Last names can tell us a lot about our ancestors and their lives. Many last names are linked to nature, including the ocean. Some names carry meanings related to the sea, waves, and water. These names often reflect a family’s connection to coastal regions or maritime activities.
Today, we’ll look at last names that mean ocean. You might find names that come from different cultures and languages, each with a unique story. Whether you’re curious about your own last name or just interested in the sea, these ocean-related surnames can be both fascinating and meaningful.
Last Names That Mean Ocean
1. Marsh
The soft and mellifluous name Marsh means ‘a low-lying land flooded at high tide or in wet seasons’. This happens to be a cooler alternative to Marshall.
2. Morrissey
Steven Patrick Morrissey, the famous English songwriter and crooner, is solely responsible for bringing fame to this name. And with its meaning ‘choice of the sea’, this Irish name makes a perfect water name too.
3. Murphy
Murphy, the English version of the Gaelic name Murchadh, means ‘sea warrior’. If you want, you can even consider Murchadh. At least you will be assured that your child’s name is not common.
4. Murray
If you’re a “Bachelorette” fan, Murray is the name of one of the suitors of Andi Dorfman’s. This Irish name meaning ‘lord of the sea’, falls into the category of hot last names as surnames too.
5. Marisol
The name Marisol is of Spanish origin and means ‘sea and sun’. This name beautifully combines the elements of water and light, representing the ocean’s relationship with the sun.
6. Navarre
This surname has its roots in the Basque region and means ‘shore’ or ‘coast’. It reflects a strong connection to maritime culture and coastal landscapes.
7. Nereus
Nereus is derived from Greek mythology, as he is the god of the sea. A name that implies deep water wisdom, it reflects the vastness of the ocean.
8. Pollock
Pollock is a name of Scottish origin, meaning ‘one who lives near the water’. This name connects its bearer to the ocean and riverbanks.
9. Rio
Rio, meaning ‘river’ in Spanish, holds connections to water’s flow and rhythm, linking it to larger bodies like the ocean.
10. Loughlin
This name of Irish origin comes from the word ‘lochain’, meaning ‘lake’ or indirectly, calm waters. Lakes are often connected to rivers that flow into the ocean.
11. Mariner
The name Mariner refers specifically to someone who navigates the sea. It’s a straightforward yet profound connection to ocean life.
12. Oceane
This lovely name hails from the French word for ‘ocean’, symbolizing vastness and depth in relation to the water.
13. Thalassa
Thalassa is a Greek word that directly translates to ‘sea’. It’s a name rich with maritime connotations and history.
14. Catania
This Italian name can mean ‘wavy’, evoking the image of ocean waves. It reflects the dynamic nature of water.
15. Sinclair
Sinclair is a surname that can mean ‘holy water’ and is indirectly a nod to the spiritual aspects of the ocean.
16. Carr
This name means ‘rocky land by the sea’ in Irish, illustrating the interplay between land and ocean.
17. Ford
The name Ford means ‘river crossing’, linking it to the broader theme of water that leads to the ocean.
18. Beyer
This surname means ‘to grow’ or ‘to be alive’, reflecting the abundance of life found in ocean ecosystems.
19. Sutherland
The name Sutherland means ‘southern land’ and can relate to coastal regions that touch the ocean.
20. Marquez
This name has Spanish roots, meaning ‘of the sea’, connecting it directly to oceanic themes.
21. Yseult
Yseult relates to the sea and water in various interpretations, giving it a romantic and mystical vibe.
22. Blue
The last name Blue can represent the color of the ocean, reflecting calm and tranquility.
23. Muir
Muir translates to ‘sea’ or ‘ocean’ in Scots Gaelic, ensuring a close connection to water.
24. Tallman
This surname conveys the idea of one who stands near the shore, emphasizing connections to seaside and naval life.
25. Riviere
Riviere is a French surname meaning ‘river’, which alludes to water bodies feeding into the ocean.
26. Delmar
The name Delmar means ‘of the sea’, making a direct association with oceanic themes.
27. Brooks
This name refers to small streams, which are often tied to the journey of water to the larger oceans.
28. Kent
This English name means ‘coastal land’ and is symbolic of regions that border the ocean.
29. Blake
Blake can mean ‘black’ or ‘dark’, related to the depths of the ocean, providing a mysterious allure.
30. Portman
Portman meaning ‘man of the harbor’ connects one directly to seafaring and ocean trades.
31. Reef
This name highlights an essential part of ocean ecosystems, directly tying it to marine life.
32. Coates
The surname Coates can relate to ‘near the water,’ linking directly to coastal attributes.
33. Hartman
This name means ‘hardy man by the water,’ evoking the strength associated with life near the coast.
34. Sullivan
With Irish roots, Sullivan can mean ‘dark eyes’ but also has significance in referencing the below sea levels and depths.
35. Laing
This Scottish name refers to the ‘small inlet,’ which reflects coastal geography connected to the ocean.
36. O’Neil
O’Neil can indicate the ‘champion of the sea’, which gives it a strong oceanic flavor.
37. Skye
Skye, as a name, reflects the sea and sky, capturing the essence of the horizon meeting the water.
38. Lago
Lago is Italian for ‘lake’ and denotes water bodies often linked to ocean ecosystems.
39. Manson
This surname means ‘son of Man’, with ‘man’ meaning ‘sea’, connecting it to oceanic roots.
40. Talia
Talia means ‘dew from heaven’, emphasizing water’s significant role in nature, which ties into the ocean.
41. Avalon
This legendary name refers to an island surrounded by water, hinting at mystical maritime connections.
42. Nautilus
A name derived from a sea creature, Nautilus represents ocean life and exploration.
43. Valen
Meaning ‘strong,’ Valen can resonate with the mighty tides and currents of ocean waters.
44. Lake
The surname Lake connects directly to large water bodies, sharing traits with the sea.
45. Hudson
This name relates to a river that flows into the ocean, illustrating connectivity.
46. Larkin
Larkin can mean ‘fierce’ and reflects the powerful nature of ocean waves.
47. Galen
Galen means ‘calm’ or ‘peaceful’ in Greek, representing serene ocean moments.
48. Cordelia
With roots meaning ‘daughter of the sea’, Cordelia has a strong connection to ocean themes.
49. Seabrook
This name ties directly to the sea and indicates a home near its shores.
50. Poole
The name Poole can represent deep water, particularly pools or lagoons near the ocean.
51. Bennett
Bennett means ‘blessed’ and can symbolize the abundance of life in ocean ecosystems.
52. Waverly
This name signifies ‘meadow by the river’ but can also represent connections to ocean tides.
53. Fontaine
The surname Fontaine means ‘spring’ or ‘fountain’, reminiscent of ocean crests.
54. Thorne
Thorne can symbolize a thorny shrub by the water, offering hints at coastal flora.
55. Barlow
Barlow means ‘field with barley’ but is often associated with coastal regions initiating from the sea.
56. Dorian
This name can mean ‘of the sea’ in certain contexts, connecting it directly to ocean themes.
57. Keegan
Keegan translates to ‘son of the fire’, and fire can symbolize warmth provided by ocean currents.
58. Rhea
The name Rhea means ‘flowing’ or ‘river’, linking again to the way water leads to seas.
59. Marlowe
Marlowe relates to ‘drain’ which might suggest how landscapes connect to water sources including the ocean.
60. Salter
Salter refers to someone who works with salt, a direct connection to the ocean’s saline waters.
61. Seaman
This surname directly identifies someone who works at sea, reflecting the ocean’s influence on livelihoods.
62. Wylie
This name reflects love for water as it signifies ‘resolute protector near the sea’.
63. Dorsey
This Irish origin name means ‘from the seaside’, illustrating direct connections to ocean life.
64. Castor
The name Castor translates directly to ‘of the sea,’ linking its bearer to oceanic themes.
65. Shore
The name Shore means ‘the edge of the ocean’ and highlights its strong connection to maritime geography.
66. Croix
This French surname means ‘cross’, but often refers to water crossings in coastal areas.
67. Blythe
Blythe means ‘happy’, often drawing connections to joyous experiences by the ocean.
68. Regan
Regan signifies ‘king’ and can represent those who rule over waters.
69. Yvan
This name means ‘the sea’ in Hebrew, establishing a clear connection with oceanic themes.
70. Waters
Waters is a straightforward surname that is deeply tied to the ocean and its many facets.
71. Bainbridge
The name Bainbridge translates to ‘bridge by the river’, indirectly linking to the sea.
72. Firth
This Scottish surname refers to an inlet of the sea, highlighting coastal geography.
73. Dalton
Dalton relates to ‘valley town’ but can symbolize areas where rivers meet oceans.
74. Calder
Calder is a name that can mean ‘rocky water’ or ‘channel’, relating to ocean environments.
75. Maier
This name means ‘to grow’ or ‘to flourish’, symbolizing life abundant in our oceans.
76. Bay
The name Bay reflects areas where the land meets the ocean, symbolizing transition and nature’s harmony.
77. Oaken
Oaken denotes strength, often referencing trees that grow near rivers leading to the sea.
78. Glaiser
Glaiser refers to a ‘ice glazier’, linking with how cold waters flow into oceans.
79. Muldoon
This name implies ‘stormy sea’ or turbulent waters, emphasizing the ocean’s ferocity.
80. Calderwood
Calderwood represents water flowing through the woods, showing a seamless connection with a natural and oceanic environment.
81. Delaney
Delaney means ‘the dark river’, connecting waterways to oceanic depths.
82. Hyndman
This name means ‘from by the river’ and alludes to coastal regions leading to the ocean.
83. Tully
Tully translates to ‘peaceful’ and can describe calm waters found within oceans.
84. Crossan
This name refers to water crossings or paths that lead to the ocean.
85. Halstead
Halstead means ‘heath covered place’, which can represent coastal flora near the sea.
86. Oswald
Oswald denotes ‘god’s power’, linking it to the mysteries and majesty of the ocean.
87. Fairbanks
Fairbanks signifies ‘pleasant stream’, indirectly referring to bodies of water leading to the ocean.
88. Rivers
This name embodies flow and water connections, often leading to the ocean.
89. Smyth
Smyth reflects craftsmanship typically tied to boat-making and maritime activities.
90. Holtz
Holtz, meaning ‘hollow’, connects to the depths of the ocean.
91. Weller
This surname stands for ‘wetland’, tying back to the vibrant ecosystems near oceans.
92. Mariner
Mariner directly refers to people who navigate the sea, ideal for lovers of ocean themes.
93. Auston
Auston can mean ‘majestic’, resonating with the grandeur of the ocean.
94. Coyle
Coyle refers to ‘victorious’ and symbolizes triumph over turbulent ocean waters.
95. Peirce
This surname links to ‘rock’ or ‘stone’ found near oceans, emphasizing coastal geology.
96. Marshall
This name can imply someone who manages the shore and ocean, connecting it directly to maritime themes.
97. Sayer
Sayer means ‘to say’ or ‘to speak’, alluding to stories told by the wisdom of the ocean.
98. Burke
Burke is often interpreted as ‘fortress’ and can metaphorically represent strongholds near the sea.
99. Niles
Niles conveys ‘from the Nile’, drawing parallels to famous rivers that flow into oceans.
100. March
March signifies ‘border’, connecting land and sea boundaries.
101. Bayless
The name Bayless refers to someone who lives by a bay or inlet, bringing forth ocean connections.
102. Petty
This surname signifies ‘little’, often referring to smaller bodies of water that flow from or to oceans.
103. Spring
This refers to ‘freshwater’ which can flow into the sea, illustrating interconnections.
104. Wells
This surname indicates sources of freshwater which can feed rivers leading to the ocean.
105. Moore
Moore means ‘wet land’, symbolically connecting it to marshes near the ocean.
106. Scarborough
This name refers to a town by the sea, clearly linking to coastal themes.
107. Frasier
Frasier means ‘of the fresh waters’, signifying environments that often flow into oceans.
108. Wainwright
This name can represent someone who builds boats, ensuring a direct link to ocean navigation.
109. Waters
Waters signifies bodies of water, highlighting connections to the ocean.
110. Fordham
Fordham translates as ‘homestead by the ford’, highlighting the relationship between rivers and the ocean.
111. Langston
This name means ‘long stone’, which can bring about imagery of rocks along the seaside.
112. Narrows
This surname can relate to narrow water passages leading to larger ocean bodies.
113. Romney
This name relates to regions near water bodies, often hinting at coastal life.
114. Carrington
This name signifies a ‘dweller by the marsh’, which can connect to oceanic ecosystems.
115. Short
The surname Short can symbolize coastal shelves leading to deeper ocean waters.
116. Brighton
This name means ‘bright town’ which is often found near coastal regions.
117. Calhoun
Calhoun signifies ‘narrow waterway’, connecting it directly to ocean routes.
118. Cook
This surname represents someone who prepares food, often linking back to the sea for fresh seafood.
119. Saxon
Saxon can symbolize ‘one who sails’, connecting directly to ocean themes.
120. Conner
This name means ‘lover of hounds’, often leading back to characters who navigate coastal regions for hunting.
121. Langley
Langley means ‘long meadow’, often referring to flatlands near the shores.
122. Chisholm
The meaning of this Scottish name refers to ‘little grassland by water’, emphasizing the water connections.
123. Cherem
This name means ‘to sing’ and reflects the sounds associated with the waves of the ocean.
124. Lindholm
This Swedish surname means ‘lime island’, connecting it to features often found on ocean coasts.
125. Depot
This name references a place where ships arrive, linking back to the ocean.
126. Rivers
Rivers symbolize flow, often leading effortlessly to the expansive ocean.
127. Waterford
This name translates to ‘river crossing’ and signifies an important geographical connection to the ocean.
128. Marship
This surname conveys a meaning of navigation over sea, emphasizing maritime skills.
129. Seatle
Seatle can symbolize a ‘seat at the shore’, linking to oceanic experiences.
130. Wainwright
This name indicates someone who creates boats, weaving a direct connection to ocean exploration.
131. Pearl
This beautiful name directly connects to treasures found within the ocean, reflecting its depths.
132. O’Boyle
O’Boyle means ‘descendant of the warrior’, which correlates with seafaring legends.
133. Wolfe
This name signifies strength, closest to the ocean currents and rugged coastlines.
134. Abbot
Abbot refers to a leader, often associated with those who guide on the sea.
135. Eastwood
This name refers to a wooded area, possibly within regions close to coastal landscapes.
136. Weller
Weller refers to someone who lives by a well, tying it to sources of freshwater meeting the sea.
137. Shell
This name connects directly to marine life, highlighting ocean treasures.
138. Kelsey
Kelsey means ‘from the island’, interweaving it with ocean narratives.
139. Lund
This Scandinavian name refers to a small grove, often near coastal areas intertwined with the ocean.
140. Glenister
This name means ‘gleam’ or ‘sparkle’, reminiscent of sunlight glimmering on ocean waves.
141. Horne
This surname translates to ‘horn’, likened to coastal cliffs along the ocean.
142. Rodriquez
This Spanish surname means ‘son of Rodrick’ but can resonate with those connected to coastal lineages.
143. Harry
Harry means ‘army ruler’, suggesting ties to those who guard coastal fronts.
144. Fairbanks
This name implies a ‘pleasant boundary’ near water bodies connected to the ocean.
145. Dorr
Dorr can mean ‘spear’ referring to fishing, a common ocean activity.
146. Cavanagh
Cavanagh means ‘battle’, linking it to maritime conflicts associated with the sea.
147. Rudd
This name connects to river fish, highlighting natural feeding grounds reaching the ocean.
148. Kelpie
The name Kelpie comes from a water spirit, emphasizing mystery within the ocean.
149. Trillium
This name signifies a flower but can symbolize beauty often found on ocean beaches.
150. Huc
The name Huc can represent waters, affirming its connection to seas and currents.
Final Thoughts
Last names that mean ocean connect us to the vast waters that cover our planet. Each name tells a story, bringing forth the rich history of maritime cultures and landscapes. They reflect different aspects of the sea, from tranquility to the challenges of navigation and adventure. Exploring these names not only enhances our understanding of family heritage but also instills a greater appreciation for the oceans. If you’re interested in learning more about ocean-related names or even exploring similar themes, you can delve into names that mean sea or ocean or check out some Japanese names that feature oceanic meanings.
We hope you find the perfect name or new insights in your journey! Take a moment to explore the deep connections between names and the rich traditions behind them.