Nautical Names

Jonah, the name of the Old Testament prophet who was swallowed by the whale, only to emerge unharmed three days later, is increasingly appreciated by parents looking for a biblical name less common than Jacob or Joshua, yet not too obscure. Plus, Jonah comes with a ready-made nursery-decorating motif.

Evocative modern unisex choice brought into the spotlight by actress Lake Bell.

Maren is one of the many twenty-first-century takes on Mary--but we find the more classic Marin spelling preferable. When spelled Maren, the pronunciation seems more clearly to resemble Mary, with the emphasis on the first syllable. Marin, the spelling also used for the beautiful coastal county north of San Francisco, is often pronounced with the emphasis on the second syllable, as in Marie.

This pretty sea-born name was used to dramatic effect by Shakespeare in his play Pericles for the virtuous princess who says she is "Call'd Marina, for I was born at sea."

This Roman mythology (and planet) name would be very hard to handle. It derives from a root meaning cloud.

If you're a lover of the beach and sea, and want a name that relates to the largest body of water, there are several variations you could consider.

Mythological spirit of the waters; spelled Undine, she was an Edith Wharton heroine.

Pacific is an adventurous kind of place-name, with the added bonus of the association with peace.

Better suited to a stuffy school than a little boy.

One celebrity baby Pilot put this occupational choice into the pool -- together with the middle name Inspektor, something we wouldn't advise following.