Oceanic Names

  1. Manami
    • Origin:

      Japanese
    • Meaning:

      "ocean"
    • Description:

      Like many Japanese names, Manami has several possible meanings. This sea-themed one is very appealing.
  2. Firth
    • Origin:

      Scottish nature name
    • Meaning:

      "estuary or arm of the sea"
    • Description:

      Highly unusual water name -- and actor Colin surname -- with a Scottish burr. Firth derives from the Old Norse word fjord.
  3. Heremoana
    • Origin:

      Tahitian
    • Meaning:

      "beloved ocean"
    • Description:

      Moana may be the best-known South Sea Islander name thanks to Disney. This puts a male spin on the appealing nature name.
  4. Toru
    • Origin:

      Japanese
    • Meaning:

      "pierce; sea"
    • Description:

      Unisex Japanese name seen on a character in the Haikyū!! manga and anime series.
  5. Pelagius
    • Description:

      Pelagius is a masculine name with ancient Greek and Latin roots, derived from "pelagos" meaning "sea" or "ocean." This rare name carries significant historical weight, most notably associated with the 5th-century British monk Pelagius, known for his theological positions that became controversial within early Christianity. The name also belonged to several early Christian saints and a 8th-century king of Asturias. Despite its historical significance, Pelagius remains extremely uncommon in modern usage. It has a scholarly, distinctive quality with its classical ending and connection to ancient languages. The name's maritime etymology suggests vastness and depth, while its historical associations connect to theological thought and early Christian history. For parents seeking a name with classical roots and historical significance, Pelagius offers a rarely-used option with substantial cultural depth.

  6. Merrigan
    • Origin:

      Irish surname, related to the sea
    • Description:

      A merry surname cousin of Kerrigan, could make a lively choice for a happy little girl.
  7. Moishe
    • Origin:

      Yiddish variation of Moses, Egyptian
    • Meaning:

      "delivered from the water"
    • Description:

      A name commonly heard on New York's Lower East Side at the turn of the last century.
  8. Annamarie
    • Origin:

      English combination of Anna and Marie
    • Meaning:

      "grace + drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved"
    • Description:

      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 Anna Marie.
  9. Ushio
    • Origin:

      Japanese
    • Meaning:

      "tide; saltwater"
  10. Vaihere
    • Origin:

      Tahitian
    • Meaning:

      "beloved water"
    • Description:

      Tahitian names are not well-known beyond the South Sea islands, but with their nature meanings and the new popularity of Hawaiian names, they may travel far in the future.
  11. Takumi
    • Origin:

      Japanese
    • Meaning:

      "artisan; skillful; open ocean"
  12. Arethusa
    • Origin:

      Greek
    • Meaning:

      "quick water"
    • Description:

      In Greek mythology, Arethusa is a nymph who is transformed into a fresh water fountain. The name is also used for a type of orchid and featured in Bleak House by Charles Dickens.
  13. Aquarius
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "water carrier"
    • Description:

      Astrological name retains a hippielike Age of Aquarius feel.
  14. Ketch
    • Origin:

      English surname, word name
    • Meaning:

      "brisk, lively; sailboat"
    • Description:

      This crisp, tailored surname has caught the eye of several parents over the years, but may appeal for different reasons. In sailing, a ketch is a boat with two masts. Daniel Ketch is the name of Ghost Rider, a character in the Marvel Universe who may have inspired some namesakes.
  15. 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.
  16. Mere
    • Origin:

      Maori
    • Meaning:

      "drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved"
    • Description:

      Maori form of Mary
  17. Firth
    • Origin:

      Scottish nature name
    • Meaning:

      "estuary or arm of the sea"
    • Description:

      Highly unusual water name -- and actor Colin surname -- with a Scottish burr. Firth derives from the Old Norse word fjord.
  18. Mariner
    • Origin:

      Occupational name from Latin
    • Meaning:

      "sea-farer"
  19. Nanami
    • Origin:

      Japanese
    • Meaning:

      "seven seas"
    • Description:

      A great name for travel-lovers, with a fun alternative sound to Naomi.
  20. Adva
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "small wave; ripple"
    • Description:

      A possible addition to the Ava / Ada / Adah collection, with a Jewish twist.