User-created list
By phoenix-reborn · Updated June 2023
Across 9 pages
of 9
Hawaiian, Greek, Basque
"dolphin; to flow; wave, sea foam"
A multicultural option that's equally intriguing but more unusual than Maia. Connected to water and the ocean, it is a Top 100 choice in Spain and Puerto Rico and has been rising up the charts in…
Latin
"sea"
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.
"of the sea"
Marin is a lovely county north of San Francisco, and a lovely baby name on the rise, one which sounds more refreshing than the more familiar Marina. As a place-name, Marin is pronounced with the…
Japanese
"sea, ocean + to fly, soar"
A popular Japanese name with an uplifting meaning, Kaito is connected to the air and the sea. Said with three syllables and not the two English speakers may expect, it has been borne by a number of…
English
A retro short form of Marina, dated to the era of the Hitchcock movie that made it famous, Marnie is beginning to feel fresh again — or rather, it is in the UK. Appearing in the Top 100 there in a…
Welsh
"sea fortress"
This name of the famous fifth-century sorcerer and mentor of King Arthur may or may not be a bit wizardy for a real-life modern child. Its most noted modern bearer: football star turned actor Merlin…
Surname-name or spelling variation of Sailor
Used much more often for girls -- about 1000 girls were named Saylor or Sailor last year, versus about 100 boys -- Saylor is a medieval German surname that means ropemaker, which is also related to…
French derivative of Mary
"drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved"
Fun fact: Marion was the birth name of movie star John Wayne. Although commonly thought of as a female name today, it was actually more popular for boys until the late 19th century, and was given to…
German
"desired; or island, water"
An unusual and appealing name that is the origin of Evelyn, via the Norman French name Aveline. It derives from an obscure Germanic root, the meaning of which is not clear. Theories include "desired,…
Turkish
A super popular nature name in its native Turkey, currently Top 50 for both boys and girls there.
A Japanese name that would work well on a boy or girl — it is reminiscent of popular unisex names Kai or Kyrie. Kairi is the name of the main female character in the popular role-playing video game…
Japanese, French, Welsh, Vietnamese, Navajo
"dance; May; cherry blossom; coyote"
Cross-cultural winner.
Welsh, Turkish
"star or sail mast"
Seren is a top girls' name in Wales – and a lovely choice almost unknown elsewhere. Seren, in the Sirona form, was an ancient goddess of the hot springs. Seren only recently fell out of the girls'…
Maris is an unusual and appealing name that has never appeared in the U.S. Top 1000, overshadowed by its twentieth century elaboration, Marisa/Marissa. It derives from the phrase "Stella Maris," star…
Russian or Persian, variation of Daria or feminine form of Darius
"kingly; possessing goodness; the sea"
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".
Hawaiian
"the power of the ocean"
Kaimana is one of hawaii's top baby names for boys.. A fascinating name for ocean lovers, Kai might be a user-friendly short form.
Italian diminutive of Maria
Marietta would make for a classy and uncommon long form for cool nickname Etta. The meaning of Maria is uncertain, but theories include "drop of the sea" (from Hebrew roots mar "drop" and yam "sea");…
English combination of Anna and Marie
"grace + drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved"
This variation of Annemarie ensures the name is pronounced with four syllables. Classic and sturdy but with a playful, spirited sound, Annamarie is popular in Czechia, where it is also written as…
Galia is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins. In Hebrew, it means 'wave of God' or 'God will redeem,' while in Russian and Slavic languages, it serves as a diminutive of Galina, meaning…
Yiddish variation of Moses, Egyptian
"delivered from the water"
A name commonly heard on New York's Lower East Side at the turn of the last century.
