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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. Ona

    • Origin:

      Lithuanian variation of Anna, Catalan diminutive of Mariona

    • Meaning:

      "grace; wave; bitter; wished-for child"

    • Description:

      One of those names with a wide array of meanings across different cultures; it's the Lithuanian form of Anna, for instance, and William Blake used it as the name of one of his mysterious, godlike characters. But it's found major popularity in Spain, where it's just outside the Top 50. It makes the Top 10 in Catalonia, being both a diminutive of Mariona and the word for "wave".
  3. Poseidon

    • Origin:

      Greek mythology name

    • Description:

      This version of the sea god's name may be more ready for prime time than the Roman version, Neptune -- slightly.
  4. 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.
  5. Pontius

    • Origin:

      Roman

    • Meaning:

      "fifth"

    • Description:

      This Roman name is featured in the New Testament as that of the governor of Judea.
  6. 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.
  7. Undine

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "little wave"

    • Description:

      Mythological water spirit with the more common spelling of Ondine, heroine of an Edith Wharton novel.
  8. 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".
  9. Marinus

    • Description:

      Marinus is a masculine name of Latin origin meaning 'of the sea' or 'marine.' This classical name has historical significance, being borne by several early Christian saints and a pope. Popular predominantly in the Netherlands and Scandinavian countries, Marinus conveys a sense of strength and connection to the ocean. The name experienced its peak popularity in the early 20th century in Northern European countries but has remained relatively uncommon in English-speaking regions. It offers the friendly nickname Rinus in Dutch communities. Marinus carries a dignified, scholarly quality while maintaining its nautical associations, making it appealing for families with seafaring traditions or those seeking a distinguished yet uncommon name with classical roots.

  10. Muir

    • Origin:

      Scottish

    • Meaning:

      "dweller near the moor"

    • Description:

      A common family name in Scotland, occasionally used as a first.
  11. Gal

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "wave"

    • Description:

      This unisex Israeli name, which rhymes with ball, is sure to receive more serious international attention now that actress Gal Gadot is the new Wonder Woman.
  12. 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.
  13. 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.
  14. 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.
  15. Maristela

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "Star of the sea"

    • Description:

      One of the many names for the Virgin Mary, this name is popular in Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking communities.
  16. Neptune

    • Origin:

      Roman god of the sea, freshwater springs, and horses.

    • Description:

      This Roman mythology (and planet) name would be very hard to handle. It derives from a root meaning cloud.
  17. 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.
  18. 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.
  19. 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.
  20. Meri

    • Origin:

      Finnish; Maori

    • Meaning:

      "sea; Mary"

    • Description:

      Upbeat name that cheers you as soon as you hear it. One famous bearer is Maori feminist Meri Te Tai Mangakāhia.

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