Fish Names

Tsunami is a Japanese word, derived from the elements tsu meaning "harbor," and nami, "wave." It was first used as a name in 2004 and 2005, then left the charts and reemerged in 2020. At the very least, it makes an interesting way to get to the nickname Sue or Susie (or would that be Tsu/Tsusi?)

Serafin and Seraphim are much less known and used in the US than the feminine forms Serafina and Seraphina, but just as appealing. An out-of-the-box Spanish option with a deep history and an animated meaning.

Hurricane is a storm, but it's also an American name, thanks to rising tennis star Hurricane Black -- whose sister's name is Tornado. There's no reason this tempestuous choice can't work for boys too, inasfar as the name can work for any child. As a name, Hurricane is definitely original and attention-getting, but is it a name you'd want to carry around for life?

Italian heritage name. It's sweet and simple, but has fallen almost out of use since its heyday in the 1960s.

Feminine spin on Moses and European river name that's also the name of a wine.

Brother for Biff and Bud. McFly rocker Tom Fletcher transformed this from midcentury short form to modern cool name when he used it for his newborn son.

This phonetic spelling of a traditional Scottish male name wasn't seen until used by Vince Vaughn for his daughter. As Lachlan becomes more of an established boy's name in the US, more parents are turning to the Locklyn spelling on the girl's side.

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

Heard more often as a surname in Italy, its meaning has also been linked to the dolphin--which would make a cool nursery motif.

The original southern Good Ol' Boy.

Kenny might be all South Park to some, but it has been in steady use in the US since the 1930s.

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.

A warm and sunny shade of yellow.

The jazziest nickname for Charles.

Better for a dog.

Icy baby names are currently hot, with names like Icelynn, Iceland, and Winter trending up for girls. Rapper Gucci Mane chose simple, streamlined Ice for his son 2020-born son, appropriately a winter baby. In 2021, it debuted on the charts for both boys and girls and has since been predominantly used for boys, with 13 receiving the name in 2023 and 6 in 2024.

Has too many slangy connotations to be considered.

Thorfin is a strong masculine name with deep Norse roots, derived from the powerful god Thor and 'finnr' meaning 'finder' or 'wanderer.' Historically, it was borne by notable Viking leaders including Thorfinn Karlsefni, who led expeditions to North America. The variant Thorfinn is slightly more common, with Thorfin offering a more streamlined version. The name evokes images of Viking strength, exploration, and Norse mythology, appealing to parents drawn to names with historical depth and powerful associations. Though rare in modern usage, Thorfin has maintained a consistent presence in Scandinavian countries and regions with Norse heritage. Its distinctive sound and spelling make it memorable, while its historical connections provide substance and character, making it an uncommon yet meaningful choice for parents seeking a name with ancient strength.

With the tide coming in on a new wave of word names, this one just might catch on, especially for parents who relish sun, sand, and surf. Forest lovers can spell it Beech, like the tree.