Last names often carry rich meanings, connecting us to our heritage and the world around us. Some last names even reflect the beauty and vastness of the ocean. These names can remind us of the sea’s power, mystery, and importance to many cultures.
Today, we will look at last names that mean “ocean” or have connections to the sea. We’ll explore the origins of these names and what they reveal about those who carry them. Whether you are curious about your own last name or just interested in names that reflect the ocean, there’s a lot to learn!
Last Names That Mean Ocean
1. Marsh
The soft and mellifluous name Marsh means ‘a low-lying land flooded at high tide or in wet seasons’. This happens to be a cooler alternative to Marshall.
2. Morrissey
Steven Patrick Morrissey, the famous English songwriter and crooner, is solely responsible for bringing fame to this name. And with its meaning ‘choice of the sea’, this Irish name makes a perfect water name too.
3. Murphy
Murphy, the English version of the Gaelic name Murchadh, means ‘sea warrior’. If you want, you can even consider Murchadh. At least you will be assured that your child’s name is not common.
4. Murray
If you’re a “Bachelorette” fan, Murray is the name of one of the suitors of Andi Dorfman’s. This Irish name meaning ‘lord of the sea’, falls into the category of hot last names as surnames too.
5. Oceanus
Oceanus is a name that directly refers to the ‘ocean’. It comes from Greek mythology where Oceanus was a Titan and represents the great stream encircling the Earth.
6. Bay
The last name Bay means ‘an inlet of the sea’. Additionally, it symbolizes the beauty of coastal living and serene seascapes.
7. Delmar
Delmar, with its translation as ‘of the sea’, brings to mind images of sandy beaches and ocean waves, offering a strong connection to maritime life.
8. Marin
The surname Marin means ‘of the sea’, which hints at deep connections with ocean life and has roots in multiple cultures.
9. Merrow
Merrow comes from Irish folklore where it refers to a mermaid, tightly linking it to the mysteries of the ocean in legends and stories.
10. Ocean
The straightforward last name Ocean speaks for itself and holds a powerful meaning, encapsulating the essence and vastness of the sea.
11. Nereus
Nereus, from Greek mythology, is known as the ‘old man of the sea’. This name carries the wisdom of the ocean and its depths.
12. Mariner
Mariner translates to ‘sailor’ or ‘one who works at sea’, deeply reflecting a profession that has been vital throughout history.
13. Laird
Laird means ‘landowner’ but in Scottish culture, it can refer to those living by or overseeing lands adjacent to the ocean.
14. Phelps
Phelps means ‘son of the sea’ and relates closely to aquatic themes, making it a great choice for a name associated with the ocean.
15. Kelsey
Kelsey is derived from a place name meaning ‘island in the river’, which speaks to its origins in water-adjacent geographical areas.
16. Dyer
Dyer may refer to those working at the shores, connecting this surname to jobs around water and fishing, firmly rooting it in ocean use.
17. River
River is a naturally flowing body of water that often meets the ocean, tying one to the idea and love of the sea.
18. Moore
Moore signifies a ‘swamp’ or ‘moorland’, which can link to areas near the coast affected by ocean tides.
19. Maris
Maris means ‘of the sea’ in Latin and is an elegant choice for those who cherish the ocean’s beauty and significance.
20. Nayler
Nayler, derived from the Old French ‘nailer’, reflects a deep-rooted connection to trade and seafaring work around the ocean.
21. Salter
Salter represents those who either worked with or lived near salt water, emphasizing the close relationship of families to the ocean’s gifts.
22. Waverly
Waverly can mean ‘meadow by the river’, hinting at places where rivers converge with ocean currents.
23. Clyde
Clyde refers to a river, but historically, rivers like these lead directly to the ocean, infusing the name with maritime connections.
24. Cormorant
The Cormorant is a bird that dwells near oceans and lakes, symbolizing profundity in water names.
25. Adair
Adair means ‘oak grove’, which can be significant in coastal settings where oak trees thrive near the shores.
26. Schaefer
Schaefer can mean ‘shepherd’, but can also imply guidance over land adjacent to sea or river due to life’s proximity to aquatic areas.
27. Wade
Wade translates to ‘to go’, often in water, and relates intrinsically to enjoying and navigating the ocean.
28. Marceau
Originating from French meaning ‘little sea’, Marceau ties directly back to the beauty of water-themed names.
29. Morley
Morley indicates a ‘moor clearing near a lake or marsh’, connecting someone named with areas near vast bodies of water.
30. Marlin
Marlin is a type of fish found in oceanic waters; hence the name resonates with ocean life.
31. Thalassa
This name is a direct reference to the sea in Greek myth, encapsulating the majesty of oceanic journeys.
32. Curran
Curran translates as ‘hero’ but also draws ties to currents in the ocean, giving it a strong aquatic vibe.
33. Beaufort
Beaufort means ‘beautiful fort’, yet can also suggest strategic locations near the ocean to safeguard maritime routes.
34. Amarin
Amarin means ‘ocean lover’, making it the ideal name for those who adore the sea.
35. Morais
This surname signifies ‘of the sea’, revealing strong coastal and maritime heritage.
36. Calder
Calder has Celtic origins meaning ‘rocky water’, evoking imagery of ocean waves lapping against cliffs.
37. Ainsley
Ainsley denotes ‘one’s own meadow’, often found among coastal fields which sway with salty ocean winds.
38. Cyril
This name translates as ‘lordly’, but historically can relate to those born near bodies of water, encompassing oceanic glory.
39. Navarre
Navarre, a geographic name, resonates beautifully with those who draw from coastal lineage.
40. Bacalao
Bacalao means ‘cod’, a fish often associated with oceanic life and fishing economies.
41. Birkland
Birkland symbolizes ‘birch land’, often found along shores which interact with ocean life.
42. Nautilus
Nautilus is a shellfish that lives in the ocean, making this last name a direct reference to sea life.
43. Waverly
Waverly means ‘meadow by the river’, reflecting how rivers often lead to oceans.
44. Wake
This surname refers to the path left by something traveling through water, relating it to ocean waves.
45. Searles
Searles refers to someone connected to the sea. The name emphasizes maritime professions or lives tied closely to water.
46. Delmar
Delmar translates to ‘of the sea’, making it a straightforward homage to ocean life.
47. Kaia
Kaia means ‘sea’ in Hawaiian, bringing a tropical and vibrant essence to oceanic names.
48. Morrell
Morrell carries a meaning similar to ‘sea dweller’, highlighting life’s presence in wet areas.
49. Fontaine
Fontaine means ‘fountain’ or ‘spring’, commonly found near oceans, showcasing the connection to water sources.
50. Thorp
Thorp means ‘village’, generally signifying settlements that could be located near coastlines, bounding them to oceanic themes.
51. Bayliss
This surname implies ‘dweller by the bay’, connecting it to coastal areas enriched by the ocean.
52. Marina
Marina means ‘of the sea’, linking the name to water and coastal living.
53. Harbour
Harbour refers to a place where ships dock, deeply reflecting the maritime connection of this name.
54. Calderwood
Calderwood relates back to the river, which often reaches the ocean’s edge.
55. Clyde
Clyde stands for a river that flows into the sea, embodying movements of water into oceans.
56. Nevaeh
Nevaeh could indicate the ‘heavenly ocean’, celebrating its vastness and beauty.
57. Zale
Zale means ‘sea strength’, a powerful name for anyone who wants to channel the ocean’s might.
58. Merriweather
Merriweather refers to pleasant weather, often associated with the calmness of sea breezes.
59. Poseidon
Poseidon is the Greek god of the sea, representing all the power and mystery of ocean life.
60. Lindley
Lindley means ‘delineation of the river’, signifying how rivers connect towards the ocean.
61. Naess
Naess can mean ‘promontory’, often a high ground near coasts where ocean waves crash and ebb.
62. Bayliss
This name implies descent from those who lived near bays, linking it firmly to oceanic currents.
63. Oren
The name Oren means ‘pine tree’, with those trees often found by the ocean demonstrating how natural life flourishes around the waters.
64. Cora
Cora means ‘maiden’ but can refer to sea maidens or sirens in folklore, connecting back to ocean myths.
65. Rhea
Rhea, a name of Greek origin, involves ‘flowing’, effectively symbolizing rivers leading to the ocean.
66. Hudson
Hudson originates from a river, explicitly tying it to oceanic water flows.
67. Greer
Greer refers to ‘watchful’, often signifying one’s attentive look towards waters and the ocean.
68. Callan
Callan brings forth the essence of ‘battle’, historically highlighting the value of sea navigation.
69. Draco
Draco refers to a dragon, reflecting mythical tales often seen in ocean narratives.
70. Mallory
Mallory translates to ‘unfortunate’, yet signifies individuals set against the waves— a metaphor for clash with the ocean.
71. Marek
Marek means ‘little sea’ or ‘ocean’, connecting necessarily to water-themed life.
72. Lindstrom
Lindstrom translates to ‘lake stream’, connecting lakes to oceanwater flows, highlighting interconnectedness.
73. Palau
The name Palau means ‘a place by the sea’, depicting a serene coastal existence.
74. Sylvester
Sylvester signifies ‘wild’, eminently drawing attention to nature’s untamed depth, much like the convincing ocean.
75. Oceane
Oceane directly translates to ‘ocean’, which ties to everything maritime beautifully.
76. Portman
Portman signifies someone connected with ports, linking them directly to ocean vessels and trades.
77. Bathurst
Bathurst connects with ‘river mouth’, directly linking to where rivers meet the ocean.
78. Taliaferro
Having roots signifying water and stream, Taliaferro describes natural features thriving alongside the maritime landscape.
79. Murray
Murray denotes ‘sea settlement’, combining cultural experiences around oceanic communities.
80. Orin
Orin means ‘light’, often mirroring the reflections of sunlight upon ocean waters, encapsulating nature’s harmony.
81. Pruitt
Rooted in ‘proud’, Pruitt also denotes deep ties to aquatic communities and life experiences.
82. Tyrrell
Tyrrell signifies ‘stormy sea’, evoking imagery of turbulent waters and ocean forces at play.
83. Lindner
Lindner means ‘one who lives by the pool’ or water, connecting directly to the realms of the sea.
84. Quinn
Quinn means ‘wisdom,’ potentially highlighting the understanding gained through maritime experiences.
85. Kinsley
Kinsley translates to ‘king’s meadow’, alluringly connecting well-kept landscapes often near coastal areas.
86. Sinclair
Sinclair embodies characteristics of the ‘bright land’, reflecting the ocean’s role in nurturing vibrant communities.
87. Darby
Darby indicates ‘deer estate’, often found close to water bodies, thereby amplifying sea life connections.
88. Cove
Cove refers to a small sheltered bay, linking it closely to seaside living and ocean protection.
89. Beauclerk
Beauclerk means ‘handsome scribe’, romanticizing the allure of tales derived from ocean adventures.
90. Brooks
Brooks refers to small streams, often leading towards ocean shores, creating an undeniable connection to water sources.
91. Shore
Shore means ‘the land beside the water’, connecting back directly to oceanic territories.
92. Verde
Verde translates to ‘green’, signifying growth prevalent near ocean shores and wetland ecosystems.
93. Tamaroa
Tamaroa means ‘ocean’, portraying a deeply-rooted relationship with the sea.
94. Wright
Wright refers to ‘craftsman’, historically pointing to those constructing boats or ships, emphasizing a life’s journey in connection to the ocean.
95. Gully
Gully translates to ‘narrow channel’, tying it directly to the waterways that merge into oceanic bodies.
96. Vance
Vance means ‘by the marsh’, illustrating names that thrive in aquatic ecosystems close to oceans.
97. Lake
Lake connects several water systems, consistently bringing the conversation back to the ocean.
98. Hollis
Hollis means ‘dweller by the holly trees’, which can grow near coastal areas enriched by ocean breezes.
99. Driscoll
Driscoll means ‘descendant of the messenger’, depicting historical links to those traversing ocean paths.
100. Levi
Levi translates to ‘joined’, symbolizing the convergence of rivers into oceans.
101. Ashcroft
Ashcroft refers to the ash tree settlement, typically found near water sources like oceans and rivers.
102. Harrington
Harrington signifies ‘harvest town’, showing stages of settlements adjacent to fertile riverbanks leading to oceans.
103. Wiley
Wiley signifies ‘clever’, perhaps shedding light on the ingenious water navigators in coastal settings.
104. Merritt
Merritt, symbolizing ‘sea’, creates a solid bond to ocean themes.
105. Kanu
Kanu means ‘ocean’ in Hawaiian, enriching cultural connections to ancestral nautical themes.
106. Riel
Riel indicates ‘spear’, drawing links between ocean warriors and water adventures.
107. Carrie
Carrie means ‘free man’, illustrating free spirits often found traversing ocean waters.
108. Salomon
Salomon historically represents peace, often finding harmony where ocean waves reside.
109. Cole
Cole translates to ‘victory of the people’, linking it directly to maritime exploits where courage meets the ocean.
110. Calloway
Calloway refers to ‘place of the battle’, perhaps speaking to the trials faced by seafaring warriors.
111. O’Hara
O’Hara translates to ‘sea warrior’, bravely expressing values tied to ocean living.
112. Langley
Langley means ‘long meadow’, linking the settlements adjacent to ocean shores.
113. Heath
Heath translates to ‘dweller by the heath’, with destinations nearby typically close to the sea.
114. Forsyth
Forsyth signifies ‘the one by the sea’, infusing a direct relevance to maritime storytelling.
115. Mercer
Mercer refers to ‘merchant’, often signifying trades and routes taken across oceans.
116. Gray
Gray symbolizes calm after a storm, often reflecting an oceanside perspective on emotional narratives.
117. Waters
Waters are often linked back to tranquility of oceans and dominant influences in our environments.
118. Sanderson
Sanderson means ‘son of the sandy place’, which might reference coastal areas shaped by ocean climates.
119. Holtz
Holtz symbolizes ‘forest’, showing how forests near coastlines flourish alongside the ocean.
120. Firth
Firth translates to ‘sea inlet’, effectively merging rivers and oceans.
121. Brooks
Brooks implies a small stream, enhancing the context in which rivers merge into the ocean.
122. Whitman
Whitman means ‘white land’, symbolizing sandy shores kissed by ocean waves.
123. Hollander
Hollander means ‘from the land near the sea’, again affirming the bond of heritage to coastal life.
124. Navarre
Navarre translates to ‘charioteer’, hinting at the travels made near oceans.
125. Stokes
Stokes translates to ‘neighbour,’ who might likely reside alongside oceans or rivers.
126. Jansen
Jansen means ‘son of Jan’, yet can also refer to the older names linked to those ruling across maritime borders.
127. Tack
Tack signifies a fasten or secure point, resonating with coastal settlements where safety is vital from storms.
128. Rivers
Rivers directly signify waterways, leading smoothly to oceans.
129. Farrow
Farrow signifies ‘young pig’, yet in connection with coastal lands may highlight community origins near the ocean.
130. Dale
Dale indicates ‘valley’, often found tapering down toward oceans.
131. Merkley
Merkley means ‘sea marsh’, interlinking bodies of water with ocean kisses.
132. Tempe
Tempe means ‘valley’ yet connects to soothing coastal areas meeting the ocean.
133. Watersby
The name Watersby directly references those living by water’s edge, surrounding ocean realms.
134. Nishida
Nishida means ‘beneath the water’, giving depth to oceanic influence.
135. Fisher
Fisher directly refers to occupations tied to those catching from oceans.
136. Clearwater
Clearwater describes ‘clear water’, often attributed to oceanic clarity.
137. Lanes
Lanes refer to pathways often leading through fields by oceanside landscapes.
138. Vale
Vale leads to the notion of richness in water areas, merging rivers toward oceans.
139. Wayne
Wayne translates to ‘wagon maker’, yet emphasizes life’s travels around oceans.
140. Jennings
Jennings denotes ‘son of Jens’, showcasing cultural histories of communities existing along oceans.
141. Stark
Stark refers to ‘strong’, often embodying resilience against raging oceanic storms.
142. Knoll
Knoll implies ‘hill’, merging nautical and geological features near the ocean.
143. Castle
Castle symbolizes fortified areas often seen along coastlines, displaying a bold connection to ocean territories.
144. Fox
Fox references cleverness and adaptability, often necessary traits amid ocean environments.
145. Westbrook
Westbrook signifies a ‘western brook’, enabling a connection that flows toward seas.
146. Hart
Hart means ‘stag’, illustrating its close residence to terrains next to oceans.
147. Hayden
Hayden translates to ‘fire’, reflecting life near shorelines where warmth meets ocean breezes.
148. Troy
Troy represents historical maritime glory, encapsulating vast ocean voyages delivered through time.
149. Bell
Bell refers to the resonance close to water waves, echoing narratives of ocean tales.
150. Kimura
Kimura means ‘tree by the ocean’, enhancing the beauty of life along coastal shores.
Final Thoughts
Exploring names that mean ocean reveals a rich tapestry of heritage and meaning. Each name tells a story of humanity’s relationship with water and its significance across cultures. Whether derived from nature, mythology, or geographical origins, these names connect us back to the sea, reminding us of its beauty and power. If you want to delve deeper into names and their meanings, you can check out more about names that mean ocean at names that mean ocean, sea, or water and find last names that mean ocean or sea at last names that mean ocean or sea.
There are many fantastic topics to explore that resonate with names and their meanings. Understanding the intricacies of names can enhance your appreciation for culture and history.