Other Names for Mermaid: 90 Beautiful, Mythical & Fantasy Names

Looking for other names for mermaids? Popular terms include merfolk, sea maiden, sea nymph, water spirit, undine, nixie, and merrow.

This list features 90 unique names and terms for mermaid characters, including female, male, unisex, funny, modern, fantasy, mythical, and ocean-themed ideas.

Other Names for Mermaid

These are alternative terms or closely related names for mermaid-like beings. They are not all exact synonyms.

• Merfolk

Meaning: A broad English term for human-like magical beings who live in or near the sea.
Best for: A general term covering mermaids, mermen, and similar sea folk.

• Sea Maiden

Meaning: A poetic term for a young woman or magical maiden connected with the sea.
Best for: A graceful female mermaid character.

• Sea Nymph

Meaning: A sea-related nymph inspired by ancient Greek water mythology.
Best for: A graceful and mythological sea character.

• Water Spirit

Meaning: A broad term for a supernatural being associated with water.
Best for: A magical character from a fantasy world.

• Undine (un-DEEN)

Meaning: A European water spirit from folklore and later literary tradition.
Best for: An elegant and mysterious mermaid-like character.

• Nixie (NIK-see)

Meaning: A Germanic water spirit traditionally associated with rivers and other waters.
Best for: A playful or mysterious water character.

• Merrow (MER-oh)

Meaning: An Irish folklore term for a merfolk being associated with the sea.
Best for: A character inspired by Irish folklore.

• Sea Woman

Meaning: A simple descriptive term for a female human-like being connected with the sea.
Best for: A straightforward mermaid character in a story.

• Water Maiden

Meaning: A poetic fantasy term for a magical woman associated with water.
Best for: A gentle and elegant fantasy mermaid.

Female Mermaid Names

These feminine names work well for mermaid princesses, heroines, queens, and magical sea characters.

• Marina

Meaning: A Latin name meaning “of the sea,” giving it a classic and graceful feel.
Best for: A beautiful traditional mermaid princess.

• Nerissa (neh-RISS-uh)

Meaning: A literary name associated with Greek sea imagery and the Nereids, giving it an elegant oceanic feel.
Best for: An intelligent and graceful mermaid character.

• Pearl

Meaning: A precious gem formed inside certain sea mollusks and associated with beauty.
Best for: A gentle and precious mermaid character.

• Coral

Meaning: A marine structure that supports ocean life and suggests colorful underwater beauty.
Best for: A colorful reef-loving mermaid.

• Oceana (oh-see-AH-nuh)

Meaning: A feminine name inspired by the ocean, suggesting freedom and depth.
Best for: A proud and adventurous sea princess.

• Isla (EYE-luh)

Meaning: A Spanish word meaning “island,” giving the name a coastal feeling.
Best for: A cheerful tropical mermaid.

• Lorelei (LOR-uh-lye)

Meaning: A German legendary name associated with a woman whose song lured sailors.
Best for: A mysterious mermaid with a captivating voice.

• Melusine (MEL-yoo-zeen)

Meaning: A European legendary water woman often shown with a serpent-like tail.
Best for: A royal or ancient fantasy mermaid.

• Coraline (KOR-uh-line)

Meaning: A name inspired by coral, giving it a colorful and ocean-themed quality.
Best for: A graceful reef mermaid.

Male Mermaid and Merman Names

These choices suit male mermaids, mermen, sea princes, ocean warriors, and underwater heroes.

• Merman

Meaning: The common English term for a male mermaid or male merfolk being.
Best for: A straightforward male sea character.

• Kai

Meaning: A short modern name with a strong ocean association in popular naming.
Best for: A modern and adventurous merman.

• Dylan

Meaning: A Welsh name traditionally associated with the sea.
Best for: A friendly and brave sea prince.

• Caspian

Meaning: A name connected with the Caspian Sea and a strong royal feeling.
Best for: A noble underwater prince.

• Finn

Meaning: A short traditional name with an adventurous and friendly quality.
Best for: A young and brave merman hero.

• Triton (TRY-tun)

Meaning: A Greek sea god and messenger associated with Poseidon.
Best for: A powerful royal merman.

• Oceanus (oh-SEE-uh-nus)

Meaning: The Greek personification of the great world-encircling ocean.
Best for: An ancient and mighty sea ruler.

• Wade

Meaning: An English name associated with crossing or moving through water.
Best for: A modern merman hero with an adventurous personality.

• Marinus (muh-RY-nus)

Meaning: A Latin name meaning “of the sea,” giving it a strong maritime character.
Best for: A noble and mysterious merman prince.

Unisex Mermaid Names

These names can work for mermaids, mermen, or any gender-neutral sea character.

• Ocean

Meaning: The vast body of salt water covering most of Earth’s surface.
Best for: A simple and powerful sea character.

• Wave

Meaning: A moving rise and fall of water, suggesting energy and freedom.
Best for: An active and adventurous character.

• Tide

Meaning: The regular rise and fall of ocean water, strongly linked with the sea.
Best for: A mysterious character with water powers.

• Cove

Meaning: A small sheltered area of water along a coast.
Best for: A calm and friendly merfolk character.

• Storm

Meaning: A period of strong weather that creates a wild and powerful feeling.
Best for: A fierce ocean warrior.

• Blue

Meaning: A color strongly linked with the sea, sky, calm, and depth.
Best for: A cool and simple fantasy character.

• Mist

Meaning: Tiny water droplets in the air that create a soft, mysterious mood.
Best for: A secretive sea character.

• Bay

Meaning: A broad part of the sea partly enclosed by land.
Best for: A peaceful coastal character.

• Moon

Meaning: Earth’s natural satellite, often connected with nighttime tides and mystery.
Best for: A magical mermaid or merman with a dreamy personality.

Unique Mermaid Names

These unusual choices can help a fictional mermaid feel different from common characters.

• Thalassa (thuh-LASS-uh)

Meaning: A Greek name meaning “sea,” with an ancient and majestic quality.
Best for: A powerful and wise mermaid queen.

• Nerina (neh-REE-nuh)

Meaning: A name associated with the Nereids, Greek sea nymphs.
Best for: A graceful mythology-inspired mermaid.

• Maris (MAIR-is)

Meaning: A Latin name meaning “of the sea,” with a simple and elegant sound.
Best for: A quiet and mysterious sea character.

• Aquella (uh-KWELL-uh)

Meaning: A creative water-inspired name with a soft fantasy sound.
Best for: An original mermaid princess.

• Oceara (oh-see-AIR-uh)

Meaning: A creative name inspired by “ocean,” suggesting depth and beauty.
Best for: A magical ocean guardian.

• Aquira (uh-KEER-uh)

Meaning: A creative aquatic name with a strong and flowing sound.
Best for: A brave underwater heroine.

• Marielle (mar-ee-ELL)

Meaning: A graceful name with a soft, elegant sound that suits an ocean fantasy setting.
Best for: A kind and beautiful mermaid heroine.

• Lirielle (lee-ree-ELL)

Meaning: A creative fantasy name inspired by lyrical sounds and ocean magic.
Best for: A graceful magical mermaid.

• Meridelle (MEH-ri-dell)

Meaning: A creative fantasy name designed with a soft, flowing ocean feel.
Best for: A mysterious underwater princess.

Funny Mermaid Names

These playful choices are great for cartoons, games, mascots, stories, and humorous characters.

• Finny

Meaning: A playful name inspired by the word “fin,” giving it a fishy feel.
Best for: A silly and lovable mermaid.

• Splash

Meaning: A fun word describing water moving or hitting a surface.
Best for: An energetic cartoon character.

• Bubbles

Meaning: Small pockets of air moving through water, creating a cheerful image.
Best for: A cute and playful mermaid.

• Fishy

Meaning: A humorous nickname inspired by fish and underwater life.
Best for: A goofy fantasy character.

• Finjamin

Meaning: A playful combination of “fin” and the name Benjamin.
Best for: A funny male mermaid or merman.

• Shellby

Meaning: A playful twist on Shelby using a seashell theme.
Best for: A cute and humorous mermaid.

• Flippers

Meaning: A funny reference to swimming fins used by aquatic animals and divers.
Best for: A clumsy underwater character.

• Splashy

Meaning: A playful adjective suggesting lots of water and movement.
Best for: A cheerful and energetic mermaid.

• Sea Biscuit

Meaning: A humorous ocean-themed name inspired by the phrase “sea” and the word biscuit.
Best for: A funny cartoon mermaid or merman.

Trendy and Modern Mermaid Names

These fresh names can suit modern fantasy stories, games, usernames, and character designs.

• Nova

Meaning: A Latin word meaning “new,” also associated with a bright stellar event.
Best for: A modern mermaid with a magical personality.

• Luna

Meaning: Latin for “moon,” often associated with nighttime and mystery.
Best for: A moonlit ocean character.

• Aria

Meaning: An Italian word for “air” and a musical solo, giving it a graceful feel.
Best for: A mermaid known for her beautiful singing voice.

• Skye

Meaning: A modern nature-inspired name associated with the open sky.
Best for: A dreamy and free-spirited mermaid.

• Stormy

Meaning: A modern name inspired by storms and wild weather.
Best for: A bold and adventurous sea character.

• Azure

Meaning: A rich blue color often associated with clear skies and water.
Best for: A blue-tailed magical mermaid.

• Marinae (mah-RIN-eye)

Meaning: A creative variation inspired by the Latin sea-related word “marina.”
Best for: A modern fantasy heroine.

• Coralyn (KOR-uh-lin)

Meaning: A creative name inspired by coral with a soft feminine sound.
Best for: A stylish reef princess.

• Oceanly (OH-shun-lee)

Meaning: A creative modern name inspired by the word “ocean.”
Best for: A fresh and playful sea character.

Fantasy Mermaid Names

These creative names suit magical worlds, underwater kingdoms, games, and stories.

• Aquanora (ah-kwuh-NOR-uh)

Meaning: A creative fantasy name combining aquatic imagery with a graceful sound.
Best for: A powerful mermaid queen.

• Maristella (mar-ih-STELL-uh)

Meaning: A creative name inspired by the sea and stars.
Best for: A celestial ocean princess.

• Ocealyn (oh-see-uh-LIN)

Meaning: A fantasy name inspired by “ocean” with a soft modern ending.
Best for: A young magical mermaid.

• Aquielle (ah-kee-ELL)

Meaning: A creative aquatic name designed with an elegant fantasy sound.
Best for: A graceful mermaid heroine.

• Lunara (loo-NAIR-uh)

Meaning: A creative name inspired by moonlight and nighttime beauty.
Best for: A magical moonlit sea character.

• Neravelle (neh-ruh-VELL)

Meaning: A creative sea-inspired name suggesting elegance and mystery.
Best for: A royal underwater character.

• Coralith (KOR-uh-lith)

Meaning: A creative fantasy name inspired by coral and stone-like strength.
Best for: A powerful reef guardian.

• Marellia (mah-RELL-ee-uh)

Meaning: A creative name inspired by the sea with a flowing feminine sound.
Best for: A beautiful mermaid princess.

• Aquavelle (ah-kwuh-VELL)

Meaning: A creative fantasy name inspired by water and elegance.
Best for: A magical underwater queen.

Mythical and Folklore-Inspired Mermaid Names

These names come from or are inspired by established mythology and folklore. Some describe beings different from mermaids but are strongly connected with water mythology.

• Nereid (NEER-ee-id)

Meaning: A Greek sea nymph associated with the sea god Nereus.
Best for: A classical mythology-inspired mermaid.

• Oceanid (oh-see-AN-id)

Meaning: A Greek sea nymph traditionally described as a daughter of Oceanus.
Best for: A noble and ancient sea character.

• Amphitrite (am-fi-TRY-tee)

Meaning: A Greek sea goddess and wife of Poseidon.
Best for: A powerful sea queen.

• Thetis (THEE-tis)

Meaning: A Greek sea goddess and mother of the hero Achilles.
Best for: A wise and ancient water character.

• Galatea (gal-uh-TEE-uh)

Meaning: A Greek mythological name associated with a sea nymph in ancient tradition.
Best for: A graceful classical character.

• Leucothea (loo-KOH-thee-uh)

Meaning: A Greek sea goddess known in mythology as a protector of sailors.
Best for: A helpful and protective sea character.

• Atargatis (at-ar-GAT-is)

Meaning: An ancient Syrian goddess associated with water and fertility.
Best for: An ancient goddess-like underwater character.

• Rusalka (roo-SAL-kuh)

Meaning: A Slavic water spirit associated with lakes, rivers, and folklore.
Best for: A mysterious or haunting mermaid-like character.

• Scylla (SIL-uh)

Meaning: A Greek mythological sea monster associated with dangerous waters.
Best for: A dark fantasy character or sea guardian.

Strong and Dark Mermaid Names

These names suit powerful, mysterious, fierce, or dangerous mermaid characters.

• Tempest

Meaning: A violent storm, symbolizing wild energy and power.
Best for: A fierce mermaid warrior.

• Leviathan (leh-VYE-uh-thun)

Meaning: A legendary giant sea creature from ancient religious and mythic traditions.
Best for: A huge and intimidating underwater being.

• Maelstrom (MAIL-strum)

Meaning: A powerful and dangerous whirlpool in the sea.
Best for: A dark character with destructive water powers.

• Abyss

Meaning: A deep or seemingly bottomless place, suggesting ocean mystery.
Best for: A mysterious and intimidating mermaid.

• Siren (SY-run)

Meaning: A legendary being known in Greek mythology for a captivating song; later traditions often connect sirens with mermaids.
Best for: A dangerous character with a magical voice.

• Undertow

Meaning: A strong current moving beneath the surface near shore.
Best for: A secretive and powerful water character.

• Deepwater

Meaning: A descriptive term for the darker, deeper parts of the ocean.
Best for: A mysterious sea ruler.

• Nighttide

Meaning: A creative name combining nighttime darkness with the movement of tides.
Best for: A shadowy fantasy mermaid.

• Darkwave

Meaning: A creative fantasy name inspired by dark ocean waves.
Best for: A fierce villain or underwater warrior.

Frequently Asked Questions About Other Names for Mermaid

What is another name for a mermaid?

Common alternatives and related terms include merfolk, sea maiden, sea nymph, water spirit, undine, nixie, and merrow. Some describe different mythical beings rather than exact synonyms.

What is the proper name for a mermaid?

The standard English word is mermaid. Merfolk is a broader gender-neutral term that can include both mermaids and mermen.

What is a male mermaid called?

A male mermaid is commonly called a merman. The wider term merfolk can describe male and female sea beings together.

What is a beautiful name for a mermaid?

Beautiful choices include Marina, Pearl, Coral, Nerissa, Oceana, Lorelei, Azure, and Coraline.

What are mythical names for mermaids?

Mythology-inspired choices include Nereid, Oceanid, Undine, Nixie, Rusalka, Amphitrite, Thetis, and Melusine.

Are sirens and mermaids the same?

Not exactly. In ancient Greek mythology, sirens were different from the fish-tailed mermaids common in modern fantasy. Modern stories often combine or confuse the two ideas.

What is a female mermaid called?

A female human-like sea being is normally called a mermaid. The broader term merfolk can be used when gender does not need to be specified.

What is a group of mermaids called?

There is no single universal traditional collective noun for mermaids. Merfolk, sea folk, or a group of mermaids can work in general writing and fantasy stories.

Conclusion

The best other names for mermaids include merfolk, sea maiden, sea nymph, undine, nixie, and merrow. For character names, try Marina, Pearl, Nerissa, Kai, Finn, Oceana, or Coraline.

For a more magical feel, names like Aquanora, Marellia, Aquavelle, and Neravelle are great choices for stories, games, fantasy characters, and creative projects.

Rafaqat Ali