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Last update: April 30, 2024

100+ Best Cool Fish Names – The Ultimate List

Did you know that there are over 32,000 known fish species worldwide? Now, visualize that you had the opportunity to name one; what would you call it? Something cool, right? Names carry a strong sense of identity, and just like humans, every fish deserves one that is unique and just for them.

So, instead of settling for generic names like Bubbles or Goldie, you want something that pops! But how do you find the perfect name for your aquatic pet? That’s where we come in. Our various categories of cool fish names can make all the difference. So don’t waste more time; let’s take a look.

You will also like our vast collection of other fish names for your finned pal:

Cool Fish Names For Girls

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A Yellow balloon molly fish

Naming your female fish can be a delightful task. Here are 50 cool names for your female fish and their meanings. While going through this list, keep in mind that a name can add a lot of personality to your finned friend.

1. Aqua – Water

2. Coral – Beautiful marine structures

3. Pearl – Precious stone from the sea

4. Marina – Of the sea

5. Nixie – Water sprite

6. Oceana – Ocean

7. Ripple – Small wave

8. Brook – Small stream

9. Luna – Moon, reflecting tranquility

10. Misty – Foggy, like a misty tank

11. Sapphire – Blue gemstone

12. Bubbles – Playful, bubbly personality

13. Glimmer – Sparkling light

14. Marigold – Golden flower, vibrant

15. Daisy – Cheerful and bright

16. Iris – Rainbow, colorful

17. Willow – Graceful

18. Fern – Nature-inspired, greenery

19. Violet – Purple flower, delicate

20. Lily – Purity, beauty

21. Opal – Gemstone with fiery colors

22. Amber – Fossilized tree resin, golden

23. Crystal – Clear, bright

24. Jade – Green gemstone, luck

25. Skye – The sky, vastness

26. Ruby – Red gemstone, precious

27. Angel – Pure, kind

28. Star – Twinkling light

29. Ivy – Evergreen, fidelity

30. Azura – Blue sky

31. Meadow – Field, nature

32. Echo – Reverberating sound

33. Aurora – Dawn, new beginnings

34. Rain – Refreshing, life-giving

35. Celeste – Heavenly

36. Pebble – Small stone, simplicity

37. Terra – Earth, grounding

38. Zephyr – Gentle breeze

39. Harmony – Balance, peace

40. Lagoon – Shallow body of water

41. Misty – Hazy, ethereal

42. Nova – New star, bright

43. Sierra – Mountain range, strength

44. Flora – Flower, nature

45. Cleo – Pride, fame

46. Wren – Small, active bird

47. Ariel – Lion of God, also a mermaid

48. Gale – Strong wind

49. Sol – Sun, radiant

50. Cassiopeia – Constellation, queenly

 Cool Fish Names for Boys

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The paradise fish

This section contains a collection of cool names that are fitting for your male pet fish, whether he is as swift as a shark or calm as a goldfish. Each name will showcase his unique charm.

1. Finn – Fair, light

2. Marlin – A type of fish

3. Wave – Ocean wave

4. Tide – Rising and falling of the sea

5. Neptune – Roman god of the sea

6. Splash – Water sound

7. Blue – The color of the sea

8. Storm – Turbulent weather

9. River – Flowing body of water

10. Ocean – Large sea

11. Zephyr – Gentle wind

12. Reef – Underwater ecosystem

13. Squirt – Small stream of water

14. Shadow – Dark area, mystery

15. Jet – Stream of water, speed

16. Dune – Sandhill, desert-like

17. Pirate – Adventurous, free-spirited

18. Moby – Large, whale-inspired

19. Drift – Floating along

20. Blaze – Flame, passion

21. Titan – Large, powerful

22. Hunter – Searching, exploring

23. Flint – Hard quartz

24. Rocky – Strong, unyielding

25. Orion – Hunter constellation

26. Flash – Sudden light

27. Maverick – Independent, unorthodox

28. Phoenix – Mythical reborn bird

29. Spike – Pointed object, sharp

30. Bolt – Fast, lightning-like

31. Thor – God of thunder

32. Gale – Strong wind

33. Summit – Highest point

34. Rusty – Weathered, enduring

35. Canyon – Deep ravine

36. Blizzard – Snowstorm, fierce

37. Nimbus – Rain cloud

38. Vortex – Whirling force

39. Cedar – Strong tree

40. Glacier – Slow-moving ice

41. Axel – Peaceful father of peace

42. Atlas – Carries the world

43. Comet – Celestial object

44. Rider – Traveller, explorer

45. Zulu – Tribal, strong

46. Jupiter – Largest planet, mighty

47. Rex – King, regal

48. Sirius – The brightest star

49. Leo – Lion, brave

50. Hawk – Bird of prey, sharp

Popular and Cool Fish Names

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Red devil cichlid (Amphilophus labiatus)

Many fish owners need clarification about what cool and trendy name to give their pet fish that would surely make waves. Here are 20 of the most popular and fascinating cool fish names. 

1. Nemo – Famous clownfish

2. Dory – Forgetful blue fish

3. Goldie – Classic goldfish name

4. Bubbles – Playful, bubbly

5. Flash – Fast, bright

6. Sushi – Fun, food-inspired

7. Splash – Energetic, water-themed

8. Blue – Color, calmness

9. Finley – Fair-haired hero

10. Moby – Large, whale-like

11. Gill – Essential fish part

12. Casper – Friendly, ghost-like

13. Jaws – Powerful, shark-inspired

14. Wave – Oceanic, flowing

15. Marina – Of the sea

16. Pearl – Precious, beautiful

17. Shadow – Mysterious, dark

18. Sunny – Bright, cheerful

19. Coral – Marine beauty

20. Flipper – Playful, dolphin-like

Funny and Cool Fish Names

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Goldfish of the Shubunkin london breed in aquarium

Choose a funny name for your fish to add a touch of humor to your aquarium. This is because even a fish likes a good laugh, and to put a smile on your face, here’s a fish joke: Why don’t fish play basketball? Because they are scared of the net.

With that said, here are 20 funny and cool fish names:

1. Swim Shady – Play on famous rapper

2. Fin Diesel – Action star with a twist

3. Fishgerald – Literary, witty

4. Gillbert – Playful, quirky

5. Baitoven – Musical, humorous

6. Aquafina – Water brand pun

7. Squish – Soft, squishy

8. Floaty McFloatface – Internet meme-inspired

9. Finneas – Clever, artistic

10. Kraken – Mythical sea monster

11. Wanda – ‘Wonder’ with a twist

12. Swimmy Fallon – Late-night host pun

13. Fish Fieri – Celebrity chef-inspired

14. Puddles – Small water body, cute

15. Fish and Chips – Classic food pair

16. Marlin Monroe – Iconic star with a twist

17. Clammy Davis Jr. – Entertainer, punny

18. Golda My Fish – Political, clever

19. Watermelon – Fruitful, fun

20. Salmon Cowell – TV personality pun

Unique and Cool Fish Names

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bristle-tail filefish

When naming your finned pet, don’t settle for the ordinary; dare to be different and go for the extraordinary. So, for those seeking something different, here are 20 unique cool fish names:

1. Abyss – Deep sea mystery

2. Zephyr – Gentle breeze

3. Electra – Bright, shining

4. Halcyon – Peaceful, calm

5. Io – Jupiter’s moon

6. Kai – Sea in Hawaiian

7. Lyra – Musical, constellation

8. Mystic – Enigmatic, magical

9. Nova – New star

10. Orion – Constellation, hunter

11. Phoenix – Rebirth, mythical bird

12. Quasar – Celestial object

13. Rune – Mysterious symbol

14. Serenity – Peaceful, calm

15. Triton – Sea god, Neptune’s moon

16. Ursa – Bear, constellation

17. Vega – The brightest star in Lyra

18. Wisp – Light, delicate

19. Xanadu – Idyllic place

20. Yara – Water lady, myth

Fictional and Cool Fish Names

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Longfin Bristle nose Pleco (Ancistrus cirrhosus)

Draw inspiration from fictional characters for your fish’s name. Consider the name “Moana,” the heroine in the Disney hit, which arouses interest in the mysteries of the deep. Let your fish name tell a story.

1. Ariel – The Little Mermaid

2. Poseidon – God of the sea

3. Aquaman – Superhero

4. Calypso – Sea nymph

5. Davy Jones – Legendary pirate

6. Triton – Merman, Ariel’s father

7. Moana – Ocean adventurer

8. Kai – Moana’s companion

9. Lorelei – Siren, enchanting

10. Nixie – Water sprite

11. Orinoco – Enigmatic character

12. Pisces – Zodiac, mystical

13. Quint – Jaws character

14. Ripley – Alien’s strong protagonist

15. Siren – Mythical, enticing

16. Tiamat – Dragon, mythical

17. Ulysses – Epic hero

18. Vulcan – Roman god of fire

19. Watson – Intelligent, resourceful

20. Xena – Warrior princess

Famous and Cool Fish Names

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Pearl Danio

Visualize your fish as stars dominating the aquatic world. As such, you must give them names that mirror their status. Here are 20 famous fish names inspired by celebrities and well-known figures:

1. Einstein – Genius, intelligent

2. Monet – Artistic, impressionist

3. Beethoven – Musical, profound

4. Cleopatra – Royal, powerful

5. Darwin – Evolutionary, naturalist

6. Freud – Thoughtful, analytical

7. Galileo – Scientific, revolutionary

8. Hemingway – Literary, adventurous

9. Isadora – Dance, freedom

10. Joplin – Musical, soulful

11. Kahlo – Artistic, unique

12. Leonardo – Renaissance, versatile

13. Mozart – Classical, genius

14. Nightingale – Caregiver, pioneering

15. Orwell – Political, visionary

16. Picasso – Innovative, artist

17. Queenie – Regal, commanding

18. Roosevelt – Leader, inspirational

19. Shakespeare – Literary, timeless

20. Tesla – Inventor, electric

Creative and Cool Fish Names

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New Guinea Red Rainbowfish

Many creative minds are looking for beautiful and meaningful names for their aquatic friends; if you are such a person, your search is over. For the creatively inclined, here are 20 creative fish names:

1. Alchemy – Transformation, magic

2. Bohemian – Artistic, unconventional

3. Cosmos – Universe, infinite

4. Dreamer – Idealistic, visionary

5. Enigma – Mysterious, puzzling

6. Fable – Story, myth

7. Graffiti – Urban art, expressive

8. Halo – Divine aura, light

9. Illuminati – Enlightened, secretive

10. Jazz – Musical, improvisational

11. Kaleidoscope – Colorful, changing

12. Labyrinth – Complex, maze

13. Mirage – Illusion, deceptive

14. Nebula – Cloud, space

15. Odyssey – Epic journey

16. Pixel – Digital, minute

17. Quill – Writing, elegant

18. Rhapsody – Music, passion

19. Spectrum – Range, diversity

20. Twilight – Dusk, mysterious

Whether you’re looking for a feminine, masculine, popular, funny, unique, fictional, famous, or creative name, this comprehensive list has you covered. Happy fish naming!

How To Name Your Fish 

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Tropical gourami fish trichogaster in aquarium

Choosing the perfect name for your blue companion from the aquatic world can be fun and daunting. If you’re seeking inspiration, consider names derived from their physical attributes, such as Gill or Finn, which reflect parts of fish anatomy. Look to the specific species of your fish for a name that speaks to its unique identity.

Expand your horizon by considering your fish’s color, patterns, and unique characteristics. Names that highlight these aspects can add a personal touch and make your fish’s name special.

As an alternative, you could look into books of mythology or pop culture for a name that adds a layer of intrigue and profundity to your fish’s persona.

Navigating the Sea of Names

Embarking on the journey of pet ownership brings joy and the exciting challenge of naming. As such, one must consider their unique characteristics and interests to find a name that resonates with you. Here are some buoys to help you navigate through:

1. Simplicity is Key:

Opt for a name that flows off the tongue, preferably with one or two syllables. It should be memorable and easy for you to use comfortably. Additionally, giving your fish a simple name can help them recognize and respond to it quickly.

2. Seek Far and Wide for Inspiration: 

Your inspiration can come from anywhere – from baby name books to the unique personality traits of your fish. Is your fish an eager eater, or does it have a quirky swimming pattern? Naming them after these traits can be both meaningful and fun. Even considering your fish’s color, species, and size can result in a creative name for it.

3. Unique Stories Lead to Unique Names: 

Has your fish’s arrival into your life been nothing short of a storybook tale? Consider names that reflect this special journey. Names inspired by favorite movies or books, such as Dora, meaning “God’s gift,” or the beloved Nemo, can add a narrative touch to your fish’s identity.

As you consider that, remember that the best names often have a story behind them, making them more personal and memorable.

4. The Charm Factor: 

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rainbow cichlid or purple cichlid

Let the name reflect the Funniness and playfulness of your aquatic friend. However, don’t feel pressured to follow trends. A name with positive associations in literature or with a personal connection can be just as delightful. In all, the charm of a name lies in its ability to capture the personality of your finned friend.

5. The Name Trial: 

Test out your favorite names to see how they feel when called out loud. Feedback from friends and family can be invaluable in gauging the fit of a name. Additionally, pay attention to how your fish reacts to the name because their response indicates if you made the right choice.

6. A Collective Brainstorm: 

As the saying goes, if you’re stuck in a naming whirlpool, turn to your social circle or dive into online communities and forums for a sea of ideas. Collaboration can spark the perfect name. The ideal name for your pet is just a conversation away, so don’t hesitate to engage with others.

7. Revitalize Common Names: 

Give a twist to a familiar name by adding a title or modifying it slightly to refresh its appeal. “Ms. Nemo” can offer a new take on a classic name. Also, experimenting with various accents and languages can rejuvenate the most common names.

8. For the School of Fish:

When naming multiple fish, consider themes, pairings, or group names that reflect their collective identity. Drawing inspiration from previous pets can also connect generations of your aquatic family. On that note, you could choose from famous duos and trios to characters from your beloved stories.

Final Thoughts

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Choosing the best cool name for your fish is a delightful task that awaits every fish owner. So immerse yourself in this joyful activity, go through the various categories of names in our collection, and discover a name that showcases the charm of your aquatic friend.

A well-chosen name can enhance your bond with your fish, making every interaction more enjoyable and memorable. So, seize the moment, as the distance between the joyful experience you and your finned friend are about to experience is just a splash away!

Frequently Asked Questions

In this section are a few questions that many people want answers to.

What Are Some Cool Fish Names for a Pair or Group of Fish? 

If you have fish pets in pairs or groups, consider giving them names that complement each other. For instance, famous duos like “Bonnie and Clyde” or thematic names like “Sunshine” could work. 

How Can the Behavior of My Fish Inspire a Cool Name? 

Observing your fish’s behavior can usually provide unique naming ideas. For instance, if your fish is a fast swimmer, you can name it “Flash.” Conversely, if your fish likes to hide, you can name it “Shadow.”

Can I Name My Fish After a Famous Person? 

Of course, you can. Naming your fish after a famous person often adds a touch of humor and personality.

Ian Sterling

Ian Sterling, founder of Fishlab.com, began his aquarium journey over 30 years ago, driven by a deep fascination for fish and their diverse personalities. His website, Fishlab.com, is dedicated to making fishkeeping accessible and enjoyable, offering beginner-friendly guidance, expert insights, and a community for aquarists to connect and share experiences.

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