Boy and Girl Names That Mean Water

In the vast world of names, water-inspired choices offer a unique and enchanting appeal. Reflecting calm lakes, powerful rivers, and vast oceans, these names capture the essence of one of nature’s most vital elements.

Whether you’re looking for a name that signifies water or simply love its serene qualities, there are many beautiful choices for both boys and girls.

This guide navigates through a variety of water-themed names, each with its own special meaning. From those that represent strength and depth to those that evoke peace and tranquility, there’s a perfect water name for every child.

Let’s dive into the beauty and significance of these refreshing names.

Girl Names That Mean “Water”

Anat

Anat means “water spring.” This name has roots in Semitic mythology where Anat is known as the goddess of fertility and hunting.

Aysu

Aysu means “moon” and “water” in Turkish and Azerbaijani. It’s a lovely and dual-meaning name for a girl.

Belinay

Belinay translates to “reflection of the moon on the water” in Turkish. It brings to mind a sense of tranquility, calmness, and wisdom.

Cordelia

Of Celtic origin, Cordelia means “heart” or “daughter of the sea.” This name also appears in Shakespeare’s play King Lear.

Damla

Damla means “water drop” in Turkish and Azerbaijani. It’s a simple yet beautiful name that captures the essence of water.

Derya

In Turkish, Derya translates to “ocean.” It’s a name that symbolizes depth and boundlessness.

Kailani

Kailani is a Hawaiian name meaning “sea and sky.” It reflects the natural beauty and vastness of both the ocean and heavens.

Kasumi

Kasumi is a Japanese name that means “water” or “mist.” It paints a picture of the gentle interplay between water and air.

Lital

Lital, a Hebrew name, means “my dew.” It signifies the delicate and refreshing droplets of water in the early morning.

Mai

In Arabic, Mai is a name that simply means “water.” It’s a short and sweet choice for a girl.

Manami

Manami is a Japanese name meaning “love” combined with “beautiful” or “ocean.” It’s a name full of love and beauty.

Marisol

Marisol means “sea” and “sun” in Spanish. It’s perfect for those who love the sea, sand, and sun.

Maya

Maya is a popular Hebrew name in the United States that means “water.” It’s simple and irresistible.

Meri

Meri is a Finnish name that means “sea.” It has a joyful and pleasant sound.

Muirgel

Muirgel, of Irish origin, means “bright sea.” It brings to mind the shimmering brilliance of sunlit waters.

Nehir

Nehir is a Turkish name that means “river.” It’s a pretty and fitting name for those who love rivers.

Talia

Talia is a Hebrew name meaning “dew from god.” It’s also an Australian name meaning “near water.”

Vaihere

Vaihere is a Tahitian name that means “water” and “loved.” It weaves together themes of love and nature with water.

Varsha

Varsha is an Indian name that means “rain.” It’s simple and beautiful.

Zhaleh

In Persian, Zhaleh means “dew” or “hoarfrost.” It’s one of the few girl names that start with Z in this list.

Boy Names That Mean “Water”

Alon

Alon, a lovely Filipino name, means “wave.” This name symbolizes gentle and soothing waves, making it a wonderful choice for a baby boy.

Alton

Alton, from Old English, means “town at the source of a river.” Originally an English surname, Alton connects to water in a unique and historical way.

Anup

Anup, a boys’ name in Sanskrit, translates to “water” or “lagoon.” This name brings the calmness and expanse of water to mind.

Ardalion

Ardalion, a Greek boys’ name, means “water pot.” It’s a distinct and historical name.

Glyndwr

Glyndwr is a Welsh name meaning “valley water.” This name also has historical significance, associated with Owain Glyndwr, a medieval Welsh ruler.

Gürsel

Gürsel is a Turkish name meaning “flowing water.” This name conveys a sense of movement and strength, similar to a flowing river.

Gyatso

Gyatso, a Tibetan name, translates to “ocean.” It holds cultural significance, known through Tenzin Gyatso, the current Dalai Lama.

Heremoana

Heremoana is a Polynesian name found in Maori and Tahitian cultures. It means “ocean love,” reflecting a deep connection to the sea.

Jorah

Jorah is a Hebrew name meaning “early rain.” This name has gained popularity through the character Ser Jorah Mormont from Game of Thrones.

Kaito

Kaito is a Japanese name that means “sea” and “fly.” It’s a name that represents both water and sky, symbolizing freedom and adventure.

Muir

Muir, a Scottish name, means “moor” or “sea.” This name is simple yet strong, reflecting natural elements.

Sganyodaiyo

Sganyodaiyo, from the Seneca tribe, means “handsome lake” in Native American. This unique name carries a striking water-inspired meaning.

Takumi

Takumi is a Japanese name with various meanings, one of which is “expansive ocean.” This name evokes the endless and vast nature of the ocean.

Gender-Neutral Names That Mean “Water”

Aalto

In Finnish, Aalto translates to “wave.” It’s a smooth and rhythmic name that captures the essence of the ocean.

Afon

Afon is a concise and sweet name meaning “river” in Welsh. It’s simple yet flowing, just like the water it represents.

Agam

Agam is a Hebrew name that signifies “lake.” Suitable for any gender, it reflects tranquility and stillness.

Baran

In Persian, Baran translates to “rain.” This name is soothing and serene, offering a natural touch.

Beck

Beck, an English name meaning “stream,” is both short and powerful. This minimalistic name is trendy and modern.

Deniz

Deniz means “sea” in Turkish. This name has a gentle sound and evokes images of the vast and nurturing ocean.

Giang

Giang is a Vietnamese name that means “river.” It’s fluid and adaptable, suitable for any child.

Göksu

Göksu is a Turkish name meaning “water from the sky.” It symbolizes celestial beauty and abundance.

He

He is a versatile Chinese name with meanings including “river” or “stream,” “peace,” and “water lily.” It’s a harmonious choice.

Kai

Kai is a popular name with various origins. In Hawaiian, it means “sea,” in Chinese, it signifies “triumph,” and in Frisian, it’s a diminutive for several names.

Kaimana

Kaimana combines kai (“sea”) and mana (“power”) in Hawaiian. This name represents strength and depth.

Lynn

Lynn is of Welsh origin, meaning “lake.” It’s an elegant and classic name used for both boys and girls.

Moana

Of Maori and Hawaiian origin, Moana means “ocean” or “deep sea.” It signifies a strong, courageous spirit with a deep connection to the water.

Shui

Shui is a straightforward Chinese name meaning “water.” It’s clear, simple, and pure.

Water Names for Girls

Ariel

The name Ariel is linked to water through Disney’s The Little Mermaid. In the story, Ariel represents the mystic underwater realm, symbolizing curiosity, freedom, and transformation.

Aqua

Aqua, the Latin word for water, is a unique choice that might remind one of the ocean’s blue-green color. It’s a trendy and refreshing name for a baby girl.

Bay

The name Bay, meaning “berry” in Latin, also refers to sheltered coastal bodies of water. It’s an adorable and evocative name, also inspired by the song “Sittin’ on the Dock of the Bay” by Otis Redding.

Brooke

Brooke is a popular choice derived from the English word for a small stream. It’s a charming and nature-inspired name for a girl.

Laguna

Laguna, of Spanish origin, means “lagoon” or “lake.” It evokes images of serene, azure waters cradled by nature, making it a captivating name choice.

Marina

Marina, meaning “of the sea” in Latin, is also the name for a harbor. This name gracefully captures the essence of the sea and coastal life.

Tempest

Tempest, meaning “storm” in English, evokes the sea’s powerful and unpredictable nature. Known from Shakespeare’s play The Tempest, it’s a dramatic and bold name for a girl.

Ursula

Ursula, the sea witch in The Little Mermaid, has a playful and notable charm despite her reputation. The name also endearingly means “little bear” in Latin.

Vale

Vale, meaning a “wide river valley” in English, offers a gentle and ethereal quality, making it a beautiful choice for a girl’s name.

Wave

Wave, from the English word, captures the dynamic energy and calming presence of water in motion. It’s a unique and spirited name for a girl.

Water Names for Boys

Adrian

Adrian has roots in Latin and signifies “man of Adria,” referencing an ancient settlement. The name is linked to water or the sea, giving it a serene and timeless feel. It resonates with the vastness of the ocean.

Douglas

Douglas is a Scottish name tied to the Douglas Water, a tributary of the River Clyde. Its meaning is “dark water.” This name evokes images of calm lochs enveloped in the mist of twilight.

Firth

Firth, a Scottish name, means “arm of the sea.” It often describes long estuaries in Scotland. This name, derived from Old Norse, carries a strong and handsome quality. It’s also a famous surname, as in actor Colin Firth.

Ford

Ford is a one-syllable name meaning “dweller at the ford,” referring to a shallow crossing in a river or stream. It’s simple yet carries a classic charm.

Hudson

Hudson, associated with New York’s Hudson River, has a modern and cool vibe. This name is becoming increasingly popular for boys in the United States and the United Kingdom.

Irving

Irving is a classic Scottish name linked to the River Irvine in Scotland. It means “green water,” adding a touch of nature and history to the name.

Kelvin

Kelvin is yet another Scottish name derived from a river. The River Kelvin’s name means “narrow water.”

This name combines ruggedness with a touch of Scottish heritage.

Loch

Loch is the Gaelic word for “lake” in both Irish and Scottish. This name reflects the rugged beauty of Scotland’s renowned lochs, offering a strong and distinct choice.

Zaire

Zaire hails from a place name in Central Africa, now known as the Democratic Republic of Congo. Meaning “the river that swallows all rivers,” this name has a powerful and exotic ring to it, linked to the mighty Congo River.

Gender-Neutral Water-Themed Names

Adair

This cool gender-neutral name has Irish and Scottish roots. It means “a shallow place in a river near oaks.”

Adair stands out as a name with flair and depth.

Adetokunbo

In the Yoruba language of West Africa, Adetokunbo means “the crown returns from over the sea.” It is a meaningful choice for parents looking to honor a rich cultural heritage.

Brooks

Brooks, of English origin, means “of the brook” or “small stream.”

This name conjures images of serene, trickling waterways in peaceful countryside settings.

Aeron

Aeron is the name of a river in Wales. It possibly comes from Agrona, a Celtic goddess.

This name carries a rich historical and mythological significance.

Jordan

Jordan is the name of the river that flows between Jordan and Israel.

The name translates to “to flow down” in Hebrew, invoking the steady movement of a river.

Kendall

Kendall is an English name that means “valley of the River Kent,” derived from the city of Kendale in England.

Notable namesakes include the character Kendall Hart from All My Children and reality star Kendall Jenner.

Lake

This name is inspired by the body of water it represents. Lake is elegant and serene, evoking calm, beauty, and tranquility.

It is a fitting choice for nature-loving parents.

Ocean

Ocean, an evocative English name, represents the vastness, depth, and serenity of the world’s waters.

This nature-inspired name has gained popularity as people reconnect with the planet.

Rain

Celebrate the fresh start that follows the rain with this chic and straightforward English name.

It’s a trendy and modern option for any child.

Rio

Rio is a Spanish and Portuguese name that means “river.”

It is also the name of the Brazilian city Rio de Janeiro, translating to “river of January.”

River

River is a dynamic and flowing name that has risen in popularity for both boys and girls.

It’s a name that clearly evokes the natural beauty and movement of a river.

Storm

Inspired by the weather phenomenon often associated with the sea, Storm is a powerful and evocative gender-neutral name.

It brings to mind strength and intensity.

Xiang

Of Chinese origin, Xiang is the name of a river in Southern China.

The name may also mean “soar,” “good luck,” or “fragrant.”

It stands out with its unique starting letter X.

Mythical Water Names for Girls

Agrona

Agrona is inspired by a Celtic goddess. Her name gave rise to two rivers: the River Aeron in Wales and the River Ayr in Scotland.

Amphitrite

In Greek mythology, Amphitrite is the goddess of the sea and saltwater. She is the wife of Poseidon and the mother of Triton.

Anuket

Anuket is rooted in Egyptian mythology. She is the goddess of the Nile, symbolizing the life-giving properties of the great river.

Arethusa

Originating from Greek mythology, Arethusa was a nymph who turned into a freshwater spring.

This name evokes adaptability, resilience, and a vibrant spirit.

Asherah

Asherah comes from ancient Semitic mythology. The name is associated with the sea and means “she who walks in the sea.”

Hydra

Hydra is a Greek name derived from a mythical sea serpent with multiple heads.

Despite the fearsome tale, Hydra means “water” and is also the name of a constellation.

Iara

Of Tupi origin, Iara means “lady of the water.”

In Brazilian mythology, Iara was a beautiful mermaid who lured sailors with her voice.

Jūratė

Jūratė is a Lithuanian sea goddess. Her name simply means “sea,” reflecting her domain over the ocean.

Muirgen

From Irish mythology, Muirgen means “born of the sea.”

The legend tells of a mermaid who was transformed into a human after being caught in a net.

Nereida

Nereida is a Greek name meaning “sea sprites.” It is derived from Nereus, the sea god.

Saraswati

Saraswati is an Indian name originating from the Sanskrit word for “flowing water.”

She is a Hindu river goddess associated with knowledge, music, arts, wisdom, and learning.

Terhi

In Finnish mythology, Terhi is a sprite of forests and mist. The name itself means “mist,” making it a charming choice for nature lovers.

Thalassa

Thalassa means “sea” in Greek mythology. She is a sea goddess, embodying the vast and mysterious ocean.

Tiamat

Tiamat is of Babylonian origin and means “sea” or “the deep.”

In mythology, Tiamat is a primordial sea goddess and symbol of oceanic chaos.

Mythical Water Names for Boys

Ægir

An Old Norse name meaning “ocean,” Ægir is linked to a giant or god from Norse mythology who resided in the ocean.

This name brings a mystical and adventurous vibe.

Ea

Originating from Akkadian culture, Ea means “house of water.”

In ancient Mesopotamian myths, Ea was the god of water, knowledge, and creation, symbolizing wisdom and the life-giving nature of water.

Enki

Of Sumerian origin and meaning “lord of the earth,” Enki is another name associated with water.

In Sumerian mythology, Enki was the god of water, wisdom, creation, and mischief, often depicted with streams of water flowing from his shoulders.

Glaucus

This name belongs to the Greek god of the sea and fishermen.

Originally a mortal, Glaucus became a sea god after consuming a magical herb. He is believed to assist fishermen during storms.

Hydros

A Greek name meaning “water,” Hydros is tied to the primeval god of waters in ancient Greek mythology.

Indra

Of Sanskrit origin, Indra is connected to the Hindu warrior god of rain and thunderstorms.

This name conveys power and the element of water that sustains life on Earth.

Ler

An Irish name that evokes the sea’s power and mystery, Ler is tied to the sea god in Irish mythology.

Llŷr

From Welsh mythology, Llŷr is a sea deity representing the sea’s physical and metaphorical depths, mystery, and power.

The name simply means “the sea.”

Nereus

A unique Greek name meaning “water,” Nereus was known as the Old Man of the Sea in Greek mythology, symbolizing the ocean’s rich bounty and gentle nature.

Nu

An Egyptian name meaning “primeval water,” Nu was the god of the primordial water abyss in Egyptian mythology.

Oceanus

In Greek mythology, Oceanus was a Titan and the personification of the massive river believed to encircle the Earth.

This name evokes the majestic expanse of the world’s oceans.

Poseidon

A powerful name of Greek origin, Poseidon is linked with the god of the sea in Greek mythology.

One of the most formidable deities, this name is perfect for conveying strength and power.

Suijin

A mythical Japanese name meaning “water” and “spirit,” Suijin is the Shinto god of water.

This name is often associated with various bodies of water like ponds, lakes, and rivers.

Triton

Of Greek origin and meaning “messenger of the sea,” Triton was the son of Poseidon and Amphitrite in mythology.

Often depicted as a merman, Triton brings images of the mystical ocean.

Väinämöinen

A unique and lengthy Finnish name meaning “wide and slow-flowing river,” Väinämöinen is a hero in Finnish mythology associated with magic, wisdom, and music.

Aquatic and Water-Related Names

Coral

Coral is derived from the English and Spanish word for the marine invertebrates that create vivid, colorful reefs in the ocean.

These beautiful underwater formations make Coral a striking name symbolizing the splendor found beneath the surface of the sea.

Coraline

Inspired by coral, Coraline is a lovely name that offers an aquatic twist on the traditional name Caroline.

The name gained additional charm and recognition from the novel and animated movie.

Dory

Dory, a memorable character from Pixar’s Finding Nemo and its sequel Finding Dory, is a cheerful and charming name symbolizing perseverance and optimism.

Often used as a diminutive for names like Dorothy or Doris, it carries a water-related charm for girls.

Drake

Meaning “dragon” in Old English and Old Norse, Drake is also the name for a male duck.

This name combines strength and aquatic elegance, making it an interesting choice for boys.

Lily

Lily is a name derived from the flower and can be associated with the water lily, an aquatic plant.

This name offers a gentle nod to water while remaining classic and timeless.

Nemo

Recognizable from the animated movie Finding Nemo, this name is ideal for a boy with a sense of adventure and resilience.

Nemo symbolizes a brave and spirited character.

Nerida

This unique girls’ name is an Indigenous Australian term for “water lily.”

The water lily is an aquatic plant that brings beauty to any water-themed scene, making Nerida a special name with natural elegance.

Niloufar

Meaning “water lily” in Persian, Niloufar is a charming and exotic name for girls, capturing the beauty and grace of this aquatic plant.

Niraj

In Sanskrit, Niraj means “water-born” or “lotus,” the lotus being a significant aquatic plant.

This name represents purity and rebirth, making it an intriguing choice for boys.

Océane

This French name, derived from the word “ocean,” adds a touch of elegance and flair to a water-themed name for girls.

Océane is both sophisticated and nature-inspired.

Pearl

Pearl is an English-origin name meaning a smooth, rounded gem formed within an oyster shell.

It symbolizes the ocean’s hidden treasures and offers a classic, graceful choice for girls.

Pelagius

Seeking a distinctive water-related name for boys? Pelagius is a Greek name meaning “the sea,” perfect for those who want a name with deep, nautical significance.

Ray

Inspired by the graceful sea creatures, rays, this name offers a modern and unique option for boys.

Ray exudes a sense of quiet strength and natural beauty.

Ridley

Meaning “reed clearing” in Old English, Ridley is also the name of a sea turtle species.

This gender-neutral name honors a beautiful aquatic creature and carries a serene, nature-inspired vibe.

Sæwine

This unusual Old English name for boys means “sea friend.”

Sæwine is a charming name suggesting kindness and an affinity with the ocean.

Sebastian

This name hails from the lovable crab character in The Little Mermaid. A strong, classic choice for boys, Sebastian brings a playful and spirited touch.

Ula

This sweet Celtic name means “gem of the sea.”

Ula is a rare and charming choice for girls, evoking the beauty and mystery of the ocean.