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Mermaid names: 170+ siren, sea nymph and merman names

172 names · Updated · By The Nomezo Editors · Save to Pinterest

Real mermaid names come from sea legends around the world, like Atargatis of ancient Syria, Lí Ban of Ireland and the Nereid Galene, whose name means calm seas.

Below are 170+ mermaid names in eleven groups. The first seven are real: mermaids and water spirits from world folklore, mermen and sea gods, the Nereid and Oceanid sea nymphs of Greek myth, siren names, words for mermaid in other languages and real given names with a sea story, each with an accurate note. Then come clearly labeled invented mermaid and merman names, mermaid last names, and cute and funny picks for kids, pets and costumes. Ocean names have their own page.

Can't decide? Shuffle 6 random picks

  • Rhodea

    A rosy nymph of the ocean in Hesiod

  • Caspia Undertow

    Mysterious mermaid of the deep cold currents

  • Maelis Moonwater

    Dances on the surface under moonlight

  • Oskarn Reefguard

    Patrols the coral walls every dawn

  • Codzilla

    The biggest, boldest fish in the tank

  • Nemertes

    Unerring; Hesiod says she shared her father's mind

Want endless ideas? Try the fantasy name generator and generate new names in one click.

Mermaids and water spirits from world folklore

Real mermaids and water women from the legends of Asia, Africa, Europe, the Americas and Australia.

  1. Atargatis: Syrian goddess shown with a fish tail, often called the first mermaid
  2. Lí Ban: Irish woman who lived 300 years as a mermaid in a medieval legend
  3. Mami Wata: Water spirit of West and Central Africa, often shown with a snake
  4. Ningyo: Japanese fish creature whose flesh was said to grant long life
  5. Ceasg: Scottish Highland mermaid who grants three wishes if caught
  6. Roane: Gaelic seal folk who shed their skins to walk on land
  7. Finfolk: Shape-shifting sea people of Orkney folklore
  8. Margygr: Fish-tailed sea giantess described in a 13th-century Norse book
  9. Pincoya: Sea spirit of Chiloé, Chile, whose dances bring good catches
  10. Jengu: Water spirits of the Duala people of Cameroon, bringers of luck
  11. Morgens: Water spirits of Breton and Welsh legend who lure sailors
  12. Suvannamaccha: Golden mermaid princess of Thai and Cambodian Ramayana tellings
  13. Jūratė: Lithuanian sea goddess said to live in an amber palace
  14. Syrenka: The sword-carrying mermaid on Warsaw's coat of arms
  15. Amabie: Japanese mermaid-like spirit said to have predicted an epidemic in 1846
  16. Yawkyawk: Young female water spirits of western Arnhem Land, Australia
  17. La Sirène: Mermaid spirit of Haitian Vodou, linked to the sea and music
  18. Mama Dlo: Mother of the waters in Trinidad folklore, half woman, half anaconda
  19. Gorgona: Greek folk mermaid, said to be Alexander the Great's sister
  20. Toyotama-hime: Daughter of the Japanese sea god Watatsumi in the Kojiki

Merman names and sea gods

Male sea beings from myth and folklore, for a merman, a sea king or a stormy villain.

  1. Nereus: The Old Man of the Sea, father of the fifty Nereids
  2. Nerites: Handsome son of Nereus, turned into a sea snail in one myth
  3. Phorcys: Primordial sea god and father of many sea monsters
  4. Palaemon: Theban boy who became a sea god protecting sailors
  5. Oannes: Mesopotamian fish-man sage who taught humans writing and crafts
  6. Havmand: Danish word for merman, a sea dweller of old ballads
  7. Nøkken: Norwegian water spirit who lures listeners with his music
  8. Vodyanoy: Slavic water spirit, a frog-faced old man of the river
  9. Blue Men of the Minch: Storm-raising sea folk of Scotland's Outer Hebrides
  10. Manannán: Irish sea god who rides the waves in a chariot
  11. Njord: Norse god of the sea, the wind and good fishing
  12. Nethuns: Etruscan god of water and the sea
  13. Pontus: The primordial sea itself in Greek myth

Sea nymph names: the Nereids

The Nereids were the fifty sea nymph daughters of Nereus and Doris in Greek myth. Many of their names describe the sea itself.

  1. Amphitrite: Queen of the sea and wife of Poseidon
  2. Thetis: Sea nymph and mother of the hero Achilles
  3. Galene: Greek for calm seas; the nymph of still water
  4. Cymothoe: Wave-swift; she helps free stranded ships in the Aeneid
  5. Cymodoce: Wave-receiver; with two sisters, she calms the stormy sea
  6. Cymo: Greek for wave; short and splashy
  7. Cymatolege: Wave-stiller, who soothes rough water alongside Cymodoce
  8. Speio: Nymph of sea caves; her name means cave
  9. Actaea: Nymph of the shore, from the Greek word for coast
  10. Psamathe: Sand goddess of the beaches
  11. Halie: Greek for of the salt sea
  12. Neso: Greek for island; a moon of Neptune shares it
  13. Eione: Greek for beach or shore
  14. Eulimene: Good harbor, a nymph of safe landings
  15. Pontoporeia: Crosser of the sea, a nymph for voyagers
  16. Proto: Greek for first; the Nereid of a ship's maiden voyage
  17. Doto: Greek for giver, a nymph of generous seas
  18. Dynamene: Greek for powerful, a nymph of mighty waves
  19. Nemertes: Unerring; Hesiod says she shared her father's mind
  20. Sao: The rescuer, a nymph of safe passage
  21. Panope: All-seeing; Virgil's sailors call on her in a race
  22. Callianassa: Greek for beautiful queen
  23. Arethusa: Nereid who became a freshwater spring in Sicily

Oceanid names

The Oceanids were the many daughters of the Titans Oceanus and Tethys, nymphs of oceans, rivers and springs. These come from Hesiod's list.

  1. Clymene: Oceanid and mother of Atlas and Prometheus
  2. Eurynome: Wide-ruling Oceanid, mother of the three Graces
  3. Perseis: Oceanid and mother of the enchantress Circe
  4. Clytie: Oceanid who pined for the sun god and became a sun-turning flower
  5. Idyia: The knowing one, mother of Medea
  6. Peitho: Greek for persuasion; one of Hesiod's Oceanids
  7. Admete: Greek for untamed, a wild-water nymph
  8. Rhodea: A rosy nymph of the ocean in Hesiod
  9. Polydora: Greek for many gifts
  10. Petraea: Rocky one, a nymph of sea cliffs
  11. Telesto: Oceanid of success; also a small moon of Saturn
  12. Ocyrhoe: Swift-flowing, a nymph of rushing currents
  13. Pasithoe: All-swift, a fast-moving daughter of the ocean
  14. Amphirho: Flowing around, a nymph of encircling waters

Siren names

In Greek myth the sirens were singing women of the sea, first pictured as part bird. By the Middle Ages siren had come to mean mermaid. These are sirens named by ancient writers.

  1. Molpe: Siren whose name is Greek for song
  2. Thelxiepeia: Siren whose name means enchanting words
  3. Thelxiope: Siren whose name begins with the Greek verb to enchant
  4. Himerope: Siren whose name joins the Greek words for desire and voice
  5. Aglaope: Siren with a bright, lovely voice in Greek lists
  6. Aglaophonos: Greek for lovely voice, a fitting name for a siren
  7. Aglaonoe: Bright-minded siren named by the Byzantine scholar Tzetzes
  8. Peisinoe: Siren whose name means persuading the mind
  9. Leucosia: Siren whose name means white; an islet near Paestum honors her
  10. Raidne: A siren named in Hyginus's Latin handbook of myths
  11. Teles: Siren listed by the Roman writer Hyginus

Words for mermaid around the world

The word for mermaid in other languages makes a lovely name for a mermaid character or a pet fish.

  1. Sirena: Spanish and Italian for mermaid, from the Greek sirens
  2. Sereia: Portuguese for mermaid; soft and lilting
  3. Havfrue: Danish and Norwegian for mermaid, literally sea lady
  4. Sjöjungfru: Swedish for mermaid, literally sea maiden
  5. Meerjungfrau: German for mermaid, literally sea maiden
  6. Zeemeermin: Dutch for mermaid, built on zee, the sea
  7. Murúch: Irish for mermaid, the source of the English word merrow
  8. Morforwyn: Welsh for mermaid, literally sea maiden
  9. Morvoren: Cornish for mermaid, as in the legend of Zennor's mermaid
  10. Jalpari: Hindi for mermaid, literally water fairy

Real names for a mermaid

Real given names with a sea meaning or a sea-nymph story. Ocean names have their own page.

  1. Maren: Danish and Norwegian form of Marina, meaning of the sea
  2. Nerissa: Shakespeare's coinage, possibly inspired by the Nereids
  3. Sabrina: Latin name of the River Severn; a river nymph in Milton
  4. Ondina: Spanish and Italian form of Undine, a water sprite
  5. Marine: French for of the sea; chic and breezy
  6. Marinella: Italian pet form of Marina, meaning of the sea
  7. Meri: Finnish for sea; short and sweet
  8. Sagarika: Sanskrit for of the ocean, from sagara, sea
  9. Delmar: Spanish for of the sea; also a California beach town
  10. Nerea: Spanish and Basque name often linked to the sea nymphs

Invented mermaid names

Original mermaid names for stories, games and costumes. All invented for this page.

  1. Pearlwyn Tidewhisper: Sings to passing ships on foggy mornings
  2. Nerivelle Saltcrest: Rides the tallest waves for fun
  3. Ondessa Kelpbloom: Tends a secret garden of glowing kelp
  4. Thalassine Moonfin: Surfaces only when the moon is full
  5. Coraleth Brightscale: Her scales shift from pink to gold at sunset
  6. Sireneth Wavecaller: Can call a wave with a single note
  7. Morvessa Tidepool: Small, fierce and in charge of the rock pools
  8. Selkira Silverwake: Leaves a trail of silver bubbles behind her
  9. Azurine Coralheart: Guardian of the bluest reef in the sea
  10. Delmarina Foamsong: Hums sea shanties she learned from sailors
  11. Nyxara Deepglow: Lives in the midnight zone and glows like a lantern
  12. Brineth Glimmerscale: Collects lost treasures from shipwrecks
  13. Zaressa Lagoonlight: Queen of a warm, turquoise lagoon
  14. Ilyria Wavesong: The best singer in seven seas
  15. Perlina Seafoam: Gentle, giggly and always surrounded by fish
  16. Ondelle Riptide: Fastest swimmer in the merfolk races
  17. Lumira Shellshine: Polishes every shell until it gleams
  18. Verenne Saltwater: Tells the most thrilling sea stories
  19. Caspia Undertow: Mysterious mermaid of the deep cold currents
  20. Maelis Moonwater: Dances on the surface under moonlight

Invented merman names

Original names for mermen, sea kings and ocean warriors. All invented for this page.

  1. Kaelos Deepwater: Quiet guardian of the ocean trenches
  2. Thalor Ironfin: Warrior with a fin as hard as armor
  3. Brannoc Stormtide: Can stir up a squall when he loses his temper
  4. Oskarn Reefguard: Patrols the coral walls every dawn
  5. Pelagor Silvermane: Old sea king with flowing silver hair
  6. Dorran Saltbeard: Gruff but kind, with a beard full of barnacles
  7. Zephiros Coralblade: Carries a sword carved from red coral
  8. Morrin Abyssgate: Keeper of the door to the deepest sea
  9. Jaro Riptide: Reckless young merman who loves big swells
  10. Halvard Brinehelm: Wears a helmet made from a giant shell
  11. Orrin Shellshield: Defends the merfolk city from sharks
  12. Tavish Kelpcrown: Prince of the kelp forest
  13. Marek Tidewarden: Keeps the tides on schedule
  14. Cassian Wavebreaker: Bold explorer who maps the open ocean

Mermaid last names

Invented surnames for merfolk families. Pair any of them with a name above. All invented for this page.

  1. Saltmere: A family from a quiet, salty bay
  2. Coralvale: Lives in a valley of bright coral
  3. Pearlstrand: Famous for necklaces of perfect pearls
  4. Driftwell: Wanderers who follow the warm currents
  5. Kelpmoor: Old family of the kelp forests
  6. Wavecrest: Always riding on top of the swell
  7. Seaglass: Smooth, glowing and a little bit rare
  8. Foamhart: Kind-hearted folk of the surf
  9. Brinewood: From a sunken forest under the sea
  10. Tidecall: A line of famous singers
  11. Reefsong: Musicians of the coral reef
  12. Mistcove: From a foggy hidden harbor
  13. Glimmerbay: Their bay sparkles every night
  14. Deepholm: From an island home far below the waves

Cute and funny mermaid names

Sweet and silly names for kids, costumes, pet fish, bath toys and group chats. All invented for this page.

  1. Little Fin: For the tiniest mermaid in the bathtub
  2. Splashy: Cannot get through bath time quietly
  3. Shimmer: Sparkly tail, sparkly smile
  4. Pearly: Sweet and round, like a little gem
  5. Finnie: Cute nickname for any pet fish
  6. Seashell Sue: Collects shells from every beach trip
  7. Sparkle Fin: For a goldfish who glitters in the light
  8. Tiny Tide: Small waves, big personality
  9. Scales McGee: A betta fish with serious swagger
  10. Sandy Toes: A beach-loving kid in a mermaid costume
  11. Bubble Bath Betty: Queen of the bathtub kingdom
  12. Captain Floaties: Swims best with inflatable armbands on
  13. Starfish Sally: Always sprawled out, star-shaped, on the couch
  14. Fin Diesel: Tough, fast and loves a family reunion
  15. Sea-lena Gomez: A pop-star mermaid with a big following
  16. Kelp Me Rhonda: Always asking for a hand with something
  17. Mermaidonna: Reinvents her look every season
  18. Beyonsea: Rules the ocean stage
  19. Scaley Cyrus: A mermaid with a wild streak
  20. Tuna Turner: Simply the best singer in the reef
  21. Sir Swims-a-Lot: A merman knight who never stops moving
  22. Gill Murray: Deadpan, dry and secretly hilarious
  23. Codzilla: The biggest, boldest fish in the tank

How to pick the right name

Start with a real sea nymph

The Nereids have names that describe the sea: Galene means calm, Cymo means wave and Psamathe is the sand goddess. A real Greek name gives a mermaid instant depth.

Borrow from world folklore

Mermaids are not only European. Pincoya from Chile, Mami Wata from West Africa and the Ningyo of Japan make fresh, memorable names.

Build a full name

Pair a flowing first name with a sea-themed surname, like Selkira Silverwake or Pearlwyn Tidewhisper, for a character that sounds complete.

Keep it sweet for kids and fish

For a little one in a costume or a betta fish, short and bubbly works best: Finnie, Shimmer or Little Fin.

Mermaid names: 172 ideas from Nomezo

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Frequently asked questions

What is a good mermaid name?

Real legends offer Atargatis, Lí Ban and Pincoya, and Greek sea nymphs offer Galene, Thetis and Amphitrite. For an original character, try an invented name like Thalassine Moonfin or Coraleth Brightscale.

What are some siren names?

Ancient writers named sirens such as Molpe, Thelxiepeia, Peisinoe, Aglaope and Leucosia. Their names mean things like song, enchanting words and persuading the mind.

What are the names of the sea nymphs?

The Nereids, the fifty daughters of Nereus, include Amphitrite, Thetis, Galatea, Galene and Psamathe. The Oceanids, daughters of Oceanus, include Clymene, Eurynome, Perseis and Idyia.

Were sirens mermaids?

Not at first. Greek art usually showed sirens as part woman, part bird. During the Middle Ages the image shifted to a fish-tailed woman, and siren became another word for mermaid in many languages.

What is a male mermaid called?

A male mermaid is a merman. Famous mermen and sea beings include Nereus, the Old Man of the Sea, the fish-man sage Oannes and the Danish havmand of folk ballads.

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