Dolphins are playful and intelligent animals that many people admire. They have inspired various names across different cultures, often symbolizing grace, joy, and freedom. Whether for a pet, a character in a story, or a baby name, these dolphin-themed names can carry special meanings and connections.
Today, we will look at some captivating names that mean dolphin. You’ll find names from various languages and cultures that celebrate these amazing creatures. Each name reflects aspects of dolphins, like their playful nature or strong spirit, giving you plenty of options to consider for your unique needs.
Names That Mean Dolphin
1. Delphine
This French name translates to ‘dolphin’, highlighting the elegance and charm of these creatures. It’s a feminine name that embodies grace, much like a dolphin gliding through the water.
2. Delfin
Of Spanish origin, Delfin also means ‘dolphin’. It’s a straightforward and powerful name that pays homage to this joyful marine mammal.
3. Laris
A unique name from the Greek origin, Laris means ‘dolphin’. It has a soft ring and represents the freedom dolphins exude in the sea.
4. Neri
This name has roots in Hebrew and signifies ‘light’, but in the context of dolphins, it represents a playful spirit seen in these aquatic animals.
5. Tanuja
This Indian name means ‘daughter’, but in the context of dolphins, it carries a sense of freedom and connection to the sea.
6. Marek
In Polish, Marek means ‘of the sea’. Though not directly translating to dolphin, it reflects the beauty of aquatic life.
7. Muirgen
This Irish name means ‘born of the sea’. Muirgen hints at the exhilarating spirit often associated with playful dolphins.
8. Lahela
This Hawaiian name represents ‘a child born of the sea’, connecting subtly to the nature of dolphins.
9. Nariman
Of Persian origin, Nariman means ‘man of the sea’, reflecting strength and the aquatic aspect that dolphins symbolize.
10. Moray
This English name means ‘sea’, subtly linking to the playful spirit of dolphins in their natural habitat.
11. Maris
Of Latin origin, Maris translates to ‘of the sea’. Its connection to water resonates with the dolphin theme.
12. Murray
This Scottish name means ‘great sea’. Its powerful undertone connects to the majestic nature of dolphins.
13. Thalassa
This Greek word for ‘sea’ directly ties to the aquatic life of dolphins, carrying a sense of mystery and beauty.
14. Kaia
A Hawaiian name meaning ‘the sea’, Kaia embodies the freedom that dolphins represent in their natural environment.
15. Danika
Of Slavic origin, Danika translates to ‘morning star’; however, its light twinkling on water connects to how dolphins play in the waves.
16. Nimo
This name means ‘dolphin’ in various languages, embracing the cheerful and intelligent nature of these creatures.
17. Mira
A name meaning ‘sea’ in Latin, Mira connects to dolphins and reflects a sense of balance with water.
18. Nautica
Derived from Latin, Nautica refers to ‘pertaining to ships’, indirectly representing dolphins as minglers of both nature and sea transport.
19. Kaimana
This Hawaiian name means ‘power of the ocean’, encapsulating the strength and beauty of dolphins.
20. Elysia
This Greek name translates to ‘blissful’ or ‘sublime’; connecting with the joy seen in dolphins’ playful behavior.
21. Morgan
Originating from Welsh, Morgan means ‘sea-born’ or ‘sea chief’, invoking images of leadership connected to the ocean and its creatures.
22. Rhiannon
This Welsh name means ‘great queen’, yet its links to the sea through myth imply the grace of dolphins.
23. Naomi
This Hebrew name means ‘pleasantness’ and can relate to the delightful experience of watching dolphins interact.
24. Darya
A Persian name meaning ‘sea’, this name aligns closely with the spirited essence of dolphins.
25. Corrin
Meaning ‘spear’ in Gaelic, but could symbolize the swift movements of dolphins that is much like a darting spear.
26. Okeanos
This ancient Greek name represents the ocean itself, embodying the expansive habitat of dolphins.
27. Marina
This name comes from Latin and means ‘of the sea’, connecting directly to the domain of dolphins.
28. Ceto
This name, referring to a sea goddess, implies strength and beauty, much like dolphins themselves.
29. Yara
This name means ‘small butterfly’ in Arabic but has meanings tied to ‘water lady’ connecting to dolphins’ watery presence.
30. Lira
In Hebrew, Lira means ‘song’, symbolizing the melodious sounds dolphins make.
31. Dory
This name means ‘gift’ in Greek and holds a charming tone associated with swimming and oceans.
32. Safira
A name meaning ‘sapphire’, implying the deep blues of the ocean where dolphins thrive.
33. Nahla
Of Arabic origin, Nahla means ‘drink of water’, symbolizing dolphins’ essential habitat.
34. Kymani
This African name means ‘adventurous traveler’, much like dolphins sailing through the ocean.
35. Zale
This name of Greek origin means ‘sea strength,’ tying to the approach and character of dolphins in nature.
36. Maelai
This Hawaiian name means ‘ocean healer’, reflecting the healing qualities of ocean environments and dolphins.
37. Murmuri
Of modern origin, this name symbolically means ‘soft sound’, resembling the clicks and whistles dolphins communicate with.
38. Maura
This Irish name means ‘sea of bitterness’, yet resonates with the dual nature of the seas dolphins inhabit.
39. Kali
In Hawaiian culture, Kali represents ‘the sea’, drawing direct connections to dolphins as they gracefully navigate their watery home.
40. Tethys
In mythology, Tethys was a titaness of the sea, which conveys a sense of grandeur similar to the spirit of dolphins.
41. Alethea
This Greek name means ‘truth’, hinting at the intelligence and communicative nature often associated with dolphins.
42. Pescador
This Spanish term means ‘fisherman’, linking to the aquatic life dolphins lead and the ocean dynamics they represent.
43. Marinus
This Latin name translates to ‘of the sea’, emphasizing the marine habitat that dolphins call home.
44. Sena
This name means ‘river’, connecting with aquatic life and invoking images of dolphins in rivers or the ocean.
45. Zinnia
This flower name represents ‘an enduring love’, a beautiful connection, hinting at the affection dolphins show one another.
46. Sorin
This name meaning ‘sun’ can connect to the beautiful sunlit waters dolphins are often seen swimming within.
47. Galen
A Greek name meaning ‘calm’ or ‘healer’, reminiscent of the tranquil nature of dolphins in the wild.
48. Nereus
This Greek name signifies ‘with the sea’ and symbolizes aquatic wisdom, akin to the intelligence dolphins exhibit.
49. Caspian
This name refers to the Caspian Sea, representing the larger aquatic environments where dolphins reside.
50. Aisling
This Gaelic name means ‘dream’ or ‘vision’, drawing parallels to the unseen beauty beneath the sea, much like the world of dolphins.
51. Aqua
A simple name meaning ‘water’, representing the fundamental connection dolphins have with their environment.
52. Bosun
This term refers to ‘boat swain’, indirectly linked to navigating seas where dolphins swim free.
53. Mora
This name can mean ‘ocean wave’, representing the rhythms of nature where dolphins are found.
54. Linea
This name means ‘line’ referencing the horizon at sea, where dolphins often leap and play.
55. Maelstrom
This name refers to a powerful whirlpool, connecting to the fierce and playful spirit of dolphins in their aquatic domain.
56. Therese
This name is linked to the French word for ‘harvester’ of the sea, tying directly to the aquatic life dolphins exemplify.
57. Naida
This name means ‘water nymph’, which embodies enchantment, linking to the graceful charm of dolphins.
58. Renata
This Latin name means ‘reborn’ while symbolizing renewal much like dolphins emerging from the sea.
59. Berit
This name of Hebrew origin means ‘pledge’ or ‘oath’, which reflects the strong bonds dolphins form with one another.
60. Calisto
This name means ‘most beautiful’, resembling the grace and beauty of dolphins at play among the waves.
61. Maren
This name means ‘of the sea’ in Latin, directly connecting to the domain where dolphins thrive.
62. Astraea
This Greek name speaks to ‘star-maiden’ but creates a feeling one has when watching dolphins dance amongst the waves.
63. Tiran
This name resembles ‘ocean’ in some languages, making it a great representation of the aquatic world dolphins inhabit.
64. Seina
This name means ‘sea’ in many languages, directly representing dolphins in their natural waters.
65. Isolde
This name hints at ‘beautiful’, which resonates well with the graceful movement of dolphins.
66. Kairos
This Greek term means ‘the right moment’ but can refer to moments cherished while watching dolphins in the water.
67. Lila
The meaning ‘night’ connects subtly to the beauty of dolphins against the starlit sea.
68. Thalia
This name means ‘to flourish’ and can evoke the sense of prosperity befitting a dolphin-filled ocean.
69. Kaho
This Hawaiian name translates to ‘the sea’, firmly connecting to the habitat of dolphins.
70. Fane
This name meaning ‘to show or reveal’ relates closely to dolphins, as they often leap and dance to display their joy.
71. Meriel
This name of Latin origin translates to ‘little sea lady’, capturing the essence of feminine aquatic charm associated with dolphins.
72. Mami
This Hawaiian name translates to ‘ocean’ representing harmony and connection surrounding dolphins.
73. July
In the context of ‘month of warmth’, it parallels the warm waters where dolphins are often found.
74. Indra
This Hindu name means ‘possessing drops of rain’, metaphorically linking to the nature in which dolphins thrive.
75. Delaine
This name, meaning ‘of the valley’, resembles the calm valleys dolphins often swim through in deeper oceanic waters.
76. Aolani
This Hawaiian name signifies ‘heavenly cloud’, which can evoke the dreamy nature of watching dolphins above and below the surface.
77. Rhea
This Greek mythological name connects to water purity and symbolizes the deep connection between dolphins and their environment.
78. Ninette
This name means ‘little girl’, yet evokes the playfulness of young dolphins basking in the sun.
79. Marcellus
This Roman name translates to ‘little warrior’, reflecting the strong and spirited nature of dolphins.
80. Inna
This name means ‘river’ in Slavic, tying it to water similarly to the dolphin’s natural habitat.
81. Waverly
This name of English origin means ‘meadow near a river’ but resonates with the beauty of dolphins navigating through their waters.
82. Trina
This name conveys the meaning of ‘pure’, akin to the joyful spirit dolphins display in their natural home.
83. Karnak
This name means ‘place of the sea’, making it a strong representation of where dolphins play and hunt.
84. Celeste
This celestial name symbolizes ‘heavenly’, reflecting how heavenly dolphins appear swimming under the sun.
85. Lyra
This name means ‘lyre’, and can evoke the music created by the sounds dolphins emit.
86. Nakia
This Native American name means ‘bearer of a good message’, similar to the positivity dolphins display in the ocean.
87. Palao
This name translates to ‘deep ocean’ in some Polynesian languages, representation of dolphins’ aquatic background.
88. Jabari
This Swahili name means ‘brave’, capturing the spirit dolphins embody as they explore the seas.
89. Lanai
This Hawaiian name means ‘a porch’ but evokes the splendor of dolphins visiting the shores.
90. Arete
This Greek name symbolizes ‘excellence’, much like the playful nature and high intelligence of dolphins.
91. Serene
This name is associated with tranquility, providing a connection to the calmness seen when dolphins swim gracefully.
92. Vela
This name relates to celestial navigation, resembling how dolphins use their surroundings to navigate waters.
93. Wakana
This Japanese name means ‘harmony’, reflecting how dolphins communicate and bond with one another in their habitat.
94. Fiona
Of Gaelic origin, this name means ‘white’, subtly resembling dolphins’ lighter skin tones.
95. Radley
This name refers to ‘near the stream’, an elegant tie to the aquatic life of dolphins.
96. Cadence
This musical term evokes rhythm, much like the playful sequences of dolphins swimming together.
97. Lirael
A unique twist on Lira, connecting the melodic tones of dolphins with a nature-centric theme.
98. Najwa
This Arabic name translates to ‘whisper’, symbolic of the gentle sounds dolphins create while communicating.
99. Tyra
This name, meaning ‘world’ in Old Norse, connects to the vastness of oceans where dolphins thrive.
100. Anu
This name means ‘air’ in various languages, resembling the way dolphins breathe at the water’s surface.
101. Dakota
This name means ‘friendly’ or ‘allies’, capturing the bonds dolphins share within their pods.
102. Celina
The name means ‘heavenly’ and relates to the serenity seen within dolphin communities in the ocean.
103. Salina
This name means ‘salt’, which resonates with the marine blues dolphins call home.
104. Iara
This name means ‘water lady’, creating a strong connection to the enchanted life of dolphins.
105. Kasia
Of Polish origin, this name means ‘pure’, mirroring the joyous nature of dolphins in water.
106. Kylani
This Hawaiian name means ‘heavenly and ocean’, perfectly capturing the essence of dolphins in their aquatic habitat.
107. Anahita
This Persian name refers to ‘water’; likewise, dolphins thrive in waterways around the world.
108. Talin
This name means ‘river’ in some languages, holding a place in the world where dolphins swim.
109. Halona
Of Hawaiian descent, this name means ‘a fortunate omen’, reflecting the joy dolphins bring when encountered.
110. Marisol
This name combines ‘sea’ and ‘sun’, evoking imagery of dolphins shimmering in sunlit waters.
111. Renan
This name means ‘song’ in Hebrew; a fitting representation of the vocalizations dolphins are known for.
112. Amara
In various cultures, this name means ‘eternal’, which can represent the enduring presence of dolphins in the world’s oceans.
113. Citlali
This Aztec name means ‘star’, depicting the shimmering beauty of dolphins under the moonlight.
114. Neela
This name means ‘blue’ in Sanskrit, which captures the color of oceans dolphins inhabit.
115. Ula
This Hawaiian name signifies ‘gem’ or ‘precious’, similar to the value dolphins bring to the maritime ecosystem.
116. Eleia
This name correlates to ‘to be agile’, resembling the nimble movements of dolphins navigating the waters.
117. Shira
This Hebrew name translates to ‘poetry’, evoking visuals of elegant dolphin movements in dance.
118. Isla
This Scottish name means ‘island’, reflecting the territories where dolphins frequently roam.
119. Calypso
This name relates to ‘she who conceals’, hinting at the mysteries surrounding dolphins beneath the waves.
120. Leocadia
This Spanish name means ‘bright’, tying to the radiant appearance of dolphins in their elements.
121. Zephyr
This name that means ‘west wind’ evokes the breezy nature of dolphins breaking the surface.
122. Yara
This name means ‘small butterfly’ or ‘water lady’, combining both beauty and grace synonymous with dolphins.
123. Azura
This name means ‘sky blue’, reflecting the colors of the ocean associated with dolphin habitats.
124. Jelle
This name means ‘to shine’ or ‘glitter’, resembling the way dolphins shine in sunlight through water.
125. Moana
This name means ‘ocean’ in Hawaiian, creating strong connections to dolphin life.
126. Mirana
This name means ‘sea’, reminiscent of dolphins’ aquatic journey through life.
127. Indra
Means ‘possessing drops of rain’, representing aquatic elements linking to the world of dolphins.
128. Elowen
This name means ‘elm tree’, but carries a soft sound that echoes the gentle waves where dolphins swim.
129. Sequoia
This name symbolizes beauty and strength, paralleling the dolphin’s existence in nature.
130. Nika
This name can represent victory; however, it invokes the sleek beauty of dolphins as they glide through waves.
131. Maile
This Hawaiian name means ‘wreath’, connecting to their natural surrounds where dolphins joyfully swim.
132. Selene
This Greek name means ‘moon’, linking to the night-time struggle of dolphins navigating hidden ocean depths.
133. Amara
In multiple languages, it conveys ‘immortal’, symbolizing the eternal nature of dolphins in folk cultures.
134. Skye
This name reflects the connection to nature, reminding one of the vast open seas where dolphins can be found.
135. Develyn
This name reflects past connotations of ‘hunter’, relating indirectly to the playful nature of dolphin pod leaders.
136. Ozzy
This name means ‘divine power’, portraying the majestic spirit of dolphins swimming unhindered in the ocean.
137. Tykesha
This name can mean ‘seaborne’, connecting directly to dolphins and their life in water.
138. Merina
This name signifies ‘sea’ and connects beautifully with the playful antics of dolphins.
139. Leona
This name means ‘lioness’ in Latin, suggesting strength and courage akin to the presence of dolphins.
140. Amani
The name means ‘peace’ in Arabic, relating to the serene presence dolphins exude.
141. Ceres
This name signifies ‘goddess of fertility’, reflecting the robust life cycle dolphins thrive within.
142. Calantha
This floral name translates to ‘beautiful flower’, connecting to the delicate beauty of dolphins.
143. Silas
The name signifies ‘wood’, evoking the rustic charm of dolphins playing by inland water sites.
144. Lila
This name carries the meaning of ‘night’, conveying an image of submerged dolphin beauty hidden in darkness.
145. Tane
This name means ‘man of the forest’, but carries a gentle softness akin to dolphins’ gentle nudges.
146. Serafina
This name means ‘fiery’ but resonates with the spark seen as dolphins play in surf waves.
147. Kalani
This Hawaiian name means ‘the heavens’, reflecting beautiful, serene encounters with dolphins.
148. Nimue
This name has links to water nymphs and wisdom connected with dolphins’ intelligence.
149. Algea
This name means ‘calm’, reflecting the tranquility associated with watching dolphins swim.
150. Harmony
A name that symbolizes balance and unity; dolphins exemplify this in their social structures.
Final Thoughts
Each of these names reflects the beauty, playfulness, and intelligence of dolphins, making them perfect for various purposes like naming pets or characters. From mythical inspirations to straightforward meanings, you can find a name that resonates with your love for these magnificent creatures.
Choosing a name that symbolizes dolphins not only connects you to the ocean but also embodies qualities of joy, freedom, and grace. Each name carries a story that reflects the relationships and emotions we associate with these aquatic beings.
Don’t stop here! If you’re interested in exploring more names linked to the ocean, check out names that mean sea or ocean or dive into some Japanese names that mean ocean girl!