or associated with the title of a high-ranking Ottoman military officer. The Charaxes jasius butterfly is better known as the two-tailed pasha, giving the name a nature connection too. 
 
As a feminine name, it has appeared in the short story The Chorus Girl by Anton Chekov and in the 2009 film, Whip It, while a real-life bearer is Finnish-Russian model and influencer Praskovia "Pasha" Pozdniakova (also known as MissParaskeva). 
 
Familiar yet rare in the US, Pasha offers an international flair with a cozy, approachable vibe. It could even work as a subtle honor for a family Paul, Paula, or Pauline.

Pasha

A daring word name with a touch of mystique, Shadow is an edgy choice for a baby that some may say is best reserved for pets. Nevertheless, it has been appearing in the US stats for girls since 1974 and for boys since 1987.
 
It was at its peak in 1993, when 22 girls and 36 boys recieved the name, (possibly thanks to the release of the Honda Dodge Shadow range or the apperance of Shadow, the golden retriever in Disney's 1993 Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey). In a more recent year, it was chosen for 6 girls and 14 boys in the US.
 
Borne by characters in the show and book American Gods and in the game franchise Sonic the Hedgehog, it has similar vibes to Raven, Moon, and Jinx, and similar sounds to Shiloh, Marlow, Shay, and Shannon.

Shadow

A sweet and clear Hopi name with a lovely natural meaning to match.

Pavati

Unlike the other fruit names that are just coming onto the baby name menu, Peaches is an old-timey nickname previously reserved for spangled showgirls, and now would be considered an outrageous -- verging on hip -- choice. Or perhaps it was, until 2023, when it entered the UK Top 1000, not sounding too out of place beside other 2023 favorites, Honey, Blossom, Sage, Halo, and Dolly. 

Peaches

As the former stage name of TLC founder Perri Reid and the name of the youngest member of the animated Flintstones clan, it's got some pop culture cache. But it'll be too cutesy by half for most parents.

Pebbles

A mystical name with a watery feel to it, selkies are mythical creatures that resemble seals in the water but assume human form on land. Appearing in Scottish folklore, their name comes from the word selch meaning "gray seal".
 
As mythical creatures, they have dual natures: kind and helpful or cruel and destructive, able to deceive and seduce humans but also able to be tricked. As a name, Selkie holds appeal as a mythological option linked to the sea, that also shares sounds with the likes of Scottie, Elvie, Frankie, and Zelda.

Selkie

Saraswati is the Hindu goddess of knowledge, learning, music, and the arts. She is also a river goddess, associated with the mythical Saraswati river, which played an important part in the Vedic texts.

Saraswati

Pirate is best known as one of the middle names of pop sensation Billie Eilish, who was born Billie Eilish Pirate Baird O'Connell. In a 2017 BBC interview, she revealed, "Pirate was going to be my [only] middle name but then my uncle had a problem with it because pirates are bad." Now Pirate attracting more interest, along with the rest of Billie Eilish's names.
 
The word "pirate" is English, derived from the Latin pirata, which ultimately came from the Greek peira, meaning "an attempt."

Pirate

The full name of Pi from The Life of Pi.

Piscine

If used at all these days, it would be to honor artist Jackson, whose first name would be far preferable. 

Pollock

Name of the 7th century BC Greek lyric poet born on the island of Lesbos, whose name has been synonymous with lesbian love.  Though this name is rarely used today, it certainly could be and, some might say, SHOULD be revived.

Sappho

<a href="https://nameberry.com/list/329/nature-baby-names">nature names</a>are in, and even fish names like Pike and Salmon are open for consideration.

Salmon

Soul fans may wish to use this unusual name as a reference to singer Jimmy Ruffin and his younger brother David, one of the lead members of The Temptations.

Ruffin

This is an ancient saints' name well used in Ireland but a rarity here and unlikely to ever reach the popularity of other Finn-ish names. St. Finbarr (the more common spelling) is the patron saint of Cork and in Irish folklore, Finbarr was king of the fairies.


Finbar

Unique choice, with a pleasant antique feel. 

Rialta

"Saturday Night Live" cast member Finesse Mitchell often mocks his own and similar names when portraying the character Starkeisha on the show. 

Finesse

Finetta is a feminine name with Italian and French influences, functioning as a diminutive form of names like Serafina or Josephine. The suffix '-etta' adds a meaning of 'little' or 'small,' giving the name a delicate, endearing quality. Though uncommon in English-speaking countries, Finetta has occasional usage in parts of Southern Europe. The name carries a vintage charm and melodic quality that makes it appealing for parents looking for something distinctive yet feminine. Historically, diminutive forms like Finetta were sometimes used as affectionate nicknames before becoming standalone names. Its rarity gives a child named Finetta a unique identity, while still maintaining connections to more traditional naming conventions.

Finetta

Finette is a delicate feminine name of French origin, functioning as a diminutive of Josephine or Delphine. The '-ette' suffix traditionally indicates 'little' or 'small' in French, giving the name a dainty, graceful quality. Historically, Finette appears in French fairy tales, including 'Finette Cendron,' a Cinderella-like character, adding a touch of literary enchantment to the name. While never widespread, the name carries an air of refinement and continental sophistication that appeals to parents drawn to French-inspired names. Finette's rarity makes it distinctive while remaining intuitive in pronunciation. The name evokes images of femininity and elegance with its soft sounds and cultural connections to French heritage. It offers an uncommon yet accessible option for parents seeking something with European flair.

Finette

Fish names can be as creative and silly as your heart desires — after all, fish don't know their own names! This list offers good fish names for any piscine pet that enters your aquarium.

 include choices such as Blue, Moby, Bubba, and Finley. Along with Bubba, other 

include Banana, Leviathan, Sheldon, and Tsunami.

Fish names are often inspired by the water, as with choices like Cove and Reef. Others relate to fish features, such as Finnegan (fins) and Gilligan (gills).

Your fish could even boast the name of a different fish, like Tuna, Trout, or Pollock. Or borrow the name of a famous fish, such as Dorothy or Klaus.

Fish names, including names for pet fish and funny fish names (Page 14)