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Nautical Names

  1. Pacific

    • Origin:

      Ocean name; from Latin

    • Meaning:

      "tranquil"

    • Description:

      Pacific is an adventurous kind of place-name, with the added bonus of the association with peace.
  2. 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.
  3. Derrick

    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Derek, English from German form of Theodoric,"the people's ruler"

    • Meaning:

      "the people's ruler"

    • Description:

      Derek is one of those names that, in its heyday, spawned lots of variations, all trendy. Last year, about 300 baby boys were named Derrick and about 1350 were named Derek.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. Banyan

    • Origin:

      Indian

    • Meaning:

      "the God tree"

    • Description:

      This evocative name of a dramatic tropical Indian fig tree is ready to move west.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. Dock

    • Origin:

      English word name

    • Meaning:

      "enclosed area of water in a port for ships to load and unload"

    • Description:

      A sailing and sea-related choice, which also feels connected to the reparative powers of nature (via dock leaves) and to doctors generally, Dock made the Top 1000 in the first half of the 20th century, though today, it is only quietly and sporadically used.
  10. 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.
  11. 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.

  12. Port

    • Description:

      Port is an uncommon masculine name with English origins, derived from the Latin 'portus' meaning 'harbor' or 'haven.' As a word name, it carries associations with maritime settings, suggesting qualities of shelter, arrival, and connection. Port has historically been more common as a surname or place name than as a first name. Its brevity gives it a strong, direct quality—concise and distinctive with just one syllable. The name might appeal to parents with connections to sailing, coastal living, or those seeking a rare, simple name with subtle depth. Port's uniqueness ensures it stands out while its familiar word status keeps it accessible.

  13. Beacon

    • Origin:

      English word name

    • Meaning:

      "signal light"

    • Description:

      A word name with an appealing and illuminating meaning.
  14. 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?
  15. 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.
  16. Day

    • Origin:

      English word name

    • Meaning:

      "day"

    • Description:

      A bright and optimistic middle name choice.
  17. Crow

    • Origin:

      Bird name

    • Description:

      From Haruki Murakami's Kafka on the Shore, the story of a boy named Kafka -- crow in Czech.
  18. 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.
  19. 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.
  20. Harbor

    • Origin:

      Word name

    • Description:

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