Best of… Water Baby Names

The sun is out and we’re feeling inspired by water: the vastness of the ocean, the might of the seas, the grace of a river flowing out into a bay. Artists have always been moved by the beauty of water, writing songs about it, painting it in loving detail. So it’s no surprise that bodies of water also inspire the names we give to our children. For water lovers, the name options are bountiful, and their influence global.

Here we share some of our favorite water baby names. Come dive in to these refreshing picks!


Adrian

Currently most popular in Spain, Adrian is a Latin name derived from the town of Adria, which was named for the river Adria. Never too trendy, Adrian’s subtle nod to water keeps it classic.

Bay

Meaning “berry” in Latin and “auburn-haired” in English and French, the name Bay also has various meanings in Vietnamese. Bay is a versatile water name that would be perfect as a middle name that honors these heritages.

Beck

This name that means “stream” needs no longer form. We like how its sound mimics the babbling of a stream.

Calder

A surname name of English and Scottish origin, Calder means rough, or rocky, waters and gives off the rugged vibe of gray waves crashing against the shore. Its -er ending lends the uncommon name a familiar sound.

Delta

This name is full of Southern charm. It brings to mind waters of the Mississippi delta, blues music, and warm summer days floating down the river.

Firth

A firth is a narrow inlet and the name is of Scottish origin. Perhaps best known as the surname of actor Colin Firth, it’s a little-used first name. Firth is a solid pick for those seeking an unusual name and sound, or with Scottish heritage to celebrate.

Hali

A Greek name meaning “the sea,” Hali is a modern update on names like Hailey and Hallie.

Iara

This beauty of a name comes from Brazilian mythology where Iara is a river mermaid. Even its pronunciation (ee-arah) mimics the smooth flow of water. While the name is popular in Brazil, it doesn’t even crack the top 1000 in the United States.

Innis

This Celtic name evokes images of noble Celtic warriors and green-lined waterways. Meaning “from the River Island,” Innis is also a Scottish clan name that hasn’t taken off yet in the US, but with its desirable -s ending, could be a great name for any baby.

Lake

A solid middle name choice for a water lover, actress Lake Bell proves that this “noun name” can shine in the first name spot as well.

Lian

This Chinese name has multiple meanings, both water related. One meaning is “lotus flower,” the aquatic plant sacred in many cultures. Lian can also mean “waterfall.” The name has a musical rising tone on the latter half (Li-ahn), but could also be pronounced without it (Li-ann).

Marin

Whether MARE-in, MAR-in, or mar-IN (like the county), this sea-related name is all California cool. We love Mar- names around here, including French variation Marine.

Marlowe

In the past, this name was most closely associated with the English playwright Christopher Marlowe or with Raymond Chandler’s famous detective, Philip Marlowe, but it takes on a new dimension as a baby’s first name. Meaning “driftwood,” Marlowe has a Hollywood glam feel, like its similar-sounding counterpart, Harlow.

Mira

In Sanskrit, this lyrical name means “ocean” or “sea,” though it also has many other meanings: wonder, peace, kindness. Though Mira has been rising in popularity over the past decade, it’s still only in the mid-400s according to the Social Security Administration.

Nahal

From an Old Testament Hebrew verb meaning “to guide to a watering hole,” this soft and willowy name glides off the tongue with the same ease as water that flows around a bend.

Nereida

Nereida’s root comes from the sea nymphs in Greek mythology—the Nereids, spirits of the water who embody all that is alluring about the sea. A real beauty of a name, it has the currently underused -da ending that will make it stand out.

Rio

Meaning “river” in Spanish, this name calls out to warm, gauzy summer days or to the fun nostalgia of 80s glam. We like it as a not-so-literal alternative to River.

Sevan

An Armenian place-name, the given name Sevan comes from Lake Sevan (the largest body of water in the country) and means “life-giving sweet water.” Pronounced sehv-ahn, it’s similar in sound to the Irish name Siobhan, but easier to pronounce at first sight.

Zale

This strapping water name of Greek origin has the strength of the god Poseidon. Meaning “sea strength,” Zale could be a perfect choice for parents looking for a bold and no-nonsense name.

Zarya

A name meaning “water priestess,” this Slavic name is part princess, part warrior.


Any favorite water baby names that we missed? Let us know!

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