Names That Mean Water

Highly unusual water name -- and actor Colin surname -- with a Scottish burr. Firth derives from the Old Norse word fjord.

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.

Singer Perry is long gone, but the beautiful northern Italian lake conjures up a clear and tranquil image.

One of many stuffy British W surnames that would subject an American boy to years of teasing before growing into it at age fifty.

Africa's fourth-longest river would make a unique name choice.

Bernie, with airs.

Some parents are turning to rivers and other bodies of water in the search for undiscovered place-names, and this has the feel of a Viennese waltz.

One-of-a-kind water-related choice.

Off-putting cousin of Bradley and Rodney.

Evian might sound elegant, if you could forget the water. But no one will.

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.

With the fashion for all names Rom, this strong surname with ties to Old Master painter George has new possibilities. Obviously, it now has more political associations than artistic.

Possibly to honor Canadian short story writer Alice -- though Alice is more far accessible and--until very recently-- nearly as distinctive.