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Last update: April 3, 2024

100+ Famous Fish Names For Your Aquatic Friends

Picking a name for your pet can be tricky. There are so many options out there, whether you’re looking for something cute, badass, or funny. 

If you’re like me – you just got a pet fish (or you’re planning to), and you’re thinking of a name deserving of an underwater companion, you’re in the right place. After all, I just curated a list of famous fish names, and I’m sure you’d find your perfect choice here.  

You will also like our other lists of the most sought fish names for your aquatic companions:

Famous Fish Names For Girls

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Female fish names can range from elegant and classic to quirky and unique. Choosing a name for your female fish can be inspired by famous characters, nature, or even their distinctive colors and traits. Your fish is one-of-a-kind, and her name should be too.

Explore famous names that make a splash! Here’s a list of 50 renowned fish names for girls, along with their meanings:

1. Ariel – Inspired by the mermaid princess in “The Little Mermaid”.

2. Coral – After the beautiful sea structure.

3. Pearl – Symbolizes something precious and rare.

4. Marina – Relating to the sea.

5. Dory – From the forgetful blue fish in “Finding Nemo.”

6. Bubbles – For a fish who loves to make bubbles.

7. Misty – Like the mist of the sea.

8. Nixie – A water sprite.

9. Luna – Representing the moon’s reflection on water.

10. Willow – After the graceful willow tree, symbolizing fluidity.

11. Oceana – Signifying the vast ocean.

12. Aqua – Relating to water.

13. Cleo – The famous goldfish in “Pinocchio.”

14. Daisy – A cheerful and common flower.

15. Sapphire – For a fish with brilliant blue colors.

16. Crystal – Clear and beautiful, like water.

17. Angel – Perfect for a gentle and serene fish.

18. Sandy – After the sandy beaches.

19. Ivy – A plant that symbolizes fidelity and eternity.

20. Fiona – Meaning fair or white, perfect for a light-colored fish.

21. Rainbow – Ideal for a fish with vibrant colors.

22. Lily – After the water lily, elegant and peaceful.

23. Jewel – For a treasured fish.

24. Zara – Meaning princess or to blossom.

25. Morgan – Meaning sea-born.

26. Misty – A name that evokes a sense of mystery and grace.

27. Opal – A gemstone with vibrant, iridescent colors.

28. Serena – Signifying tranquility and serenity.

29. Nori – A type of seaweed. It’s a great name for a green fish.

30. Bella – Meaning beautiful.

31. Ripple – For a fish that loves to swim energetically.

32. Star – For a fish that shines in your aquarium.

33. Ginger – Perfect for a fish with a reddish hue.

34. Zelda – A name with a sense of mystery and magic.

35. Pebbles – After the small stones found in the bottom of tanks.

36. Harmony – Signifying balance and peace.

37. Skye – Like the sky reflected on the water’s surface.

38. Nina – Meaning little girl or dreamer.

39. Ruby – For a fish with a striking red color.

40. Emerald – Perfect for a fish with lush green scales.

41. Maya – Meaning illusion or magic.

42. Iris – A beautiful flower and symbol of hope.

43. Velvet – For a fish with a smooth, luxurious appearance.

44. Amber – A warm, golden color, great for a similar-hued fish.

45. Tara – Meaning star, suitable for a shining fish.

46. Flora – After the plant life in an aquarium.

47. Sunny – For a bright and cheerful fish.

48. Coco – A fun, playful name.

49. Rosie – For a fish with a pinkish hue.

50. Bliss – For a fish that brings pure joy.

Famous Fish Names for Boys

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Sometimes, the best fish names come from movies and cartoons, bringing a dash of fun and laughter to your aquarium. 

Choosing a name for your male fish can be a nod to their strength, personality, or simply something that brings a smile to your face. Here are 50 famous fish names for boys, each with its own unique meaning:

1. Marlin – After the strong fish and Nemo’s dad in “Finding Nemo”.

2. Nemo – The adventurous clownfish.

3. Triton – Named after the Greek god of the sea.

4. Finn – Representing the fish’s fin, but also a fun, casual name.

5. Oscar – Perfect for a fish with a bold personality.

6. Gill – A part of the fish, but also a strong, masculine name.

7. Poseidon – After the Greek god of the oceans.

8. Captain – For a fish that seems to be in charge.

9. Spike – Great for a fish with spiky features.

10. Titan – Signifying strength and power.

11. Zephyr – Meaning a gentle, west wind.

12. Storm – For a fish with a dynamic, energetic personality.

13. Atlas – After the Greek Titan known for holding up the sky.

14. Buddy – For your friendly aquatic companion.

15. Shadow – Perfect for a darker-colored fish.

16. Blaze – For a fish with fiery colors or spirit.

17. Duke – A noble title, suitable for a dignified fish.

18. Moby – Inspired by the famous whale in literature.

19. Jet – For a fast-swimming fish.

20. Thor – After the Norse god of thunder.

21. Ace – Signifying excellence and skill.

22. Spartan – For a strong and courageous fish.

23. Rex – Meaning king, suitable for a regal fish.

24. Hunter – Great for a fish with predatory instincts.

25. Hulk – For a large and imposing fish.

26. Maverick – A name for an independent, unconventional fish.

27. Romeo – For a charming, romantic fish.

28. Orion – After the hunter constellation.

29. Samson – A name signifying strength.

30. Zane – Meaning God’s gracious gift.

31. Flash – Perfect for a fast and vibrant fish.

32. Phoenix – A symbol of rebirth and renewal.

33. Rocky – For a strong, resilient fish.

34. Blue – Ideal for a fish with stunning blue scales.

35. Viking – A nod to the explorers of the sea.

36. Leo – Meaning lion, for a brave fish.

37. Rusty – Suitable for a fish with a reddish-brown hue.

38. King – For the ruler of your aquarium.

39. Knight – A title for a brave and noble fish.

40. Neo – Meaning new, perfect for a recent addition.

41. Jasper – A gemstone, suitable for a precious fish.

42. Draco – Meaning dragon, for a fierce-looking fish.

43. Zorro – After the dashing fictional hero.

44. Elvis – For a fish with a rockstar personality.

45. Milo – A friendly, approachable name.

46. Wizard – For a fish with a magical presence.

47. Echo – A name that resonates and stands out.

48. Ninja – Perfect for a stealthy, agile fish.

49. Zeus – After the king of the Greek gods.

50. Jett – Signifying speed and agility.

Popular Famous Fish Names

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Some fish names have gained popularity due to their appeal, ease of pronunciation, or cultural references. You can even get some great ideas from your favorite books, TV shows, or games! Here are 20 of the most popular and fascinating famous fish names:

1. Bubbles

2. Goldie

3. Sunny

4. Splash

5. Blue

6. Nemo

7. Finn

8. Shadow

9. Marlin

10. Coral

11. Dory

12. Pearl

13. Flash

14. Ocean

15. River

16. Spike

17. Star

18. Tango

19. Ziggy

20. Misty

Funny Famous Fish Names

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Choosing a humorous name for your fish can add an extra layer of enjoyment to your fishkeeping experience. Sometimes, a funny name just pops into your head when you look at your fish! Here are 20 funny famous fish names that are sure to bring a smile to your face:

1. Sushi – A playful nod to the popular cuisine.

2. Fish Stick – For a small, slender fish.

3. Gillbert – A fishy twist on the name Gilbert.

4. Fin Diesel – After the famous actor, with a finny twist.

5. Swim Shady – A humorous take on the rapper’s name.

6. Aquaman – For a heroic and strong fish.

7. Bob – Simple and humorous, especially for  a fish that bobs around.

8. Captain Hook – A nautical-themed, playful name.

9. Flounder – After the character in “The Little Mermaid”, and the type of fish.

10. Kraken – For a fish with a larger-than-life personality.

11. McFish – A fast-food-inspired, fun name.

12. Nibbles – For a fish that likes to nibble at food or plants.

13. Puddle – A lighthearted, diminutive name.

14. Squirt – Perfect for a small, active fish.

15. Swimmy – A straightforward, cute name.

16. Wanda – A play on words from “A Fish Called Wanda”.

17. Wave – For a fish that loves to swim with vigor.

18. Wet Willy – A playful and whimsical name.

19. Floaty – For a fish that enjoys floating around.

20. Zippy – Perfect for a fast-moving fish.

Unique Famous Fish Names

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Does your fish have a funny color, a big fin, or a silly way of swimming? Its name can show that! If you’re looking for a name that stands out from the crowd, consider these 20 unique fish names. Each name is distinctive and can reflect the individual personality of your fish:

1. Azure – For a beautiful blue fish.

2. Caspian – After the Caspian Sea, for a majestic fish.

3. Electra – A name that sparks energy and vibrancy.

4. Galaxy – For a fish with a star-like speckled pattern.

5. Halcyon – Signifying peace and tranquility.

6. Ink – Perfect for a dark-colored fish.

7. Jade – After the precious green stone, suitable for a greenish fish.

8. Kai – Meaning sea in Hawaiian.

9. Lazuli – After the gemstone Lapis Lazuli, perfect for a blue fish.

10. Mystic – For a fish with an enigmatic presence.

11. Nebula – For a fish with a celestial quality.

12. Orca – A nod to the majestic killer whale.

13. Phoenix – For a fish with fiery colors or a strong spirit.

14. Quartz – After the mineral, suitable for a fish with a crystal-like appearance.

15. Rhapsody – For a fish that brings joy and music to your life.

16. Saga – For a fish with a personality that tells a story.

17. Tide – For a fish that moves with the flow of water.

18. Umbra – Meaning shadow, perfect for a darker fish.

19. Vortex – For a fish that loves to swirl around.

20. Whirlpool – For a fish with a dynamic swimming style.

Fictional Famous Fish Names

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Fictional characters from books, movies, and mythology can provide excellent inspiration for naming your fish. Fish names can be funny, or cool, or you can even name your fish after your favorite foods! Here are 20 fictional famous fish names for your aquatic pets:

1. Ahab – After the captain from “Moby Dick”.

2. Calypso – From the sea nymph in Greek mythology.

3. Dumbledore – Inspired by the character in “Harry Potter.”

4. Eragon – After the protagonist in “Eragon”.

5. Frodo – From “The Lord of the Rings” series.

6. Gandalf – Another character from “The Lord of the Rings”.

7. Hermione – After the brilliant witch in “Harry Potter.”

8. Icarus – A character from Greek mythology.

9. Jabberwocky – From Lewis Carroll’s poem.

10. Katniss – The heroine from “The Hunger Games”.

11. Legolas – The elf from “The Lord of the Rings”.

12. Merlin – The famous wizard from Arthurian legend.

13. Nyx – The Greek goddess of the night.

14. Odin – The all-father of Norse mythology.

15. Pippin – A character from “The Lord of the Rings”.

16. Quirrell – A character from “Harry Potter.”

17. Ripley – The protagonist in the “Alien” series.

18. Saruman – A character from “The Lord of the Rings”.

19. Triton – The merman god in Greek mythology.

20. Ursula – The sea witch from “The Little Mermaid”.

Creative Famous Fish Names

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Think about your fish’s color, pattern, or how they swim; this can give you lots of name ideas. If you’re looking to get creative with their fish naming, here are 20 suggestions that are sure to capture your imagination:

1. Aurora – After the natural phenomenon of the Northern Lights.

2. Borealis – A continuation of the Northern Lights theme.

3. Cosmo – Signifying the universe and its vastness.

4. Dazzle – Perfect for a fish with a sparkling appearance.

5. Echo – For a fish whose personality resonates in the tank.

6. Flare – For a fish with a fiery, bright presence.

7. Glacier – For a calm, cool-colored fish.

8. Horizon – Signifying the meeting of water and sky.

9. Illumina – For a fish that brings light to your aquarium.

10. Jubilee – For a fish that’s always celebrating.

11. Kaleido – Short for kaleidoscope, perfect for a colorful fish.

12. Luminara – For a fish that glows with beauty.

13. Mirage – For a fish with a mystical, elusive presence.

14. Nirvana – Signifying a state of perfect happiness.

15. Orbit – For a fish that moves like it’s circling the tank.

16. Pandora – After the mythical box of secrets and wonders.

17. Quantum – For a small fish with a big impact.

18. Radium – For a fish with a radiant personality.

19. Solaris – After the sun, for a bright and radiant fish.

20. Twilight – For a fish that shines in the dim aquarium light.

How To Name Your Fish 

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Yellow Corydoras

If your fish has spots, stripes, or a sparkly color, it can be a great idea for a special name. Choosing the perfect name for your blue companion from the aquatic world can be both fun and daunting. 

If you’re seeking a splash of inspiration, consider names derived from their physical attributes, such as Gill or Finn, reflecting parts of fish anatomy. Look to the specific species of your fish for a name that speaks to its unique identity.

Think about all the neat things that make your fish special.

  • What color is your fish? Is it bright orange like a goldfish, or maybe black and white like a zebra?
  • Does it have any cool patterns? Some fish have stripes, spots, or even spangles!
  • Does your fish have anything else interesting? Maybe it has long fins that flow in the water or a funny way of swimming!

Once you’ve thought about these things, you can pick a name that matches your fish personality.

Navigating the Sea of Names

Embarking on the journey of pet ownership brings joy and the exciting challenge of naming. Getting a new pet feels like having a new friend join your family, and a special name makes them feel like part of the crew. 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. Think of how often you’ll say your fish’s name when you call them, give them treats, or introduce them to new people.

2. Seek Far and Wide for Inspiration: 

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Blue acara (Andinoacara pulcher) in a aquarium

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. For example, perhaps your goldfish is always looking hungry. You could call it something really quirky, like Gobbles or Snacky.

3. Unique Stories Lead to Unique Names: 

Has your fish’s arrival into your life been nothing short of a storybook tale? Have you waited a long time to get a fish or had to search hard to find the perfect one? 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 touch of narrative to your fish’s identity.

4. The Charm Factor: 

Does your fish like to hide in silly places or chase its tail? Let the name reflect the Funnyness 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.

5. The Name Trial: 

Test out your favorite names to see how they feel when called out loud. You might even pretend to call your fish for dinner or play to see how the name sounds. Feedback from friends and family can be invaluable in gauging the fit of a name.

6. A Collective Brainstorm:

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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. Sometimes, hearing what other people think can give you a whole new idea for the perfect name. Collaboration can spark the perfect name.

7. Revitalize Common Names: 

Give a twist to a common name by adding a title or modifying it slightly to refresh its appeal. “Ms. Nemo” can offer a new take on a classic name. Or, changing a name like “Spot” to “Spotty” can make it feel extra special for your fish!

8. For the School of Fish:

When naming multiple fish, consider themes, pairings, or group names that reflect their collective identity. You could name all your fish after colors, types of food, or even characters from the book you love most. Drawing inspiration from previous pets can also connect generations of your aquatic family.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have questions about fish names? You’ve come to the right place! This section has the answers you need.

What Is the Name of the King of Fish?

The king of fish is the Salmon. Salmon are big and strong fish that swim upstream to lay their eggs. They have silvery scales and are famous for their tasty, pink flesh. 

Which Fish Is Known as Queen?

The Queen of fish is the Angelfish. Angelfish are colorful and graceful swimmers found in tropical waters. They have vibrant patterns and long, flowing fins.

Which Fish Is Royal Fidget?

The royal fidget is the Clownfish. With their bright orange bodies and white stripes, clownfish are easy to see. They love to zoom around and are always on the move! Clownfish live in wiggly sea flowers called anemones, which makes them very special. 

Final Thoughts

Picking the perfect name for your fish can be fun!  This article gave you lots of ideas to choose from, such as names inspired by famous fish like Nemo and Dory and funny names like Sushi or  Captain Hook. There are even ideas for names that describe your fish, like Sunny for a yellow fish or Shadow for a dark one. So, have fun picking the perfect name for your finny friend!

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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