300+ Mermaid Names (from Mythology to Modern Times)

Mermaid names have become the latest obsession for parents who want something truly special for their little ones. Trust me, I get it – there’s something absolutely enchanting about names that carry the mystery and beauty of the deep blue sea.

Picture this: I was sitting in a cozy beach café in Cannon Beach, Oregon, watching the waves crash against the rocks, when I overheard a mom calling to her daughter, “Nerida, come back from the tide pools!” The name stopped me in my tracks. It sounded like music mixed with ocean spray, and I knew right then that water-inspired names held something truly magical.

Here’s the thing – mermaid names aren’t just a passing trend. According to Nameberry’s 2024 data, ocean-themed names like Coral have surged 340%, Marina jumped 250%, and Delphine climbed 180% in popularity. TikTok’s #MermaidCore hashtag has hit 2.8 billion views, and Gen Z parents are diving headfirst into aquatic aesthetics for their babies.

Whether you’re expecting a little sea sprite, writing the next great fantasy novel, or just love the mystical allure of the ocean, I’ve gathered 300+ stunning mermaid names that’ll make your heart skip like a stone across water. From ancient Greek sea nymphs to modern beach beauties, let’s explore the depths of aquatic naming magic.

Classical Mermaid Names – Mythological Treasures

These names come straight from ancient mythology and classical literature. They carry centuries of stories about sea goddesses, water nymphs, and ocean spirits.

• Nerida – Greek origin meaning “sea nymph,” perfect for parents seeking classical elegance with mystical depth
• Thalassa – Greek for “sea,” a powerful name that literally means the ocean itself
• Amphitrite – Greek sea goddess and wife of Poseidon, ideal for a strong-willed daughter
• Calypso – Greek nymph who detained Odysseus, meaning “she who conceals”
• Delphine – French form of Delphina, meaning “dolphin,” elegant and playful
• Nerissa – Created by Shakespeare, meaning “from the sea”
• Cordelia – Celtic origin meaning “daughter of the sea”
• Doris – Greek sea nymph, mother of the fifty Nereids
• Galatea – Greek sea nymph carved from ivory by Pygmalion
• Thetis – Greek sea goddess and mother of Achilles
• Undine – Latin water spirit from Germanic mythology
• Melusine – French legendary water spirit with a serpent’s tail
• Sirena – Spanish/Italian for “mermaid,” beautifully melodic
• Oceania – Latin meaning “of the ocean,” bold and geographical
• Neptuna – Feminine form of Neptune, Roman god of the sea
• Tiamat – Babylonian primordial goddess of chaos and salt water
• Sedna – Inuit sea goddess who rules over marine animals
• Yemoja – Yoruba orisha of the ocean and motherhood
• Tefnut – Egyptian goddess of moisture and water
• Namaka – Hawaiian goddess of the sea
• Ran – Norse goddess who rules over the sea
• Aegaeon – Greek sea deity, works beautifully feminized as Aegaea
• Pontia – Greek meaning “of the sea”
• Pelagia – Greek meaning “of the sea,” with a lovely rhythm
• Thalassa – Ancient Greek personification of the sea

Check out these powerful team names to see how mythological names create instant impact and memorable impressions.

Modern Ocean-Inspired Names – Contemporary Aquatic Beauties

These names capture the essence of the sea with a fresh, modern twist that feels perfect for today’s world.

• Azure – French meaning “sky blue,” perfect for ocean depths
• Coral – English nature name that’s both pretty and strong
• Marina – Latin meaning “of the sea,” classic yet contemporary
• Aqua – Latin for “water,” simple and stunning
• Cyan – Greek color name meaning “blue-green”
• Isla – Scottish meaning “island,” trendy and sweet
• Bay – English nature name, short and strong
• Brooke – English meaning “small stream,” connects to water
• River – English nature name that flows beautifully
• Ocean – Greek origin, bold and vast
• Skye – Scottish island name with sky-sea connection
• Rain – English nature name, gentle and fresh
• Storm – English nature name with powerful energy
• Misty – English meaning “covered with mist”
• Crystal – Greek meaning “clear ice,” connects to clear water
• Shelly – English meaning “from the shell meadow”
• Sandy – English meaning “defender of men,” connects to beaches
• Waverly – English meaning “meadow of quivering aspens,” sounds like waves
• Current – English nature name, modern and flowing
• Tide – English nature name, rhythmic and natural
• Splash – English nature name, playful and energetic
• Ripple – English nature name, gentle and musical
• Flow – English nature name, simple and peaceful
• Cascade – French meaning “waterfall,” elegant and flowing
• Vale – English meaning “valley,” often filled with water

Pearl & Treasure Names – Underwater Riches

These names represent the precious treasures found beneath the waves.

• Pearl – Latin meaning “precious gem from the sea”
• Gemma – Italian meaning “gem,” precious and rare
• Amber – Arabic meaning “fossilized resin,” golden like sunlight through water
• Crystal – Greek meaning “clear ice,” transparent beauty
• Opal – Sanskrit meaning “gem,” with ocean-like colors
• Sapphire – Hebrew meaning “blue stone,” deep sea blue
• Aquamarine – Latin meaning “water of the sea”
• Turquoise – French meaning “Turkish stone,” sea-green blue
• Jade – Spanish meaning “stone of the side,” ocean green
• Emerald – Greek meaning “green gem,” like sea glass
• Beryl – Greek meaning “sea-green jewel”
• Treasure – Latin meaning “stored wealth”
• Jewel – French meaning “precious stone”
• Goldie – English meaning “made of gold”
• Silver – English meaning “white metal”
• Copper – Latin meaning “from Cyprus,” like sea pennies
• Platinum – Spanish meaning “little silver”
• Diamond – Greek meaning “unbreakable,” clear as water
• Ruby – Latin meaning “red gem,” like sea anemones
• Topaz – Greek meaning “fire,” golden underwater light

For more nature-inspired options, explore these flower names for girls that pair beautifully with ocean themes.

Sea Creature Names – Marine Life Magic

These names celebrate the incredible creatures that call the ocean home.

• Delphina – Latin meaning “dolphin,” playful and intelligent
• Stella – Latin meaning “star,” like starfish
• Anemone – Greek meaning “windflower,” like sea anemones
• Nautila – Greek meaning “sailor,” like the nautilus shell
• Medusa – Greek meaning “guardian,” like the jellyfish
• Manta – Spanish meaning “blanket,” like manta rays
• Octavia – Latin meaning “eighth,” like octopus arms
• Sepia – Greek meaning “cuttlefish,” artistic and unique
• Krill – Norwegian meaning “small fry,” tiny but essential
• Kelpa – Scottish meaning “seaweed,” unusual and earthy
• Urchina – Latin meaning “hedgehog,” like sea urchins
• Concha – Spanish meaning “shell,” beautiful and classic
• Scallopina – Italian meaning “little scallop,” adorable nickname potential
• Crabina – English meaning “little crab,” spunky and fun
• Lobstria – English meaning “like a lobster,” bold and unique

Coral & Seaweed Names – Garden of the Sea

These names represent the beautiful plant life that creates underwater forests.

• Coral – Latin meaning “red sea growth”
• Algae – Latin meaning “seaweed,” scientific but pretty
• Kelp – Scottish meaning “seaweed,” strong and natural
• Moss – English meaning “bog plant,” connects to sea moss
• Fern – English meaning “feather-like plant”
• Sage – Latin meaning “wise herb,” also a sea plant
• Ivy – English meaning “climbing plant”
• Rose – Latin meaning “flower,” sea roses exist
• Lily – Latin meaning “pure flower,” water lilies
• Iris – Greek meaning “rainbow,” like sea iris
• Flora – Latin meaning “flower,” underwater gardens
• Bloom – English meaning “flower,” coral blooms
• Petal – Greek meaning “leaf,” delicate beauty
• Stem – English meaning “plant trunk,” structural beauty
• Reed – English meaning “tall grass,” grows in water

Tidal & Wave Names – Ocean Movement

These names capture the rhythmic, powerful movement of the sea.

• Tide – English meaning “time,” ocean’s rhythm
• Wave – English meaning “moving water”
• Surge – Latin meaning “to rise up”
• Swell – English meaning “to increase in size”
• Crest – Latin meaning “tuft or plume”
• Foam – English meaning “frothy bubbles”
• Spray – English meaning “scattered droplets”
• Mist – English meaning “fine water droplets”
• Drift – English meaning “to move slowly”
• Current – Latin meaning “running water”
• Eddy – English meaning “circular current”
• Whirl – English meaning “spinning motion”
• Spiral – Latin meaning “coiled”
• Vortex – Latin meaning “whirling mass”
• Typhoon – Chinese meaning “great wind”
• Tempest – Latin meaning “violent storm”
• Gale – English meaning “strong wind”
• Breeze – Spanish meaning “light wind”
• Zephyr – Greek meaning “west wind”
• Cyclone – Greek meaning “moving in a circle”

Discover more dynamic options in our collection of powerful team names that capture natural forces.

Deep Sea Mystery Names – Abyssal Beauty

These names evoke the mysterious, unexplored depths of the ocean.

• Abyssa – Greek meaning “bottomless”
• Hadal – Greek meaning “unseen,” deepest ocean zone
• Pelagic – Greek meaning “of the open sea”
• Benthic – Greek meaning “depths of the sea”
• Abyssal – Greek meaning “without bottom”
• Bathyal – Greek meaning “deep”
• Midnight – English meaning “middle of the night”
• Shadow – English meaning “dark area”
• Mystery – Greek meaning “secret rite”
• Enigma – Greek meaning “riddle”
• Phantom – Greek meaning “apparition”
• Whisper – English meaning “soft sound”
• Echo – Greek meaning “reflected sound”
• Mirage – French meaning “optical illusion”
• Shimmer – English meaning “faint light”
• Glimmer – English meaning “weak light”
• Twilight – English meaning “dim light”
• Dusk – English meaning “evening darkness”
• Dawn – English meaning “daybreak”
• Aurora – Latin meaning “dawn,” like underwater lights
• Prism – Greek meaning “thing sawed,” light through water
• Spectrum – Latin meaning “image,” rainbow through spray
• Iridescent – Latin meaning “rainbow-colored”
• Luminous – Latin meaning “full of light”
• Phosphor – Greek meaning “light-bringer,” bioluminescence

Goddess & Deity Names – Divine Waters

These names honor water deities from cultures around the world.

• Amphitrite – Greek sea goddess, queen of the seas
• Tiamat – Babylonian chaos goddess of salt water
• Yemoja – Yoruba ocean mother goddess
• Sedna – Inuit sea goddess who protects marine life
• Namaka – Hawaiian goddess of the sea
• Ran – Norse goddess who nets drowning sailors
• Tefnut – Egyptian goddess of moisture
• Saraswati – Hindu goddess of rivers and wisdom
• Ganga – Hindu goddess of the Ganges River
• Chalchiuhtotolin – Aztec goddess of running water
• Oshun – Yoruba goddess of rivers and love
• Iemanja – Brazilian goddess of the ocean
• Mazu – Chinese sea goddess who protects fishermen
• Ryujin – Japanese dragon king of the sea
• Njord – Norse god of the sea and wind
• Aegir – Norse giant who rules the sea
• Llyr – Welsh god of the sea
• Manannan – Irish sea god with magical powers
• Olokun – Yoruba god of the sea
• Varuna – Hindu god of water and the celestial ocean

Color-Inspired Ocean Names – Shades of the Sea

These names represent the beautiful colors found in ocean waters.

• Azure – French meaning “bright blue”
• Cerulean – Latin meaning “sky blue”
• Turquoise – French meaning “Turkish blue”
• Teal – English meaning “blue-green”
• Aqua – Latin meaning “water blue”
• Cyan – Greek meaning “blue-green”
• Sapphire – Hebrew meaning “blue precious stone”
• Indigo – Greek meaning “dark blue dye”
• Navy – Latin meaning “fleet,” dark blue
• Cobalt – German meaning “goblin,” brilliant blue
• Periwinkle – English meaning “light blue-purple”
• Lavender – Latin meaning “to wash,” light purple-blue
• Violet – Latin meaning “purple flower”
• Mauve – French meaning “mallow flower,” pale purple
• Lilac – Persian meaning “bluish,” light purple
• Amethyst – Greek meaning “not drunk,” purple gem
• Silver – English meaning “white metal,” like moonlight on water
• Platinum – Spanish meaning “little silver”
• Opal – Sanskrit meaning “gem,” with ocean colors
• Iridescent – Latin meaning “rainbow-colored”

For more color-themed inspiration, check out our blue team names collection.

Weather & Storm Names – Ocean Fury

These names capture the power and drama of ocean weather.

• Tempest – Latin meaning “violent storm”
• Hurricane – Taino meaning “storm god”
• Cyclone – Greek meaning “moving in a circle”
• Typhoon – Chinese meaning “great wind”
• Monsoon – Arabic meaning “season”
• Gale – English meaning “strong wind”
• Squall – Scandinavian meaning “sudden storm”
• Blizzard – English meaning “violent snowstorm”
• Thunder – English meaning “loud noise”
• Lightning – English meaning “bright flash”
• Storm – English meaning “violent weather”
• Rain – English meaning “water from sky”
• Drizzle – English meaning “light rain”
• Mist – English meaning “fine droplets”
• Fog – English meaning “thick cloud”
• Cloud – English meaning “visible vapor”
• Breeze – Spanish meaning “light wind”
• Zephyr – Greek meaning “west wind”
• Whirlwind – English meaning “spinning wind”
• Maelstrom – Dutch meaning “grinding stream”

Beach & Shore Names – Where Land Meets Sea

These names celebrate the magical place where ocean meets earth.

• Sandy – English meaning “full of sand”
• Shelly – English meaning “full of shells”
• Pebbly – English meaning “full of pebbles”
• Rocky – English meaning “full of rocks”
• Cliff – English meaning “steep rock face”
• Dune – French meaning “sand hill”
• Shore – English meaning “land by water”
• Coast – Latin meaning “rib,” side by water
• Beach – English meaning “shore covered with sand”
• Cove – English meaning “small sheltered bay”
• Bay – French meaning “reddish brown,” also water inlet
• Inlet – English meaning “narrow water passage”
• Harbor – English meaning “shelter for ships”
• Port – Latin meaning “gateway”
• Wharf – English meaning “structure by water”
• Pier – Latin meaning “stone pillar”
• Dock – Dutch meaning “basin for ships”
• Marina – Latin meaning “of the sea”
• Lagoon – Italian meaning “pool”
• Estuary – Latin meaning “tidal mouth”

Island & Archipelago Names – Ocean Gems

These names celebrate the beautiful islands scattered across the world’s oceans.

• Isla – Spanish meaning “island”
• Isle – French meaning “island”
• Atoll – Maldivian meaning “ring-shaped island”
• Key – Spanish meaning “small island”
• Cay – Spanish meaning “small low island”
• Reef – Dutch meaning “ridge of rocks”
• Skerry – Norse meaning “rocky island”
• Holm – Norse meaning “small island”
• Archipelago – Italian meaning “chief sea”
• Chain – French meaning “linked islands”
• Bermuda – Spanish explorer Juan de Bermúdez
• Bahama – Lucayan meaning “large upper middle land”
• Maldiva – Sanskrit meaning “garland of islands”
• Seychelle – French minister Jean Moreau de Séchelles
• Fiji – Tongan meaning “fine”
• Samoa – meaning “sacred center”
• Tahiti – Tahitian meaning “far off”
• Maui – Hawaiian demigod of the islands
• Oahu – Hawaiian meaning “gathering place”
• Kauai – Hawaiian meaning “food season”

Nautical & Maritime Names – Sailing the Seas

These names celebrate the human relationship with the ocean through sailing and navigation.

• Marina – Latin meaning “of the sea”
• Sailor – English meaning “one who sails”
• Captain – Latin meaning “head,” ship leader
• Admiral – Arabic meaning “commander of”
• Navigator – Latin meaning “one who steers”
• Compass – Latin meaning “measure together”
• Anchor – Latin meaning “hook”
• Mast – English meaning “pole on ship”
• Sail – English meaning “sheet to catch wind”
• Helm – English meaning “steering apparatus”
• Bow – English meaning “front of ship”
• Stern – English meaning “back of ship”
• Port – Latin meaning “harbor”
• Starboard – English meaning “right side of ship”
• Deck – Dutch meaning “covering”
• Hull – English meaning “body of ship”
• Rigging – English meaning “ship’s rope system”
• Voyage – French meaning “journey by sea”
• Cruise – Dutch meaning “to cross”
• Fleet – English meaning “group of ships”

Explore maritime adventure themes in our pirate team names collection.

Sound & Music Names – Ocean Symphony

These names represent the beautiful sounds of the ocean.

• Echo – Greek meaning “reflected sound”
• Resonance – Latin meaning “resounding”
• Harmony – Greek meaning “agreement of sounds”
• Melody – Greek meaning “singing”
• Rhythm – Greek meaning “measured flow”
• Cadence – Latin meaning “falling”
• Tempo – Italian meaning “time”
• Symphony – Greek meaning “agreement of sound”
• Aria – Italian meaning “air,” solo song
• Chorus – Greek meaning “dance in a ring”
• Refrain – French meaning “to repeat”
• Verse – Latin meaning “turning”
• Ballad – French meaning “dancing song”
• Lullaby – English meaning “soothing song”
• Serenade – Italian meaning “evening song”
• Whisper – English meaning “soft speech”
• Murmur – Latin meaning “humming sound”
• Babble – English meaning “continuous sound”
• Gurgle – English meaning “bubbling sound”
• Splash – English meaning “water hitting”

Light & Illumination Names – Ocean Glow

These names capture the way light plays through and on water.

• Aurora – Latin meaning “dawn”
• Lumina – Latin meaning “light”
• Stella – Latin meaning “star”
• Luna – Latin meaning “moon”
• Solar – Latin meaning “of the sun”
• Radiance – Latin meaning “shining”
• Brilliance – French meaning “sparkling”
• Shimmer – English meaning “faint shining”
• Glimmer – English meaning “weak light”
• Sparkle – English meaning “small bright flash”
• Twinkle – English meaning “intermittent light”
• Gleam – English meaning “brief bright light”
• Glow – English meaning “steady light”
• Beacon – English meaning “signal light”
• Prism – Greek meaning “thing sawed,” refracting light

The Rising Tide of Ocean-Inspired Names

Before we dive into our treasure trove of names, let me share something fascinating: the word “mermaid” itself comes from the Middle English “mere” (sea) plus “maid” (young woman), first recorded around 1300.

But here’s what’s really interesting – cultures worldwide have been celebrating water spirits for over 3,000 years, from Greek Nereids to Slavic Rusalkas, creating an incredibly rich naming heritage.

And get this – 73% of water-themed names are chosen by families living near coasts. There’s something about hearing the ocean every day that calls to parents seeking names as vast and beautiful as the sea itself.

How to Choose the Perfect Mermaid Name

Now that you’ve seen all these gorgeous options, how do you pick the one that’s just right? Here are my tried-and-true tips for selecting a mermaid name that’ll make waves:

Test the Sound Flow: Say the full name out loud – first, middle, and last name together. Does it roll off your tongue like a gentle wave, or does it crash awkwardly? Trust me, you’ll be saying this name thousands of times, so it needs to feel natural.

Think About Nicknames: Even the most elaborate mermaid name should have a cute, everyday nickname. Cordelia becomes Cora, Amphitrite becomes Amy, and Delphine becomes Delphi. Make sure you love both the formal name and its casual cousins.

Consider Your Heritage: Some of the most beautiful mermaid names come with rich cultural stories. Research the mythology behind names that speak to you, and make sure you’re honoring rather than appropriating cultural traditions.

Picture Your Child at Different Ages: Can you imagine calling a boardroom meeting with someone named Storm? Does Tidal sound as sweet on a grandmother as it does on a toddler? The best names grow beautifully with their bearers.

Check the Pronunciation: If you’re drawn to names like Thalassa or Melusine, make sure you’re comfortable correcting pronunciation for years to come. Sometimes the most beautiful names require a little extra explanation.

Trust Your Heart: Here’s the thing – when you find the right name, you’ll know it. It’ll feel like that moment when you see the perfect seashell on the beach. Everything else fades away, and you just know this is the one.

The Cultural Currents of Mermaid Names

What’s really fascinating about this trend is how it reflects our changing relationship with nature. In a world that feels increasingly digital, parents are reaching back to names that connect us to something ancient and elemental. The ocean represents mystery, power, and endless possibility – exactly what we want for our children.

Did you know that Ariel wasn’t originally a mermaid name? Shakespeare used it for a male air spirit in “The Tempest,” but Disney’s 1989 film transformed it into the ultimate mermaid name. That’s the power of storytelling – it can completely reshape how we think about names.

Real-life medical condition called “sirenomelia” or “mermaid syndrome” occurs in about 1 in 100,000 births, where babies are born with fused legs. Many families affected by this condition choose ocean-inspired names as a way of celebrating their child’s uniqueness – turning a medical challenge into something beautiful and powerful.

Making Waves with Your Choice

Whether you choose a classical name like Nerida or something completely modern like Azure, remember that you’re giving your child a piece of the ocean’s eternal mystery. These names carry stories of ancient goddesses, brave sailors, and magical creatures who’ve captured human imagination for millennia.

The best mermaid names don’t just sound beautiful – they feel like they hold secrets. They whisper of distant shores and hidden treasures, of moonlight dancing on water and songs that call sailors home.

So take your time browsing through these 300 options. Read them out loud, imagine them on birthday invitations and graduation announcements, picture them whispered as lullabies and called across playgrounds. The perfect name is waiting somewhere in these waters – you just need to dive deep enough to find it.

Which of these magical mermaid names calls to your heart? I’d love to hear which ones made your shortlist and why they spoke to you. After all, choosing a name is one of the first gifts we give our children – make it one that sparkles like sunlight on the sea.

For more enchanting name collections, don’t forget to explore our fantasy names for girls and celestial girl names that pair beautifully with ocean themes.