The Perfect Boat Name: Choosing A Memorable Moniker

Choosing a name for your boat is an important task, as it will become a part of your family. Traditionally, boats were named after saints, gods, and goddesses to bring good luck, but today, boat owners can name their vessels after anything that speaks to them. Whether you want a classic name, a humorous name, or something unique and personal, the possibilities are endless. If you're looking for inspiration, consider names that are elegant, romantic, whimsical, dramatic, adventurous, funny, or trendy and pop culture-inspired.

Boat names inspired by pop culture

Movie and TV Show References

• Slice of Life (from Dexter)
• SS Minnow (from Gilligan's Island)
• The Malteaser Falcon (from The Maltese Falcon)
• The Darjeeling Express (from the movie of the same name)
• The Life Aquatic (from The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou)
• Orca or 100% Orcanic (from Jaws)
• Baits Motel (from Psycho)
• Jolly Roger (from Hook)
• Corsair Ship (from Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King)
• HMS Surprise (from Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World)
• USS Ardent (from The X-Files)
• Silence (from Game of Thrones)
• Khetanna (from Star Wars)
• The Wanderer (from Captain Ron)
• Solandge (from Succession)
• The Nemo (from Finding Nemo)
• Happy Days (from the 1970s TV show)
• Black Pearl (from Pirates of the Caribbean)
• Flying Dutchman (from Pirates of the Caribbean)
• Red Dragon (from Rush Hour 2)
• Mediterranean Queen (from Murder Mystery)
• The Gertrude (from Superman Returns)
• The Aurora (from The Adventures of Tintin)
• Argo (from Greek mythology)
• S.S. Minnow (from Gilligan's Island)
• Going Merry (from One Piece)
• The Henrietta (from Around the World in 80 Days)
• The Stugots (from The Sopranos)
• Our Mutual Friend (from Lost)
• The Inferno (from The Goonies)
• The Riverboat (from Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory)
• The Death Boat (from Clash of the Titans)
• La Quila (from Jungle Cruise)
• Spinacher (from Popeye the Sailor Man)
• Stealth Ship (from Tomorrow Never Dies)
• John Rambo's boat (from Rambo IV)
• Jenny (from Forrest Gump)
• Thunderbird 4 (from Thunderbirds)
• Bebop (from Cowboy Bebop)
• SS Anne (from Pokemon)
• RMS Poseidon (from Poseidon)

Song References

• All About That Bass (inspired by the Meghan Trainor song)
• Bass-ic Training (inspired by the 1985 comedy Basic Training)

Book References

• Scylla Whette (pronounced “silhouette”, inspired by The Odyssey)
• The Titus (from Swiss Family Robinson)
• The Pequod (from Moby Dick)
• Nautical Us (inspired by 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea)
• Sea This Kit (inspired by Seabiscuit)
• Argo (from Jason and the Argonauts)
• Bird (from The Talented Mr. Ripley)
• Daisy Buchanan (from The Great Gatsby)
• The Lady Brett (from The Sun Also Rises)
• Hermione Granger (from Harry Potter)
• Mainsail and Gretel (inspired by Hansel and Gretel)

Nautical puns

There are many different types of boats, and each has its own unique personality, so finding the perfect boat name is important. A fun approach to naming your boat is to opt for a nautical pun. Here are some ideas:

Play on Words

• "The Salty Hippo"
• "The Implication"
• "The Sirens Sorrow"
• "The Kreaky Kraken"
• "Plunder and Lightning"
• "The Salty Swallow"
• "The Short Bus"
• "The Crusty Seaman"
• "The Sea King's Folly"
• "Chum Guzzler"
• "The Dilly Bar"
• "The Nemo"
• "The Wanderer"
• "The Squealing Brit"
• "The Pumpkin Screamer"
• "The Empty Tankard"
• "Barely Floating Junk"

Pop Culture References

• "The Malteaser Falcon" (inspired by The Maltese Falcon)
• "The Life Aquatic" (inspired by The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou)
• "All About That Bass" (inspired by the Meghan Trainor song)
• "Elefino" (a Bojack Horseman reference)
• "Solandge" (the mega-yacht from Succession)
• "Happy Days" (inspired by the 1970s television show)
• "Baits Motel" (inspired by Psycho)
• "The Titus" (the boat from Swiss Family Robinson)
• "The Pequod" (the boat from Moby Dick)
• "Argo" (the ship in Jason and the Argonauts)
• "Daisy Buchanan" (inspired by the character in The Great Gatsby)
• "The Lady Brett" (inspired by the character in The Sun Also Rises)
• "Hermione Granger" (for a magical boating experience)

Fishing Boat Names

• "Fishin' Impossible"
• "The I.M. Floundering"
• "Gone Fission"

Nature-inspired names

The Ocean and its Wonders

• Vita Bella (Beautiful Life)
• Pura Vita (Pure Life)
• Bella Luna (Beautiful Moon)
• Mare Nostrum (Our Sea)
• La Perla (The Pearl)
• The Sirens Sorrow
• The Kreaky Kraken
• Plunder and Lightning
• Brass Leviathan
• The Salty Swallow
• The Sea King’s Folly
• The Nemo (after Finding Nemo)
• The Pequod (the boat from Moby Dick)
• Nautical Us (after the boat in 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, Nautilus)
• Scylla Whette (pronounced “silhouette” and inspired by The Odyssey)
• The Maltese Falcon
• The Life Aquatic
• The Orca

The Sky and Space

• Lele Kawa (Waters of Joy)
• Kaiona (Victorious Sea)
• Nā Pali (The Cliffs)
• Wai Nani (Beautiful Waters)
• Nā Hōkū (The Stars)
• Holo Nalu (Wave Rider)
• Kai Lani (Heavenly Sea)
• Hōkū Nui (Great Star)
• Ariel
• Starry Night
• Star Gazer
• Moon Shadow
• Eclipse
• Galaxy
• Aurora

Wildlife and Birds

• Manu Ihu (Bird of the Waves)
• Isolabella (Beautiful Island)
• Dolphin Dance
• The Antelope
• The Lady of the Lake
• The Princess of Whales
• The Salty Hippo
• The Sea Horse
• The Flying Fish
• The Albatross
• The Pelican
• The Heron
• The Kingfisher
• The Swallow
• The Eagle
• The Osprey

The Weather

• Wind Dancer
• Wind Song
• Storm Chaser
• Thunderstruck
• Lightning Bolt
• Rain Dance
• Cloud Nine
• Sunny Days
• Summer Breeze
• Hurricane
• Typhoon
• Cyclone
• Squall
• Breeze

Names inspired by books

Boat names inspired by books can be a great way to showcase your love for literature. Here are some ideas for boat names drawn from classic and popular works:

The Odyssey

Scylla Whette (pronounced "silhouette") is a clever boat name inspired by the mythical creature Scylla from Homer's epic poem. This name plays with the idea of a boat cutting through the waves, creating a silhouette against the horizon.

Swiss Family Robinson

The Titus is a direct reference to the boat featured in the classic novel. If you enjoyed this story of a family's survival and adventures on a deserted island, The Titus would be a fitting name for your boat.

Moby Dick

The Pequod was the ill-fated whaling ship captained by Ahab in his relentless pursuit of the great white whale. This name is perfect for those who appreciate the dark and dramatic themes of the novel.

20,000 Leagues Under the Sea

Nautical Us is a fun and witty take on the name of the submarine in Jules Verne's classic, the Nautilus. This name is ideal for those who want to embrace the spirit of underwater exploration.

Seabiscuit

Sea This Kit is a clever play on words, referencing the famous racehorse Seabiscuit. This name is perfect for those who want to combine their love of horses and the sea.

Jason and the Argonauts

Argo was the ship used by Jason and the Argonauts in their quest for the Golden Fleece. This name is ideal for those who admire the courage and adventure of the mythical Greek heroes.

The Talented Mr. Ripley

Bird was the name of the 60-foot yacht featured in the novel and its film adaptation. This name has a dual meaning, referencing both the vessel from the story and the idea of freedom and soaring above the seas.

The Great Gatsby

Daisy Buchanan, the name of the enigmatic and captivating character from F. Scott Fitzgerald's masterpiece, would make a sophisticated and elegant boat name. It evokes images of the glamorous Jazz Age and the allure of the sea.

The Sun Also Rises

The Lady Brett, inspired by the captivating and independent character Lady Brett Ashley, would make a refined and unique boat name. It captures the spirit of adventure and intrigue found in Hemingway's novel.

Hansel and Gretel

Mainsail and Gretel is a playful twist on the classic fairy tale. This name is perfect for those who want to add a touch of whimsy and creativity to their boating experiences.

Harry Potter

Hermione Granger, the beloved character known for her intelligence and magical abilities, would make an excellent boat name. This name is perfect for those who want to infuse their boating experiences with a touch of magic and wonder.

Elegant names

Traditionally, boats were named after goddesses, saints, and other deities to bring good luck to the vessel and its crew. Today, elegant boat names can include beautiful words, words describing emotions, or Latin names.

• Vita Bella (Beautiful Life in Italian)
• Pura Vita (Pure Life in Italian)
• Bella Luna (Beautiful Moon in Italian)
• Allegria (Happiness in Italian)
• Mare Nostrum (Our Sea in Italian)
• La Perla (The Pearl in Italian)
• Isolabella (Beautiful Island in Italian)
• Amore Afloat (Love Afloat in Italian)
• Dolcezza (Sweetness in Italian)
• The Lady of the Lake
• Little Mermaid / Ariel
• Manu Ihu (Bird of the Waves in Hawaiian)
• Lele Kawa (Waters of Joy in Hawaiian)
• Kaiona (Victorious Sea in Hawaiian)
• Holo Nalu (Wave Rider in Hawaiian)
• Kai Lani (Heavenly Sea in Hawaiian)
• The Sirens' Song
• The Pearl
• Silver Mist
• Endless Horizons
• Sea Star
• Ocean Queen

Frequently asked questions