280 Enchanting Mermaid Names for Your Oceanic Character

Dive into a world of underwater wonder with our collection of 280 magical mermaid names! Perfect for writers, game developers, and mermaid fans alike, this list is your treasure trove of inspiration for naming sea-dwelling characters.

An amazing creature that have fascinated people for centuries, making them idle for books character, movies, and baby names.

Mermaid’s are often portrayed as beautiful beings possessing magical powers with a woman’s upper body and a fish’s tail in myths, fairy tales, and legends.

Our comprehensive collection spans various cultures and mythologies, offering a diverse range of options to suit every mermaid personality.

From names inspired by the shimmering depths of the ocean to those echoing the power of crashing waves, you’ll find the ideal moniker to bring your underwater characters to life.

Common Themes for Mermaid Names?

Mermaid names often draw inspiration from a rich tapestry of themes, weaving together elements of the sea, mythical lore, and natural beauty.

The vast ocean itself serves as a wellspring of inspiration, giving rise to names like “Aqua,” “Marina,” and “Coral,” which evoke the essence of underwater realms.

Mythology, too, plays a significant role, with names such as “Amphitrite” and “Sedna” echoing ancient tales of sea goddesses and spirits.

The allure of celestial bodies and the magic of nature also find their way into mermaid nomenclature, resulting in ethereal names like “Celestia” or “Seraphina.”

These names not only reflect the mermaids’ aquatic habitat but also capture their mystical and elegant nature, blending fantasy with the raw power and beauty of the ocean.

Classic Mermaid Names

These timeless names have long been associated with merfolk and carry the weight of tradition while still maintaining their allure.

1. Marina – “From the sea”
2. Nerissa – “Sea nymph” or “daughter of the sea”
3. Cordelia – “Daughter of the sea” or “jewel of the sea”
4. Maren – “Of the sea”
5. Muriel – “Bright sea”
6. Thalassa – “Sea” in Greek
7. Morgan – “Sea chief” or “sea defender”
8. Morwenna – “Waves of the sea”
9. Cora – “Maiden” (associated with Persephone and the sea)
10. Doria – “From the sea”
11. Meri – “Sea” in Finnish
12. Pearl – Precious treasure from the ocean
13. Serena – “Tranquil” or “serene,” like calm waters
14. Oceana – “From the ocean”
15. Adriana – “From the Adriatic Sea”
16. Doris – Greek sea goddess, mother of the Nereids
17. Nimue – “Lady of the Lake” in Arthurian legend
18. Melusine – Famous mermaid from European folklore
19. Undine – Water nymph in European mythology
20. Lorelei – Rhine River siren who lured sailors
21. Naida – “Water nymph”
22. Marella – “Shining sea”
23. Nerina – “Sea nymph”
24. Tallulah – “Leaping water”
25. Kerith – “Winter stream”
26. Vayla – “From the valley by the water”
27. Nixie – Water sprite in Germanic folklore
28. Tethys – Titan goddess of freshwater
29. Delphin – “Dolphin” in Greek
30. Aquata – “Water-dweller”
31. Moana – “Ocean” in Polynesian languages
32. Marin – “Of the sea”
33. Neptuna – Feminine form derived from Neptune
34. Caspian – Named after the Caspian Sea
35. Pelagia – “Of the sea”
36. Kaimana – “Power of the ocean” in Hawaiian
37. Bernice – “Bringer of victory,” associated with water
38. Naomi – “Pleasant,” often connected to water in mythology
39. Lynn – “Lake” or “waterfall”
40. Marlowe – “Driftwood,” association with seafaring

Mythological Mermaid Names

Drawing from global mythologies, these names connect your character to the rich tapestry of mermaid and sea deity lore from around the world.

1. Amphitrite – Greek goddess of the sea, wife of Poseidon
2. Calypso – Sea nymph from Homer’s Odyssey
3. Siren – Greek mythological beings who lured sailors with enchanting music
4. Nereid – Sea nymph daughters of Nereus in Greek mythology
5. Atargatis – Syrian goddess often depicted as half-fish
6. Sedna – Inuit goddess of the sea and marine animals
7. Rán – Norse goddess who caught sailors in her net
8. Yemaya – Yoruban orisha of the ocean and motherhood
9. Ningyo – Japanese mermaid-like creature
10. Melusine – European folklore mermaid who married a human
11. Parténope – One of the most famous sirens in Greek mythology
12. Ligeia – One of the sirens in Greek mythology
13. Thetis – Sea nymph and mother of Achilles
14. Cymopoleia – Greek goddess of storm waves
15. Galatea – “Milk-white,” a Nereid in Greek mythology
16. Leucothea – “White goddess,” a sea deity in Greek mythology
17. Naiad – Freshwater nymph in Greek mythology
18. Aegir – Norse god of the sea
19. Derceto – Babylonian goddess depicted as half-fish
20. Cymothoe – “Wave-swift,” a Nereid in Greek mythology
21. Iara – Brazilian mermaid-like water deity
22. Lasirèn – Haitian mermaid spirit
23. Mami Wata – Water deity from African folklore
24. Li Ban – Irish mermaid from Celtic mythology
25. Asrai – Water fairy from English folklore
26. Ceasg – Scottish mermaid with salmon tail
27. Rusalka – Slavic water nymph
28. Selkie – Seal-folk from Scottish and Irish mythology
29. Vodyanoy – Male water spirit from Slavic mythology
30. Jengu – Water spirit from Cameroon mythology
31. Nommo – Amphibious beings from Dogon mythology
32. Apam Napat – Indo-Iranian water deity
33. Chalchiuhtlicue – Aztec goddess of water
34. Suijin – Japanese water deity
35. Haik – Armenian god of the sea
36. Watatsumi – Japanese sea dragon god
37. Ryujin – Japanese dragon god of the sea
38. Mananan mac Lir – Celtic sea god
39. Poseidus – Variant of Poseidon, Greek god of the sea
40. Triton – Son of Poseidon with merman form

Mystical & Enchanting Mermaid Names

These names evoke magic, mystery, and the otherworldly quality that makes mermaids so fascinating.

1. Lyra – “Lyre,” associated with enchanting music
2. Celeste – “Heavenly,” like the celestial reflection on water
3. Luna – “Moon,” which controls the tides
4. Seraphina – “Fiery one,” contrasting with their watery home
5. Fae – “Fairy,” suggesting magical qualities
6. Ondine – “Wave,” from Latin
7. Elandra – “Light of the sea”
8. Mizuki – “Beautiful moon water” in Japanese
9. Aerwyna – “Friend of the sea”
10. Meriel – “Bright sea”
11. Tempest – “Storm,” representing the power of the sea
12. Naia – “Water nymph”
13. Selene – Greek moon goddess who influences tides
14. Evadne – “Pleasing” or “good” in Greek mythology
15. Thisbe – Mystical character from ancient tales
16. Astraia – “Star maiden”
17. Nephele – “Cloud” in Greek
18. Cordis – “Of the heart,” suggesting passion
19. Vivienne – “Alive,” full of life like the ocean
20. Elysia – “Struck by lightning,” powerful and enchanting
21. Mystique – Embodying mystery
22. Aura – “Gentle breeze” over water
23. Azura – “Sky blue,” like the reflection of sky on water
24. Halcyon – Bird of Greek legend associated with calm seas
25. Demetria – “Lover of the earth,” including its waters
26. Isolde – “Ice ruler,” contrasting with warm seas
27. Morgana – “Sea-born,” with magical connotations
28. Nyx – Greek goddess of night, when moonlight shimmers on water
29. Oriana – “Golden,” like sunlight on waves
30. Pandora – “All-gifted,” mysterious and captivating
31. Thalia – “Blooming,” like underwater life
32. Zephyrine – “West wind” that blows across the ocean
33. Cerulean – Deep blue color of the ocean
34. Ianthe – “Violet flower,” suggesting rare beauty
35. Lumina – “Light,” like sunbeams through water
36. Myristica – “Fragrant,” like sea breeze
37. Vespera – “Evening star” that guides sailors
38. Solara – “Of the sun,” which warms the ocean
39. Xylia – “From the forest,” suggesting a connection to nature
40. Zenith – “Highest point,” like the crest of a wave

Ocean-Themed Mermaid Names

Directly inspired by the sea, its features, and its many moods, these names connect your character to their aquatic domain.

1. Coral – Named after vibrant underwater formations
2. Azure – “Sky blue,” the color of tropical waters
3. Delta – Where river meets sea
4. Waverly – “Meadow of quivering aspens,” suggesting moving water
5. Bay – Small body of water connected to a larger sea
6. Reef – Underwater ridge of rock or coral
7. Cascade – Small waterfall
8. Tide – Regular rising and falling of the sea
9. Aqua – “Water” in Latin
10. Brook – Small flowing stream
11. Cove – Small sheltered bay
12. Lagoon – Shallow body of water separated from the sea
13. Harbor – Sheltered area of water where ships dock
14. Ripple – Small wave or undulation on water’s surface
15. Shelly – “From the meadow by the ledge,” association with seashells
16. Maristella – “Star of the sea”
17. Anahita – Persian water goddess
18. Isla – “Island”
19. Misty – Like sea spray
20. Oceane – “From the ocean”
21. Pacifica – “Peaceful,” like the Pacific Ocean
22. Atlante – Feminine form of Atlantic
23. Indigo – Deep blue-purple like deep ocean waters
24. Shelburne – “Stream of the water nymph”
25. Abyss – The deep, unexplored ocean
26. Caspienne – Feminine form of Caspian Sea
27. Fjord – Deep sea inlet between high cliffs
28. Gulf – Large area of sea partially enclosed by land
29. Meridian – “Midday,” when sun reflects on water
30. Nebula – Cloud-like appearance similar to underwater light effects
31. Salacia – Roman goddess of salt water
32. Thames – Famous river in England
33. Velella – Scientific name for “by-the-wind sailor” jellyfish
34. Whirlpool – Rotating current of water
35. Zephyr – Gentle breeze over water
36. Current – Flowing body of water within a larger body
37. Nautia – From “nautical”
38. Shoal – Shallow area in a sea or lake
39. Tidal – Relating to tides
40. Riviera – Coastal region with particularly pleasant climate

Exotic & Unique Mermaid Names

For characters who stand apart from the traditional, these distinctive names offer an unusual quality sure to make your mermaid memorable.

1. Kaida – “Little dragon” in Japanese
2. Zarya – “Dawn” in Russian
3. Xanthe – “Golden” or “yellow” in Greek
4. Naiara – Basque name meaning “swallow”
5. Kalani – “The heavens” in Hawaiian
6. Embla – First woman in Norse mythology
7. Vashti – “Thread” or “woven” in Persian
8. Zorion – “Happiness” in Basque
9. Yara – “Water lady” in Brazilian mythology
10. Tahira – “Pure” in Arabic
11. Qadira – “Powerful” in Arabic
12. Orla – “Golden princess” in Celtic
13. Nasrin – “Wild rose” in Persian
14. Malia – “Calm waters” in Hawaiian
15. Leilani – “Heavenly flowers” in Hawaiian
16. Kaimile – “Seeking the ocean” in Hawaiian
17. Isolda – “Ice ruler” in Germanic languages
18. Hama – “Shore” in Japanese
19. Gitana – “Gypsy” in Spanish
20. Farasha – “Butterfly” in Arabic
21. Eluned – “Idol” or “image” in Welsh
22. Drishti – “Vision” in Sanskrit
23. Cymbre – Variation of Welsh name meaning “Welsh”
24. Briseis – Character from Greek mythology
25. Aolani – “Heavenly cloud” in Hawaiian
26. Zilan – “One who belongs to the lake” in Kurdish
27. Yemanja – Yoruba goddess of the living ocean
28. Xoco – “Youngest child” in Aztec
29. Wakumi – “Water maiden” in Kikuyu
30. Vaimiti – “Water of dreams” in Tahitian
31. Ulani – “Cheerful” in Hawaiian
32. Tangaroa – Polynesian god of the sea
33. Sarita – “Flowing” in Sanskrit
34. Ranja – “Delightful” in Sanskrit
35. Quynh – Vietnamese name associated with aquamarine gemstone
36. Paikea – Māori whale rider
37. Nerida – Aboriginal Australian term for sea nymph
38. Morvoren – “Sea maiden” in Cornish
39. Lagertha – Powerful shield-maiden from Norse tales
40. Kahina – “Seer” in Berber

Mermaid Names from Literature & Film

Drawn from books, movies, and folklore that feature memorable merfolk, these names carry cultural resonance.

1. Ariel – Famous mermaid from “The Little Mermaid”
2. Madison – Mermaid character from the film “Splash”
3. Syrena – Mermaid from “Pirates of the Caribbean”
4. Aquamarine – Title character from the film of the same name
5. Ondine – Protagonist of the play “Ondine”
6. Thessalonike – Mermaid from Greek folklore
7. Rusalka – Title character from Dvořák’s opera
8. Melody – Ariel’s daughter in “The Little Mermaid II”
9. Ponyo – From Hayao Miyazaki’s film “Ponyo”
10. Lí Ban – Mermaid from Irish mythology
11. Aquata – One of Ariel’s sisters
12. Andrina – Another of Ariel’s sisters
13. Attina – Eldest of Ariel’s sisters
14. Alana – One of Ariel’s sisters
15. Adella – One of Ariel’s sisters
16. Arista – One of Ariel’s sisters
17. Saoirse – From the film “Song of the Sea”
18. Deryn – Mermaid from Welsh folklore
19. Clio – Muse in “The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Beginning”
20. Esther Williams – Famous swimmer who played mermaids
21. Sabrina – The teenage witch who becomes a mermaid temporarily
22. Nixie – Character from “Mako Mermaids”
23. Lyla – Character from “Mako Mermaids”
24. Sirena – Character from “Mako Mermaids”
25. Zac – Male merman from “Mako Mermaids”
26. Rikki – Character from “H2O: Just Add Water”
27. Emma – Character from “H2O: Just Add Water”
28. Cleo – Character from “H2O: Just Add Water”
29. Bella – Character from “H2O: Just Add Water”
30. Mimmi – Character from later seasons of “Mako Mermaids”
31. Weeki Wachee – Famous mermaid show location used in literature
32. Amelia – Mermaid from various children’s books
33. Cora – Mermaid character in “Pirates of the Caribbean”
34. Tamara – Mermaid character in “Once Upon a Time”
35. Ursula – Sea witch from “The Little Mermaid”
36. Marina – Various mermaid characters, including “Stingray”
37. Shelley – Mermaid character in young adult fiction
38. Rita – Principal and secret mermaid in “Mako Mermaids”
39. Charlotte – Temporary mermaid in “H2O: Just Add Water”
40. Duke – Male merman in various modern mermaid stories

Mermaid Names Based on Water Creatures

Inspired by the fascinating creatures that share the merfolk’s underwater domain, these names connect your character to marine life.

1. Delphine – “Dolphin”
2. Murex – Type of sea snail
3. Coralia – From coral reefs
4. Naia – “Naiad” or water nymph
5. Shelley – From “shell”
6. Manta – Large ray
7. Nerissa – “Sea nymph”
8. Undine – Water elemental
9. Lorelei – Famous siren
10. Selkie – Seal-folk from folklore
11. Anemone – Sea creature with tentacles
12. Beluga – White whale
13. Celeste – “Celestial jellyfish”
14. Delphi – “Dolphin” association
15. Eevee – Sounds like “evening tide”
16. Finley – “Fair warrior,” fin association
17. Galeocerdo – Scientific name for tiger shark
18. Hydra – Multi-headed water serpent
19. Icthyia – From “ichthys,” Greek for fish
20. Janthina – Purple sea snail
21. Kelpie – Water horse from Celtic folklore
22. Lymnaea – Freshwater snail
23. Medusa – Famous Gorgon, also a jellyfish
24. Nautila – From “nautilus” shell
25. Octavia – Association with octopus
26. Pinna – Large marine bivalve mollusk
27. Quidera – Fictional water serpent
28. Rorqual – Type of baleen whale
29. Stingra – Modified from “stingray”
30. Talatta – Variation of “thalatta,” Greek for “the sea”
31. Undina – Water elemental variation
32. Vaquita – Small porpoise
33. Walrusha – Feminine form inspired by walrus
34. Xiphia – From swordfish genus
35. Yabby – Australian freshwater crayfish
36. Zostera – Genus of seagrasses
37. Aurelia – Moon jellyfish genus
38. Belaya – “White” in Russian, like beluga
39. Coraline – From “coral”
40. Dascyllus – Genus of damselfish

Elegant Mermaid Names

Sophisticated, graceful, and refined, these names suit mermaids of noble bearing or aristocratic lineage.

1. Arabella – “Beautiful altar”
2. Bianca – “White” or “pure”
3. Calista – “Most beautiful”
4. Daphne – From Greek mythology
5. Elise – “Pledged to God”
6. Fiona – “Fair”
7. Genevieve – “Woman of the race”
8. Helena – “Bright, shining light”
9. Isolde – From Arthurian legend
10. Juliet – “Youthful”
11. Kamilla – “Perfect” in Arabic
12. Lorelei – Germanic water spirit
13. Mirabel – “Wonderful”
14. Natalia – “Birthday” or “Christmas”
15. Ophelia – “Help” or Shakespearean character
16. Penelope – “Weaver” from Greek mythology
17. Quintessa – “Fifth” or “essence”
18. Rosalind – “Gentle horse”
19. Seraphina – “Fiery ones”
20. Tatiana – Of Slavic origin
21. Ursula – “Little female bear”
22. Valentina – “Strong, healthy”
23. Wilhelmina – “Resolute protection”
24. Xenia – “Hospitality”
25. Yvette – “Yew tree”
26. Zara – “Princess”
27. Anastasia – “Resurrection”
28. Beatrice – “She who brings happiness”
29. Cecilia – “Blind to one’s own beauty”
30. Dorothea – “Gift of God”
31. Eleanor – “Bright, shining one”
32. Francesca – “Free one”
33. Guinevere – Arthurian queen
34. Isabeau – Variation of “Isabel”
35. Josephine – “Jehovah increases”
36. Katarina – “Pure”
37. Lucinda – “Light”
38. Marguerite – “Pearl”
39. Natalya – “Birthday”
40. Ottilie – “Prosperous in battle”

Conclusion

Naming your mermaid character is a delightful opportunity to express their essence, heritage, and personality.

Whether you choose a name steeped in mythology, inspired by the ocean’s beauty, or reflecting their elegant nature, the perfect name can anchor your character in readers’ or viewers’ minds.

The names collected here span cultures, histories, and mythologies, offering a comprehensive starting point for your creative journey.

Remember that the most successful character names not only sound pleasing but also resonate with the character’s identity and story arc.

May these mermaid names inspire you as you bring your oceanic characters to life beneath the waves!

Frequently Asked Questions