Names That Mean Water

A bit formal for our time, Alcott would be a bit less forbidding.

Gives Carlo a place-name/surname spin.

Soft and mellifluous nature-surname name, situated miles away from the dated Marshall.

A variant of Estonian Riivo, of uncertain meaning, that fits right in with cool water names like River and Rio.

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

This possible word name, which rhymes with Maia, makes an even more distinctive alternative.

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."

This name of the mythological mother of Achilles might suffer from its rhyming association to the word fetus.

Windsor may have male references, such as Britain's royal House of Windsor and a tie's windsor knot, but this name also has a definite feminine feel, as in Windsor Rose. That seems appropriate, as Windsor is used equally these days for boys and girls. Nicknames might include Win, Wind, Windy, and Winnie.

The Old Norse and modern Norwegian word name Fjord, which refers to a passage in the sea, could work for children of both genders.

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.

For die-hard Fleetwood Mac fans, though Fleet is definitely a cool short form.

This name of a river in Wales represents a vowel change from Alan, which makes the name somewhat more intriguing, but still possibly not intriguing enough. Bonus points if you're a surfer, sailor, or you're expecting a baby born under a water sign of the zodiac: It's one of the more unusual names that mean water.

Yarrow is a flowering herb that grows wild in Europe and North America, and has long been used in several Native American and European cultures as a healing plant. Named for the mythical god Achille, Yarrow is a symbol of enduring love.

Occult name for babies born under water signs -- Pisces, Cancer, and Scorpio.

Projects the calm and pristine image of the picturesque Swiss lake and mountain town.

As passé as Hilton and Milton.

Name with genuine roots that nevertheless feels synthetic.

Astrological name retains a hippielike Age of Aquarius feel.

Dark.