Nautical Names

Anchors aweigh and batten down the hatches! Nautical names are underway!
  1. Admiral
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "a high rank in the navy"
    • Description:

      This title name definitely makes a statement. Will Admiral fit in with the Saints, Kings, and Knights joining the playground?
  2. Afton
    • Origin:

      Place-name
    • Description:

      Name of a town in Scotland that has a feminine strength.
  3. Anchor
    • Origin:

      Word name
    • Meaning:

      "heavy object used to moor a ship; provide with a solid foundation"
    • Description:

      Plausible word name, denoting strength and stability, currently given to a small handful of boys in the US each year.
  4. Andrew
    • Origin:

      Greek
    • Meaning:

      "strong and manly"
    • Description:

      During its Top 10 heyday in the late 90s and early oughts, Andrew was one of the "cooler" classic boy names, an update on the old guard Roberts and Richards.
  5. Alee
    • Bailer
      • Description:

        Bailer is an unusual feminine name that appears to have originated as an occupational surname referring to someone who bailed water or worked as a bailiff. As a first name, Bailer is extremely rare, representing a modern trend of adopting surnames or occupational terms as given names. It has a strong, practical sound that some parents might find appealing for its uniqueness. The name doesn't have traditional gender associations, though it's occasionally used for girls. With its English language roots, Bailer might appeal to parents seeking an uncommon name with a straightforward pronunciation. There's little historical precedent for its use as a feminine name, making it a truly distinctive choice in contemporary naming practices.
    • Banyan
      • Origin:

        Indian
      • Meaning:

        "the God tree"
      • Description:

        This evocative name of a dramatic tropical Indian fig tree is ready to move west.
    • Bar
      • Description:

        Bar is a feminine name with multicultural roots and concise elegance. In Hebrew, it means 'pure' or 'grain,' and holds significance in Israeli culture where it's used for both genders, though more commonly for girls. The name also appears in various cultures with different meanings: in Celtic traditions, it relates to 'height' or 'summit,' while in Turkish it can mean 'existence.' Bar's simplicity gives it a modern, minimalist appeal that works well internationally. In Israel, notable namesakes include actress Bar Refaeli, which has increased its recognition globally. Despite its brevity, Bar carries cultural depth and spiritual significance. The name remains uncommon in Western countries but has seen steady usage in Israel. Its short form enables easy pronunciation across languages while maintaining its distinctive character.

    • Barbette
      • Description:

        Barbette is a delicate feminine name of French origin, functioning as a diminutive of Barbara. Barbara derives from Greek, meaning "foreign" or "strange," while the '-ette' suffix adds a sense of daintiness and charm typical of French naming traditions. Barbette peaked in minimal usage during the early 20th century but has since become exceedingly rare. The name carries a vintage, somewhat theatrical quality, which may be connected to its other meaning in French circus arts, where a "barbette" refers to a type of aerial apparatus. With its soft sounds and romantic French flair, Barbette might appeal to parents seeking a truly uncommon name with historical roots and a touch of artistic elegance.

    • Beach
      • Origin:

        Nature name, English word name
      • Meaning:

        "a shore of a body of water"
      • Description:

        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.
    • Beacon
      • Origin:

        English word name
      • Meaning:

        "signal light"
      • Description:

        A word name with an appealing and illuminating meaning.
    • Bear
      • Origin:

        Animal name
      • Meaning:

        "bear"
      • Description:

        Bear has suddenly lumbered onto the baby name landscape. Perhaps inspired by British adventurer Bear Grylls (born Edward Michael), first celebrity chef Jamie Oliver used it as the middle name for his boy Buddy, and Alicia Silverstone called her son Bear Blu, followed by Kate Winslet's Bear Blaize.
    • Bell
      • Origin:

        English and Scottish occupational name
      • Meaning:

        "ringer of the bell"
      • Description:

        These days, it's more likely you'd call your daughter the popular Belle or Bella.
    • Bertha
      • Origin:

        German
      • Meaning:

        "bright, glorious"
      • Description:

        Ever since the enormous German cannon was dubbed by Allied soldiers "Big Bertha" in World War I, this name hasn't worked for a sweet little baby girl. But this was not always so. Hard as it might be to imagine now, Bertha was a Top 100 name until the 1930s, and in the 1880s was the seventh most popular name in the land--the equal of Joseph.
    • Bimini
      • Origin:

        Place-name
      • Description:

        Name of a tiny Bahamian island that's better suited to a girl.
    • Boomer
      • Origin:

        Dutch
      • Meaning:

        "gatekeeper"
      • Description:

        This upbeat, friendly surname name has appeared on television's Battlestar Galactica a handful of cartoons, and on a literary note, a character in Herman Melville's Moby Dick. Sports fans might think of Boomer Esiason, the NFL quarterback turned color commentator. He's not the only athlete to answer to the upbeat nickname.
    • Bow
      • Description:

        Bow is an uncommon masculine name with multiple potential origins. As an English word name, it connects to several meanings: the weapon for shooting arrows, symbolizing precision and skill; the decorative tied ribbon, representing presentation and celebration; or the front of a ship, suggesting forward movement and navigation. It may also derive from Asian origins, particularly Chinese, where it can relate to various characters depending on the tone. Bow is extremely rare as a given name, making it a highly distinctive choice. Its brevity and simple pronunciation give it a modern, minimalist appeal. The name's multiple associations with strength, movement, and artistry make it versatile despite its unconventional nature as a personal name.
    • Bower
      • Description:

        Bower comes from English surname origins, derived from the Old English word 'bur,' referring to a cottage or dwelling, particularly one in a leafy enclosure or garden. Historically, it was an occupational surname for someone who worked or lived in such a setting. As a first name, Bower has remained quite rare, giving it a distinctive quality. The name evokes verdant, natural imagery of shaded garden retreats and leafy arbors - peaceful, green spaces that provide shelter and beauty. Bower has a strong, masculine one-syllable sound similar to more common names like Bowen or Owen, while offering unique nature-connected symbolism. It appeals to parents drawn to uncommon English names with natural associations.
    • Bridge
      • Origin:

        Word name
      • Meaning:

        "bridge"
      • Description:

        A new name with the potential for spanning across a far-reaching future. Bridges and Bridger are other possiblities.
    • Ballast