150+ cool water names for boys and girls to make your child unique
Do you know your name is an incredibly important part of your identity? It carries significant personal, cultural, and historical links. It also gives you a sense of self and belongingness in the community. Consider water names if you are a soon-to-be parent who wants a unique name for your child. Pamela Redmond, the creator of Nameberry, shares insights on the characteristics, cultural significance, and practical considerations of water-themed names.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Examples of water-inspired names
- How can parents ensure that a water-themed name ages well with their child?
- Water-themed names: Popular trends
- Expert Tips
- Cool water names for boys and girls
- What is the Greek name for water?
- What does water symbolise?
Without water, human beings and animals would not exist. Water symbolises life, wisdom, grace, power, and music. It is also associated with fertility and refreshment. As a result, water names are powerful and symbolic.
Examples of water-inspired names
In an interview with Pamela Redmond, the creator of Nameberry, Legit.ng gathered that there are two main types of water-inspired names. The first includes names relating to bodies of water that are either proper or common, while the second category refers to water-related meanings. Some examples include:
- Caspian: A proper name referring to the Caspian Sea
- Nile: A famous river situated in Egypt
- Bay: A common water-themed name
- River: A common name inspired by bodies of water
- Kai: A Hawaiian name which means sea
- Rayan: an Arabic name that means "land that is lush and rich in water."
How can parents ensure that a water-themed name ages well with their child?
Pamela shared valuable advice on the best way to ensure a water-themed name ages well with children. She emphasized the importance of choosing a name that is not too popular in today's world or the past. She explains:
One of the most popular water names in the US was Jennifer, which means 'white wave.' That name was so widely used in the 1970s and 1980s that it sounds old now for a baby. Like the River in New York City, Hudson, has been so popular over the past ten years that it might feel dated a generation from now, forever linked to the 2020s.
Pamela provided examples of unique water-themed names that have never been too popular. They include:
For Girls:
- Nahla - An Arabic name that means "drink of water."
- Reva - The name of a sacred river in India. It also means "rain" in Hebrew.
For Boys:
- Pike - The name of a fish
- Neptune - A sea god in Roman mythology
Water-themed names: Popular trends
Pamela also pointed out some trends she has observed in water-themed names in recent times, which are as follows:
- Many parents are drawn to simple water names that translate across various cultures, such as Kai or Maya, Talia or Ren.
- Names related to water and mythology are trending, such as Nixie, a German water nymph, or Indra, a Hindu warrior god.
- It's fashionable in the US to add an 's' to the end of a boy's name, so Brooks is trendier than Brook, and Rivers is more stylish than River.
- We also hear many variations on the name Ocean, such as Oceane for girls, which is trendy in France, and Oceanus, Oceana, and Ocean itself.
Expert Tips
Pamela provided practical considerations and cultural sensitivities parents should consider when choosing a water-themed name for their child. She said:
There are so many water-themed names of different types that you can find one that speaks to you and has a very personal meaning. A water-themed name can be perfect for a baby born on a rainy day, conceived by the Ocean, or born under one of the watery astrological signs such as Cancer or Pisces.
Cool water names for boys and girls
There are many cool water names in different languages. Below is a compilation of awesome boy and girl names that mean water.
Water names for boys
There are numerous cool names for water in different cultures and communities. Learn some of them today and their origin.
Latin names for water
Latin is the language of ancient Rome and its empire. Below are some of the sea, stream, or ocean names for boys in this language.
Adrian | Sea |
Cary | Pleasant stream |
Marius | From the Ocean |
Trent | Gushing water |
Sanskrit/ Indian
All parents desire to give a unique and meaningful name to their baby. You can borrow from the Sanskrit/ Indian community if you want a unique one.
Ahim | Cloud water traveller |
Amav | One connected to a body of water |
Ambastha | One who resides in water |
Ambava | Making a sound like running water |
Ambhoja | Born of water |
Ambupa | Protector of water |
Amburuha | Born in the waters |
Ambuvica | Living in water |
Apsavya | Being in water |
Avik | Living in water |
English water-related names for boys
Most people think of traditions when England is mentioned. This is probably because of the culture Queen Elizabeth and her predecessors have supported. Below are some cute options for parents looking for a traditional yet somewhat unique name.
Arledge | Dweller at the rabbit lake |
Beckham | Homestead by the stream |
Blackwell | Black stream |
Bourne | One who lives near the stream |
Bradford | Wide River with shallow water |
Brooks | Small stream |
Calder | Rocky water |
Eaton | Riverside |
Kelby | Dweller at the farm by the stream |
Orwell | River branch |
Struan | Stream |
Wade | By the river crossing |
Japanese water names for boys
The Japanese culture is also rich, and its naming system is done patrilineally, i.e. from one's father and shared with other siblings. If you admire this community, check out some amazing options below.
Afuru | To flood |
Aomi | Ocean |
Dansui | Ocean |
Etsumi | Cold water |
Hayase | Waterfall |
Junto | Pure like water |
Minamoto | River source |
Hiroka | Ocean |
Hinami | Ocean |
Hasumi | Ocean |
Kimi | Beautiful water |
Mihiro | Stream |
French names meaning water
Many people associate the French language and culture with finesse and class. Here are some great names from this community.
Dax | Water |
Destan | By the still waters |
Fontaine | Fountain |
Wisconsin | Gathering of waters |
Mortimer | Still water |
Sailor/ Saylor | Boatman |
Troy | Water soldier |
Hebrew water names
The Hebrew community is mostly linked with Biblical teachings because Hebrew was the language of scholars and the scriptures. Below are cute options from this community.
Arnon | Rushing stream |
Moses | Drawn from water |
Tal | Dew |
Yam | Sea |
Water-related names from other communities
There are thousands of communities and languages in today's world. As a result, there are many names associated with moisture, and some are listed below.
Afron | Welsh | River |
Afton | Celtic | From the Afton River |
Alon | Tagalog | Wave |
Andreus | Greek | Of River Peneius |
Bahari | Swahili | Ocean |
Bergren | Scandinavian | Mountain stream |
Douglas | Scottish | Dark water |
Firth | Scottish | Arm of the sea |
Deniz | Turkish | Sea |
Murdock | Scottish | Sea |
Arno | Italian | Flower water |
Kenn | Welsh | Clearwater |
Masika | Egyptian | Born during rain |
Rocio | Spanish | Dewdrop |
Gafar | Arabic | Stream |
Kallan | Scandinavian | Flowing water |
Kelvin | Gaelic | From the narrow River |
Malik | Greenland | Wave |
Ohio | Indigenous American | Large River |
Pavati | Indigenous American | Clearwater |
Rilian | German | Small stream |
Rio | Spanish | River |
Sachiel | Greek | Angel of water |
Strom | German | Stream |
Tahoe | Indigenous American | Edge of the lake |
Water names for girls
Choosing a name for your little baby girl can be daunting. You want to give them one that sounds nice and is meaningful. Here are options you should consider, including some names for bodies of water.
Latin names for water
Almost all Latina names and nicknames for water are cute and unique. If you come from this community or simply love the Latin language, below are options you should look at.
Adria | Sea |
Adriana | Sea |
Alma | River in Crimea |
Marella | Shining sea |
Marina | Basin on a shore of a body of water |
Naida | Water nymph |
Rosemary | Dew of the sea |
Sereia | Mermaid |
Icelandic names that mean water
Did you know Icelandic is a North Germanic language spoken by about 314,000 people globally? Most of them are based in Iceland, and below are two cute names for you.
Alda | Wave |
Haf | Ocean |
Sanskrit/ Indian
The Indian community has several female names related to water, and some are listed below.
Abja | Born of water |
Ambhini | Born of water |
Ambuda | One who gives the water a cloud |
Ambumati | Containing water |
Asita | River Yamuna |
Ambupadma | Lotus of the water |
Ambuvahini | Carrying water |
Aruvi | Waterfalls |
Ashneer | Sacred water |
Bindhu | Drop of water |
Bisa | Greatly loved water snow |
Chanchari | Bird vortex of water |
English water-related names
Here are some beautiful English baby girl names and their respective meanings.
Bay | Coastal line |
Beverly | Dweller of the beaver stream |
Brooke | Small stream |
Brooklyn | Small stream |
Cascade | Water falling downward |
Delta | Divides the River |
Eyre | Gravel riverbank |
Harbor | Place on the coast for ships and boats |
Kendall | Valley of the River Kent |
Rain | Rain |
Japanese water names for girls
The Japanese community has beautiful options for your little girl. They are easy to pronounce for people from other communities.
Akua | Water |
Anna | Peaceful water |
Doremi | Waterway |
Eimi | Ocean |
Erena | Water route |
Kazemi | One who controls wind/ water |
Kiyomizu | Pure water |
Maho | To cross a body of water |
Manahimeko | Lake |
Ryūjin | God of the sea |
French names meaning water
Have you been searching for a powerful French name for your soon-to-be-born girl? We have compiled amazing options for you.
Ariel | Queen of the Ocean |
Chamiree | Crooked stream |
Evian | Spa town in France |
Loire | From Loire River in France |
Selin | Flowing water |
Pier | Landing stage for boats |
Talease | Beautiful water |
Vaitiare | Water flower |
Hebrew water names
Did you know that the Hebrew community has unique options besides the commonly-used Abigail, Anna, Eliana, Eva, Leah, Maya, Naomi, and Sarah for girls? Check out these options below.
Adva | Ripple |
Dayla | To draw water |
Cherith | Winter stream |
Maya | Water |
Mayim | Water |
Miriam | Rising water |
Talia | Dew from heaven |
Water-related names from other communities
Going through all names meaning water or water nicknames is a challenging task. This is why we have compiled a list of cute and unique options from different communities and cultures for you to choose from.
Adair | Scottish | A river near oaks |
Amaya | Basque | Night rain |
Anahita | Persian | River goddess |
Cordelia | Welsh | Daughter of the sea |
Darya | Iranian | Sea |
Doris | Greek | Gift of the Ocean |
Dwyn | Welsh | Wave |
Guadalupe | Spanish | River with black stones |
Guinevere | Welsh | White wave |
Hali | Greek | Sea |
Jenna | Welsh | White wave |
Kaimana | Hawaiian | Power of the Ocean |
Kendra | Anglo-Saxon | Clearwater |
Lucerne | Swiss | Lake |
Lupe | Spanish | Wold river |
Noelani | Hawaiian | Heavenly mist |
Oceana | Greek | Ocean |
Rhea | Greek | Flowing |
Rheanna | Welsh | Stream |
Ria | Danish | Flowing |
Sabrina | Celtic | From the river Severn |
Tallulah | Indigenous American | Leaping water |
Zarya | Slavic | Water priestess |
Gender-neutral names
Do you wish to prevent gender stereotyping or sexism in your child's future? If so, you should consider gender-neutral names, including those listed below.
Abital | Hebrew | My father is the night dew |
Aeron | Welsh | A small river in Wales |
Ara | Arabic | One who brings rain |
Arna | Indian | Wave or stream |
Bayou | French | Small stream |
Beckett | English | Stream |
Clyde | Scottish | One who washes |
Dylan | Welsh | Tide flow |
Fisher | English | One who fishes |
Fjord | Norwegian | To pass over water |
India | Sanskrit | River |
Isa | German | Ice |
Itzel | Indigenous American | Dew |
Jordan | Hebrew | To flow or descend |
Jubal | Hebrew | Stream |
Kai | Hawaiian | Water |
Kenga | Indian | River |
Laguna | Italian | Lake or pond |
Lynn | Welsh | Lake |
Mar | Portuguese | Sea |
Morgan | Welsh | Seaborn |
Nebula | Latin | Misty |
Nira | Indian | Pure water |
Nirvelli | Indigenous American | Water child |
Shandy | English | Wise River |
What is the Greek name for water?
The translation for water in Greek is ύδωρ (hydor). Some Greek water names are Hali, Thalassa, and Anahita.
What does water symbolise?
Water is a symbol of life, fertility, motion, refreshment, and purity. It is the difference between life and death.
There are numerous water names one can give their newborn baby. Different cultures and countries have different water-related names for boys and girls.
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Giving your partner a sweet and unique name is a way of showing affection. Guys feel nice when you give them cool pet names.
Source: Legit.ng
Cyprine Apindi (Lifestyle writer) Cyprine Apindi is a content creator and educator with over six years of experience. She holds a Diploma in Mass Communication and a Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from Kenyatta University. Cyprine joined Briefly.co.za in mid-2021, covering multiple topics, including finance, entertainment, sports, and lifestyle. In 2023, she finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques. She received the 2023 Writer of the Year Award. In 2024, she completed the Google News Initiative course. Email: cyprineapindi@gmail.com
Adrianna Simwa (Lifestyle writer) Adrianna Simwa is a content writer at Legit.ng where she has worked since mid-2022. She has written for many periodicals on a variety of subjects, including news, celebrities, and lifestyle, for more than three years. She has worked for The Hoth, The Standard Group and Triple P Media. Adrianna graduated from Nairobi University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in 2020. In 2023, Simwa finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques. You can reach her through her email: adriannasimwa@gmail.com