There’s something so enchanting about the ocean — the waves, the mystery, the beauty. And if you’re like me (a little bit obsessed with all things under the sea), choosing a mermaid-inspired baby name just feels… perfect.
When I was pregnant, I went through list after list of baby names. I wanted something a little different — something whimsical, beautiful, and filled with meaning. That’s when I stumbled into the world of mermaid baby names — and it was love at first sight.
If you’re expecting your own little ocean treasure, whether it’s a baby girl or boy, I’ve put together this mega-list of mermaid baby names to inspire you. These names are inspired by mythology, the sea, water elements, and that magical mermaid vibe we all secretly adore.
Why Choose a Mermaid Baby Name?
Mermaid-inspired names have:
- 🌊 Nature connection
- 🌊 Whimsical, ethereal sound
- 🌊 Unique meanings
- 🌊 Strong ties to mythology & fantasy
- 🌊 A little sprinkle of magic
They feel dreamy, yet powerful — perfect for your future little sea princess or ocean prince.
🌊 Mermaid Baby Girl Names
1. Ariel
Meaning: Lion of God
The most famous mermaid of all! Thanks to The Little Mermaid, Ariel is timeless and sweet.
2. Nerida
Meaning: Sea nymph
Elegant and directly connected to mermaid mythology.
3. Marina
Meaning: Of the sea
Soft, feminine, and forever tied to the water.
4. Cordelia
Meaning: Daughter of the sea
A Shakespearean beauty with a strong ocean meaning.
5. Sirena
Meaning: Mermaid (Spanish origin)
A gorgeous, exotic twist on “siren.”
6. Nixie
Meaning: Water sprite
Playful and full of personality.
7. Ondine
Meaning: Little wave
A romantic, European mermaid name with French charm.
8. Muriel
Meaning: Of the bright sea
An old-fashioned name with a beautiful meaning ready for a comeback.
9. Moana
Meaning: Ocean (Polynesian origin)
Strong, brave, and perfect for a little adventurer.
10. Calypso
Meaning: Mythological sea nymph
Exotic and bold with Greek mythology roots.
11. Maira
Meaning: Of the sea (Greek)
Simple yet elegant.
12. Thalassa
Meaning: The sea (Greek origin)
A strong, rare option full of ocean depth.
13. Pearl
Meaning: Precious gem from the sea
Classic, vintage, and utterly charming.
14. Oceana
Meaning: Ocean
The ultimate bold mermaid name.
15. Mira
Meaning: Ocean (Sanskrit origin)
Short, sweet, and globally loved.
🌊 Mermaid Baby Boy Names
Yes, merman names exist too! And they’re just as magical.
1️⃣ Dylan
Meaning: Son of the sea (Welsh origin)
Classic and very wearable.
2️⃣ Kai
Meaning: Sea (Hawaiian origin)
Short, trendy, and effortlessly cool.
3️⃣ Neptune
Meaning: Roman god of the sea
Powerful, mythical, and unique.
4️⃣ Cove
Meaning: Small bay
Modern, peaceful, and nature-inspired.
5️⃣ Triton
Meaning: Son of Poseidon
The ultimate merman name from Greek mythology.
6️⃣ River
Meaning: Flowing body of water
Strong yet gentle.
7️⃣ Marinus
Meaning: Of the sea (Latin)
Elegant, rare, and sophisticated.
8️⃣ Oceanus
Meaning: Titan god of the ocean
Epic and bold.
9️⃣ Caspian
Meaning: From the Caspian Sea
Mysterious, noble, and literary.
🔟 Indra
Meaning: Possesses rain (Sanskrit origin)
Strong and tied to water elements.
🌊 Gender-Neutral Mermaid Baby Names
For parents who love non-binary, modern names that still hold that ocean magic:
1️⃣ Azure
Meaning: Sky blue
Feels both oceanic and airy.
2️⃣ Blue
Meaning: Color of the sea
Simple, bold, and very trendy.
3️⃣ Bay
Meaning: Coastal inlet
Calm, peaceful, and natural.
4️⃣ Harbor
Meaning: Safe haven
Strong yet soft.
5️⃣ Rain
Meaning: Water falling from the sky
Beautifully poetic.
🌊 Famous Mermaid Names from Mythology & Pop Culture
If you’re leaning toward a true mermaid-inspired legacy, here are some famous mermaid names:
- Melusine — French mermaid legend with twin tails
- Lorelei — German siren who lured sailors
- Syrena — Polish version of “mermaid” (used in Pirates of the Caribbean)
- Atargatis — Ancient Syrian mermaid goddess
- Sedna — Inuit goddess of the sea
🌊 My Personal Shortlist (Real Mom-to-Mom Confession)
When I was pregnant, these were honestly on my short list:
- Marina
- Cordelia
- Kai
- Caspian
- Mira
Even though I didn’t end up using one, they still give me that little flutter when I hear them. (And who knows, maybe if we have another one someday? 😉)
🌊 Middle Name Pairings for Mermaid Baby Names
If you fall in love with one of these ocean names, here are some gorgeous middle name combos:
- Ariel Rose
- Kai Alexander
- Marina Grace
- Caspian James
- Mira Celeste
- Cordelia Skye
- Nerida Belle
You can pair them with nature-inspired middles, family names, or even strong classics for balance.
🌊 Tips for Choosing the Right Mermaid Baby Name
- Say it out loud. Make sure it flows with your last name.
- Picture them at every age. Will it fit both a child and an adult?
- Check initials. Avoid funny or awkward combos.
- Trust your heart. If it sparks joy, that’s a sign!
Final Thoughts (From My Mama Heart to Yours)
Choosing your baby’s name is such a special, intimate moment. It’s the very first gift you give them — one they’ll carry their entire life.
Whether you go full mermaid fantasy or simply draw gentle inspiration from the sea, these names hold beauty, strength, and magic.
And hey — you’re already a magical mermaid mama bringing life into this world. 🧜♀️💕
With love and sea-salted encouragement,
Jessica
