Water is essential to life, and it has inspired many beautiful names. Many cultures have names that reflect this important element, often symbolizing freshness, purity, and calmness. Names that mean water can connect to the beauty of rivers, oceans, and lakes, making them special choices for parents.
Today, we will look at some English names that mean water. These names can be perfect for baby girls and boys. Whether you prefer classic names or more unique ones, the options are endless. Each name tells a story and carries a sense of peace, reminding us of the beauty and importance of water in our lives.
English Names That Mean Water
1. Aqua
Aqua directly translates to water in Latin. It’s a fresh and modern choice, and it signifies clarity and life.
2. Brooke
Brooke is derived from the Old English word for a small stream. This name embodies the gentle flow of water in nature.
3. Delta
Delta refers to the landform created at the mouth of a river. This name evokes a sense of calmness and connection to water.
4. Firth
Firth means an arm of the sea. This name has a strong historical background and evokes images of coastal beauty.
5. Ishmael
Ishmael means God will hear. With biblical connections to water, this name carries deep significance.
6. Kenna
Kenna means “born of fire” and “water source.” This dual meaning gives it a unique balance.
7. Lake
Lake is inspired by tranquil water bodies. This name is serene and evokes peace.
8. Marina
Marina means “of the sea.” It is a feminine name that also has a charming appeal.
9. Naida
Naida is of Greek origin meaning “water nymph.” This name embodies a mystical connection to water.
10. Nile
Nile refers to the famous river in Egypt. This name symbolizes life and ancient civilizations that flourished around water.
11. Ocean
Ocean is a bold name that directly references the great body of water. It brings feelings of adventure and exploration.
12. Raina
Raina is a beautiful name meaning “queen” and is often associated with rain. It embodies freshness in the air.
13. River
River is a trendy name that signifies a flowing body of water. It evokes imagery of tranquility.
14. Skye
Skye means “cloud” and is often related to water through rain. It has a light, airy feel to it.
15. Talise
Talise is a Native American name meaning “lovely water.” This appealing name is tied to beauty and nature.
16. Wade
Wade means “to go,” connected to a river or stream. It symbolizes movement and adventure.
17. Zinnia
Zinnia is a flower name but also means “a small stream.” This keeps the water-related theme intact.
18. Caelum
Meaning “sky,” Caelum can also evoke thoughts of rain, connecting it to the water theme.
19. Maris
Maris means “of the sea.” This is a name filled with grace and beauty.
20. Bay
Bay refers to a body of water partially surrounded by land. It brings a sense of calmness and serenity.
21. Leda
Leda is a name from Greek mythology often associated with water. Its elegance is timeless.
22. Mira
Mira means “sea” in Latin and is a beautiful and soft name choice.
23. Yara
Yara means “small butterfly” but is also a name connected to the water in Arabic culture.
24. Atlantis
Atlantis references the mythical island surrounded by water. It carries a sense of mystery.
25. Loch
Loch means a lake in Scottish, connecting directly to still waters.
26. Gill
Gill means a fish’s breathing organ and directly ties to water-based life.
27. Afton
Afton means “from the Afton river.” This name brings in geographic water connections.
28. Cascade
Cascade refers to a waterfall, directly tied to a refreshing water experience.
29. Kava
Kava is a drink made from water and the kava plant; it’s a unique name linking directly to water culture.
30. Muirin
Muirin is an Irish name meaning “of the sea,” tying in the beauty of ocean waters.
31. Merle
Merle means “blackbird” but is often linked with water meanings as well.
32. Alder
Alder is a name of a tree often found near water, symbolizing growth by riverside.
33. Kyra
Kyra means “light” and can single-handedly evoke images of the sun shining over water.
34. Jonathon
Jonathon meaning “given by God” connects to biblical stories involving water.
35. Thalassa
Thalassa is an ancient Greek name meaning “sea.” It is unique and has a mythological touch.
36. Aquaelia
Aquaelia means “living water,” making it a beautiful and poetic choice.
37. Rhiannon
Rhiannon means “great queen” but is often connected to water in Welsh mythology.
38. Glen
Glen refers to a narrow valley, often connecting to rivers and streams, making it water-themed.
39. Delphi
Delphi is a city in Greece known for its oracle and springs, connecting it to sacred waters.
40. Oceane
Oceane is a French name meaning “ocean” that can be used in English-speaking contexts.
41. Bianka
Bianka often represents purity akin to clear water. Its meaning links to the water theme.
42. Mirae
Mirae is a unique spelling of Mira, meaning “ocean” and is crisp and modern.
43. Eirian
Eirian means “bright” and can symbolize the sun reflecting on water.
44. Ren
Ren means “water lily.” It symbolizes beauty and grace among water plants.
45. Yuna
Yuna means “to be happy” but is also tied to water in many cultures.
46. Thera
Thera means “place of hot springs,” connecting to natural waters.
47. Cordelia
Cordelia means “heart” but is often associated with water and the sea in literature.
48. Zuleika
Zuleika is an Arabic name meaning “brilliant,” often connected with water wonders.
49. Sirena
Sirena stands for “mermaid” or “siren,” tying it directly to water mythology.
50. Bayshore
Bayshore signifies the land near a bay, connecting directly with water bodies.
51. Jordan
Jordan is a biblical name associated with the Jordan River, rich in history.
52. Cascadea
Cascadea is a variation of Cascade, connecting to flowing water in a more unique manner.
53. Talia
Talia means “dew from God,” which is a lovely reference to water.
54. Sabi
Sabi means “river bank.” It connects beautifully to the relationship between land and water.
55. Kiran
Kiran means “ray of light” but evokes imagery of light over water.
56. Calista
Calista means “most beautiful” and can describe clear ocean water.
57. Coral
Coral directly brings to mind the vibrant life found in oceans and seas.
58. Solana
Solana means “sunlight,” which reflects beautifully on water, enhancing its charm.
59. Mirae
Mirae means “the sea” and gives a direct connection to water.
60. Tindra
Tindra means “to sparkle,” echoing the twinkling lights dancing on water.
61. Rhea
Rhea means “river” in Greek mythology, solidifying its connection to water.
62. Fluvia
Fluvia derives from the Latin word for a river and represents flowing water.
63. Zale
Zale means “sea strength,” directly connecting it to the essence of the ocean.
64. Lian
Lian means “beautiful or graceful” and can evoke the beauty of water types.
65. Nera
Nera means “water,” a direct interpretation in several languages.
66. Chione
Chione is a lesser-known name meaning “snow,” symbolizing the fresh aspects of water.
67. Cienfuegos
This unique name means “one hundred fires,” and can also symbolize hot springs.
68. Caelum
Caelum means “sky” and conveys the importance of rain and thus water.
69. Fina
Fina references the end or “of the finish,” subtly connecting to the confluence of waters.
70. Serena
Serena means “tranquil” and evokes peaceful waters, making it calm and beautiful.
71. Livia
Livia can be associated with water’s life-giving quality and purity.
72. Bei
Bei means “north” but can connect to northern waters, creating distinct images of crisp lakes.
73. Asher
Asher means “blessed” but can reflect blessings of water in various cultures.
74. Ismene
Ismene carries connections to water through Greek mythology and is a sophisticated choice.
75. Deltae
Deltae is a variation on Delta, emphasizing the beauty of fluvial landscapes.
76. Beryl
Beryl means “sea-green gem,” directly linking to beautiful water colors.
77. Marinae
Marinae is a unique variation of Marina, offering a fresh touch to classic water names.
78. Tethys
Tethys is an ancient Greek goddess of freshwater, representing the timelessness of water.
79. Saline
Saline means “salty,” referring to salty ocean waters, providing a catchy name.
80. Nerida
Nerida means “water lily,” tying beautifully into nature’s aquatic flora.
81. Amaya
Amaya means “night rain,” invoking imagery of soothing water and tranquility.
82. Calder
Calder means “rocky water,” suggesting strength and flow.
83. Drina
Drina means “water” in Croatian, making it a culturally enriched name.
84. Liora
Liora means “light” but brings forth the imagery of sunlight on sparkling waters.
85. Chara
Chara means “joy or happiness,” often reflecting the joy found near water bodies.
86. Nehar
Nehar means “river” in Hebrew, creating a direct connection to water.
87. Ranto
Ranto is directly connected to flowing or continuous water, giving it a rich imagery.
88. Anaia
A unique name often linked with water-related elements across various cultures.
89. Unai
Unai means “to flow” and is a beautiful connection to water’s movement.
90. Mariko
Mariko is a Japanese name meaning “true village,” connecting to riverside settlements.
91. Sarai
Sarai carries meanings of “princess” and can romantically reference flowing riverbanks.
92. Edda
Edda connects to old folklore and stories of water deities, symbolizing a rich history.
93. Aisling
Aisling means “dream” which can often be linked with dreams by serene waters.
94. Zephyr
Zephyr means “west wind” showcasing movement over water and air.
95. Olin
Olin means “pencil maker,” but it can symbolize drawing connections to beautiful waters.
96. Alva
Alva means “elf” but often has associations with mythological water beings.
97. Galen
Galen means “calm,” sharing a relationship with peaceful waters and serenity.
98. Odalys
Odalys means “wealth,” often connecting to the abundance found near water.
99. Vanna
Vanna means “peace” which can tie to the comfort of flowing waters.
100. Bivens
Bivens often references water imagery, providing strong ties to southern culture.
101. Coraline
Coraline creatively evokes the color and vibes of sea life, linking it closely to water.
102. Myra
Myra means “myrrh,” a fragrant resin often metaphorically used to describe rich waters.
103. Shira
Shira means “song” and connects the musical aspects of flowing water.
104. Ina
Ina stands for purity and can represent serene waters, making it a graceful choice.
105. Fiona
Fiona means “fair,” which can refer to clear freshwater and brightness.
106. Hali
Hali means “sea,” making it simple yet direct in relating to water.
107. Ling
Ling often means “heather,” a plant often found near water vegetation.
108. Jorin
Jorin means “to flow,” directly tying into the essence of water.
109. Acacia
Acacia often relates to water through its connection with lush habitats.
110. Kaia
Kaia means “pure,” resembling the clarity associated with water.
111. Zara
Zara means “princess” but can allude to water connections with flowers.
112. Kanya
Kanya means “girl” in some cultures, often representing the purity of water.
113. Ondine
Ondine refers to a water spirit in mythology, beautifully linking it to water themes.
114. Glenna
Glenna is a Scottish name referring to a valley, often near flowing water.
115. Calyx
Calyx refers to the protective layer of flowers, often associated with water’s nurturing quality.
116. Briallen
Briallen means “primrose,” often found around water, symbolizing life and beauty.
117. Sapphire
Sapphire directly denotes a beautiful blue gemstone related to water.
118. Daka
Daka refers to “water goddess,” perfect for a name inspired by mythology.
119. Carla
Carla means “free woman,” often symbolizing the freeness of flowing water.
120. Anwen
Anwen means “very beautiful,” mirroring the beauty of calm waters.
121. Tava
Tava means “drum,” often used in tribal cultures associated with water gatherings.
122. Laleh
Laleh means “tulip” in Persian, calling to mind blooming waterside flowers.
123. Albina
Albina means “white,” often straying into purity linked with clear waters.
124. Zenaida
Zenaida means “forest” but hints at nature’s beauty near streams.
125. Carys
Carys means “love,” symbolizing the love that water brings into life.
126. Pru
Pru means “cautious” yet can symbolize the steadiness of flowing streams.
127. Adira
Adira means “noble” and can refer to the respected nature of rivers.
128. Loma
Loma means “hill” but indirectly ties to running waters around mountains.
129. Darya
Darya means “sea” in Persian, giving a direct water reference.
130. Amalthea
Amalthea refers to a nurturing goddess linked with fresh springs of crystal water.
131. Rashida
Rashida means “wise,” but can symbolize making wise choices near water bodies.
132. Merin
Merin directly translates to “sea” in Hindi, connecting water names across cultures.
133. Sommer
Sommer means “summer” and symbolizes the warmth of sun-soaked waters.
134. Fawn
Fawn represents innocence and can evoke images of creatures near tranquil waters.
135. Rocca
Rocca means “rock” but often describes areas near flowing waters.
136. Adira
Adira means “strong,” echoing the power of the ocean.
137. Watson
Watson directly points to “son of Walter,” a name which can symbolize water flowing through generations.
138. Olwen
Olwen in mythology is connected to “white footprint,” often interpreted through clear waters.
139. Isla
Isla means “island” and connects beautifully to water landscapes.
140. Keira
Keira means “little dark” but can hint at mysterious dark waters.
141. Nicasia
Nicasia refers to “victory,” often celebrated near rivers and seas.
142. Elowen
Elowen means “elm tree,” which often grows near riverbanks, symbolizing water habitats.
143. Mariel
Mariel means “star of the sea,” directly linking it to the beauty of oceans.
144. Talindra
Talindra connects to the water theme through its soft and gentle meanings.
145. Paloma
Paloma means “dove,” symbolizing peace found near calm waters.
146. Celine
Celine means “heavenly” and evokes thoughts of clear, heavenly blue waters.
147. Quinn
Quinn means “wise,” guiding us toward the wisdom of water in nature.
148. Lende
Lende evokes imagery of clean rivers and abundance in nature.
149. Sorrel
Sorrel refers to a plant and represents growth near water sources.
150. Aria
Aria means “air” but indirectly links to river sounds creating peaceful harmonies.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a name that means water can create a special connection to the beauty and serenity this element brings to life. Each name on this list carries a unique meaning and history, symbolizing tranquility, flow, and purity.
Whether you are drawn to names inspired by rivers, seas, or the gentle rain, these options offer a wide range of choices for both girls and boys. Names like Aqua, Brooke, and River not only sound beautiful but also resonate with the life-giving power of water.
As you explore names for your little one, consider the deep meanings that water evokes. If you’d like to delve deeper, check out more names in this helpful article about names that mean ocean, sea, or water for additional inspiration and context. You can also explore male names that mean sea or ocean as well!