Names That Mean Water

This British last-name-first-name could make a more masculine alternative to Shelby.

Most closely associated with famed English novelist George Orwell (whose real name was Eric Arthur Blair), this English surname is now occasionally sported as a literary first name. Given its meaning, Orwell could also be used by those looking for a more subtle alternative to River.

In Slavic myth, this name belonged to the water priestess and protector of warriors.

Swam into style and quickly out again, on Chad's fish- er, coat-tails.

Sweet and soft alternative to Sasha.

Dark.

Hurley is a possibility as a unisex surname-name ending with the "lee" sound. It is perhaps most associated with British actress Elizabeth Hurley, and is much rarer than Harley, because the "ur" sound is currently out of fashion (and the word "hurl" may put some off).

This phonetic spelling of a traditional Scottish male name wasn't seen until used by Vince Vaughn for his daughter. As Lachlan becomes more of an established boy's name in the US, more parents are turning to the Locklyn spelling on the girl's side.

For die-hard Fleetwood Mac fans, though Fleet is definitely a cool short form.

Oceanus was the Titan in ancient Greek mythology who rules what they thought was the body of water that surrounded the Earth. Oceanus was, appropriately enough, the name of the baby born on the Mayflower. Modern variations include Ocean, Oceana, and Oceane, a popular French name for girls.

Stiff and formal surname. Try Roone instead.

An offbeat way to get to Gwen.

Gives Carlo a place-name/surname spin.

Windsor may have male references, such as Britain's royal House of Windsor and a tie's windsor knot, but this name also has a definite feminine feel, as in Windsor Rose. That seems appropriate, as Windsor is used equally these days for boys and girls. Nicknames might include Win, Wind, Windy, and Winnie.

Zenebe is an appealing name well-used in Ethiopia but rarely heard outside its native land. But it translates easily into English and Zen makes for a cool and attractive nickname. A winning choice for those looking for an African boys' names that bridges cultures.

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

Projects the calm and pristine image of the picturesque Swiss lake and mountain town.

Although there are plenty of Bachs in the world besides Johann Sebastian, everyone will assume you're honoring the great composer -- and why not.

As passé as Hilton and Milton.

Glenys, like Glynis, is a Welsh name that has never caught on outside Wales.