20 Nautical Names for Baby Boys Inspired by the Ocean

The sea offers a boundless amount of inspiration when it comes to baby names. After all, it’s what we come from and what we always return to. Names inspired by nature are becoming ever more popular as parents have started choosing more secular names for their children. However, Noah is the most popular name for little boys right now and many parents are sticking to classics. Expecting parents might want a name for their son that’s unique and decide to think out of the box.

If you’re interested in a nature-inspired name that helps impart your love of the ocean, its creatures, and all the fun times you’ve shared at the beach, consider a nautical name. These 20 baby names for boys are all associated with the sea and its endless splendor.

20. Jacques

Jacques-Yves Cousteau was a prolific French explorer, scientist, photographer, and innovator who studied all forms of life in water. Jacques is not a name you hear very often outside of Europe, but we think the US is ready for it. Jacques is the French form of the Hebrew name Jacob and means “at the heel.”

19. Merlin

Merlin is a Welsh name that’s commonly associated with the wizard of Arthurian Legend. However, the name Merlin means “sea fortress.” Merlin is a whimsical and recognizable name but not very common. We love the name and its nautical meaning.

18. Wade

While it might seem a bit obvious, Wade is an English name that means “at the river crossing.” Wade feels fresh even though it’s a classic English name for boys. If you love swimming and spending time in the water, a name like Wade would honor your beloved pastime.

17. Dylan

Dylan is another Welsh name that means “son of the sea.” In Welsh mythology, Dylan was a legendary sea god who prompted all the waters of Britain and Ireland to weep when he died. Dylan has long been popular for boys but it’s also becoming favored as a unisex name and being given to little girls as well.

16. Malik

Malik is a popular Arabic name that means “king.” However, the name is also popular in Greenland and in Greenlandic, the name means “wave.”

15. Murphy

Murphy is the most common family in Ireland but we think it works incredibly well as a first name too. Murphy is Celtic and means “sea warrior.”

14. Arnav

The Hindi name Arnav is a great alternative to Arnold. The handsome name means “ocean.” US-based Bollywood actor Akshay Khanna has a son named Arnav.

13. Caspian

Caspian is the name of the sea bordered by Europe and Asia. The Caspian sea was most likely named after the city of Qazvin, which was named for the ancient tribe of Cas. Caspian is an uncommon name but it has been used for boys since CS Lewis published The Chronicles of Narnia that featured the character, Prince Caspian.

12. Marino

The Latin name Marino means “of the sea.” The name is very popular in Italy! In the US, it probably brings to mind the name Dan Marino the famed football coach.

11. Pike

Pike is an English name that means “a fish.” Zebulon Pike was a famed explorer who discovered and gave his name to Pike’s Peak. Pike is a simple and handsome name that we think would be perfect for your little tyke.

10. Hans

Hans Hass was an Austrian biologist and underwater diving pioneer. He popularized a form of underwater filmmaking that allowed many people to see, in-depth, coral reefs, and marine wildlife. Hans is a German name that means “gift from God.”

9. Fisher

The English occupational name, Fisher has become popular as a first name for boys. American actor Fisher Stevens is probably one of the best-known Fishers. He was named Steven Fisher at birth but switched the names so that Fisher is now his first.

8. Kai

Kai is a very cool sounding name that means “sea.” It’s Hawaiin but it can also be found in Japanese meaning “forgiveness” and Navajo meaning “willow tree.” Actor Jennifer Connelly named her son Kai.

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7. Irving

While the name Irving might not immediately conjure visions of the sea, the name means “friend of the sea.” The Scottish name is also translated to mean “green river.”

6. Ronan

The Irish name Ronan has a great ring to it. The name means “little seal.” How precious is that? Journalist Ronan Farrow famously bears the name.

5. Cliff

The name Cliff is often considered a shortened form of Clifton or Clifford. However, the name can stand on its own. Cliff is an English topographical name that means exactly what you think it does. If you love a craggy seaside, Cliff would be the perfect name for your little boy.

4. Adrian

Adrian is a popular unisex name that’s both handsome and timeless. The name refers to someone from the Adriatic Sea. The name dates back to ancient Roman times, but it still feels fresh today.

3. Lir

Lir rhymes with near and comes from Irish mythology. According to myth, Lir was the Irish deity of the sea. While the name hasn’t become popular in the US, we hope that changes. Lir is a unique with a very exciting meaning.

2. Trent

We’re big fans of single-syllable names and Trent is a very good one. Trent comes from Latin and means “gushing water” or “the flooder.” Trent is a tough-sounding name that’s still appealing.

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1. Bodie

Bodhi a very popular and handsome Sanskrit name that means “enlightenment.” Bodie, on the other hand, refers to an Island on North Carolina’s Outerbanks and to the Bodie Island Lighthouse. The Bodie Island Lighthouse is gorgeous and we think it’s fine enough to inspire a boy’s name.

Bodie Island gets its name from the Boddy family that settled there from London in 1635. The name was misspelled often over the years and today we’re left with Bodie. Bodie is a great alternative to the Hebrew name Jodie. It’s casual and contemporary and we think an ocean-loving little boy would be proud to have it.

There you have it! 20 boy names inspired by the ocean and all of its majesty. We hope this list helped inspired you to choose a name that celebrates the beauty of our natural world.