Goldfish Names

A name with the kind of pan-cultural feel that's in vogue now... and forever, it is both a Swahili name meaning "coral", ultimately from the Arabic marjan, and a Hindi name, meaning "purification".

Banana is one fruity name we wouldn't recommend. Pick Plum instead. There is a Japanese novelist whose pen name is Banana Yoshimoto--birth name Mahoko.

Nessie is a feminine name with Scottish origins, most famously associated with the legendary Loch Ness Monster of Scottish folklore. It originated as an affectionate diminutive of Agnes (meaning 'pure' or 'holy') or Vanessa. The name has a playful, whimsical quality that evokes images of Scotland's misty lochs and rich storytelling traditions. Despite its connection to a mythical creature, Nessie has been used as a given name and nickname throughout the years, particularly in Scotland and among those with Scottish heritage. The name carries a cheerful, friendly character with its soft sounds and '-ie' ending. Its distinctive cultural associations make it an uncommon but recognizable choice for parents seeking a name with both personality and a connection to Scottish heritage.

Spelt Xanthos in Greek, this alternate name for Apollo has a noble sound (pronounced ZHAN-thus) and can always be shortened to Xan.

nature namesare in, and even fish names like Pike and Salmon are open for consideration.

A slow and sultry southern choice that's definitely cool for babies of either gender. While the word feels French and has its roots in 18th century French Louisiana, it derives from the Choctaw word bayuk, which means "small stream."

The more dignified and attractive Hebrew equivalent of Golda or Goldie.

This name's connection to the Caribbean Cayman Islands gives it a nice resortish feel, while still feeling like an in-tune-with-style boy's name.

In the US, the multicultural surname Roe is primarily associated with the landmark Supreme Court case Roe vs. Wade, which granted the federal right to abortion, though elsewhere it might be associated with fish eggs or a small breed of reddish deer.

How to spruce up Fisher or Beau? This French surname-name might be an option for a parent unafraid of the unusual. The name derives from Barbel, a type of fish, which is how it became a surname for some fishermen.

Mango might be cute as a short form of a related name like Manuel, or for a pet name. But we're not feeling it as a full baby name for a child of any gender.

A warm and sunny shade of yellow.

One of the new color names that is catching on, invoking a calm, blue-green-sea feeling.

No babies of any gender were named Orange in the US in the most recent year counted. But that doesn't mean, in this era of anything-goes baby names, that it couldn't happen.