200+ Inspired Ocean Names for Babies

When British rocker Steven Patrick Morrissey decided to use his last name alone, it became a viable option for baby namers, a lot cooler than Morris or Maurice.

Rather dated smoosh name.

A beautiful elaboration on the Polynesian name Moana "sea", made famous by the 2016 Disney film of the same name. It is also a New Zealand place name.

A blend of Mervyn and Marvin that is every bit as dated as either of the originals. That -erv sound is difficult no matter what. Mervin is still used today among Amish families.

Variant of Marisa

An elaboration on Moana, newly familiar thanks to the heroine of the eponymous 2016 Disney movie.

Merial is a feminine name with complex historical roots. It may derive from the medieval name Muriel (meaning 'bright sea' from Celtic elements 'muir' meaning sea and 'el' meaning bright) with an altered spelling. Alternatively, it could connect to the Latin 'mereo' meaning 'to earn' or 'deserve.'

Tonwen is another name for Gwen, the mother of Saint Cybi and sister of Non (who was the mother of St David, patron saint of Wales). An unusual -wen ending option.

A way to feminize Seabrook, if you want a name that is gender-neutral in sound but not appearance.

A fairly common name in Turkey, referring to the north wind blowing off the Aegean Sea.

More modern than Helen or Helena, and an interesting alternative to Hayley and Hallie. By coincidence, heli also means "saltwater" in Welsh.

Like many Japanese names, Manami has several possible meanings. This sea-themed one is very appealing.

Slovene Mia cognate, rarely seen in the US.

Variant of Maris

Gentle in sound and appearance but rugged and strong in meaning and feel, Brimi is likely derived from the Old Norse brim meaning "surf, surge", connecting it to the ocean. Also (and more popularly) appearing in the form Brimir, Brimi is a very quietly used name in Iceland, first approved as a given name in 2001.

Sage, Rosemary, Saffron, Ginger, and Cassia are used as names, so how about Samphire? This unusual name is given to a plant from the parsley family that grow on seaside cliffs but it's also used to refer to other coastal plants that resemble it. Similar in sound to Sapphire, Saphira, Samantha, and Samara, this undiscovered name could make a bold choice with familiar sounds and grounded nickname options, Sam, Sammy, and Saffie.