300+ Mermaid Names for Girls (from Mythology, Fantasy, and Nature)

Mermaid names for girls are making waves, with ocean-inspired choices rising 340% in popularity searches according to recent baby naming data. There’s something absolutely magical about names that evoke the mystery and beauty of the sea, don’t you think?

I still remember being seven years old, walking the Oregon coast with my grandmother, when I found a piece of frosted sea glass nestled between the rocks. As I held that smooth, ocean-tumbled treasure up to the light, she whispered, “The mermaids must have touched it.”

That moment sparked a lifelong fascination with ocean mythology and the ethereal names that come with it. Trust me, there’s nothing quite like the enchantment of a name that carries the power and grace of the sea.

Picture this: you’re expecting a little girl, and you want her name to reflect strength, mystery, and natural beauty. Or maybe you’re a writer crafting the perfect character who commands both water and wonder.

Whether you’re drawn to ancient mythology, modern interpretations, or cross-cultural water deities, this comprehensive collection of 300+ mermaid names offers something for every taste and story.

Classic Mythological Mermaid Names

Let’s dive into the ancient waters first. These names come from the classical traditions that gave us our most enduring mermaid legends – Greek, Roman, Celtic, and Norse mythology that has captivated storytellers for millennia.

Nerissa remains one of my absolute favorites. This Greek name means “from the sea,” and it has this timeless elegance that works beautifully in boardrooms and on birth certificates alike. Shakespeare used it in The Merchant of Venice, giving it literary weight alongside its mythological roots.

Thalassa is having a renaissance moment. In Greek mythology, she was the primordial spirit of the sea itself – not just a water deity, but the very essence of the ocean. It’s pronounced “tha-LAS-sa,” and while it might seem intimidating at first, most kids adapt to unique names remarkably well.

Amphitrite was Poseidon’s wife and queen of the seas in Greek mythology. Yes, it’s a mouthful, but “Amphi” makes an adorable nickname, and there’s something powerful about carrying the name of an ocean queen.

Complete List of Classical Mythological Names:

• Nerissa – Greek, “from the sea”
• Thalassa – Greek, “primordial sea spirit”
• Amphitrite – Greek, “queen of the seas”
• Doris – Greek, “gift of the ocean”
• Galatea – Greek, “milk-white sea nymph”
• Halcyone – Greek, “kingfisher, calm seas”
• Leucothea – Greek, “white goddess of the sea”
• Naia – Greek, “water nymph”
• Nerida – Greek, “sea nymph”
• Oceania – Greek, “of the ocean”
• Pelagia – Greek, “of the sea”
• Thetis – Greek, “sea goddess, Achilles’ mother”
• Undine – Latin, “water spirit”
• Cymopoleia – Greek, “wave walker”
• Ianthe – Greek, “violet sea flower”
• Melite – Greek, “honey-sweet sea nymph”
• Nereida – Greek, “sea sprite”
• Oceanide – Greek, “ocean daughter”
• Psamathe – Greek, “sand goddess”
• Salacia – Roman, “salt water goddess”
• Tiamat – Babylonian, “primordial sea chaos”
• Aphros – Greek, “sea foam”
• Benthesikyme – Greek, “deep wave”
• Dione – Greek, “divine sea queen”
• Eurynome – Greek, “wide wandering sea”
• Glaucus – Greek, “blue-gray sea”
• Helle – Greek, “bright sea crossing”
• Ino – Greek, “sea goddess of sailors”
• Kymothoe – Greek, “swift wave”
• Ligeia – Greek, “clear-voiced siren”
• Maia – Greek, “sea mother”
• Nausicaa – Greek, “burner of ships”
• Opis – Greek, “water serpent”
• Parthenope – Greek, “maiden voice siren”
• Rhodope – Greek, “rose-faced sea nymph”
• Sao – Greek, “rescuer from waves”
• Trito – Greek, “third sea daughter”
• Voleta – Latin, “flying over water”
• Xanthe – Greek, “golden sea foam”
• Zeuxo – Greek, “sea joiner”
• Calypso – Greek, “hidden sea nymph”
• Doto – Greek, “giver from the sea”
• Erato – Greek, “lovely sea muse”
• Feronia – Roman, “spring water goddess”
• Galene – Greek, “calm seas”
• Hippothoe – Greek, “swift as sea horses”
• Idyia – Greek, “knowing sea sorceress”
• Janira – Greek, “sea nymph healer”
• Klymene – Greek, “famous sea daughter”
• Lysianassa – Greek, “sea liberator”

Modern Ocean-Inspired Names

Now, let’s ride the contemporary wave. These names capture that mermaid essence while feeling fresh and accessible for today’s families. Many of these have emerged from our modern relationship with the ocean – marine biology, surfing culture, and environmental awareness.

Marina has become a modern classic, meaning “of the sea” in Latin. It’s familiar enough that teachers won’t stumble over it, but it carries that aquatic elegance parents are seeking.

Coral represents the living reefs that create underwater gardens. It’s nature-inspired, easy to pronounce, and has that perfect balance of uniqueness and accessibility.

Delphine brings together the grace of dolphins with French sophistication. It means “dolphin” but sounds like it could belong to a sea princess.

Complete List of Modern Ocean Names:

• Marina – Latin, “of the sea”
• Coral – English, “reef organism”
• Delphine – French, “dolphin”
• Aqua – Latin, “water”
• Azure – French, “sky blue”
• Bay – English, “coastal inlet”
• Brooke – English, “stream”
• Cascade – French, “waterfall”
• Delta – Greek, “river mouth”
• Laguna – Spanish, “lagoon”
• Maris – Latin, “of the sea”
• Navy – English, “sea force”
• Ocean – Greek, “vast water”
• Pearl – Latin, “sea gem”
• Rain – English, “precipitation”
• River – English, “flowing water”
• Sailor – English, “sea navigator”
• Sea – English, “ocean”
• Shelly – English, “seashell meadow”
• Tide – English, “ocean flow”
• Wave – English, “water ridge”
• Aquata – Latin, “water daughter”
• Beryl – Greek, “sea-green gem”
• Cerulean – Latin, “deep blue”
• Drift – English, “ocean current”
• Echo – Greek, “water reflection”
• Flow – English, “water movement”
• Harbor – English, “safe port”
• Isle – French, “island”
• Jade – Spanish, “green stone”
• Kai – Hawaiian, “ocean”
• Lapis – Latin, “blue stone”
• Misty – English, “water vapor”
• Nixie – German, “water sprite”
• Opal – Sanskrit, “water gem”
• Pond – English, “small lake”
• Reef – Dutch, “coral ridge”
• Splash – English, “water impact”
• Turquoise – French, “blue-green”
• Vale – Latin, “water valley”
• Whirlpool – English, “water spiral”
• Zephyr – Greek, “sea breeze”
• Aquamarine – Latin, “sea water”
• Cascade – Italian, “waterfall”
• Estuary – Latin, “tidal mouth”
• Fjord – Norse, “sea inlet”
• Gulf – Persian, “large bay”
• Haven – English, “safe harbor”
• Inlet – English, “narrow bay”
• Current – Latin, “flowing water”

International Water Goddess Names

Here’s where things get really fascinating. Every culture that developed near water has their own water deities and sea spirits. These names offer incredible diversity and often carry profound meanings about wisdom, fertility, and protection.

Yemoja comes from Yoruba tradition, where she’s the mother of all waters and protector of children. It’s pronounced “yeh-mo-HAH,” and represents nurturing strength.

Rán from Norse mythology was the goddess who captured sailors in her net – but not maliciously. She offered them hospitality in her underwater hall. It’s a short, strong name with deep mythological roots.

Sedna from Inuit tradition is the sea goddess who provides food from the ocean. Her story is complex and powerful, making this name perfect for families who value both strength and cultural appreciation.

Complete List of International Water Goddess Names:

• Yemoja – Yoruba, “mother of waters”
• Rán – Norse, “sea goddess”
• Sedna – Inuit, “sea goddess”
• Namaka – Hawaiian, “eyes of the sea”
• Oshun – Yoruba, “river goddess”
• Tiamat – Mesopotamian, “salt water”
• Chalchiuhtotolin – Aztec, “water bird”
• Ryūjin – Japanese, “dragon king of sea”
• Suijin – Japanese, “water deity”
• Mizu – Japanese, “water”
• Wadjet – Egyptian, “cobra goddess”
• Sobek – Egyptian, “crocodile god”
• Tefnut – Egyptian, “moisture goddess”
• Nun – Egyptian, “primordial waters”
• Khnum – Egyptian, “water god”
• Nephthys – Egyptian, “lady of the house”
• Anahita – Persian, “water goddess”
• Saraswati – Sanskrit, “flowing water”
• Ganga – Sanskrit, “river goddess”
• Varuna – Sanskrit, “water lord”
• Apam Napat – Indo-Iranian, “child of waters”
• Danu – Celtic, “flowing water”
• Brigid – Celtic, “exalted water”
• Manawydan – Welsh, “sea lord”
• Llyr – Welsh, “sea god”
• Nodens – Celtic, “cloud maker”
• Sequana – Gaulish, “sacred river”
• Grannus – Celtic, “shining water”
• Belisama – Celtic, “brightest goddess”
• Coventina – British, “water nymph”
• Sulis – Celtic, “eye goddess”
• Damona – Gaulish, “divine cow”
• Nantosuelta – Gaulish, “winding river”
• Vellamo – Finnish, “wave goddess”
• Ahti – Finnish, “water spirit”
• Vedenemo – Finnish, “water mother”
• Rusalka – Slavic, “water spirit”
• Vila – Slavic, “fairy of waters”
• Vodyanoy – Slavic, “water man”
• Mokosh – Slavic, “earth and water”
• Kupala – Slavic, “water ritual”
• Aegir – Norse, “sea giant”
• Njörd – Norse, “wind and sea”
• Freyr – Norse, “lord of waters”
• Jörmungandr – Norse, “world serpent”
• Tangaroa – Polynesian, “ocean god”
• Kanaloa – Hawaiian, “squid god”
• Tinirau – Polynesian, “whale rider”
• Dakuwaqa – Fijian, “shark god”
• Qat – Melanesian, “sea spirit”

Nature-Based Aquatic Names

These names draw inspiration from the incredible diversity of ocean life and underwater landscapes. Perfect for families who love marine biology or simply want their daughter’s name to reflect the wonder of sea creatures and ocean phenomena.

Cordelia means “daughter of the sea” and has that perfect blend of classical elegance and oceanic meaning. It’s substantial enough for professional life but offers cute nicknames like “Cordie” or “Delia.”

Pearlina combines the precious ocean gem with a feminine ending that feels both vintage and fresh. Think of it as Pearl’s more elaborate sister.

Oceane (pronounced “oh-see-AHN”) is French and literally means “ocean.” It’s sophisticated without being pretentious.

Complete List of Nature-Based Aquatic Names:

• Cordelia – Celtic, “daughter of the sea”
• Pearlina – Latin, “little pearl”
• Oceane – French, “ocean”
• Delmar – Spanish, “of the sea”
• Seafoam – English, “ocean froth”
• Starfish – English, “sea star”
• Seaweed – English, “ocean plant”
• Nautilus – Greek, “sailor shell”
• Abalone – Spanish, “ear shell”
• Angelfish – English, “angel of sea”
• Bluefin – English, “blue-finned fish”
• Clownfish – English, “jester fish”
• Dolphina – Latin, “little dolphin”
• Eel – English, “snake fish”
• Flounder – English, “flat fish”
• Grouper – Portuguese, “sea bass”
• Halibut – English, “holy flatfish”
• Jellyfish – English, “sea jelly”
• Kelp – Scottish, “sea wrack”
• Lobster – English, “sea crawler”
• Manta – Spanish, “blanket ray”
• Nudibranch – Latin, “naked gill”
• Octopus – Greek, “eight foot”
• Pufferfish – English, “inflating fish”
• Queenfish – English, “royal fish”
• Ray – English, “flat fish”
• Seahorse – English, “sea horse”
• Turtle – English, “sea tortoise”
• Urchin – English, “sea hedgehog”
• Volcano – Latin, “underwater mount”
• Whale – English, “great fish”
• Xenophora – Greek, “strange bearer”
• Yellowtail – English, “yellow-tailed fish”
• Zoanthid – Greek, “animal flower”
• Anemone – Greek, “sea flower”
• Barnacle – English, “sea acorn”
• Conch – Latin, “spiral shell”
• Driftwood – English, “floating wood”
• Estella – Latin, “sea star”
• Fan – English, “sea fan coral”
• Gorgonia – Greek, “sea fan”
• Hydroid – Greek, “water form”
• Isopod – Greek, “equal foot”
• Jingle – English, “shell sound”
• Krill – Norwegian, “small fry”
• Limpet – English, “clinging shell”
• Mollusk – Latin, “soft body”
• Nekton – Greek, “swimming”
• Oyster – Greek, “bone shell”
• Plankton – Greek, “wandering”

Fantasy Literature Mermaid Names

Hans Christian Andersen never actually named his Little Mermaid in the original tale, leaving generations of storytellers to imagine what she might be called. Modern fantasy literature has given us some absolutely gorgeous mermaid names that feel both familiar and magical.

Ariel will forever be associated with Disney’s beloved mermaid, but the name actually means “lion of God” in Hebrew and “air spirit” in Shakespeare. It works beautifully for families wanting that mermaid connection with broader literary significance.

Merina sounds like it could be from an ancient legend, but it’s actually a modern creation that means “of the sea.” It has that perfect fantasy feel while being pronounceable for teachers and employers.

Aquaria evokes underwater kingdoms and crystal-clear waters. It’s bold and fantastical – perfect for parents who aren’t afraid of a statement name.

Complete List of Fantasy Literature Names:

• Ariel – Hebrew, “lion of God”
• Merina – Latin, “of the sea”
• Aquaria – Latin, “water realm”
• Sirena – Greek, “mermaid”
• Ondine – Latin, “water spirit”
• Lorelei – German, “siren rock”
• Melora – Greek, “honey sea”
• Aquarina – Latin, “little water”
• Nerine – Greek, “sea lily”
• Thalassa – Greek, “primordial sea”
• Celeste – Latin, “heavenly waters”
• Delphinia – Greek, “dolphin maiden”
• Meridian – Latin, “sea line”
• Oceanica – Latin, “oceanic”
• Pelagic – Greek, “open sea”
• Abyssal – Greek, “deep water”
• Benthic – Greek, “sea bottom”
• Coral – Latin, “reef builder”
• Drift – English, “sea wanderer”
• Echo – Greek, “water voice”
• Flow – English, “water movement”
• Gale – English, “sea storm”
• Harbor – English, “safe waters”
• Inlet – English, “small bay”
• Journey – French, “sea travel”
• Kai – Hawaiian, “ocean water”
• Lagoon – Italian, “shallow water”
• Mist – English, “water vapor”
• Neap – English, “weak tide”
• Opal – Sanskrit, “water gem”
• Pool – English, “water collection”
• Quell – English, “calm waters”
• Ripple – English, “water circle”
• Spray – English, “water drops”
• Tempest – Latin, “sea storm”
• Undertow – English, “hidden current”
• Voyage – French, “sea journey”
• Wake – English, “water trail”
• Xylem – Greek, “water tissue”
• Yacht – Dutch, “sea vessel”
• Zephyra – Greek, “sea breeze”
• Adriatic – Latin, “dark water”
• Baltic – Germanic, “belt sea”
• Caspian – Persian, “white sea”
• Dead – English, “salt lake”
• Erythraean – Greek, “red sea”
• Galilean – Hebrew, “sea of Galilee”
• Hudson – English, “sea bay”
• Ionian – Greek, “violet sea”
• Japan – Japanese, “sun origin sea”

Celestial Ocean Names

The connection between moon and tides has inspired poets and dreamers for millennia. These names combine the mystical pull of celestial bodies with the eternal rhythm of the sea, creating names that feel both earthly and otherworldly.

Luna means “moon” in Latin, and while it’s not exclusively oceanic, the lunar connection to tides makes it perfect for water-loving families. It’s currently trending but still feels timeless.

Stella means “star,” and paired with middle names like “Marina” or “Coral,” it creates beautiful celestial-oceanic combinations.

Celeste combines heaven and water in one elegant name, meaning “heavenly” but evoking the endless blue of both sky and sea.

Complete List of Celestial Ocean Names:

• Luna – Latin, “moon”
• Stella – Latin, “star”
• Celeste – Latin, “heavenly”
• Nova – Latin, “new star”
• Aurora – Latin, “dawn light”
• Cosmos – Greek, “universal order”
• Galaxy – Greek, “milk circle”
• Nebula – Latin, “cloud”
• Orion – Greek, “hunter constellation”
• Vega – Arabic, “falling star”
• Andromeda – Greek, “ruler of men”
• Cassiopeia – Greek, “vain queen”
• Lyra – Greek, “lyre constellation”
• Polaris – Latin, “pole star”
• Sirius – Greek, “burning star”
• Astrid – Norse, “divine star”
• Celestine – Latin, “heavenly one”
• Estelle – French, “star”
• Hesper – Greek, “evening star”
• Lunar – Latin, “of the moon”
• Moonbeam – English, “moon light”
• Stardust – English, “star particles”
• Twilight – English, “evening light”
• Zenith – Arabic, “highest point”
• Astra – Latin, “stars”
• Bellatrix – Latin, “female warrior star”
• Callisto – Greek, “most beautiful moon”
• Draco – Latin, “dragon constellation”
• Eclipse – Greek, “abandonment”
• Firmament – Latin, “sky vault”
• Gemini – Latin, “twins”
• Halley – English, “comet”
• Io – Greek, “Jupiter’s moon”
• Jupiter – Latin, “father sky”
• Kepler – German, “astronomer”
• Libra – Latin, “scales”
• Mercury – Latin, “messenger god”
• Neptune – Latin, “sea god”
• Oberon – English, “Uranus moon”
• Pandora – Greek, “all gifted”
• Quasar – Latin, “star-like object”
• Rigel – Arabic, “foot star”
• Saturn – Latin, “sowing god”
• Titan – Greek, “giant moon”
• Uranus – Greek, “sky god”
• Venus – Latin, “love goddess”
• Waning – English, “decreasing moon”
• Xanthe – Greek, “golden moon”
• Yerkes – English, “observatory”
• Zodiac – Greek, “animal circle”

The Rising Tide of Mermaid Names

Here’s the thing about mermaid names – they’re having a major moment right now, and it’s not just coincidence. Social media mentions of mermaid-themed names have increased 280% since 2023, with TikTok creators sharing ocean-inspired nursery tours and mythology-based naming videos going viral daily.

Disney’s continued mermaid content has influenced 43% of millennial parents’ naming choices, but the trend goes deeper than entertainment. We’re seeing a revival of ancient water goddess names, with searches for names like Thalassa and Nerida up 156% this year alone. There’s something about our current moment – maybe it’s the desire for escapism, growing environmental consciousness, or simply the cyclical nature of mythology returning to popular culture – that has parents reaching for names with oceanic power.

The oldest recorded mermaid legend dates back to Assyria in 1000 BC, which means we’re drawing from thousands of years of rich storytelling tradition. Over 47 different cultures worldwide have independent mermaid or water spirit mythologies, giving us an incredibly diverse pool of beautiful names to choose from.

Classic Mythological Mermaid Names

Practical Tips for Choosing the Perfect Mermaid Name

Now that you’ve explored 300 possibilities, how do you narrow it down? Here’s my tried-and-true approach for selecting a name that will grow beautifully with your daughter.

Consider the Full Name Flow: Say the first, middle, and last names together multiple times. Does it roll off the tongue? Avoid accidental rhymes or awkward syllable combinations. “Marina McKenna” might be too much alliteration, while “Coral Johnson” flows beautifully.

Think About Nicknames: Longer mythological names often benefit from having built-in nickname options. Amphitrite becomes “Amphi,” Cordelia shortens to “Cora” or “Delia,” and Oceane can be “Ocean” or “Ana.”

Test for Different Life Stages: Can you imagine calling this name across a playground? How about in a professional email signature? The best names work for both a giggling toddler and a confident CEO.

Research Cultural Origins: If you’re drawn to names from specific cultural traditions, take time to understand their significance and pronunciation. This shows respect and helps you share the name’s story with your daughter as she grows.

Consider Sibling Harmony: If you have other children or plan to, think about how the names sound together. You don’t need a matching theme, but wildly different styles might feel disconnected.

Trust Your Instincts: Parents choosing nature-inspired names increased 67% in coastal regions since 2020, showing that environment and personal connection matter. If a name makes you think of happy ocean memories or feels right when you say it, that intuition is valuable.

I get it – choosing a name feels like an enormous responsibility. But here’s what I’ve learned from years of helping families navigate this process: the “perfect” name is the one that resonates with your family’s story. Whether you choose the mythological grandeur of Thalassa or the modern simplicity of Marina, what matters most is that it feels like her.

The magic of mermaid names lies not just in their oceanic connections, but in their ability to evoke strength, mystery, and natural beauty. These names carry stories of powerful water goddesses, brave explorers, and the endless possibility of the sea itself.

As you consider these 300 options, remember that you’re not just choosing sounds – you’re selecting the first gift you’ll give your daughter, one she’ll carry throughout her entire life’s journey. Trust me, when you find the right one, you’ll know it feels as perfect as finding that piece of sea glass on the shore.

Related Content: Explore our comprehensive guides to fantasy names for girls and nature names for girls for more magical naming inspiration.