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Nautical Names

  1. Crow

    • Origin:

      Bird name

    • Description:

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

    • Origin:

      Place-name

    • Meaning:

      "Æffa's farmstead"

    • Description:

      A Scottish town and river name, Afton has a cool, contemporary sound, similar to Alden, Austen, Effie, and Aspen. Derived from Old English, it could mean "Æffa's farmstead", Æffa being an Anglo-Saxon given name of unknown meaning.
  4. 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.
  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. Moor

    • Description:

      Moor is a masculine name with Anglo-Saxon and geographical origins. Historically, it referred to a person who lived near or came from moorlands – open, uncultivated upland areas. The name also has connections to the historical term 'Moor,' which was used to describe people of North African, particularly Berber and Arab, descent. As a given name, Moor is exceptionally rare, more commonly encountered as a surname. It has a strong, concise sound with nature-based connotations of wildness and freedom. The simplicity of the name gives it a distinctive quality, though its various historical and geographical associations may influence how it's perceived across different cultures.
  7. Harbor

    • Origin:

      Word name

    • Description:

      We've seen Haven take off as a nouveau girls' name; Harbor could follow in its wake.
  8. 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.

  9. 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.
  10. Cable

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "rope"

    • Description:

      Drop the C and arrive at an established biblical name.
  11. Bimini

    • Origin:

      Place-name

    • Description:

      Name of a tiny Bahamian island that's better suited to a girl.
  12. 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.
  13. Day

    • Origin:

      English word name

    • Meaning:

      "day"

    • Description:

      A bright and optimistic middle name choice.
  14. 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.
  15. Banyan

    • Origin:

      Indian

    • Meaning:

      "the God tree"

    • Description:

      This evocative name of a dramatic tropical Indian fig tree is ready to move west.
  16. Beacon

    • Origin:

      English word name

    • Meaning:

      "signal light"

    • Description:

      A word name with an appealing and illuminating meaning.
  17. 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.
  18. 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.
  19. 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?
  20. 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.

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