Nautical Names

Jaunty and raffish, Rafferty is one of the most engaging of the Irish surnames, used by Jude Law and Sadie Frost for their son. Fortunately, it doesn't still go by its original form: O'Raighbheartaigh.

Jack may have fallen from its Number 1 place in England, but in the US it's as popular as it was at its height in the 1920s and 1930s. A durable, cheery, everyman form of John, Jack ranks as one of the most popular boy names starting with J.

Maren is one of the many twenty-first-century takes on Mary--but we find the more classic Marin spelling preferable. When spelled Maren, the pronunciation seems more clearly to resemble Mary, with the emphasis on the first syllable. Marin, the spelling also used for the beautiful coastal county north of San Francisco, is often pronounced with the emphasis on the second syllable, as in Marie.

Jonah, the name of the Old Testament prophet who was swallowed by the whale, only to emerge unharmed three days later, is increasingly appreciated by parents looking for a biblical name less common than Jacob or Joshua, yet not too obscure. Plus, Jonah comes with a ready-made nursery-decorating motif.

This pretty sea-born name was used to dramatic effect by Shakespeare in his play Pericles for the virtuous princess who says she is "Call'd Marina, for I was born at sea."

Haven is a recently invented safe-harbor name that appeals to an increasing number of parents who don't want to voyage quite as far as Heaven.

Wade has never been outside the US Top 1000 for boys - there's a reason for that. It has a clean spelling, fresh sound and is neither too trendy (unlike Kade or Cade) or too old-school (like Richard or Albert). We think Wade is a winning name.

Cove is an up-and-coming nature name whose cool sound and peaceful image saw it rising for both sexes... until COVID-19 hit. It remained steady in use for boys in 2021, but actually increased for girls, although it remains a seriously rare and distinctive choice for either gender.

A color name, a gemstone name, and an ocean-inspired choice, Coral has a lot going for it with its sharp C sounds yet sweet vintage feel. Unlike Scarlett or Violet, however, it is only quietly used in the US these days, perhaps because of its similarity to more 'dated' Carol.

Mythological spirit of the waters; spelled Undine, she was an Edith Wharton heroine.

As a member of two trendy name categories, animal and occupational, this name broke into the Top 1000 in 2004 and would make a nice tribute to an angler Grandpa.

Sure, and we hope he has a good time playing with Buster and Buddy.

If you're a lover of the beach and sea, and want a name that relates to the largest body of water, there are several variations you could consider.

Reef is an uncommon nature name with mainstream potential. Its laidback, beach-y vibe makes it a perfect choice for ocean lovers.

Jetty is an unusual masculine name with distinctive charm. It likely derives from the English word 'jetty,' referring to a pier or structure extending into water. This gives the name a nautical connection and evokes imagery of harbors and maritime settings. While not common as a first name, Jetty offers a fresh alternative to more conventional choices, with a playful, informal quality. The name may appeal to parents seeking nature-inspired or water-themed names. Its uniqueness means individuals named Jetty are unlikely to share their name with peers, potentially cultivating a strong sense of identity. Jetty's concise form and friendly sound make it memorable and approachable.

As likely to be tied to the detergent as to the rhythms of the ocean.

One celebrity baby Pilot put this occupational choice into the pool -- together with the middle name Inspektor, something we wouldn't advise following.

Cabot is an attractive English surname associated with the daring early Italian-born British explorer known as John Cabot; his birth name was Giovanni Caboto.

A word name with an appealing and illuminating meaning.

Fin is a concise, impactful masculine name with multiple cultural origins. In Irish tradition, it's a shortened form of Fionn or Finn, meaning 'fair' or 'white,' connected to the legendary Irish hero Finn MacCool. In Scandinavian countries, Fin derives from Old Norse, possibly meaning 'wanderer' or relating to the Finnish people. The name's brevity makes it appealing to modern parents seeking minimalist names with historical depth. While traditionally a nickname, Fin has gained popularity as a standalone name in recent decades, particularly in English-speaking countries. Its cross-cultural appeal, straightforward pronunciation, and connection to folklore contribute to its growing usage as parents embrace shorter, distinctive names with strong sounds.