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Merfolk Names

  1. Bo

    • Origin:

      Norse nickname

    • Meaning:

      "to live"

    • Description:

      This tiny but punchy name has multiple origins. It stands strong alone, but could be short for numerous names including Bonnie and Bodhi. In Mandarin Chinese, Bo means "wave".
  2. Llyr

    • Origin:

      Welsh

    • Meaning:

      "the sea"

    • Description:

      Llyr is a name with a great meaning and a lovely sound, but that sound is going to be next to impossible to get non-Welsh speaking people to pronounce (google the double L sound in Welsh). If you are outside Wales, you may wish to consider the Irish alternative Lir, which has the same meaning and an easier sound.
  3. Darya

    • Origin:

      Russian or Persian, variation of Daria or feminine form of Darius

    • Meaning:

      "kingly; possessing goodness; the sea"

    • Description:

      The beguiling Darya is the name of a character in Tolstoy's Anna Karenina. As a Russian name, it's a spelling variation of Daria, while in Iran, it's a girl's name that means "the sea".
  4. Moana

    • Origin:

      Maori, Samoan

    • Meaning:

      "deep ocean, sea"

    • Description:

      This Maori name, often heard in New Zealand, is an attractive, evocative choice for lovers of the ocean made famous – perhaps too famous – by the Disney heroine. Moana was also an alternate name for the heroine Ofelia in Pan's Labyrinth. Moana may also be a color name for a deep ocean blue ("lanu moana"). Moana and other Disney Princess Names are the subject of a featured blog.
  5. Nereus

    • Origin:

      Greek mythology name

    • Meaning:

      "water"

    • Description:

      The name of the father of the sea nymphs -- or one of its shorter forms such as Nereo or Nerio -- would be somewhat easier for a child to carry than Neptune. The name Nereus is largely forgotten but it certainly could rise again along with Atticus and Cassius and other ancient Greek brethren.
  6. Njord

    • Origin:

      Scandinavian

    • Meaning:

      "north"

    • Description:

      Pronounced to rhyme with fjord, the Norse god of the sea's name, this would make an unorthodox choice for sea-lovers and fishermen.
  7. Gal

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "wave"

    • Description:

      A unisex name in Israel but in the U.S., it might as well be Sue.
  8. Oceane

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "ocean"

    • Description:

      Oceane (oh-see-EN) has been one of the chicest names in France for several years, ranking in the French Top 50. This is a sophisticated name that could easily cross the ocean, and is much more stylish than the English Ocean or Oceana.
  9. Meraud

    • Origin:

      Cornish

    • Meaning:

      "a profit from the sea"

    • Description:

      A medieval Cornish name which despite sounding similar to the French name Emeraude, is actually connected to the Welsh name Morfydd. Pronunciation rhymes with Herod -- and yes, the final d is pronounced.
  10. Ocean

    • Origin:

      English, nature name

    • Description:

      Ocean is a nature name that comes right out and states its meaning and association. Full of power and depth, Ocean is one of the fastest-rising baby names for both girls and boys, making the US Top 1000 for both genders in 2021. Oceane, the version that's trendy in France, was used for only 11 baby girls in the US in the same year. Ocean-lovers who want to be less obvious can choose such subtler names that mean ocean as Jennifer or Marissa, but coming right out and using Ocean is a perfectly valid way to go.
  11. Muir

    • Origin:

      Scottish

    • Meaning:

      "dweller near the moor"

    • Description:

      A common family name in Scotland, occasionally used as a first.
  12. Nereida

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "sea nymph"

    • Description:

      More intriguing than the more familiar form Nerida, this name is perfect for a beach baby, or a baby born under a water sign.
  13. Undine

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "little wave"

    • Description:

      Mythological water spirit with the more common spelling of Ondine, heroine of an Edith Wharton novel.
  14. Asherah

    • Origin:

      Sumerian

    • Meaning:

      "she who treads on the sea"

    • Description:

      Asherah is probably one of the most ancient of mother goddess symbols, recorded in the pantheons of several civilisations from the tenth century BCE. As the mother to innumerable gods and goddesses, she is often depicted as having the capacity to walk on water, which makes Asherah an excellent choice for a baby born under one of the water signs of the zodiac, including names for Scorpio babies, as well as those born under Pisces and Cancer.
  15. Mar

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "sea"

    • Description:

      The Spanish and Portuguese word for "sea" is a Top 100 name in Spain. In America, it's sometimes used as a nickname for names like Martina and Marina, but it could also plausibly stand on its own.
  16. Kaimana

    • Origin:

      Hawaiian

    • Meaning:

      "the power of the ocean"

    • Description:

      This Hawaiian name gracefully celebrates the force of nature, paying tribute to the ocean. If you're looking for unique names that mean ocean, this should be on your short list.
  17. Muirgen

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "born of the sea"

    • Description:

      Muirgen in Irish mythology was turned into a mermaid and then brought back to land after 300 years and transformed back into a woman -- which must have been quite a shock. Muirgen's original name was Liban. Muirgen may also be spelled Muireann or Muirenn.
  18. Pontius

    • Origin:

      Roman

    • Meaning:

      "fifth"

    • Description:

      This Roman name is featured in the New Testament as that of the governor of Judea.
  19. Alon

    • Description:

      Alon is a masculine name of Hebrew origin, meaning 'oak tree' or 'strong and mighty'. It symbolizes strength, resilience, and longevity, similar to the sturdy oak. Popular in Israel and Jewish communities worldwide, Alon has gained modest international recognition for its simple pronunciation and powerful meaning. It evokes images of stability and natural beauty while remaining distinctive. In Israeli culture, the name connects to the landscape and natural heritage of the region. Alon has maintained steady popularity rather than experiencing dramatic trends, appreciated for its balance of traditional roots and contemporary sound.

  20. Alda

    • Origin:

      Feminine variation of Aldo, German, or Old Norse

    • Meaning:

      "old or wave"

    • Description:

      Alda's brother name Aldo has been a mainstay of the U.S. popularity chart for decades now, and the related Alden is soaring up as well. This version has never really caught on. (Maybe it's the association with Alan Alda: great actor, unlikely namesake for a little girl.) However, there is possible hope now that Alba and Alma are on the rise. Aida and Arden are more familiar alternatives.