200+ Inspired Ocean Names for Babies

  1. Murielle
    • Origin:

      French variation of Muriel, Irish
    • Meaning:

      "of the bright sea"
    • Description:

      Murielle emerged as a distinctively French elaboration, adding the feminine '-elle' suffix to create a more melodious version of the classic name. Though less common in English-speaking countries, Murielle has maintained steady popularity in France and French-speaking regions. The name carries an air of sophistication and Old World charm.
  2. Triton
    • Origin:

      Greek mythology name
    • Description:

      The Greek god Triton was the messenger of the sea and the son of sea god Neptune. He is usually represented as a merman, the the head and upper body of a human and the lower body of a sea creature. In The Little Mermaid he is the father of Ariel.
  3. Merrill
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "sea-bright"
    • Description:

      Merrill, once fairly common for males, is rarely used for girls (or boys either, for that matter) with this spelling. Chef Emeril Lagasse dropped the initial E from his name and called his daughter Meril.
  4. Oceanus
    • Origin:

      Mythological name
    • Meaning:

      "ocean"
    • Description:

      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.
  5. Heli
    • Origin:

      Finnish, Estonian diminutive of Helena, Greek
    • Meaning:

      "torch; shining light"
    • Description:

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

      Irish surname, related to the sea
    • Description:

      A merry surname cousin of Kerrigan, could make a lively choice for a happy little girl.
  7. Mervin
    • Origin:

      Welsh
    • Meaning:

      "sea hill"
    • Description:

      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.
  8. Maribeth
    • Origin:

      English, combination of Mary and Beth
    • Meaning:

      "drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved + oath"
    • Description:

      Variant of Marybeth
  9. Marita
    • Origin:

      German and Spanish diminutive of Maria
    • Meaning:

      "drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved"
    • Description:

      Derived from Maria, the meaning of which is uncertain. Theories include "drop of the sea" (from Hebrew roots mar "drop" and yam "sea"); "bitter" (from Hebrew marah "bitterness"); and "beloved" (from the Egyptian root mr).
  10. Gali
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "wave"
    • Description:

      Sprightly name popular in Israel with beachy meaning and international flex.
  11. Zaley
    • Origin:

      Feminine variation of Zale, invented nickname-name, or short form of Azalea
    • Description:

      All baby names can be made more "creative" by putting a Z at the beginning instead of what's conventionally there: B or C or H, for instance. Zaley is an adorable entry in this group, also spelled Zailey or Zayley or Zalee. The Zaley spelling attains a measure of authenticity when seen as a feminine form of Zale, a Greek name with an ocean-related meaning.
  12. Meri
    • Origin:

      Finnish; Maori
    • Meaning:

      "sea; Mary"
    • Description:

      Upbeat name that cheers you as soon as you hear it. One famous bearer is Maori feminist Meri Te Tai Mangakāhia.
  13. Mariner
    • Origin:

      Occupational name from Latin
    • Meaning:

      "sea-farer"
  14. Merial
    • Origin:

      Irish
    • Meaning:

      "of the bright sea"
    • Description:

      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.'
  15. Marica
    • Origin:

      Croatian and Hungarian form of Maria
    • Meaning:

      "drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved"
    • Description:

      A striking form of international favourite Maria, the meaning of which is uncertain. Theories include "drop of the sea" (from Hebrew roots mar "drop" and yam "sea"); "bitter" (from Hebrew marah "bitterness"); and "beloved" (from the Egyptian root mr).
  16. Gwenora
    • Origin:

      Cornish form of Guinevere, Welsh
    • Meaning:

      "white shadow, white wave"
    • Description:

      Gwenora teeters on the line between unique gem and modern invention. But it's not a smoosh name fashioned from Gwen and Nora but an old Cornish form of Guinevere, like its much more famous sister Jennifer.
  17. Jeanmarie
    • Origin:

      English combination of Jean and Marie
    • Meaning:

      "god is gracious + drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved"
    • Description:

      Rather dated smoosh name.
  18. Delmore
    • Origin:

      French
    • Meaning:

      "of the sea"
    • Description:

      An undiscovered gem with clunky, buttoned-up appeal and a literary feel thanks to poet Delmore Schwartz.
  19. Iluka
    • Origin:

      Australian Aboriginal
    • Meaning:

      "by the sea"
    • Description:

      This Yaygir Aboriginal name is the name of two towns in Australia and is also occasionally spotted as a name. Meaning "by the sea" the name is perfect for beach-going families.
  20. Dwyn
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Dwynwen
    • Meaning:

      "wave"
    • Description:

      Short, but still kind of a mouthful.