200+ Inspired Ocean Names for Babies

Many Hawaiian names reference nature, especially the ocean -- not surprising for a state that's made up of islands. Kainalu's meaning is one of the loveliest.

An offbeat way to get to Gwen.

Popular Dutch name derived from a combination of Maria (Ria) + Anne, or as a short form of Marianne.

This Hawaiian name gracefully celebrates the force of nature, paying tribute to the ocean. If you're looking for unique names that mean ocean, this should be on your short list.

This name of the mythological mother of Achilles might suffer from English speakers making the rhyming association to the word fetus. The traditional Greek pronunciation might alleviate that problem.

Unusual alternative to Fisher with a brisker surname appeal.

A pretty, mellifluous name from the Tahitian phrase vai ana o te mato teitei, meaning "water from the cave of the high rock". The Disney heroine Moana is called Vaiana in most European countries, for trademark reasons.

Variant of Annemarie

Cormorant is definitely one of the most unusual of the newly fashionable animal names, and one of the rare bird names for boys.

A bold and energetic Hawaiian name which blends two fashionable favorites: Kai and Koa.

Double whammy: the expression "Seward's folly" and inevitable sewer jokes.

Derya is a unisex name in its native Turkey, though even there it is far more popular for women than for men. It is related to the Persian name Daria, which also means sea.

Highly unusual water name -- and actor Colin surname -- with a Scottish burr. Firth derives from the Old Norse word fjord.

Variant of Marybeth

This popular Indian name is heard in the US. Bollywood actor Akshay Khanna has a son named Arnav.

Marilee is one of the cheeriest – if least substantial – combinations of Mary with another name.

A fresh and summery — if rather long — color that sounds namelike, but is extremely rarely used.

In Finnish mythology, Ahti (also known as Ahto) was a heroic character and god of the sea, rivers and fishing, also referred to as Saarelainen ("Islander").

Looking to honor Grandma Mary (or Maria) with something original? This Russian short form bears an unfortunate resemblance to the English word "mash", but if you can look past that, Masha has possibilities.