Names That Mean Water

An original choice for a fisherman's child.

This Hebrew water name has two main popular associations: Mayim Bialik, who played the title role in the early 90s TV series "Blossom," and the popular Israeli folk dance, "Mayim, Mayim."

A simple but unusual name with roots in disparate cultures, Neri appears in the Bible as a male name and is still sometimes used for boys as well as girls. The appeal of Neri are its deep roots combined with its simple, upbeat, modern feel, ala Peri and Rory.

This undiscovered unisex name has lots of flair. It was first noticed as a girl's name, starting in the 1980's, on the long-running daytime drama Search for Tomorrow, with the character Adair McCleary, who had ahead-of-their-time brothers named brothers Hogan, Cagney and Quinn. But since Adair has yet to find many takers, it would make a fresh and appealing choice.

Oceanus was the Titan in ancient Greek mythology who rules what they thought was the body of water that surrounded the Earth. Oceanus was, appropriately enough, the name of the baby born on the Mayflower. Modern variations include Ocean, Oceana, and Oceane, a popular French name for girls.

Could be the next Nova, now that celestial baby names are in the ascendent.

The Kaveri is a prominent river in South India, where it flows through the states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. It is among the seven holy rivers of India, personified by the goddess Kaveriamma. The name was derived from kāvēri, the word for "river" in the Sankethi language. Sankethi, related to Tamil, is spoken in regions around the Kaveri. Cauvery is the Anglicized spelling.

Dark.

This Welsh river name has possibilities as a place name and nature name that is rare and uncommon.

The lovely sound and image of the French river and lush valley would make this a most distinctive and captivating choice. Pronunciation: low-ahr.

Possibility for a girl born under one of the water signs -- Cancer, Pisces, or Scorpio.

Unusual alternative to Fisher with a brisker surname appeal.

As passé as Hilton and Milton.

Swam into style and quickly out again, on Chad's fish- er, coat-tails.

The name of the (male) otter protagonist of Henry Williamson’s 1927 novel Tarka the Otter.

Zenebe is an appealing name well-used in Ethiopia but rarely heard outside its native land. But it translates easily into English and Zen makes for a cool and attractive nickname. A winning choice for those looking for an African boys' names that bridges cultures.

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

A rather awkward combination of syllables--we'd recommend either GWENDOLYN, GWYNETH or GUINEVERE instead.

Astrological name retains a hippielike Age of Aquarius feel.

In Slavic myth, this name belonged to the water priestess and protector of warriors.