Ocean Inspired Baby Names with Meanings for Boys and Girls

There’s something timeless, tranquil, and deeply inspiring about the ocean — its rhythm, its mystery, and its boundless beauty. For parents drawn to the sea, ocean-inspired baby names capture that same sense of wonder and serenity. Whether you live by the coast, dream of seaside getaways, or simply find peace in the sound of waves, names inspired by the ocean evoke calm strength, adventure, and natural grace. From ancient mythological names tied to sea gods and goddesses to modern, minimalist options inspired by beaches, tides, and marine life, the ocean provides endless inspiration for baby names that feel both meaningful and refreshing.

This list of ocean-inspired baby name choices go beyond just being trendy; they carry symbolism tied to flow, resilience, and renewal. Choosing a name that’s rooted in the water element can represent adaptability and emotional depth — traits many parents hope to nurture in their children. Whether you gravitate toward soft, flowing names like Marina or bold, powerful ones like Neptune, ocean-inspired baby names beautifully balance serenity and strength, making them an ideal fit for babies destined to chart their own unique paths.

Here’s a rich collection of ocean-inspired baby names, grouped by gender but also highlighting unisex options, perfect for parents who love the sea, travel, or nature themes. Each baby's name includes the meaning and a note about its connection to the ocean.

 Why Ocean Names Make Great Options for Your Baby

Ocean-inspired names are more than just pretty they hold layers of meaning that resonate deeply. The ocean symbolizes life itself: ever-changing, powerful, and full of hidden depths. Names drawn from the sea often carry peaceful, lyrical sounds that feel soothing yet strong. They work well across cultures and suit any gender, with modern favorites like Kai, Isla, and Sailor feeling equally classic and contemporary. Best of all, these ocean themed baby names  serve as a lifelong reminder of calm, courage, and connection to nature values that stand the test of time.

🌊 Ocean-Inspired Baby Girl Names

1. Aqua (Latin) – Means “water,” a fresh, modern, and minimalistic name.
2. Azure (English/Latin) – Derived from the color of clear blue skies and seas, elegant and bold.
3. Bayla (Hebrew) – This name of Hebrew origin eans “dancing in the waves,” radiant and joyful.
4. Calypso (Greek) – Mythological sea nymph who kept Odysseus on her island, mystical and melodic.
5. Cordelia (Celtic/Latin) – “Daughter of the sea,” classic and regal is a Celtic origin perfect name.
6. Coral (English) – Inspired by coral reefs, colorful and full of life.
7. Coraline (French) – Meaning “coral,” whimsical and literary.
8. Darya (Persian) – Means “the sea,” elegant and exotic.
9. Delmarie (Spanish) – Derived from “del mar,” meaning “of the sea.”
10. Isla (Scottish) – Means “island,” simple yet globally beloved.
11. Kailani (Hawaiian) – Translates to “sea and sky,” serene and lyrical.
12. Laguna (Spanish) – Means “lagoon,” calm and romantic.
13. Marina (Latin) – “Of the sea,” timeless and sophisticated.
14. Maris (Latin) – “Of the sea,” soft and classic.
15. Maren (Scandinavian) – Means “sea,” a simple, strong choice.
16. Mira (Latin/Slavic) – Means “ocean” or “peace,” radiant and refined.
17. Moana (Polynesian) – Means “ocean,” powerful and empowering.
18. Muriel (Irish) – Means “bright sea,” traditional and sweet.
19. Naia (Basque/Hawaiian) – Means “dolphin” or “to flow,” graceful and natural.
20. Nami (Japanese) – Means “wave,” short, soft, and oceanic.
21. Nerida (Greek) – Means “sea nymph,” romantic and mythological.
22. Nerissa (Greek) – “Sea nymph,” elegant and flowing.
23. Oceana (Greek/Latin) – Derived from “ocean,” vast and majestic.
24. Pearl (English) – Gem formed in the sea, symbolizing purity.
25. Pelagia (Greek) – Means “of the sea,” traditional and saintly.
26. Sailor (English) – Nautical name representing adventure and freedom.
27. Sandy (English) – Evokes the warmth of the beach, casual and cheerful.
28. Serena (Latin) – Means “tranquil,” capturing the calmness of still waters.
29. Tallulah (Native American, Choctaw) – Means “leaping water,” playful and lyrical.
30. Thalassa (Greek) – Goddess of the sea, ancient and mysterious.
31. Undine (Latin) – Means “little wave,” associated with mythical water spirits.
32. Venice (Italian) – Romantic city built on canals, symbolic of love and travel.
33. Waverly (English) – Means “meadow of quivering aspens,” poetic and sea-inspired.
34. Zaleah (Greek mythology) – Means “strength of the sea,” rare and powerful.
35. Zariah (Arabic) – Means “blooming flower,” evoking sunlight over the ocean.

🌊 Ocean-Inspired Baby Boy Names

1. Admiral (English) – Naval rank name, representing leadership and strength and perfect for baby boys.
2. Arnav (Sanskrit) – Means “ocean,” deeply spiritual and symbolic.
3. Azul (Spanish) – Means “blue,” reminiscent of deep sea tones.
4. Bay (English) – Inspired by a coastal inlet, calm and grounded.
5. Brooks (English) – This elegant name means “small stream,” natural and steady.
6. Calder (Scottish) – Means “rocky water,” sturdy and bold.
7. Caspian (Geographical/Latin) – Named for the Caspian Sea, grand and adventurous.
8. Cove (English) – A sheltered bay, peaceful and modern.
9. Delmar (Spanish) – Means “of the sea,” romantic and warm.
10. Deniz (Turkish) – Means “sea,” gentle yet strong.
11. Dylan (Welsh) – Means “son of the sea,” mythological and timeless.
12. Dylanor (Modern blend) – “Golden sea,” creative and rare.
13. Finn (Irish) – Means “fair” or “white,” evokes water and folklore.
14. Fisher (English) – Occupational name meaning “fisherman,” traditional and grounded.
15. Harbor (English) – Represents safety and peace, strong yet soothing.
16. Hurley (Irish) – Means “sea tide,” old-world charm.
17. Kai (Hawaiian name) – Means “sea,” short and global.
18. Marinus (Latin origin) – Means “of the sea,” elegant and historical.
19. Marin (Latin roots) – “Of the sea,” smooth and versatile.
20. Murphy (Irish) – This popular name means “sea warrior,” popular and bold.
21. Neptune (Roman) – God of the sea, mythological and majestic.
22. Nemo (Latin name) – Means “no one,” linked to ocean adventures.
23. Oceanus (Greek) – Titan god of the sea, grand and mythic of the water names.
24. Pike (English) – Refers to a freshwater fish, sleek and sharp.
25. Reef (English) – Represents coral reefs, earthy and modern.
26. Ronan (Irish) – Classic name meaning “little seal,” soft and endearing.
27. Sailor (English) – Nautical title, representing adventure.
28. Seaton (Old English) – Means “town by the sea,” distinguished and calm.
29. Taj (Arabic) – Means “crown,” symbolizing ocean majesty.
30. Tide (English) – Represents movement and rhythm of the sea.
31. Triton (Greek origin) – Greek god and son of Poseidon, strong and mythological.
32. Varun (Hindi) – Hindu god of the oceans, noble and divine.
33. Wade (English) – Means “to go through water,” traditional and grounded.
34. Zale (Greek) – Means “sea strength,” unique and dynamic.
35. Zephyr (Greek) – Means “west wind,” airy and coastal.

🌊 Gender-Neutral Ocean-Inspired Names

1. Azure (English/Latin) – Means “blue sky,” evokes clear coastal waters.
2. Bay (English) – Nature-inspired and calm unisex name that is an obvious choice for parents looking for a unique name.
3. Blue (English) – Represents tranquility and blue ocean hues.
4. Brook (English) – Means “small stream,” gentle and soothing. 
5. Cascade (French/English) – Means “waterfall,” vibrant and dynamic.
6. Coral (English) – Derived from coral reefs, colorful and lively.
7. Cove (English) – Small bay, peaceful and modern.
8. Delmar (Spanish) – Means “of the sea,” romantic and classic.
9. Dylan (Welsh) – Means “born from the sea,” fluid and timeless.
10. Harbor (English) – Means “safe haven,” protective and warm.
11. Haven (English) – Means “safe harbor,” serene and comforting.
12. Kai (Hawaiian) – Means “sea,” global and unisex.
13. Lake (English) – Calm, reflective, and simple.
14. Marlowe (English) – Means “driftwood,” artsy and poetic.
15. Morgan (Welsh) – Means “sea-born,” strong and enduring.
16. Ocean (Greek/English) – Symbol of vastness and mystery.
17. Rain (English) – Reflects cleansing and renewal.
18. Reef (English) – Represents life and vibrancy beneath the sea.
19. River (English) – Symbolizes life and continuous flow.
20. Rio (Spanish name /Portuguese) – Means “river,” lively and fresh.
21. Sailor (English) – Adventurous and maritime-inspired.
22. Sandy (English) – Evokes warm sandy beaches and summer freedom.
23. Seabrook (English) – Means “stream by the sea,” melodic and grounded.
24. Shell (English) – Represents natural ocean beauty.
25. Skye (Scottish origin) – After the Isle of Skye, connecting sea and sky.
26. Soleil (French name) – Means “sun,” symbolizing light on the water.
27. Storm (English) – Represents strength and natural power.
28. Tide (English) – Signifies rhythm and movement.
29. Waverly (English) – Evokes gentle waves, lyrical and sweet.
30. Zephyr (Greek name) – Means “breeze,” poetic and serene.

If you loved these ocean baby names you might also enjoy other themed baby name collections on XOXOErinSmith.com. Explore Nature-Inspired Baby Names for earthy, botanical favorites, or Space-Inspired Baby Names for names that reach for the stars. For parents seeking more magical or whimsical ideas, don’t miss Fairy-Inspired Girl Names and Artsy Creative Baby Names — each list dives into unique meanings, origins, and trends. These posts pair beautifully with ocean-themed names for parents who want to build a cohesive, nature-rooted name journey to find the perfect choice for their little one.

Ocean-inspired baby names capture the beauty and balance of the majesty of the ocean in a truly poetic way. They’re ideal for parents who feel a spiritual or emotional connection to water, adventure, or tranquility. From flowing, melodic names that mirror gentle waves to bold and dynamic ones that reflect the ocean’s strength, there’s something for every personality and style.

Whether you’re naming a future surfer, sailor, or dreamer, these names bring a sense of calm and adventure that will never go out of style. Like the sea itself, they embody freedom, resilience, and timeless beauty, a perfect reflection of your baby’s limitless potential.