300+ Pet Fish Names (From Classic to Creative Options)

Pet fish names can be surprisingly tricky to choose – after all, you’re naming a living creature you’ll be watching swim gracefully for years to come. Trust me, I’ve been there.

When I got my first betta fish as a kid, I spent hours pressed against the glass of his tank, watching those elegant fins flow like underwater silk while brainstorming the perfect name.

After days of deliberation and a trip to the library (yes, this was pre-Google!), I settled on “Neptune” after learning about the Roman god of the sea. That little blue fighter lived up to his mighty name for three wonderful years.

Here’s the thing – choosing the right name for your finned friend isn’t just about picking something that sounds cute. It’s about capturing their personality, honoring their beauty, and creating that special bond that transforms a pet fish from decoration to family member.

Whether you’ve just welcomed home a vibrant betta, a school of playful guppies, or a majestic angelfish, this comprehensive guide will help you discover the perfect name among 300+ carefully curated options.

Classic & Traditional Pet Fish Names

Some names never go out of style. These timeless options have been beloved by fish owners for generations:

• Neptune – Roman god of the sea, perfect for majestic swimmers with regal presence
• Bubbles – Classic aquarium reference, ideal for active fish who create surface disturbance
• Nemo – Disney fame makes it instantly recognizable, great for orange fish
• Goldie – Traditional goldfish name with timeless appeal
• Finn – Clever play on “fin,” works for any species
• Splash – Perfect for energetic fish who make waves
• Swimmer – Simple yet descriptive for graceful movers
• Flipper – Playful reference to aquatic movement
• Gills – Anatomical humor that’s endearingly straightforward
• Scales – Another anatomical reference with classic charm
• Fishy – Sometimes the obvious choice is the best choice
• Aqua – Latin for water, elegant and meaningful
• Blue – Perfect for any blue-tinted fish
• Silver – Ideal for metallic or silver-colored species
• Gold – Natural choice for golden fish varieties
• Flash – Great for quick, darting swimmers
• Drift – Perfect for calm, slow-moving fish
• Float – Ideal for fish that hover gracefully
• Glide – Beautiful for smooth swimmers
• Wave – Captures the essence of water movement
• Current – Strong name for active swimmers
• Tide – Rhythmic like ocean movements
• Stream – Flowing and peaceful
• River – Strong, continuous movement
• Ocean – Vast and majestic like the open sea

For more traditional pet naming inspiration, check out our aesthetic pet names collection.

Names by Fish Color

Your fish’s coloration can provide perfect naming inspiration. Here are options organized by the most common fish colors:

Golden/Yellow Fish Names

• Sunny – Bright and cheerful like sunshine
• Amber – Warm, golden resin color
• Honey – Sweet golden hue
• Buttercup – Bright yellow flower
• Marigold – Golden flower reference
• Daffodil – Spring yellow bloom
• Lemon – Citrus brightness
• Banana – Playful yellow fruit
• Corn – Golden kernel color
• Mustard – Deep yellow shade

Blue Fish Names

• Azure – Sky blue perfection
• Sapphire – Precious blue gemstone
• Cobalt – Deep blue mineral
• Navy – Dark blue authority
• Indigo – Rich blue-purple
• Cerulean – Sky-like blue
• Teal – Blue-green beauty
• Cyan – Bright blue-green
• Periwinkle – Soft blue flower
• Midnight – Deep dark blue

Red Fish Names

• Ruby – Precious red gemstone
• Crimson – Deep red shade
• Cherry – Bright red fruit
• Scarlet – Vivid red color
• Rose – Classic red flower
• Coral – Ocean red-pink
• Burgundy – Deep red wine color
• Cardinal – Bright red bird
• Flame – Red fire reference
• Brick – Earthy red tone

Black Fish Names

• Shadow – Dark and mysterious
• Onyx – Black gemstone
• Coal – Deep black mineral
• Eclipse – Celestial darkness
• Raven – Black bird reference
• Ink – Writing fluid darkness
• Storm – Dark weather system
• Thunder – Powerful dark sound
• Obsidian – Volcanic black glass
• Panther – Sleek black cat

Pop Culture & Movie-Inspired Fish Names

Entertainment has given us some iconic aquatic characters that make perfect fish names:

• Dory – Finding Nemo’s beloved blue tang with memory issues
• Ariel – The Little Mermaid’s adventurous spirit
• Aquaman – Superhero theme for bold, confident fish
• Poseidon – Greek mythology power and authority
• Bruce – The “friendly” great white shark from Finding Nemo
• Gill – The wise moorish idol from Finding Nemo
• Flounder – Ariel’s loyal fish companion
• Sebastian – The Little Mermaid’s crab advisor
• Crush – The laid-back sea turtle from Finding Nemo
• Squirt – Crush’s energetic son
• Pearl – Mr. Krabs’ whale daughter from SpongeBob
• Gary – SpongeBob’s pet snail
• Patrick – SpongeBob’s starfish best friend
• Sandy – SpongeBob’s squirrel friend
• Plankton – SpongeBob’s tiny antagonist
• Kraken – Legendary sea monster
• Triton – Ariel’s father, king of the sea
• Ursula – The sea witch from The Little Mermaid
• Moana – Disney’s ocean-loving princess
• Maui – Moana’s demigod companion
• Elsa – Frozen’s ice queen (perfect for blue fish)
• Olaf – Frozen’s loveable snowman
• Mufasa – Lion King’s wise father figure
• Simba – Lion King’s brave young lion
• Marlin – Nemo’s protective father
• Shrek – The loveable green ogre
• Donkey – Shrek’s loyal companion
• Fiona – Shrek’s princess
• Puss – Puss in Boots character
• Woody – Toy Story’s cowboy
• Buzz – Toy Story’s space ranger
• Rex – Toy Story’s nervous dinosaur
• Sulley – Monsters Inc.’s gentle giant
• Mike – Monsters Inc.’s one-eyed optimist
• Boo – Monsters Inc.’s brave little girl

Food-Inspired Pet Fish Names

There’s something delightfully ironic about giving your fish a food-related name. These options range from sweet to savory:

• Sushi – Playful irony that fish owners love
• Mochi – Soft, rounded like many fish shapes
• Pickles – Fun for green-tinted fish
• Wasabi – Perfect for feisty personalities
• Cupcake – Sweet name for gentle fish
• Cookie – Classic comfort food reference
• Muffin – Soft and sweet
• Pancake – Flat and round like some fish
• Waffle – Grid pattern like some scales
• Pretzel – Twisted and fun
• Popcorn – Small and bubbly
• Marshmallow – Soft and white
• Jellybean – Small and colorful
• Gummy – Soft and squishy
• Taffy – Stretchy and sweet
• Fudge – Rich and brown
• Caramel – Golden and sweet
• Chocolate – Brown and beloved
• Vanilla – Simple and classic
• Strawberry – Pink and sweet
• Blueberry – Perfect for blue fish
• Raspberry – Pink-red berry
• Blackberry – Dark purple fruit
• Peach – Soft orange-pink
• Mango – Tropical orange fruit
• Pineapple – Spiky tropical fruit
• Coconut – White tropical treat
• Papaya – Orange tropical fruit
• Kiwi – Green and fuzzy fruit
• Grape – Purple cluster fruit

For more food-themed pet naming ideas, explore our pet names inspired by food drinks collection.

Funny & Quirky Fish Names

Sometimes the best names are the ones that make you smile every time you say them:

• Sir Swims-a-Lot – Playful medieval title for active fish
• Fish Sticks – Humorous food reference
• Glub – Simple sound fish might make
• Flounder – Both fish type and verb meaning to struggle
• Captain Bubblebeard – Adventurous pirate theme
• Admiral Fins – Naval ranking for distinguished fish
• Professor Gills – Academic title for wise-looking fish
• Mr. Wiggles – For fish with animated swimming styles
• Lady Splash – Elegant title for graceful females
• Duke of Bubbles – Royal title with aquatic twist
• Count Fishula – Vampire fish pun
• Sir Blub-a-lot – Medieval knight reference
• General Scales – Military ranking
• Doctor Fins – Professional title
• Judge Swimmer – Legal authority
• President Gills – Executive title
• King Neptune Jr. – Royal heir designation
• Princess Bubble – Royal female title
• Baron von Fish – German nobility reference
• Earl of Splash – British peerage title
• Commander Swim – Military authority
• Chancellor Fins – Government position
• Ambassador Bubble – Diplomatic title
• Minister Gills – Religious or government title
• Chief Justice Swim – Supreme court reference

Names by Fish Personality

Spend a few days observing your fish, and their personality will shine through. Match their name to their behavior:

Active/Energetic Fish Names

• Dash – Quick movement specialist
• Zoom – Speed demon swimmer
• Flash – Lightning-fast fish
• Rocket – Shoots through water
• Zippy – Quick and lively
• Turbo – Engine-powered energy
• Speedy – Fast and efficient
• Lightning – Electric quick movement
• Bullet – Shoots through water
• Arrow – Straight and fast

Calm/Peaceful Fish Names

• Zen – Peaceful meditation state
• Serenity – Tranquil and calm
• Drift – Gentle water movement
• Float – Effortless suspension
• Mellow – Relaxed and easy-going
• Gentle – Soft and kind
• Peaceful – Harmony and calm
• Tranquil – Quiet and serene
• Serene – Calm and untroubled
• Calm – Peaceful and still

Aggressive/Feisty Fish Names

• Spike – Sharp and defensive
• Thunder – Powerful and loud
• Storm – Turbulent weather system
• Rebel – Rule-breaking attitude
• Warrior – Battle-ready fighter
• Fighter – Combat specialist
• Bandit – Mischievous troublemaker
• Rogue – Independent operator
• Maverick – Unconventional individual
• Fierce – Intense and powerful

Mythology & Legend Names

Draw inspiration from ancient stories and mythological figures:

• Triton – Greek sea deity’s messenger son
• Nereid – Sea nymphs from Greek mythology
• Kappa – Japanese water spirit creature
• Marina – Roman goddess of harbors
• Coral – Ocean reef formation
• Pearl – Ocean’s precious gem
• Dylan – Welsh sea god
• Manannan – Celtic sea deity
• Amphitrite – Greek sea goddess
• Thetis – Greek sea nymph
• Doris – Greek sea goddess
• Galatea – Greek sea nymph
• Proteus – Greek sea god who could change shape
• Pontus – Greek primordial sea god
• Oceanus – Greek titan of the ocean
• Aegir – Norse sea giant
• Ran – Norse sea goddess
• Njord – Norse god of the sea
• Ymir – Norse primordial giant
• Sedna – Inuit sea goddess
• Ryujin – Japanese dragon sea god
• Varuna – Hindu god of water
• Tlaloc – Aztec god of rain and water
• Chalchiuhtotolin – Aztec god of mystery and water
• Sobek – Egyptian crocodile god

Names by Fish Species

Different fish species have unique characteristics that can inspire perfect names:

Betta Fish Names

Bettas are known for their flowing fins and fighting spirit:

• King – Royal authority and presence
• Warrior – Fighting fish heritage
• Samurai – Japanese warrior honor
• Dragon – Mythical power and beauty
• Phoenix – Rebirth and fire
• Emperor – Ultimate royal title
• Sultan – Middle Eastern royalty
• Prince – Royal heir designation
• Duke – Noble ranking
• Lord – Aristocratic title

Goldfish Names

Classic goldfish deserve equally classic names:

• Goldie – Traditional goldfish name
• Sunny – Bright golden color
• Amber – Warm golden hue
• Coin – Golden currency reference
• Treasure – Valuable golden prize
• Nugget – Small gold piece
• Gilt – Golden covering
• Aurelius – Golden Roman emperor
• Midas – King with golden touch
• Dorado – Spanish for golden

Angelfish Names

These graceful fish deserve heavenly names:

• Angel – Heavenly being
• Gabriel – Archangel messenger
• Seraph – Highest-ranking angel
• Halo – Divine light circle
• Grace – Divine favor
• Faith – Religious belief
• Hope – Divine expectation
• Charity – Divine love
• Mercy – Divine compassion
• Glory – Divine magnificence

Guppy Names

Small but mighty fish need appropriately cute names:

• Tiny – Small size reference
• Pip – Small seed or person
• Dot – Small circular mark
• Mini – Miniature version
• Sprite – Small fairy creature
• Pixie – Tiny magical being
• Button – Small fastener
• Pebble – Small stone
• Dewdrop – Tiny water bead
• Sparkle – Small bright flash

International & Cultural Names

Embrace global culture with these beautiful international options:

Japanese Names

• Sakura – Cherry blossom beauty
• Koi – Japanese carp reference
• Tsunami – Powerful wave (for strong swimmers)
• Hana – Flower in Japanese
• Yuki – Snow or happiness
• Aki – Autumn season
• Haru – Spring season
• Natsu – Summer season
• Fuyu – Winter season
• Mizu – Water in Japanese

Spanish Names

• Pez – Fish in Spanish
• Agua – Water in Spanish
• Mar – Sea in Spanish
• Azul – Blue in Spanish
• Estrella – Star in Spanish
• Luna – Moon in Spanish
• Sol – Sun in Spanish
• Oro – Gold in Spanish
• Plata – Silver in Spanish
• Perla – Pearl in Spanish

French Names

• Bleu – Blue in French
• Mer – Sea in French
• Poisson – Fish in French
• Belle – Beautiful in French
• Lumière – Light in French
• Étoile – Star in French
• Lune – Moon in French
• Soleil – Sun in French
• Argent – Silver in French
• Perle – Pearl in French

Hawaiian Names

• Kai – Sea in Hawaiian
• Moana – Ocean in Hawaiian
• Naia – Dolphin in Hawaiian
• Kailani – Sea and sky
• Pacific – Peaceful ocean
• Aloha – Love and greeting
• Mahalo – Thank you
• Ohana – Family
• Pua – Flower
• Mana – Spiritual power

Creative & Unique Fish Names

For those seeking something truly original:

• Aquarius – Zodiac water sign connection
• Ripple – Water movement reference
• Tide – Ocean rhythm inspiration
• Current – Water flow metaphor
• Splash – Playful water action
• Whirlpool – Circular water movement
• Cascade – Falling water
• Rapids – Fast-moving water
• Estuary – River mouth meeting sea
• Lagoon – Shallow water body
• Fjord – Deep water inlet
• Bay – Coastal water area
• Cove – Small sheltered bay
• Harbor – Protected water area
• Marina – Boat dock area
• Reef – Underwater rock formation
• Atoll – Ring-shaped reef
• Archipelago – Island chain
• Peninsula – Land jutting into water
• Isthmus – Narrow land bridge

Why Fish Names Matter More Than Ever

Picture this: you’re scrolling through social media and see countless videos of fish owners proudly showing off their named aquatic pets. It’s not your imagination – the #petfish hashtag on TikTok has exploded to over 2.8 billion views, with fish enthusiasts everywhere celebrating their finned family members by name.

The numbers tell an incredible story. According to the American Pet Products Association’s 2024 survey, 11.5 million households own freshwater fish, making them the third most popular pet in America after dogs and cats. What’s even more fascinating? Research from aquarium behaviorists suggests that fish can actually recognize their names when consistently used during feeding times, particularly intelligent species like bettas and goldfish.

Ancient Romans were the first to keep ornamental fish and often named their prized specimens, proving that the human desire to name our aquatic companions spans millennia. Today, 67% of fish owners admit to talking to their fish regularly – and let’s be honest, it’s much easier when they have a name!

Expert Tips for Choosing the Perfect Fish Name

After years of fish keeping and helping others name their aquatic companions, here are my tried-and-true strategies:

1. Match Name to Personality: Observe your fish for 2-3 days before naming. Does it dart around energetically or drift peacefully? Active fish suit names like “Dash” or “Zippy,” while calm swimmers might be perfect “Zen” or “Drift” candidates.
2. Consider Your Fish’s Appearance: Use color, size, and unique markings as naming inspiration. A fish with distinctive stripes might be perfect for “Tiger” or “Zebra,” while an iridescent beauty could be “Shimmer” or “Prism.”
3. Keep It Simple: Choose names that are easy to say and remember, especially if you have multiple fish. You’ll be using this name daily during feeding time and when showing off your pet to friends.
4. Think Long-term: Some fish species can live 10-30+ years with proper care. Avoid trendy names that might feel dated – “Bitcoin” seemed clever in 2017 but might not age well.
5. Family-Friendly Options: If children are involved, let them participate in the naming process. Kids often come up with wonderfully creative options that adults might overlook.
6. Cultural Sensitivity: When using international names, research their meanings to ensure respectful usage. Beautiful names carry cultural significance that should be honored.

I get it – the pressure to find the “perfect” name can feel overwhelming. But here’s what I’ve learned: there’s no wrong choice as long as it feels right to you. Your fish won’t judge your creativity, and that connection you feel when you say their name is what matters most.

For additional creative pet naming inspiration, check out our funny pet names collection for more playful options.

Creating Your Perfect Aquatic Bond

In Japanese culture, koi fish names are considered to bring good fortune to their owners – a beautiful reminder that naming our pets is about more than identification. It’s about creating connection, showing care, and celebrating the joy these small creatures bring to our lives.

Whether you’ve chosen “Neptune” for a majestic betta, “Bubbles” for an energetic guppy, or created something entirely unique, you’ve taken an important step in your fish-keeping journey. That little swimmer in your tank isn’t just a pet anymore – they’re family.

What name did you choose for your finned friend? I’d love to hear about your naming adventure and the personality quirks that helped you decide. After all, every fish has a story, and it all starts with the perfect name.