Nautical Names

  1. Commodore
    • Description:

      Commodore is a masculine name derived from the military naval rank, which originated from the French 'commandeur' and Latin 'commendare' meaning 'to entrust' or 'to command.' As a given name, it gained limited usage in the United States during the 19th century, reflecting the nation's growing naval power and admiration for military titles. The name carries strong connotations of authority, leadership, and nautical tradition. While never widely popular, Commodore occasionally appeared as both a first and middle name for boys, particularly in families with naval connections or patriotic values. The name experienced a slight resurgence of interest with the popularity of Commodore computers in the 1980s. Today, it remains a rare choice that conveys strength and distinguished heritage.

  2. Skipper
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "captain"
    • Description:

      Sure, and we hope he has a good time playing with Buster and Buddy.
  3. Afton
    • Origin:

      Place-name
    • Description:

      Name of a town in Scotland that has a feminine strength.
  4. Crow
    • Origin:

      Bird name
    • Description:

      From Haruki Murakami's Kafka on the Shore, the story of a boy named Kafka -- crow in Czech.
  5. Day
    • Origin:

      English word name
    • Meaning:

      "day"
    • Description:

      A bright and optimistic middle name choice.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. Calm
    • Origin:

      Word name
    • Description:

      A modern virtue name, particularly desirable in this pressure-cooker world.
  10. Harbor
    • Origin:

      Word name
    • Description:

      We've seen Haven take off as a nouveau girls' name; Harbor could follow in its wake.
  11. 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.

  12. Cat
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Catherine, Greek
    • Meaning:

      "pure"
    • Description:

      May be the most modern, stylish Catherine nickname: more unusual than Kate or Cate, with an animal and word name edge. Cat Power is a trendy folksinger.
  13. 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.
  14. Cable
    • Origin:

      French
    • Meaning:

      "rope"
    • Description:

      Drop the C and arrive at an established biblical name.
  15. Captain
    • Origin:

      English word name
    • Meaning:

      "person in charge"
    • Description:

      A commanding word name that feels occupational like Miller, Palmer, and Shepherd, while also fitting in with ambitious choices like Legend, King, Major, Maverick, and Saint. Referring to someone who takes the lead and holds influence and responsibility, Captain has links to team sports, the military, seafaring, superheroes, and the police.
  16. Dover
    • Origin:

      British place-name
    • Description:

      Two-syllable place-names are stylish, and this one is attached to a British city noted for its white chalk cliffs, but there are a couple of minuses: associated with the fish, Dover sole, and also rhymes with the doggy Rover.
  17. Davy
    • Origin:

      Short form of David, Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "beloved"
    • Description:

      Davy and Davey are certainly short forms that are frequently used but rarely wind up on the birth certificate. And why, since David is such a handsome, classic, yet short and simple name on its own?
  18. 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?
  19. Dory
    • Origin:

      French
    • Meaning:

      "gift of God"
    • Description:

      A Dorothy nickname name with a measure of nostalgic charm. Kids will associate it with the funny fish character voiced by Ellen DeGeneres in the Pixar animated instant classic Finding Nemo.
  20. Fife
    • Origin:

      Scottish
    • Meaning:

      "place name"
    • Description:

      Musical choice that might work great in the middle. Alternative in all its forms, Fife and sister name Fifer are Scottish names for girls that can make a new twist on Piper.