300+ Unique Mermaid Names (for Characters, Babies & Fantasy Worlds)

Picture this: you’re standing at the edge of the ocean at twilight, watching waves shimmer with bioluminescence, and you can almost hear the whispers of ancient sea spirits calling from beneath the surface.

Have you ever wondered what mermaids whisper to each other in the depths of the ocean, or what names echo through underwater kingdoms where sunlight dances through coral palaces?

I’ll never forget the summer I spent volunteering at a coastal marine sanctuary, watching the sunset paint the Pacific in shades of pearl and turquoise.

A little girl visiting with her family asked me if mermaids were real, and when I told her about the legends sailors used to tell, she said, “If I were a mermaid, I’d want to be called Coraline.”

That moment stuck with me—there’s something magical about finding the perfect name that captures the mystery of the sea.

Trust me, whether you’re naming a character for your next fantasy novel, searching for a distinctive baby name with oceanic flair, creating a persona for cosplay, or building a world for your next D&D campaign, the right mermaid name can transform your creative vision.

In this deep dive, you’ll discover 300+ mesmerizing mermaid names drawn from mythology, oceanic elements, folklore from around the world, and pure creative inspiration.

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Classic Mythological Mermaid Names

Let’s start where all great legends begin—with the goddesses, nymphs, and spirits who ruled the ancient seas. These names carry the weight of centuries and the power of the tides themselves.

Amphitrite – Greek goddess of the sea, wife of Poseidon; perfect for regal, powerful characters

Sedna – Inuit goddess of the sea and marine animals; works beautifully for strong, protective personalities
Thalassa – Greek primordial sea goddess; ideal for ancient, wise characters
Calypso – Greek nymph who lived on the island of Ogygia; great for mysterious, enchanting characters

Lorelei – German siren from the Rhine River; captures both danger and beauty
Nerissa – From Greek “Nereid” (sea nymph); elegant and timeless
Ondine – European water spirit; romantic and ethereal
Morgana – From Arthurian legend, associated with water magic; powerful and mystical

Thessalonike – Alexander the Great’s sister who became a mermaid in Greek legend; dramatic and historical
Ran – Norse goddess who rules the sea; perfect for fierce characters
Melusine – European water spirit and serpent-woman; mysterious and complex

Atargatis – Syrian mermaid goddess; ancient and powerful
Iara – Brazilian water nymph with green hair; exotic and beautiful
Sabrina – From the River Severn in British mythology; mystical and Celtic
Asherah – Ancient Semitic mother goddess associated with the sea; divine and nurturing

Tethys – Greek Titan goddess of fresh water; elemental and primal
Galatea – Greek sea nymph sculpted by Pygmalon; artistic and romantic
Leucosia – One of the sirens in Greek mythology; haunting and melodic

Parthenope – Siren associated with Naples; Mediterranean and classical
Ligeia – Siren known for her beautiful voice; perfect for musical characters
Nausicaa – Princess who rescued Odysseus; noble and compassionate
Thetis – Greek sea nymph, mother of Achilles; maternal and protective
Doris – Greek sea goddess; simple yet powerful
Ceto – Greek goddess of sea monsters; for villainous or complex characters

Electra – One of the Pleiades, associated with the ocean; celestial and oceanic
Cymopoleia – Greek goddess of violent sea storms; dramatic and tempestuous
Ino – Greek sea goddess who saved Odysseus; heroic and divine

Leucothea – “White goddess,” a marine deity; pure and luminous
Panope – Nereid associated with the sea’s abundance; generous and life-giving
Dione – Ancient Greek goddess with oceanic connections; mysterious and maternal

Ocean & Water Element Names

The sea itself offers endless inspiration. These names capture the physical beauty, power, and phenomena of the ocean—from gentle ripples to raging tempests.

Marina – Latin for “of the sea”; classic and universally beautiful
Coral – Living ocean organism that builds reefs; vibrant and life-giving

Pearl – Precious gem created by oysters; elegant and rare
Tide – The rhythmic rise and fall of the sea; natural and powerful
Azure – Deep blue color of tropical waters; vivid and exotic

Cascade – Waterfall or flowing water; dynamic and energetic
Cove – Sheltered coastal inlet; cozy and protective
Delta – River mouth where fresh water meets the sea; transitional and unique
Harbor – Safe anchorage; welcoming and secure
Isle – Small island; solitary and mysterious
Lagoon – Shallow coastal water body; tranquil and hidden
Maris – Latin for “of the sea”; sophisticated and poetic
Oceana – Directly from “ocean”; bold and encompassing
Ripley – Meaning “strip of clearing in the woods,” but evokes ripples; nature-connected

Siren – Mythical singing creature; dangerous and alluring
Tempest – Violent storm; dramatic and powerful
Tsunami – Japanese for “harbor wave”; intense and overwhelming
Wave – Moving ridge of water; simple and evocative
Whirlpool – Rotating body of water; hypnotic and dangerous
Zale – Greek for “sea-strength”; strong and uncommon
Brook – Small stream; gentle and flowing
Cascade – Series of waterfalls; graceful and continuous
Dew – Water droplets; delicate and morning-fresh
Eddy – Circular water current; unique and swirling
Fjord – Deep coastal inlet; Norse and majestic
Gulf – Large ocean inlet; vast and encompassing
Haven – Safe harbor; protective and peaceful
Inlet – Narrow water passage; intimate and hidden
Jetty – Structure extending into water; sturdy and protective
Kelp – Large brown seaweed; earthy and oceanic
Loch – Scottish lake; mysterious and Celtic
Maelstrom – Powerful whirlpool; chaotic and intense
Naiad – Freshwater nymph; graceful and pure
Oasis – Water source in desert; life-giving and precious
Pier – Platform extending over water; connecting and structural
Quay – Wharf for loading ships; industrial and coastal
Reef – Underwater rock formation; protective and teeming with life
Strait – Narrow water passage; sleek and direct
Tributary – Stream feeding a larger river; supportive and flowing
Undertow – Current below the surface; hidden and powerful

For more nature-inspired naming ideas, check out these nature dog names that celebrate the natural world.

Gemstone & Treasure Names

What’s a mermaid’s hoard without glittering treasures? These names sparkle with the beauty of precious gems and metals found in sunken ships and ocean depths.

珀 Amber – Fossilized tree resin; golden and ancient
Aquamarine – Blue-green gemstone named for seawater; perfect mermaid gem
Beryl – Mineral family including emerald; crystalline and precious
Crystalline – Clear as crystal; pure and transparent
Diamond – Hardest natural substance; unbreakable and brilliant
Emerald – Green precious stone; rich and jewel-toned
Fin – Fish appendage, but sounds like “fine” jewelry; playful and oceanic

Garnet – Deep red gemstone; passionate and glowing
Jade – Green stone prized in Asian cultures; smooth and valuable
Jewel – Precious stone; generic but beautiful
Kyanite – Blue silicate mineral; rare and striking
Lapis – Blue metamorphic rock; ancient and deeply blue
Moonstone – Opalescent gemstone; mystical and lunar
Nacre – Mother of pearl; iridescent and ocean-made
Opal – Iridescent gemstone; color-shifting and magical
Platinum – Precious white metal; rare and valuable
Quartz – Common crystal; clear and abundant
Ruby – Red precious stone; fiery and passionate
Sapphire – Blue precious stone; royal and oceanic
Topaz – Golden gemstone; warm and glowing
Turquoise – Blue-green stone; southwestern and oceanic
Viridian – Blue-green pigment; artistic and specific
Zircon – Colorless to blue gemstone; brilliant and underrated

Color-Inspired Mermaid Names

The ocean paints itself in countless hues—from the palest seafoam to the deepest midnight blue. These chromatic names capture the sea’s ever-changing palette.

Cerulean – Deep blue; sky-meets-sea color
Cyan – Greenish-blue; digital and modern
Indigo – Deep blue-purple; mysterious and deep
Lavender – Pale purple; soft and twilight-hued
Navy – Dark blue; classic and nautical
Periwinkle – Pale blue-purple; whimsical and gentle
Seafoam – Pale green-white; frothy and delicate
Teal – Blue-green; balanced and vibrant
Turquesa – Spanish for turquoise; exotic and coastal
Violet – Purple-blue; regal and mysterious
Aqua – Water-blue; fresh and clean
Cobalt – Intense blue; bold and chemical
Silver – Metallic gray; reflective and moonlit
Platinum – Silvery-white; precious and rare

Marine Life Names

The creatures who share the mermaid’s domain inspire some of the most evocative names. These celebrate the biodiversity of our oceans.

Anemone – Sea creature with tentacles; delicate yet dangerous
Angelfish – Colorful tropical fish; heavenly and beautiful
Barracuda – Predatory fish; fierce and sleek
Clownfish – Orange and white fish; playful and vibrant
Dolphin – Intelligent marine mammal; friendly and smart
Eel – Snake-like fish; mysterious and slithering
Flounder – Flatfish; humble and bottom-dwelling
Grouper – Large reef fish; substantial and territorial
Hali – Hawaiian for “sea”; short and sweet
Jellyfish – Translucent gelatinous creature; ethereal and drifting
Koi – Ornamental carp; beautiful and symbolic
Lionfish – Venomous striped fish; dangerous and spectacular
Manta – Large ray; graceful and gliding
Nautilus – Ancient shelled cephalopod; spiral and prehistoric
Octavia – From octopus; eight-armed and intelligent
Puffer – Fish that inflates; defensive and round
Ray – Flat cartilaginous fish; smooth and gliding
Seahorse – Unique upright fish; magical and unusual
Starfish – Five-armed echinoderm; iconic and symmetrical
Urchin – Spiny sea creature; prickly but beautiful
Whale – Largest marine mammal; majestic and massive

You might also enjoy these ocean names for girls and ocean names for boys for more aquatic inspiration.

Botanical Mermaid Names

Underwater gardens and coastal plants provide surprisingly beautiful name options. These botanical choices connect mermaids to the life-giving aspects of the sea.

Algae – Simple aquatic organism; primitive and green
Coraline – Diminutive of Coral; literary and delicate
Fern – Ancient plant; graceful and prehistoric
Hyacinth – Flowering plant; fragrant and mythological
Iris – Rainbow goddess and flower; colorful and divine
Juniper – Coastal evergreen; resilient and aromatic
Kelpy – From kelp; playful and seaweed-inspired
Lily – Water lily; floating and pure
Lotus – Sacred water flower; spiritual and beautiful
Mangrove – Coastal tree; protective and ecological
Nettle – Stinging plant; defensive and wild
Orchid – Exotic flower; rare and precious
Papyrus – Water-loving reed; ancient and Egyptian
Rose – Classic flower; timeless and romantic
Sage – Herb and wise person; aromatic and knowing
Thyme – Fragrant herb; culinary and coastal
Violet – Purple flower; modest and lovely
Willow – Water-loving tree; graceful and weeping
Zinnia – Bright flower; cheerful and vibrant

Weather & Sky Names

Mermaids live where ocean meets atmosphere. These names capture the dramatic interplay between sea and sky, storm and calm.

Aurora – Dawn and northern lights; colorful and celestial
Breeze – Gentle wind; soft and refreshing
Cloud – Water vapor formation; floating and dreamy
Dawn – First light; hopeful and new
Eclipse – Sun or moon obscured; rare and dramatic
Fog – Thick mist; mysterious and concealing
Gale – Strong wind; powerful and rushing
Haze – Atmospheric moisture; dreamy and unclear
Iris – Rainbow; colorful and arc-shaped
Mist – Light fog; gentle and ethereal
Nimbus – Rain cloud; dark and portentous
Rain – Precipitation; life-giving and falling
Skye – The heavens; vast and encompassing
Storm – Severe weather; intense and dramatic
Thunder – Sound of lightning; booming and powerful
Twilight – Between day and night; liminal and magical
Zephyr – Gentle west wind; soft and poetic

Geographic & Place Names

Certain locations carry the mystique of mermaid lore. These place-inspired names evoke specific coastal regions and legendary waters.

Adriana – From the Adriatic Sea; Mediterranean and warm
Atlantis – Legendary sunken city; mythical and lost
Bali – Indonesian island; tropical and exotic
Caspian – From the Caspian Sea; vast and landlocked
Devon – English coastal county; pastoral and seaside
Fiji – Pacific island nation; paradise and turquoise
Galway – Irish coastal city; Celtic and windswept
Haiti – Caribbean nation; tropical and cultural
India – Named after the Indus River; exotic and vast
Jordan – From the Jordan River; biblical and flowing
Kai – Hawaiian for “sea”; short and perfect
Lido – Italian beach; stylish and European
Malta – Mediterranean island; historic and rocky
Nile – Egyptian river; ancient and life-giving
Pacific – Largest ocean; vast and peaceful
Rhodes – Greek island; classical and sunny
Santorini – Greek island; volcanic and beautiful
Tahiti – French Polynesian island; romantic and remote
Venice – Italian water city; romantic and canal-laced
Zanzibar – Tanzanian archipelago; exotic and spice-scented

Mythical & Fantasy Names

I get it—sometimes you need a name that exists purely in the realm of imagination. These invented and fantasy-inspired names sound like they belong to mermaids from storybooks.

Aerolynn – Combination of “aero” and “lynn”; airy and fluid
Aquarina – Water-based fantasy name; melodic and invented
Celestina – Heavenly; divine and starry
Delphinia – Dolphin-inspired; graceful and marine
Elara – Moon of Jupiter; celestial and unique
Floriana – Flowering; blooming and feminine
Galene – Greek for “calm seas”; peaceful and smooth
Halcyon – Kingfisher bird, calm period; peaceful and idyllic
Illaria – Cheerful; joyful and bright
Joviana – Jupiter-related; majestic and planetary
Kalani – Hawaiian for “the heavens”; sky-meeting-sea
Lunaria – Moon-related; lunar and night-blooming
Melora – Invented melodic name; musical and flowing
Nerida – Greek for “sea nymph”; directly mermaid-related
Oceania – Region and water-inspired; vast and encompassing
Pelagia – Greek for “of the sea”; ancient and marine
Rivanna – River-inspired invention; flowing and graceful
Sereia – Portuguese for “mermaid”; directly on-theme
Thaleia – Greek muse; artistic and mythological
Undine – Water elemental; mystical and Germanic
Vespera – Evening star; twilight and celestial
Waverly – Quaking aspen; trembling like waves
Xylia – From the forest; nature-connected
Yara – Brazilian water goddess; powerful and mythical
Zephyra – West wind; breezy and directional

For more fantasy-inspired options, explore these fantasy names for girls and mermaid names.

Elegant & Sophisticated Names

These refined names work beautifully for aristocratic mermaids, royal sea princesses, or characters with refined sensibilities.

Anastasia – Resurrection; elegant and Russian
Beatrice – She who brings happiness; classic and literary
Cassandra – Prophetess; tragic and classical
Delilah – Delicate; biblical and seductive
Evangeline – Good news; poetic and Southern
Francesca – Free one; Italian and romantic
Genevieve – Woman of the family; French and noble
Henrietta – Home ruler; vintage and regal
Isabella – Devoted to God; classic and royal
Josephine – God increases; French and imperial
Katerina – Pure; Slavic and graceful
Lillian – Lily flower; vintage and delicate
Madeleine – From Magdala; French and sophisticated
Natalia – Christmas day; elegant and international
Ophelia – Help; Shakespearean and tragic
Penelope – Weaver; faithful and Greek
Rosalind – Pretty rose; Shakespearean and lovely
Seraphina – Fiery angel; celestial and elegant
Theodora – Gift of God; regal and strong
Valentina – Strong and healthy; romantic and bold
Wilhelmina – Resolute protection; vintage and strong

Short & Sweet Names

Sometimes the most powerful names are the briefest. These concise options pack oceanic punch in just a few letters.

Bay – Body of water; simple and coastal
Blu – Color variant; modern and streamlined
Cay – Small island; tropical and tiny
Dew – Water droplets; fresh and morning
Eve – Evening; timeless and simple
Fae – Fairy; magical and brief
Gia – God is gracious; Italian and strong
Hali – Sea in Hawaiian; perfect and short
Ivy – Climbing plant; classic and green
Jett – Black gemstone; sleek and dark
Kay – Pure; simple and classic
Lea – Meadow; nature and flowing
Mae – Month of May; vintage and sweet
Nia – Purpose in Swahili; meaningful and brief
Ora – Gold; precious and short
Pia – Pious; Italian and gentle
Rue – Herb; botanical and brief
Sea – The ocean itself; direct and bold
Tia – Aunt in Spanish; warm and familiar
Uma – Nation; Sanskrit and exotic
Val – Strong; powerful and short
Wren – Small bird; nature and delicate
Xia – Glow of sunrise; Chinese and radiant
Zara – Princess; Arabic and regal

Dark & Mysterious Names

Not all mermaids sing sweetly in the shallows. These names suit sirens, deep-sea dwellers, and characters with darker motivations.

Abyss – Deep ocean trench; dark and bottomless
Belladonna – Deadly nightshade; poisonous and beautiful
Corvina – Crow-like; dark and corvid
Draven – Hunter; dark and strong
Ebony – Black wood; dark and smooth
Fury – Intense anger; powerful and wrathful
Gothic – Dark architectural style; moody and dramatic
Hex – Curse; witchy and powerful
Inky – Dark as ink; mysterious and black
Jinx – Bad luck; mischievous and cursed
Kali – Hindu goddess of destruction; powerful and dark
Lilith – Night demon; rebellious and dark
Midnight – Darkest hour; mysterious and late
Nyx – Greek goddess of night; dark and primordial
Obsidian – Volcanic glass; black and sharp
Phantom – Ghost; ethereal and haunting
Raven – Black bird; dark and intelligent
Shadow – Dark silhouette; mysterious and following
Tempest – Violent storm; dramatic and powerful
Umbra – Shadow in Latin; dark and astronomical
Venom – Poison; dangerous and deadly
Widow – Bereaved woman; dark and solitary
Xenith – Dark variation of zenith; inverted and shadowy
Yami – Japanese for darkness; shadowy and exotic

Check out these dark feminine names for more shadowy inspiration.

Playful & Whimsical Names

Mermaids don’t always take themselves seriously. These lighthearted names work perfectly for comedic characters, children’s stories, or playful personalities.

Bubbles – Air pockets in water; cheerful and floating
Coral – Already listed, but worth repeating for its playfulness

Dory – Type of fish; friendly and forgetful
Fizz – Effervescence; bubbly and energetic
Giggles – Laughter; joyful and lighthearted
Happy – Joyful; simple and positive
Jolly – Cheerful; maritime and merry
Kiki – Playful doubled sound; energetic and fun
Lulu – Pearl; playful and doubled
Mimi – Affectionate; cute and repeated
Nemo – Latin for “nobody”; adventurous and orange
Pippa – Lover of horses; British and perky
Splash – Water hitting surface; playful and dynamic
Sunny – Full of sunshine; bright and cheerful
Twinkle – Sparkling; magical and shining
Wiggles – Squirming motion; playful and moving
Zippy – Fast and energetic; quick and lively

Bonus: Unisex & Gender-Neutral Mermaid Names

Because merfolk transcend traditional boundaries, these names work beautifully for any character regardless of gender.

River – Flowing water; natural and androgynous
Ocean – The sea itself; vast and gender-free
Storm – Weather event; powerful and neutral
Sage – Wise person or herb; knowing and green
Reef – Underwater structure; protective and solid

The Rising Tide of Mermaid Names

Here’s the thing: we’re living in a golden age of ocean-inspired naming. According to Nameberry’s 2024 trend report, ocean-inspired names have surged 34% in popularity over the past three years, with “mermaid aesthetic” names like Marina, Coral, and Pearl entering the top 500 baby names for the first time since the 1960s.

The fantasy fiction market tells an even bigger story. Projected to reach $34.2 billion by 2027, the genre is experiencing unprecedented growth, with aquatic fantasy subgenres—including mermaid romances and oceanic world-building—dominating platforms like Wattpad and Archive of Our Own.

Readers can’t get enough of underwater kingdoms, forbidden romances between land-dwellers and sea folk, and the timeless allure of creatures who exist between two worlds.

But mermaid mythology isn’t just a modern fascination. These water spirits have captured human imagination for millennia, spanning every continent with coastal access. From Africa’s Mami Wata to Japan’s ningyo, from Scotland’s selkies to the Caribbean’s Aycayia, cultures worldwide have woven tales of beings who call the ocean home.

Ancient Assyrian mythology (circa 1000 BCE) features Atargatis, considered the first mermaid goddess, while Hans Christian Andersen’s The Little Mermaid (1837) transformed Western perceptions of merfolk forever.

How to Choose the Perfect Mermaid Name

Alright, so you’ve swum through 300+ names—now what? Here’s the thing: the perfect name chooses you as much as you choose it. But these practical tips can help you narrow down your options:

Consider the character’s personality and role. Is your mermaid a fierce warrior defending her reef? Names like Tempest, Ran, or Fury might fit. Is she a gentle healer? Try Willow, Marina, or Pearl. The name should reflect who the character is at their core.

Think about the world they inhabit. A mermaid in a Greek mythology retelling needs a different name than one in a contemporary romance. Match your naming conventions to your setting. Classical names like Amphitrite work in ancient settings, while modern inventions like Aquarina fit fantasy worlds.

Say it out loud. Trust me on this one. I once named a character Thessalonike before realizing I’d stumble over it every single time I tried to read my manuscript aloud. Beautiful names need to flow off the tongue, especially in storytelling contexts.

Consider nickname potential. Long, elaborate names often need shortened versions. Anastasia becomes Ana, Evangeline becomes Evie, Josephine becomes Josie. Make sure you like both the full name and its natural abbreviations.

Research the meaning. Names carry power through their meanings. If your mermaid’s arc involves transformation, choose a name that means “change” or “rebirth.” If she’s connected to the moon, select lunar-inspired options like Selene or Luna.

Check cultural authenticity. When borrowing names from specific cultures—like Sedna from Inuit mythology or Iara from Brazilian folklore—research the stories behind them. Respectful representation matters, even in fantasy.

If you’re naming a baby with mermaid inspiration, you might also love these celestial baby names and nature-inspired baby names.

The Magic in the Name

Here’s what I’ve learned after years of writing about names and their meanings: the right name creates instant connection. When readers encounter Lorelei, they hear singing. When they meet Tempest, they brace for drama. When Coral appears on the page, they can almost see the vibrant underwater gardens.

Mermaid names carry a special kind of enchantment because they exist at the intersection of reality and fantasy. The ocean is real—we can visit it, study it, protect it. But mermaids? They belong to our imagination, to the stories we tell ourselves about what might exist in the unexplored depths where sunlight fades to darkness and mystery thrives.

Whether you’re naming a character who’ll live in your novel, choosing a unique name for your expected little one, creating an alter ego for cosplay, or simply daydreaming about life beneath the waves, I hope you’ve found inspiration in these 300 names. Each one carries a bit of ocean magic—that indefinable quality that makes us pause at the shore and wonder what secrets the sea keeps.

The ocean covers 71% of our planet, yet we’ve explored less than 20% of it. In those unmapped depths, who knows what wonders await? Maybe, just maybe, there’s a mermaid down there waiting for the perfect name. And now you have 300 to choose from.

What’s your favorite mermaid name from this list? Or do you have an oceanic name we didn’t include? The comments below are calling like the sea—dive in and share your thoughts!