100 Nautical Names for Boys and Girls With Meanings

As you look forward to the arrival of your newborn baby, the first thing on your to-do list is to find the perfect name for them! If the water is where you feel most at home, it’s time to park the sailing ship and anchor it at the harbour! The sea evokes a wave of emotions in most people, and there is a particular pride associated with sailors and explorers, given their undying spirit for adventure and thrill. Nautical-inspired baby names would be ideal for those connected with the Navy or people who love the crystal oceans and sparkling seas. We have compiled a list of nautical names for all the water babies out there – shortlisted as an ode to brave explorers who have serenaded the sea and found a way to traverse a thousand miles to bring people closer to one another!

Nautical Boy Names

Waves, sand, sea- surfing, parasailing, diving- all things boys love. Below are some nautical names for boys, the sound of which evokes passion, courage, and integrity. These adventurous nautical male names will surely inspire strength and a fearless spirit in your little sailor.

1. Adrian

One of the best and favourite sailor boy names – the Adriatic Sea inspires Adrian. It is also a name that belonged to several saints and Popes.

2. Agwe

A beautiful Native American name which means ‘water,’ Agwe is a tranquil name for a baby boy!

3. Anchor

It is not just a word but can also be used as a name; like its meaning, Anchor could help your kids become strong and support all their loved ones.

4. Akir

Another name that means anchor, Akir, sounds nice and smooth. A different moniker, the name will separate your son from the rest and pique the interest of others to know the meaning.

5. Bay

Bay is a name of British origin. It means to bathe in beautiful depths. 

6. Brendan

Brendan is an Irish name meaning ‘king’ or ‘prince.’ Saint Brendan was also known as the patron saint of sailors.

7. Caspian

The Caspian Sea is one of the planet’s most significant enclosed water spaces. It is the name of a character in the ‘Voyager of the Dawn Treader’ who led the voyage in the sea. That will instil a leadership spirit in your son.

8. Charles

Charles is a beautiful and classic name. It also has a nautical touch, as it’s what one calls the smoke stack on a ship’s galley.

9. Crew

A popular name in the name lexicon, it became famous after Josh Morrow, star of ‘The Young and Restless’, picked it for his son. The spelling variant ‘Crue’ is prevalent too. This means ‘people working as a team.’ With this name, your son will grow up and become a team player.

10. Davey

This variation of David sounds hip! Incidentally, the bottom of the sea is also called the Davey Jones’ locker.

11. Douglas

This name has Gaelic origins and means ‘dark streams.’

12. Duffle

Duffle means a seabag that contains the personal stuff of all sailors. In Irish, the name means ‘swarthy.’ In Scotland, it is used to refer to someone with dark hair.

13. Dune

Dune is a delightful name and reminds one of a sandy beach.

14. Elmo

The dictionary says dunes are sloped, steep sand mounds created by shoreline winds. A pretty unique name for boys, the name is soaring in popularity because of its sound.

15. Erasmus

A name of Greek origin, Erasmus will be an audacious pick. The name belongs to a patron saint of sailors of the 4th century who was also known as Elmo.

16. Eric

This name has a nautical connection as it was also the name of a Norse navigator who discovered Greenland in the 10th century.

17. Finn

Reminiscent of the fin, this sly nautical name refers to the most attractive creatures in the sea- fish. 

18. Fisher

The name means ‘fisherman’ and is a famous surname. But it has soared in popularity as a first name in the last couple of years as it sounds good with any last name.

19. Francis

St. Francis was the patron saint of naval officers and mariners.

20. Galiot

Galiot has been the name of several types of ships in the past and has followed the trend of ending names with a ‘t.’

21. Hawkins

Jim Hawkins from ‘Treasure Island’ is an English name that sounds cool and means’ falconry.’

22. Heron

A stately sounding name, the heron is a bird that lurks around waters to hunt its prey- fish. 

23. Horatio

your baby will share his name with one of the greatest naval commanders in history – Horatio Nelson

24. Hurley

For parents who love water, Hurley is a perfect choice. It means the tides of the sea. The name will give your child the confidence to navigate rough and happy times. 

25. Isle

Isle means an island or peninsula. It deeply embodies the spirit of water and is an excellent choice for boys.

26. Jacques

Popularised by Shakespeare in ‘As You Like It,’ Jacques Cousteau was among the first to explore the undersea. He also pioneered the conservation of marine life.

27. Jack

Jack means ‘God is gracious’ and is also a name for sailors who wear overalls of tarpaulin cloth.

28. Jason

The name Jason means ‘to hear’ and is also the name of the mythological Greek sailor who went in search of the Golden fleece.’

29. Kai

A genuinely unique moniker that means the sea, Kai is a short and sweet choice. The popularity of the name has been on the rise as it is brief and sounds perfect with any last name.

30. Leif

Son of Eric the Red, Leif was a successful sailor and navigator during his time. Sauve, chic and regal, the name has a Norse meaning to it. It means ‘descendant or heir.’ 

31. Marino

This is a suave Italian name which means ‘of the sea.’

32. Moby

Moby is cute, funky, and jazzy, perfect for parents who love fun. It was made famous by the central character- the enormous white whale in Herman Melville’s American book Moby Dick.

33. Nicholas

A variation of the Greek name Nikolaos means ‘people of victory.’ The name is also the name of a patron sailor. 

34. Ortun

Ortun means ‘from the shore’, which instantly establishes a connection with water. It is an ideal pick for parents who want their kids to have a life filled with adventures.

35. Peter

Peter was a fisherman and an apostle of Jesus Christ.

36. Ray

A great amiable name, Ray, could mean the species of ray fish, especially sharks that roam around the ocean.

37. River

This is a beautiful name and is associated with the river Phoenix.

38. Sailor

Wendell Jermaine Sailor was an Australian rugby player, and the name Sailor is popular among boys. This is an obvious choice on this list of names that mean sailor as it means ‘boatman’ and has a unique appeal.

39. Tao

With a Zen-like appeal, Tao originates from the Chinese word that means ‘great waves.’

40. Tide

This is a lovely nautical name that is quickly gaining popularity.

Nautical Girl Names

As you search for the perfect name for your baby girl, consider the vast, deep blue sea. These nautical names for girls seek inspiration from the water body. With these female nautical names, choosing a sailor girl name is no longer difficult.

1. Adira

Adira is an elegant Hebrew name that means ‘strong and powerful’ and is a lovely choice for your baby girl!

2. Anahita

This excellent Persian name means ‘goddess of the water and river.’

3. Ariel

Inspired by the ‘Little Mermaid,’ Ariel, the central character, has an independent streak that guides her to new frontiers.

4. Bertha

It refers to Berth, which is a rank given to a sailor. It originates from the German word ‘baht,’ which means ‘bright.’ It is also the name of the Teutonic goddess worshipped in the Alps.

5. Blue

A beautiful name for a girl, Blue is a soothing name that resonates with the colour of the sea.

6. Cali

A short form of California, the name exudes liveliness. California has long been known for its gorgeous beaches.

7. Careen

Careen was the name of Scarlett O’Hara’s sister in ‘Gone with the Wind.’ It also means tilting the ship for cleaning.

8. Catalina

Catalina means ‘pure;’ in nautical terms represents the ship or the island it sails to. Catalina is famous as it sounds very similar to Catherine.

9. Celeste

Celeste means ‘heavenly,’ and sailors often used stars to navigate through their journey. It is a beautiful name, ideal for parents who want a regal and sparkling name.

10. Christina

This lovely-sounding timeless name is one of the patron saints of sailors.

11. Coral

Coral is a sea plant with various beautiful colours and shapes and is tailor-made for little girls with vibrant personalities!

12. Cordelia

A funny character in ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer,’ Cordelia is also a Welsh Goddess that means ‘jewel of the sea.’

13. Darya

In Persian, the name means ‘sea’ and is charming for your little sailor!

14. Doris

Doris was one of Oceanus’ daughters. It also means ‘gift of the ocean’, a perfect name for your precious gift.

15. Ervina

The name means ‘sea friend’ and has such a beautiful ring. It is sure to complement any second name.

16. Gale

Gale is famous and means a stormy wind. Gale is a spelling variation that sounds great with any last name.

17. Gali

Gali is a short but adorable Hebrew name that means ‘fountain’ or ‘wave.’

18. Grace

Your baby will share her name with the famous and fearless Grace O’Malley, who defended her country at sea.

19. Isla

Spain inspires an ultimate nautical theme for a baby girl’s name. It means ‘island’ in Spanish and sounds trendy.

20. Jeanne

Jeanne was a pirate who became so to avenge her spouse’s death. This name is steeped in history and filled with resilience!

21. Kaia

This pretty nautical baby name has Hawaiin roots and means ‘sea.’ It is an adorable choice for your bundle of joy.

22. Kailani

An extension of Kai, Kailani is ideal for girls and means ‘sea and sky.’

23. Krystyna

Your baby will share her name with the famous Polish Krystyna, the first woman to sail solo worldwide.

24. Laraine

This is a perfect choice if you want your tiny tot to be a maiden and a warrior. It means a warrior maiden. In Latin, Laraine means ‘sea bird.’

25. Marina

Marina means ‘sea’ and is used extensively all over. Marina also means boat dock. The rhythm of the name is lilting and sounds very feminine.

26. Mary

Mother Mary is also known as the ‘Star of the Ocean.’ She is believed to be the protector and guide to all at sea.

27. Morwenna

Meaning ‘waves of the sea,’ the name may seem long but is an excellent pick for a name with a difference. It is Cornish in origin and unique.

28. Nancy

Nancy means ‘grace’ or ‘favour.’ Nancy Wagner was the United States of America’s first female ship pilot.

29. Nerissa

A quirky take on Melissa or Merissa, Nerissa is inspired by Shakespeare. Nerissa was Portia’s confidante in ‘The Merchant of Venice.’ It means ‘from the sea’ in Greek. 

30. Ocean

What better namesake to give your child, like water, if she is precious to you? Majestic and lifelike, the name resonates with life.

31. Oceane

This sophisticated name means ocean and is a chic nautical baby name to bestow upon your little princess.

32. Olive

Olive Oyl, the wife of the famous cartoon character ‘Popeye the Sailor,’ has a subtle charm, and so does the name.

33. Pearl

Pearl, found in the deep bottom of the ocean, is a precious gem under the sea and is perfect for our tiny gem!

34. Piper

Marine whistle signals were called piping and were used to move visitors aboard or to the other side. Piper also means one who plays the pipe.

35. Reef

Short, concise and buoyant- Reef is an excellent name for your girl. It sounds ultra-feminine.

36. Sela

A Norwegian princess, Sela became a pirate and a warrior in the fourth century.

37. Shelley

Shelley may sound regular, but it has a timeless appeal and sounds like an extension of a shell found on the shores.

38. Stella

Stella is a Latin word for ‘star’ and symbolises a guiding light for those at sea.

39. Ula

Ula is a stunning name for your precious gem with Gaelic roots and means ‘sea’s jewel.’

40. Yemaya

Yemaya is also known as the mother Goddess of the ocean and is an ethereal choice you cannot miss!

Gender-Neutral Nautical Names

In contemporary times, parents prefer gender-neutral names to give their little ones room to develop their personalities and become independent individuals. Here’s a list of gender-neutral nautical names for all our tiny sailors and water babies!

1. Ahab

An ode to Captain Ahab, a character from Herman Melville’s celebrated book ‘Moby Dick,’ this nautical name is of Hebrew origin and means ‘father’s brother.’

2. Amelia

Amelia stands for ‘hardworking’ and ‘industrious,’ qualities sought-after by sailors and parents alike!

3. Bartholomew

This unconventional gender-neutral name has Aramaic roots. It stands for ‘son of Tailmai,’ which translates to ‘son of a farmer.’ This is a popular name adopted by sailors across time.

4. Clove

While it is more popularly known as a spice used in cooking, this quirky gender-neutral name pays homage to the sacks of cloves sailors and pirates used to carry on boats as a ward of protection and to ward off any perils they may face at sea.

5. Delmar

A serene gender-neutral nautical name of Spanish origin, Delmar translates to ‘of the sea.’

6. Drake

While the name means ‘dragon,’ in this context, it refers to Sir Francis Drake, a voyager who sailed across the world in the 7th century. 

7. Ellen

A popular name worldwide, Ellen refers to the British sailor who set a world record for the fastest circumnavigation worldwide as a solo sailor in 2005. This name is sure to inspire your baby to achieve incredible feats!

8. Fjord

Fjord is a mystical Nordic name that refers to a deep, narrow inlet formed by glaciers with cliffs. It also refers to a place ‘one travels through.’

9. Fletcher

Fletcher translates to ‘arrow-maker,’ but interestingly enough, it was a top pick amongst celebrated maritime families in the past!

10. Harbor

Harbor is a nautical name that perfectly captures the spirit of sailors! It refers to a sheltered body of water when ships, boats, and other barges are docked.

11. Liriel

A melodic gender-neutral name, Liriel is an ethereal Welsh name that translates to ‘bright sea.’

12. Marin

The perfect addition to this list of names meaning sailor, Marin stands for ‘one who loves the ocean’ and ‘sailor.’ It is of French and Latin origin.

13. Marlin

Another charming Welsh name, Marlin, refers to the land beside a lake. It also means ‘sea fortress’ or ‘of the sea.’

14. Morgan

Morgan is a beautiful nautical name of Welsh origin that is befitting of all water babies! This name stands for ‘sea-loving,’ ‘born in the sea,’ ‘sea dweller,’ and ‘song of the sea.’

15. Nami

An adorable name of Japanese origin, Nami translates to ‘waves of the ocean.’

16. Ripley

Another popular nautical baby name inspired by land and nature, Ripley, is an English name that means ‘strip or clearing of land.’

17. Robi

Robi is a gender-neutral name that references the sailor with the same moniker who travelled globally by himself non-stop in 1969.

18. Sandy

Who doesn’t love building sandcastles and creating magic? Sandy is an excellent name for creative and protective babies that stands for ‘sand’ and ‘defender of man.’

19. Thor

This name, while reminiscent, does not refer to the Marvel comic character of the same name! Thor, in this instance, refers to A Norwegian sailor who rafted across the Pacific Ocean from Peru to Polynesia.

20. Triton

Triton, a mighty name borrowed from Greek mythology, translates to ‘God of the sea.’

FAQs

1. Do nautical names have significance in different cultures?

People have always revered the oceans and water bodies because they are a source of life and a bottomless treasure trove of the unknown. In various cultures, nautical names have been used to pay homage to the might of the sea, encourage adventures and exploration across the sea, and help their child form deep bonds with the water or remove their fear of it! It is also a way to connect children to the places they come from.

2. Are there any cultural considerations when choosing nautical names?

Choosing a name is a momentous occasion, so you must ensure that the name you pick has some meaning or connection to your history, culture, beliefs, values, and hopes that you want to imbibe in your child. Before choosing a name, it is vital to remember your own cultural practices and ceremonies before bestowing the name upon your little one.

3. Are there any famous personalities with nautical names?

Celebrities and notable personalities are just like us, and they also love nautical-themed names! We have singers James Bay and Frank Ocean, British screenwriter Caspian Tredwell-Owen, baseballer Sandy Koufax, footballer Andy Ripley, South Korean singer, model and actor Kai, actress Gale Storm, actor River Phoenix, actress Carrie Fisher, pianist Marina Yakhlakova, and many more!

For ages, oceans have inspired adventure seekers. We all have a story that pays homage to the sea. We hope we have quenched your thirst for names that mean sailor and have helped you find a nautical name that would inspire them to have swashbuckling adventures. These timeless sailor names are sure to bring a touch of the ocean’s spirit to your little one’s journey.

Also Read:

Trending Double Barelled Baby Names
Names That Mean Life for Boys and Girls
Earthy Boy & Girl Names With Meanings
Names That Mean Water For Boys and Girls

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