500+ Goldfish Names (Clever, Cute, and Cool Ideas)

Let’s face it, naming a pet is one of the most fun parts of bringing them home. And while goldfish might be small, they deserve just as much thought put into their names as any other pet!

Whether you’ve just brought home your first shimmering friend or you’re adding to your aquatic family, finding the perfect name can be surprisingly meaningful.

Best Goldfish Names

Here are some classic, popular goldfish names that never go out of style. These timeless choices have adorned many a fish tank over the years!

• Goldie – The quintessential goldfish name, meaning “made of gold” with English origins
• Bubbles – Named for the bubbles fish make, derived from Middle English “bobelen”
• Nemo – Latin for “nobody,” popularized by the Pixar film Finding Nemo
• Sunny – Referring to bright, sunny disposition, from Old English “sunne”
• Finn – A play on fish fins, from Irish origin meaning “fair”
• Ginger – For orange-colored fish, from the spice ginger, derived from Old English “gingifer”
• Pepper – Contrasting name for goldfish, from Latin “piper” meaning the spice
• Splash – Onomatopoeic name reflecting water movement
• Glimmer – For shiny scales, from Old English “gleomu” meaning brightness
• Flash – Named for quick movements, from Old English “flæsc” meaning to burst
• Shimmer – Describing shimmering scales, from Germanic origin meaning “to gleam”
• Nugget – Referencing gold nuggets, from Middle English “noget”
• Coral – Named after sea coral, from Greek “korallion”
• Pearl – For pearly scales, from Latin “perna” meaning sea mollusc
• Amber – For amber-colored fish, from Arabic “anbar” meaning fossilized tree resin
• Blaze – For bright orange colors, from Old English “blæse” meaning flame
• Ruby – For reddish goldfish, from Latin “rubeus” meaning red
• Flicker – For fish that catch light, from Old English “flicorian” meaning to flutter
• Treasure – Signifying preciousness, from Greek “thesauros” meaning storehouse of precious things
• Penny – Copper-colored like a penny, from Old English “pening” meaning coin
• Cleo – Short for Cleopatra, from Greek meaning “glory of the father”
• Finley – Play on “fin,” from Gaelic origin meaning “fair warrior”
• Midas – After King Midas who turned things to gold, from Greek mythology
• Sunshine – For bright yellow fish, combines English words “sun” and “shine”
• Rusty – For reddish-orange coloration, from Old English “rustig” meaning covered in rust

Looking for more pet name ideas? Check out our dog group team names!

Cute Goldfish Names

These adorable names are perfect for those goldfish that just make you go “aww” every time you look at them!

• Bubby – Childlike term of endearment, derived from “buddy”
• Pebbles – Named after small stones in tanks, from Old English “popel” meaning small stone
• Guppy – Named after another small fish, from Tamil “kuppay” meaning garbage fish
• Button – For small, cute goldfish, from French “bouton” meaning small knob
• Mochi – Japanese rice cake, soft and cute like the fish
• Bloop – Onomatopoeic name for the sound of bubbles
• Squish – For round-bodied goldfish, modern slang for something soft
• Sprinkles – For speckled fish, derived from Dutch “sprenkelen” meaning to scatter
• Jellybean – For small, brightly colored fish, named after the candy
• Tinkerbell – From Peter Pan’s fairy friend, meaning “to tinker with bells”
• Pixel – For tiny fish, from Latin “piceus” meaning pitch-black, modern meaning of small digital point
• Nibbles – Referring to fish eating habits, from Old English “nibbian”
• Cuddles – Ironic name for fish who can’t cuddle, from Middle English “cuthelen” meaning embrace
• Twinkle – For shiny scales, from Old English “twinclian” meaning to twinkle
• Marshmallow – For puffy-looking fish, named after the soft confection
• Buttercup – For yellow fish, from English flower name
• Pumpkin – For orange round fish, from Greek “pepon” meaning large melon
• Cupcake – Sweet name for sweet fish, modern compound of “cup” and “cake”
• Doodle – For fish that move in squiggly patterns, from German “dudeln” meaning to hum
• Speckle – For spotted fish, from Middle Dutch “speckelen”
• Pebble – For small, round fish, from Latin “papula” meaning small stone
• Sparkle – For shiny goldfish, from Old English “spearcal” meaning spark
• Bumble – For clumsy swimmers, from Dutch “bommelen” meaning to buzz
• Pudge – For round goldfish, slang derived from “pudgy”
• Squirt – For small goldfish, colloquial term meaning small stream of liquid

Need names for a pair of goldfish? Check out our couple username ideas!

Funny Goldfish Names

Get ready to laugh every time you feed your fish with these hilarious name options!

• Sir Swims-a-Lot – Humorous knightly title, parody of Sir Lancelot
• Swim Shady – Fish pun on rapper Slim Shady (Eminem)
• Carpe Diem – Play on Latin phrase meaning “seize the day” and “carp” (fish)
• Gill Gates – Pun on Microsoft founder Bill Gates and fish gills
• Fishstick – Humorous food reference, literally a stick of fish
• Cod Almighty – Pun on “God Almighty” using the fish “cod”
• Lord of the Rings – For fish that swim through tank decorations, from Tolkien’s novels
• Goldfinger – Pun on James Bond villain, literal description of golden fins
• James Pond – Fish version of James Bond, British spy character
• Swim Possible – Pun on cartoon character Kim Possible
• Fin Diesel – Play on actor Vin Diesel and fish fins
• Wade Wilson – Pun on Deadpool’s real name and wading in water
• Marlin Monroe – Fish version of actress Marilyn Monroe
• Leonardo DiCarprio – Fish version of actor Leonardo DiCaprio with “carp” pun
• Swimona Ryder – Fish version of actress Winona Ryder
• Albert Finstien – Fish version of Albert Einstein with “fin” pun
• Goldilox and the Three Bass – Fairy tale pun combining “gold” and fish
• Attila the Tuna – Historical pun on Attila the Hun with fish variety
• Genghis Karp – Historical pun on Genghis Khan with fish variety “carp”
• Darth Baiter – Star Wars pun combined with fishing term “bait”
• Terminator: The Fish – Sci-fi movie reference applied to a fish
• Dory Vador – Combining Finding Nemo character with Star Wars villain
• Captain Jack Sparrow – Pirate character placed in water context
• Scuba Steve – Reference to Adam Sandler’s Big Daddy movie character
• Sushi – Ironic name since sushi is often made from fish

Looking for more funny pet names? Check out our funny team names collection!

Cool Goldfish Names

For the goldfish with attitude and swagger, these cool names will match their vibe!

• Blaze – Referring to fire and speed, from Old English “blæse” meaning flame
• Ace – Meaning “unity” or “the best,” from Latin “as” meaning unity
• Onyx – Black gemstone name from Greek “onux” meaning claw or nail
• Blade – Sharp and dangerous, from Old English “blæd” meaning leaf
• Viper – Venomous snake, from Latin “vipera”
• Maverick – Independent thinker, from American pioneer Samuel Maverick
• Cobalt – Chemical element producing deep blue color, from German “kobold”
• Ghost – For pale or translucent fish, from Old English “gast” meaning spirit
• Phoenix – Mythological fire bird that rises from ashes, from Greek origin
• Raven – Black bird name, from Old English “hræfn”
• Shadow – For dark-colored fish, from Old English “sceadwe”
• Stealth – For fish that hide often, from Old Norse “stela” meaning to steal
• Rebel – One who resists authority, from Latin “rebellis”
• Nova – Astronomical term for exploding star, from Latin meaning “new”
• Rogue – Unpredictable or mischievous, from Latin “rogare” meaning to ask
• Bandit – Outlaw or thief, from Italian “bandito”
• Nitro – Short for nitroglycerin (explosive), suggesting speed and power
• Vortex – Swirling current, from Latin “vertex” meaning whirlwind
• Storm – Weather phenomenon, from Germanic origin
• Turbo – Indicating speed, from Latin “turbo” meaning whirlwind
• Matrix – Environment or surrounding substance, from Latin “matrix” meaning womb
• Venom – Poisonous substance, from Latin “venenum”
• Rocket – Fast-moving projectile, from Italian “rocchetto” meaning spindle
• Diesel – Powerful engine fuel, named after inventor Rudolf Diesel
• Zephyr – Gentle breeze, from Greek god of the west wind

Need more cool name ideas? Check out our cool club names collection!

Goldfish Names for Pairs

Perfect for those inseparable swimming buddies who do everything together!

• Peanut & Butter – Food pairing, from English “pea” + “nut” and “butter” from Greek “boutyron”
• Salt & Pepper – Complementary seasonings, from Latin “sal” and “piper”
• Romeo & Juliet – Star-crossed lovers from Shakespeare’s play
• Mario & Luigi – Nintendo video game brothers, Italian names
• Bonnie & Clyde – Famous American outlaw couple from the 1930s
• Jack & Jill – Nursery rhyme characters who went up the hill
• Thelma & Louise – Characters from the 1991 road trip film
• Bert & Ernie – Sesame Street puppet roommates
• Fred & Ginger – Famous dance partners Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers
• Hansel & Gretel – German fairy tale siblings from Brothers Grimm
• Jekyll & Hyde – Dual personalities from Robert Louis Stevenson’s novel
• Batman & Robin – DC Comics superhero duo
• Flotsam & Jetsam – Ursula’s eel minions in The Little Mermaid, also maritime terms
• Bubble & Squeak – British food dish, also sounds like fish actions
• Ebb & Flow – Water movement terms, from Old English “ebba” and “flowan”
• Sunny & Cher – Pun on musical duo Sonny & Cher
• Itchy & Scratchy – Cartoon characters from The Simpsons
• Sponge & Patrick – SpongeBob SquarePants characters
• Splash & Dash – Water action words
• Flip & Flop – Fish movement descriptors
• Ping & Pong – Table tennis terms of Chinese origin
• Wink & Blink – Eye movement actions
• Thunder & Lightning – Storm phenomena, Germanic and Latin origins
• Lewis & Clark – Famous American explorers
• Shark & Minnow – Contrasting fish sizes, from German “schurke” and English diminutive of “minnow”

Looking for more duo names? Check out our duo team names!

Female Goldfish Names

These lovely lady names are perfect for your feminine fish friends!

• Pearl – Precious gem from the sea, from Latin “perna”
• Athena – Greek goddess of wisdom and strategy
• Luna – Moon goddess, from Latin “luna” meaning moon
• Ariel – The Little Mermaid character, from Hebrew meaning “lion of God”
• Coral – Sea organism, from Greek “korallion”
• Venus – Roman goddess of love and beauty
• Amber – Fossilized tree resin, from Arabic “anbar”
• Ruby – Red gemstone, from Latin “rubeus” meaning red
• Nala – Lion King character, Swahili origin meaning “gift”
• Daisy – Flower name, from Old English “dægeseage” meaning day’s eye
• Lily – Flower name, from Latin “lilium”
• Aurora – Roman goddess of dawn, from Latin meaning “dawn”
• Stella – Means “star” in Latin
• Willow – Tree name, from Old English “welig”
• Misty – Water vapor, from Old English “mist”
• Dory – Finding Nemo character, from Greek “doron” meaning gift
• Ginger – Spice name, from Old English “gingifer”
• Iris – Flower name and Greek goddess, means “rainbow” in Greek
• Melody – Musical term, from Greek “melodia” meaning singing
• Scarlet – Bright red color, from Old French “escarlate”
• Harmony – Musical term, from Greek “harmonia” meaning agreement
• Rosie – Diminutive of Rose, flower name from Latin “rosa”
• Jewel – Precious stone, from Old French “jouel”
• Calypso – Sea nymph from Greek mythology
• Delilah – Biblical name, Hebrew origin meaning “delicate”

Need more feminine name ideas? Check out our women team names!

Male Goldfish Names

Strong, masculine names for your boy goldfish with attitude!

• Neptune – Roman god of the sea
• Titan – Powerful immortals in Greek mythology
• Zeus – King of the Greek gods
• Apollo – Greek god of sun and light
• Thor – Norse god of thunder
• Triton – Son of Poseidon, messenger of the sea
• Odin – Chief of the Norse gods
• Hercules – Greek hero of extraordinary strength
• Atlas – Titan who held up the heavens in Greek mythology
• Achilles – Greek hero of the Trojan War
• Poseidon – Greek god of the sea
• Odysseus – Greek hero from Homer’s Odyssey
• Merlin – Legendary wizard from Arthurian tales
• Perseus – Greek hero who slayed Medusa
• Draco – Constellation name, from Latin “draco” meaning dragon
• Orion – Hunter in Greek mythology and constellation
• Phoenix – Mythical bird that rises from ashes
• Caesar – Roman emperor title, from Latin meaning “hairy”
• Magnus – Means “great” in Latin
• Leonidas – Spartan king, means “lion-like” in Greek
• Ares – Greek god of war
• Brutus – Roman politician, from Latin meaning “heavy”
• Hector – Trojan prince from the Iliad, Greek meaning “holding fast”
• Rex – Means “king” in Latin
• Maximus – Means “greatest” in Latin

Looking for more masculine name inspiration? Check out our dad team names!

Unique Goldfish Names

Stand out from the crowd with these original and distinctive fish names!

• Nebula – Interstellar cloud, from Latin meaning “mist”
• Zenith – Highest point, from Arabic “samt” meaning path
• Equinox – Equal day and night, from Latin “aequus” (equal) and “nox” (night)
• Solstice – Sun standing still, from Latin “sol” (sun) and “sistere” (to stand still)
• Tempest – Violent storm, from Latin “tempestas”
• Zephyr – West wind, from Greek god Zephyrus
• Quantum – Smallest possible unit, from Latin “quantus” meaning how much
• Echo – Sound reflection, from Greek nymph Echo
• Nimbus – Rain cloud, from Latin meaning “cloud”
• Abyss – Deep, bottomless chasm, from Greek “abussos”
• Quasar – Celestial object, abbreviation for “quasi-stellar radio source”
• Cosmos – Universe, from Greek “kosmos” meaning order
• Prism – Light-splitting object, from Late Latin “prisma”
• Soleil – French word for sun
• Cipher – Code or zero, from Arabic “sifr” meaning empty
• Halcyon – Peaceful time, from Greek kingfisher bird associated with calm seas
• Meridian – Imaginary line, from Latin “meridianus” meaning midday
• Vesper – Evening star, from Latin meaning “evening”
• Oracle – Ancient prophet, from Latin “oraculum” meaning divine announcement
• Epiphany – Sudden realization, from Greek “epiphaneia” meaning manifestation
• Labyrinth – Maze, from Greek mythology’s complex maze
• Serendipity – Happy accident, coined by Horace Walpole from Persian fairy tale
• Polaris – North Star, from Latin “polaris” meaning polar
• Atlantis – Mythical lost city, from Greek legend
• Euphoria – Intense happiness, from Greek meaning “bearing well”

Want more distinctive names? Explore our unique group names list!

Famous Goldfish Names

Inspired by pop culture’s most notable fish characters!

• Nemo – Star of Finding Nemo, Latin for “nobody”
• Dory – Finding Nemo/Finding Dory character, from Greek “doron” meaning gift
• Flounder – The Little Mermaid character, name of a flat fish
• Klaus – American Dad’s goldfish, German name short for Nicholas
• Darwin – Gumball’s pet fish from The Amazing World of Gumball, named after Charles Darwin
• Ponyo – Studio Ghibli film character, invented Japanese name
• Cleo – Pinocchio’s goldfish, short for Cleopatra
• Bubbles – Fish from Finding Nemo, named for appearance
• Wanda – From A Fish Called Wanda movie, from Germanic name meaning “wanderer”
• Gill – Finding Nemo moorish idol fish, play on fish anatomy
• Fishy McFishface – Inspired by the famous Boaty McBoatface naming incident
• Peach – Starfish from Finding Nemo, named after the fruit
• Bloat – Pufferfish from Finding Nemo, describing his ability to expand
• Marlin – Nemo’s father, named after the marlin fish
• Goldie – The classic goldfish name seen in many cartoons
• Dorothy – Golden fish from Elmo’s World, feminine form of Theodore
• Luca – Pixar film character (though technically a sea monster), Italian name
• Bruce – Shark from Finding Nemo, Australian nickname
• Tink – Fish from Barbie as the Island Princess, short for Tinkerbell
• Jaws – Ironically named after the shark movie
• Blinky – Three-eyed fish from The Simpsons
• Shamu – Famous orca (though not a fish), of Hawaiian origin
• Flipper – After the famous dolphin, named for flipper appendages
• Moby – After Moby Dick, the great white whale
• Squirt – Baby turtle from Finding Nemo, describing his small size

Need more famous name inspiration? Check out our cool band names!

Regal Goldfish Names

Give your fish the royal treatment with these majestic names fit for aquatic royalty!

• Emperor – Sovereign ruler, from Latin “imperator” meaning commander
• Monarch – Supreme ruler, from Greek “monarkhes” meaning sole ruler
• Sovereign – Supreme ruler, from Old French “soverain”
• Empress – Female emperor, feminine form of Latin “imperator”
• Majesty – Royal dignity, from Latin “maiestas” meaning greatness
• Prince – Royal son, from Latin “princeps” meaning first
• Princess – Royal daughter, feminine form of prince
• Duke – Noble rank, from Latin “dux” meaning leader
• Duchess – Female duke, feminine form of duke
• Countess – Noble rank, feminine form of count
• Lord – Nobleman, from Old English “hlaford” meaning bread keeper
• Lady – Noblewoman, from Old English “hlæfdige”
• Pharaoh – Ancient Egyptian ruler, from Egyptian “per-aa” meaning great house
• Sultan – Muslim sovereign, from Arabic meaning “authority”
• Raj – Rule or kingdom, from Sanskrit meaning “rule”
• Crown – Royal headwear, from Latin “corona”
• Tiara – Jeweled headpiece, from Latin “tiara” from Persian
• Scepter – Royal staff, from Greek “skeptron” meaning staff
• Regal – Royal, from Latin “regalis”
• Imperial – Relating to empire, from Latin “imperialis”
• Noble – Aristocratic, from Latin “nobilis” meaning well-known
• Royal – Relating to a monarch, from French “roial” from Latin “regalis”
• Marquis – Nobleman, from Old French “marchis” meaning frontier lord
• Viscount – Noble rank, from Latin “vice-” + “comes” meaning vice-count
• Khan – Ruler in Central Asia, from Turkic origin

Looking for more powerful names? Check out our elite team names!

Exotic Goldfish Names

Transport your aquarium to faraway lands with these internationally inspired names!

• Zuri – Swahili for “beautiful”
• Kai – Hawaiian for “sea”
• Saffron – Valuable spice, from Arabic “zafaran”
• Indigo – Deep blue dye, from Greek “indikon” meaning from India
• Koi – Japanese ornamental carp
• Sakura – Japanese for “cherry blossom”
• Raja – Sanskrit for “king”
• Zara – Arabic for “radiance” or “flower”
• Taj – Persian for “crown”
• Cairo – Egyptian capital, from Arabic meaning “victorious”
• Indi – Short for India or Indonesian
• Bodhi – Sanskrit for “awakening”
• Ryu – Japanese for “dragon”
• Mango – Tropical fruit, from Portuguese “manga” from Tamil
• Anika – African meaning “sweetness of face”
• Zola – African meaning “earth” or “soil”
• Leilani – Hawaiian for “heavenly flower”
• Akira – Japanese meaning “bright” or “clear”
• Naveen – Hindi meaning “new”
• Adira – Hebrew for “strong”
• Kira – Russian diminutive of “Karina,” meaning “dear little one”
• Tau – Greek letter, means “cross” in ancient cultures
• Zuma – African, name of a beach in California
• Anoki – Native American for “actor”
• Bali – Indonesian island name

Want more international name ideas? Check out our Japanese group team names!

Badass Goldfish Names

For the fish with attitude that rules the tank with an iron fin!

• Havoc – Widespread destruction, from Anglo-French “havok”
• Riot – Public disturbance, from Old French “riote”
• Blade – Cutting edge, from Old English “blæd”
• Fang – Sharp tooth, from Old English “fang” meaning catch or seize
• Reaper – One who harvests, associated with death, from Old English “ripere”
• Savage – Fierce or cruel, from Latin “silvaticus” meaning wild
• Bruiser – Fighter, from Middle English “brusen” meaning to crush
• Spike – Sharp point, from Middle Dutch “spiker” meaning nail
• Nitro – Explosive compound, abbreviation of nitroglycerin
• Rogue – Dishonest person, from Latin “rogare” meaning to ask
• Viper – Venomous snake, from Latin “vipera”
• Chaos – Complete disorder, from Greek meaning “gaping void”
• Diesel – Powerful fuel, named after inventor Rudolf Diesel
• Menace – Threat, from Old French “menace” from Latin “minacia”
• Scar – Marking from a wound, from Old French “escare”
• Slash – Cutting stroke, from Old French “esclachier” meaning to break
• Blitz – Lightning attack, from German “blitzkrieg” meaning lightning war
• Rage – Violent anger, from Old French “rage” from Latin “rabies”
• Thrash – Violent movement, from Old English “þrescan” meaning to beat
• Venom – Poisonous fluid, from Latin “venenum”
• Talon – Bird of prey claw, from Old French “talon” meaning heel
• Bullet – Projectile, from French “boulet” meaning small ball
• Dagger – Short knife, from Old French “dague”
• Ruckus – Disturbance, American slang possibly from “ruction”
• Mayhem – Violent disorder, from Anglo-French “maihem” meaning to maim

Need more tough names? Check out our badass team names!

Goldfish Pair Names

These themed duos are perfect for two goldfish that swim together!

• Sunny & Moon – Celestial pair, from Old English “sunne” and “mona”
• Ruby & Sapphire – Gemstone pair, from Latin “rubeus” (red) and Greek “sappheiros” (blue stone)
• Day & Night – Time opposites, from Old English “dæg” and “niht”
• Yin & Yang – Chinese philosophy of balance, from Chinese meaning “dark-bright”
• Sparky & Bubbles – Personality pair, from “spark” and bubble sounds
• Finley & Wade – Fish puns, from Gaelic name and English word for walking through water
• Captain & Sailor – Nautical ranks, from Latin “capitaneus” and “sailor” from Old English “seglian”
• Crush & Squirt – Finding Nemo turtle characters, descriptive action words
• Whisper & Echo – Sound words, from Old English “hwisprian” and Greek nymph Echo
• Dawn & Dusk – Times of day, from Old English “dagung” and “dox”
• Alpha & Omega – First and last Greek letters, meaning beginning and end
• North & South – Directional opposites, from Old English “norþ” and “sūþ”
• Scales & Tails – Fish features, from Latin “scala” and Old English “tægl”
• Sherlock & Watson – Literary detective duo by Arthur Conan Doyle
• Ripple & Wave – Water movements, from Germanic “ripple” and Old English “wafian”
• Abbott & Costello – Famous comedy duo
• Gold & Silver – Precious metals, from Old English “gold” and “seolfor”
• River & Lake – Water bodies, from Latin “riparia” and Old English “lacu”
• Thunder & Storm – Weather phenomena, from Germanic and Germanic/Latin origins
• Toast & Jam – Breakfast pair, from Latin “tostum” and “jam” from fruit preserve
• Pixel & Byte – Computer terms, from Latin “piceus” + English “element” and Greek “byte”
• Scotch & Soda – Drink pairing, from “Scottish” and Italian “soda”
• Jekyll & Hyde – Literary dual personalities from Robert Louis Stevenson
• Sunrise & Sunset – Daily events, compound English words
• Rhythm & Blues – Music genre, from Greek “rhythmos” and English “blue” from Old French

Looking for more pair ideas? Check out our matching couple names!

Black Goldfish Names

Perfect for those beautiful Black Moor goldfish or other dark-colored varieties!

• Onyx – Black gemstone, from Greek “onux” meaning fingernail
• Shadow – Dark area, from Old English “sceadwe”
• Midnight – Darkest time of night, from Old English “mid” and “niht”
• Eclipse – Sun obscuration, from Greek “ekleipsis” meaning abandonment
• Raven – Black bird, from Old English “hræfn”
• Obsidian – Black volcanic glass, from Latin “obsidianus”
• Jet – Deep black fossil, from Latin “gagates” meaning stone from Gages
• Coal – Black carbon, from Old English “col”
• Ebony – Black wood, from Egyptian via Greek “ebenos”
• Noir – French for “black”
• Phantom – Ghost or apparition, from Greek “phantasma”
• Shade – Darkness, from Old English “sceadu”
• Smoky – Like smoke, from Old English “smoca”
• Charcoal – Black carbon fuel, from Old English “char” + “coal”
• Pepper – Black spice, from Latin “piper”
• Licorice – Black candy, from Greek “glukurrhiza” meaning sweet root
• Slate – Dark gray stone, from Old French “esclat” meaning splinter
• Panther – Black big cat, from Greek “panthēr”
• Sable – Heraldic term for black, from Slavic “sobol” meaning marten
• Void – Empty space, from Latin “vocitus” meaning emptied
• Ink – Black fluid, from Latin “encaustum”
• Thunder – Storm element, from Germanic origin
• Diesel – Black fuel, named after Rudolf Diesel
• Darth – From Star Wars villain Darth Vader, created by George Lucas
• Cinder – Burnt remains, from Old French “cendre” from Latin “cinis”

Need more dark name ideas? Check out our black team names!

Orange Goldfish Names

Celebrate the classic golden-orange hue of traditional goldfish with these fitting names!

• Amber – Orange fossilized resin, from Arabic “anbar”
• Blaze – Bright flame, from Old English “blæse”
• Copper – Reddish-brown metal, from Latin “cuprum”
• Flame – Burning gas, from Latin “flamma”
• Ginger – Reddish-orange spice, from Old English “gingifer”
• Honey – Golden sweet substance, from Old English “hunig”
• Marigold – Orange flower, from “Mary’s gold”
• Mango – Orange tropical fruit, from Portuguese “manga” from Tamil
• Apricot – Orange fruit, from Latin “praecoquum” meaning early-ripening
• Tangerine – Orange citrus fruit, named after Tangier, Morocco
• Sunset – Evening sky colors, from Old English “sunne” and “setl”
• Autumn – Season of orange leaves, from Latin “autumnus”
• Rusty – Iron oxide color, from Old English “rustig”
• Topaz – Golden gemstone, from Sanskrit “tapas” meaning heat
• Coral – Orange-pink marine organism, from Greek “korallion”
• Peach – Orange-pink fruit, from Latin “persica”
• Ember – Glowing coal, from Old English “æmerge”
• Saffron – Orange-yellow spice, from Arabic “zafaran”
• Tiger – Orange striped cat, from Greek “tigris”
• Sunny – Sun-like, from Old English “sunne”
• Maple – Tree with orange autumn leaves, from Old English “mapel”
• Caramel – Brown-orange confection, from Spanish “caramelo”
• Phoenix – Mythical fire bird, from Greek
• Goldilocks – Golden-haired fairy tale character, compound of “gold” and “locks”
• Persimmon – Orange fruit, from Algonquian “pasiminan”

Looking for more orange-themed ideas? Check out our orange team names!

Blue Goldfish Names

Perfect for those rare blue varieties or goldfish with blue-tinged fins!

• Azure – Sky blue color, from Persian “lajward” via Arabic and Latin
• Cobalt – Deep blue element, from German “kobold” meaning goblin
• Sapphire – Blue gemstone, from Greek “sappheiros”
• Navy – Dark blue color, named after naval uniforms
• Sky – Blue atmosphere, from Old Norse “sky” meaning cloud
• Indigo – Deep blue dye, from Greek “indikon” meaning from India
• Ocean – Blue water body, from Greek “okeanos”
• Aqua – Water color, from Latin meaning water
• Teal – Blue-green color, named after the teal duck
• Marina – Seaside dock, from Latin “marinus” meaning of the sea
• Splash – Water action, onomatopoeic
• Reef – Underwater structure, from Dutch “rif” meaning ridge
• Misty – Light fog, from Old English “mist”
• Neptune – Roman sea god associated with blue
• Pacific – Largest ocean, from Latin “pacificus” meaning peaceful
• Lapis – Short for lapis lazuli blue stone, from Latin via Arabic from Persian
• Marine – Sea-related, from Latin “marinus”
• Cascade – Waterfall, from Italian “cascata”
• Cerulean – Sky blue color, from Latin “caeruleus”
• Turquoise – Blue-green gemstone, from French meaning “Turkish”
• Arctic – Northern polar region, from Greek “arktikos” meaning northern
• Crystal – Clear material, from Greek “crustallos” meaning ice
• Denim – Blue fabric, from French “de Nîmes” meaning from Nîmes
• River – Flowing water, from Latin “riparia”
• Periwinkle – Light blue flower, from Latin “pervinca”

Need more blue inspiration? Check out our blue team names!

Why Goldfish Make Amazing Pets

Goldfish have been swimming into our hearts for centuries, and it’s easy to see why. They’re beautiful, peaceful creatures that bring a splash of color and life to any room. Unlike some pets that need tons of attention, goldfish can be perfect companions for busy people or those living in smaller spaces.

The name you choose for your goldfish isn’t just a label—it’s part of their identity and your connection with them. A great name can reflect their unique personality, striking appearance, or even bring a smile to your face every time you say it.

I still remember my first goldfish, Bubbles. Every time I walked into the room, he’d swim excitedly to the front of the tank. Was he recognizing me or just hoping for food? Maybe a bit of both! But that personal connection made him feel like more than just a fish.

Fascinating Goldfish Facts You Probably Didn’t Know

Before we dive into names, let’s get to know these gorgeous creatures a bit better. Goldfish are pretty incredible when you look beyond their bowl (though they shouldn’t actually be kept in bowls—more on that later!).

• They’re super popular: Goldfish are the most commonly kept aquarium fish worldwide, with over 480 million sold annually!
• They’re basically immortal: Okay, not really, but they can live over 40 years with proper care. The oldest recorded goldfish lived to be 43!
• They know your face: Contrary to the myth about their three-second memory, goldfish can actually recognize human faces and remember things for months.
• They see more colors than we do: Goldfish can see ultraviolet light, giving them a whole extra dimension of color vision compared to humans.
• They’re stomach-less wonders: Goldfish don’t have stomachs, which is why they need small, frequent meals instead of big ones.
• They’re ancient pets: Goldfish have been domesticated for over 1,000 years, originating from selective breeding in China during the Tang and Song dynasties.

Knowing these fun facts might even inspire some name ideas!

Types of Goldfish and Their Unique Traits

There’s so much more to goldfish than the classic orange swimmers we all picture. With dozens of varieties available, each with their own special characteristics, you might want a name that celebrates your fish’s particular type:

Common Goldfish Varieties

Common Goldfish: The standard goldfish we all know and love. They have a streamlined body and single tail. Despite their simple appearance, they’re hardy and can grow quite large in the right environment.

Comet Goldfish: Similar to commons but with longer, flowing tails that streak behind them like comets. They’re fast swimmers and come in various colors including orange, red, white, and yellow.

Ryukin Goldfish: Distinguished by their high, pronounced hump on the back and deep bodies. They often have beautiful flowing tails and come in a variety of colors.

Oranda Goldfish: Known for the fleshy growth on their heads called a “wen” that looks like a cap or hood. These charming fish have round bodies and flowing fins.

Other Fancy Varieties:

• Ranchu: Round-bodied with no dorsal fin
• Bubble Eye: With fluid-filled sacs under their eyes
• Fantail: With double tails that fan out
• Black Moor: Velvety black with telescope eyes
• Lionhead: Similar to the Oranda but without a dorsal fin
• Celestial Eye: With eyes that point upward

I once had a Black Moor named Midnight who would somehow always find the darkest corner of the tank to hide in. His name couldn’t have been more perfect for his mysterious personality!

How to Pick the Perfect Goldfish Name

Naming your goldfish can be as simple or elaborate as you want. Here are some approaches that might help you find the perfect fit:

Consider Their Appearance

The most obvious starting point is how your goldfish looks:

• What color are they? Orange, red, black, white, calico?
• Do they have any unique markings or patterns?
• What about their fins—are they flowing, fancy, or simple?
• Are they round and chubby or sleek and streamlined?

Observe Their Personality

Yes, goldfish have personalities! Watch your new friend for a few days:

• Are they active swimmers or more laid-back?
• Do they seem shy or bold?
• Do they interact with other fish or prefer their own space?
• Do they have any quirky habits?

Draw Inspiration From Culture

Goldfish have rich cultural significance:

• In Chinese culture, goldfish symbolize abundance and good fortune
• In Japan, they represent strength and perseverance
• Consider names related to water, treasure, or precious metals

Tips for Naming Multiple Goldfish

If you have a school of goldies, consider these approaches:

1. Theme naming (planets, gemstones, cartoon characters)
2. Paired names (Peanut & Butter, Salt & Pepper)
3. Family names (The Goldbergs, The Fishingtons)

The Ultimate List of Goldfish Names

Now for the fun part! Here’s a comprehensive collection of goldfish name ideas to inspire you:

Classic Gold-Inspired Names

• Goldie (sometimes classics are classic for a reason!)
• Goldilocks
• Nugget
• Aurelius (means “golden” in Latin)
• Midas (the king with the golden touch)
• Amber
• Marigold
• Topaz

Color-Inspired Goldfish Names

• Caramel
• Cheddar
• Mellow Yellow
• Champagne
• Dijon
• Honey
• Pineapple
• Sunshine
• Ray
• Carat
• Crown
• Bullion
• Croissant
• Ginger
• Blaze
• Rusty
• Penny
• Coral

Creative and Unique Names

• Flame
• Ember
• Jewel
• Metallic
• Royal
• Nutmeg
• Splash
• Shimmer
• Glimmer
• Flash
• Sparkle
• Bubbles
• Ripple
• Wave
• Nemo (a classic for any orange fish!)

International Words for “Gold”

• Oro (Spanish)
• Aurum (Latin)
• Swarna (Sanskrit)
• Kulta (Finnish)
• Zlato (Czech)
• Jin (Chinese)
• Goud (Dutch)
• Kin (Japanese)
• Dahab (Arabic)

Funny and Punny Goldfish Names

• Sir Swims-a-Lot
• Swim Shady
• Carpe Diem (literally “seize the fish” in bad Latin!)
• Gill Gates
• Finding Nemo
• Fishstick
• Lord of the Rings (for fish that swim through decorations)
• Goldfinger
• James Pond
• Swim Possible
• Fin Diesel
• Wade Wilson
• Marlin Monroe

Mythology and Legend Inspired

• Poseidon (Greek god of the sea)
• Neptune (Roman god of the sea)
• Ariel (The Little Mermaid)
• Triton (son of Poseidon)
• Dagon (ancient fish deity)
• Koi (though technically different fish, inspired by Japanese koi legends)
• Phoenix (rebirth symbolism)
• Dragon (in Chinese culture, carp can transform into dragons)

Foodie Goldfish Names

• Cheeto
• Dorito
• Mango
• Taco
• Nacho
• Noodle
• Pretzel
• Cookie
• Ginger
• Snapper
• Chips

Pop Culture Goldfish Names

• Wanda (from “A Fish Called Wanda”)
• Dory (from “Finding Nemo”)
• Flounder (from “The Little Mermaid”)
• Ponyo (from the Studio Ghibli film)
• Klaus (from “American Dad”)
• Jaws (for an ironically tiny fish)
• Shark Bait (ooh ha ha!)
• Captain
• Thor
• Drax
• Aquaman
• Ariel

Names Based on Famous Gold Things

• Oscar (as in the award)
• Grammy
• Nobel
• Olympic
• Treasure
• Doubloon
• Sovereign

Goldfish Naming Trends

While I couldn’t find specific statistical data on goldfish names (someone should definitely do that study!), pet naming trends in general have shown some interesting patterns:

1. Human names are in: Names like Charlie, Lucy, Max, and Bella have become increasingly popular for all types of pets.
2. Food names rising: Especially for small pets, food names like Cookie, Ginger, and Pepper are trending upward.
3. Pop culture influence: Names from current movies, TV shows, and video games often see spikes following popular releases.
4. Short and sweet: One or two syllable names tend to be favored, perhaps because they’re easier to call out (though your goldfish might not come when called!).

Cultural Significance of Goldfish

Goldfish naming can also reflect cultural values:

• In Chinese culture, goldfish symbolize wealth and prosperity, so names reflecting good fortune are common
• In Japanese tradition, goldfish represent strength and perseverance because of their ability to swim against currents
• Western names often focus more on appearance or humor

Taking Care of Your Named Friend

Now that your goldfish has a fantastic name, let’s make sure they live a long, healthy life worthy of their awesome title!

Basic Goldfish Care Tips

The Right Home: Despite what pet stores sometimes suggest, goldfish need space—a minimum of 20 gallons for a single common goldfish and 10 gallons for each additional fish. Fancy goldfish varieties may need special considerations.

Water Quality: Goldfish produce a lot of waste, so proper filtration is essential. Regular water changes (about 25% weekly) help maintain water quality.

Temperature: Goldfish are cold-water fish that thrive in temperatures between 65-75°F (18-24°C).

Feeding: Small amounts 2-3 times daily of quality goldfish food. Remember, they don’t have stomachs, so overfeeding can cause health problems!

Environment: Include plants (real or artificial), substrate, and decorations for stimulation and places to explore.

Understanding Goldfish Behavior

Your goldfish will develop their own behavioral patterns that help you understand when they’re happy or stressed:

• Happy fish swim actively, have bright colors, and show interest in their surroundings
• Stressed fish may hide, clamp their fins, or show faded colors
• Excited fish might swim rapidly or even splash when they see you approach (especially around feeding time!)

Socialization and Recognition

Believe it or not, goldfish can learn to recognize their owners and even respond to certain cues:

• They may swim to the front of the tank when they see familiar people
• Some can be trained to follow a finger or respond to feeding signals
• They often recognize the person who feeds them most regularly

My friend’s goldfish, Bubba, would do a little “dance” whenever he saw his owner approach the tank. It was the cutest thing—just a wiggle and a shake that seemed to say, “Hey, I know you!”

Frequently Asked Questions About Goldfish Names

Can goldfish learn their names?

While goldfish don’t “understand” names the way dogs might, they can definitely associate sounds with feeding or interaction. With consistency, some goldfish may respond to the sound of their name if it’s paired with positive experiences like feeding.

How do goldfish respond to their names?

A goldfish that “knows” their name might swim to the front of the tank, get excited, or move toward the sound. This is more about association than actual name recognition, but it’s still a meaningful connection!

Is it okay to rename a goldfish?

Absolutely! Since goldfish form associations through repetition, they can form new associations with new names. Just be consistent with the new name going forward.

Do goldfish get confused by their names?

Goldfish aren’t likely to get confused by names themselves, but sudden changes in routine might temporarily throw them off. Maintain regular care and feeding habits when introducing a new name.

Giving Your Goldfish a Name That Matters

Naming your goldfish is more than just picking a cute label—it’s often the first step in forming a connection with your new aquatic friend. Whether you go with something classic like Goldie, something punny like Swim Shady, or something regal like Emperor, the name you choose adds personality and charm to your underwater companion.

Your goldfish might live for decades with proper care, so take a little time to find a name that will make you smile for years to come. After all, there’s something special about greeting your finned friend each morning with their very own name.

Have you named your goldfish something creative or meaningful? What’s the story behind their name? Sharing your goldfish names might inspire other fish keepers looking for the perfect title for their new golden companions!

Remember, behind every great goldfish is a great name—and a caring owner who took the time to choose it.