Looking for a name that feels both legendary and meaningful?
Mythical water names for girls bring the power, beauty, and serenity of water into your baby’s identity.
Inspired by goddesses, river spirits, sea nymphs, and mermaids from legends worldwide, this list flows with meaning and charm.
If you’re drawn to Greek, Celtic, or Hawaiian roots or love the idea of a name as fluid and captivating as the sea, this guide will help you find a name that truly speaks to your heart.
What are Mythical Water Names?
Mythical water names come from ancient stories about water beings, gods, and spirits. These names appear in Greek, Roman, Norse, Celtic, and Hawaiian traditions, which all tell stories about water-controlling beings.
These names feel special because they connect to something bigger than our daily lives. They sound pleasant when spoken and relate to water’s vital qualities – how it gives life, shows power, and sustains everything living.
Parents select these names because they mix old knowledge with lovely sounds, offering names that work across time while feeling new.
Why Choose a Water-Inspired Mythical Name?
Here’s why many parents are drawn to water-themed mythical names for their daughters:
- Deep Meaning – Water symbolizes life, renewal, and wisdom in many cultures, imparting to your daughter qualities that matter from the start.
- Natural Bond – These names evoke a connection to the natural world, reminding us that water sustains all life. Each name carries a story about sea goddesses, river spirits, or water beings.
- Rare Choices – Unlike common names like Sophia or Emma, picks such as Cordelia or Tethys help your daughter be unique without choosing something too complex.
- Daily Wonder – These names add a touch of magic to everyday life, something most parents aspire to for their children.
Mythical Water Names for Girls from Global Legends
Different cultures around the world have told stories about water beings for thousands of years, creating a rich collection of beautiful names for your consideration.
Greek & Roman Mythology
Names from ancient goddesses, nymphs, and sea spirits that swam through the legends of Greece and Rome.
1. Thalassa
Origin: Greek
Pronunciation: thuh-LAH-suh
Meaning: Primordial sea goddess representing the spirit of the sea.
2. Lorelei
Origin: Germanic (linked to Roman-style sirens)
Pronunciation: LOR-uh-lye
Meaning: A river siren known for luring sailors on the Rhine River.
3. Naiad
Origin: Greek
Pronunciation: NAY-add
Meaning: Freshwater nymphs who preside over springs, rivers, and fountains.
4. Galene
Origin: Greek
Pronunciation: guh-LEE-nee
Meaning: Sea goddess of calm waters.
5. Clymene
Origin: Greek
Pronunciation: KLIH-muh-nee
Meaning: Oceanid and mother of Atlas, associated with gentle waters.
6. Dione
Origin: Greek
Pronunciation: dee-OH-nee
Meaning: An oracular goddess linked to the sacred springs of Dodona.
7. Melusine
Origin: European mythology with Roman influence
Pronunciation: MEL-yoo-seen
Meaning: A mermaid-like spirit often depicted in medieval legends.
8. Tethys
Origin: Greek
Pronunciation: TEE-this
Meaning: Titaness and mother of rivers, streams, and clouds.
9. Amphitrite
Origin: Greek
Pronunciation: am-fuh-TRY-tee
Meaning: Queen of the sea and wife of Poseidon.
10. Camena
Origin: Roman
Pronunciation: kuh-MAY-nuh
Meaning: Water goddesses or nymphs of fountains, springs, and wells.
11. Arethusa
Origin: Greek
Pronunciation: ar-eh-THOO-zuh
Meaning: A nymph who turned into a spring to escape pursuit.
12. Cyrene
Origin: Greek
Pronunciation: sigh-REE-nee
Meaning: A water nymph and huntress, namesake of the city Cyrene.
Norse & Celtic Mythology
Mystical names rooted in the seas, lakes, and legends of Northern Europe, where magic met the cold depths.
13. Ran
Origin: Norse
Pronunciation: RAHN
Meaning: Sea goddess who captured drowned sailors in her net.
14. Nixie
Origin: Germanic/Norse
Pronunciation: NIK-see
Meaning: Water spirit or mermaid associated with lakes and rivers.
15. Cliodhna
Origin: Celtic
Pronunciation: KLEE-uh-nuh
Meaning: Sea goddess of beauty and love who lived on an enchanted island.
16. Flidais
Origin: Irish Celtic
Pronunciation: FLIH-dish
Meaning: Woodland and water deity often linked to lakes and fertility.
17. Morgana
Origin: Arthurian (Celtic mythology inspired)
Pronunciation: mor-GAH-nuh
Meaning: Water-fairy or enchantress associated with Avalon.
18. Scáthach
Origin: Celtic
Pronunciation: SKAW-hah
Meaning: A warrior woman sometimes linked to sea-bound training grounds.
19. Sinann
Origin: Irish
Pronunciation: SHIN-uhn
Meaning: Goddess of the River Shannon.
20. Boann
Origin: Irish Celtic
Pronunciation: BOH-ahn
Meaning: River goddess associated with the creation of the River Boyne.
21. Aine
Origin: Celtic
Pronunciation: AWN-yuh
Meaning: Goddess of summer and water, known to dwell in lakes.
Ocean & Sea Goddesses
Powerful, divine, and endlessly deep, these names come from goddesses who ruled the tides, waves, and open seas.
22. Calypso
Origin: Greek
Pronunciation: kuh-LIP-so
Meaning: Sea nymph who detained Odysseus with her enchanting beauty.
23. Yemaya
Origin: Yoruba
Pronunciation: YEH-mah-yah
Meaning: Mother goddess of the ocean, protector of women and children.
24. Sedna
Origin: Inuit
Pronunciation: SEHD-nuh
Meaning: Sea goddess who governs marine animals and the underworld.
25. Amphitrite
Origin: Greek
Pronunciation: am-fuh-TRY-tee
Meaning: Sea queen and consort of Poseidon (non-repeated as noted earlier, already used).
26. Tiamat
Origin: Babylonian
Pronunciation: TEE-uh-mat
Meaning: Chaos goddess of the primordial sea.
27. Namaka
Origin: Hawaiian
Pronunciation: NAH-mah-kah
Meaning: Sea goddess and older sister of Pele, the volcano goddess.
28. Mazu
Origin: Chinese
Pronunciation: MAH-zoo
Meaning: Sea goddess and protector of fishermen and sailors.
29. Lirien
Origin: Fantasy-inspired (Celtic-leaning)
Pronunciation: LEER-ee-en
Meaning: Inspired by Lir, the god of the sea; a soft, lyrical water name.
30. Thoe
Origin: Greek
Pronunciation: THOH-ee
Meaning: One of the 50 Nereids — sea nymphs who swam with Poseidon.
31. Derceto
Origin: Syrian-Greek
Pronunciation: der-SEE-toh
Meaning: Goddess with a fish-like form, precursor to mermaid legends.
32. Salacia
Origin: Roman
Pronunciation: suh-LAY-shuh
Meaning: Goddess of saltwater, wife of Neptune.
River Spirits & Nymphs
These names are derived from deities and spirits believed to inhabit rivers, springs, and freshwater realms across various mythologies.
33. Sabrina
Origin: Celtic
Pronunciation: suh-BREE-nuh
Meaning: Spirit of the River Severn; symbolizes purity and flowing beauty.
34. Tamesis
Origin: Celtic/Latin
Pronunciation: TAHM-eh-sis
Meaning: Ancient name for the River Thames, personified as a river goddess.
35. Rhone
Origin: Celtic
Pronunciation: RONE
Meaning: From the River Rhone in France; associated with natural force and grace.
36. Danubea
Origin: Latinized (inspired by Danube River)
Pronunciation: DAN-yoo-bee-uh
Meaning: Feminine twist on the Danube River spirit.
37. Jora
Origin: Hebrew/Slavic
Pronunciation: YOH-rah
Meaning: Autumn rain or flowing stream.
38. Anahita
Origin: Persian
Pronunciation: ah-nah-HEE-tah
Meaning: Ancient goddess of water, fertility, and wisdom.
39. Ganga
Origin: Sanskrit
Pronunciation: GUN-guh
Meaning: Personification of the sacred Ganges River in India.
40. Neris
Origin: Lithuanian
Pronunciation: NEH-ris
Meaning: Named after the Neris River, meaning “to dive or flow.”
41. Arnoa
Origin: Basque
Pronunciation: AHR-noh-ah
Meaning: Derived from the Arno River, symbolizing peace and flow.
42. Ladoga
Origin: Russian
Pronunciation: LAH-doh-gah
Meaning: From Lake Ladoga, linked to deep lakes and legends of the north.
Mermaid & Water Spirit Names
Ethereal, mysterious, and enchanting, these names are inspired by mermaids, sirens, and fantasy water spirits from myths and stories around the world.
43. Nerida
Origin: Greek
Pronunciation: NEH-rih-duh
Meaning: “Sea nymph” or “mermaid”; soft and lyrical.
44. Sirena
Origin: Spanish
Pronunciation: see-REH-nah
Meaning: Mermaid; derived from Latin “siren.”
45. Muriel
Origin: Celtic
Pronunciation: MYUR-ee-uhl
Meaning: “Bright sea”; associated with water spirits in later folklore.
46. Delmare
Origin: French
Pronunciation: del-MAHR
Meaning: “Of the sea”; elegant and noble.
47. Undine
Origin: Latin (via German romanticism)
Pronunciation: UHN-deen
Meaning: Water spirit who gains a soul through love.
48. Nerisai
Origin: Invented (inspired by Nereids)
Pronunciation: NEH-ree-sigh
Meaning: Blended name symbolizing sea nymphs and gentle water spirits.
49. Coralia
Origin: Latin/Greek
Pronunciation: koh-RAH-lee-uh
Meaning: Derived from “coral,” often used in mermaid-themed tales.
50. Merina
Origin: Latin-derived
Pronunciation: meh-REE-nuh
Meaning: From “marine,” meaning sea-born or oceanic.
51. Azurine
Origin: French-inspired
Pronunciation: AZH-uh-reen
Meaning: Sky-blue water; name inspired by the color of tropical seas.
52. Loreva
Origin: Blended (Lorelei + Eva)
Pronunciation: lo-REH-vuh
Meaning: Modern mythic name evoking mermaid charm and allure.
53. Naida
Origin: Greek
Pronunciation: NAY-dah
Meaning: Derived from “naiad,” a freshwater nymph.
54. Sirintha
Origin: Invented (sirena-inspired)
Pronunciation: seh-RIN-thuh
Meaning: Enchanted mermaid or siren; lyrical and otherworldly.
Nature-Inspired Alternatives with Water Themes
These names aren’t directly from myth, but they shimmer with aquatic vibes, drawing inspiration from oceans, rivers, rain, and marine beauty.
55. Marina
Origin: Latin
Pronunciation: mah-REE-nuh
Meaning: “Of the sea”; peaceful and refined.
56. Coral
Origin: Latin
Pronunciation: KOHR-uhl
Meaning: Precious sea creature; symbolizes vibrant marine life.
57. Oceane
Origin: French
Pronunciation: oh-say-AHN
Meaning: Feminine form of ocean; elegant and strong.
58. Misty
Origin: English
Pronunciation: MIS-tee
Meaning: Inspired by misty waters; evokes fog, mystery, and calm.
59. Brook
Origin: English
Pronunciation: BRUHK
Meaning: A small stream; symbolizes clarity and tranquility.
60. Rain
Origin: English
Pronunciation: RAYN
Meaning: Evokes fresh rainfall and emotional renewal.
61. Lakea
Origin: Hawaiian
Pronunciation: lah-KAY-uh
Meaning: Sacred or clear lake; peaceful and serene.
62. Delta
Origin: Greek
Pronunciation: DEL-tuh
Meaning: River delta; symbolizes where land meets water.
63. Azure
Origin: Persian/French
Pronunciation: AZH-ure
Meaning: Sky-blue, like the surface of tropical seas.
64. Maris
Origin: Latin
Pronunciation: MAH-ris
Meaning: “Of the sea”; short and poetic.
65. Seina
Origin: Finnish-inspired
Pronunciation: SAY-nuh
Meaning: Resembling water or river (variant of Seine).
66. Aquata
Origin: Invented (from “aqua”)
Pronunciation: ah-KWAH-tuh
Meaning: Water maiden or aquatic soul.
67. Nerine
Origin: Greek
Pronunciation: neh-REE-nee
Meaning: Sea nymph or ocean lily.
68. Moana
Origin: Polynesian
Pronunciation: moh-AH-nah
Meaning: “Ocean” in Maori and Hawaiian languages.
69. Kailani
Origin: Hawaiian
Pronunciation: kye-LAH-nee
Meaning: “Sea and sky”; graceful and celestial.
70. Tallulah
Origin: Native American
Pronunciation: tuh-LOO-luh
Meaning: “Leaping water”; energetic and lyrical.
71. Rivka
Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: RIV-kuh
Meaning: Often interpreted as “to bind,” but phonetically tied to rivers.
72. Cascade
Origin: Latin
Pronunciation: kas-KAYD
Meaning: A waterfall; symbolizes beauty and motion.
73. Marella
Origin: Latin
Pronunciation: muh-RELL-uh
Meaning: Star of the sea; linked to marine beauty.
74. Bayou
Origin: French/Creole
Pronunciation: BY-yoo
Meaning: Slow-moving waterway; evokes Southern mystery.
75. Zarya
Origin: Slavic
Pronunciation: ZAR-yah
Meaning: Water priestess; morning star and river symbolism.
What to Keep in Mind when Picking a Mythical Water Name
Here are some streamlined considerations when selecting a mythical water name for your daughter:
- Choose a name that sounds beautiful when spoken and has manageable pronunciation and spelling for everyday use
- Understand the cultural origins and meaning of the name within its original mythological context
- Select a name with a personal connection that has qualities you hope might inspire your daughter
- Ensure the name will grow well with your child and offers nickname flexibility if desired
- Consider how the name pairs with your last name and its uniqueness in your child’s generation
Conclusion
Choosing a name is a beautiful journey, and mythical water names offer a deep well of inspiration rooted in story, nature, and strength.
From river goddesses to mermaid muses, these names carry a sense of wonder and grace that can stay with your daughter throughout her life.
Ready to find the one that feels just right? Scroll through the list, let the meanings wash over you, and when one name makes your heart skip a beat, that’s the one.
Have a favorite from the list? Share it in the comments, we’d love to know which name you’re leaning toward!
