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Last update: April 3, 2024

100+ Best Rainbow Fish Names – The Ultimate Guide

Have you ever found yourself staring into your aquarium, wondering what on earth to name your rainbow fish? Should it be after their appearance? Or maybe something unique that matches their personality? Trust me, I’ve been there! Now, I’ve got a bunch of names that are as special and vibrant as these beautiful underwater creatures. Take a look!

You also don’t want to miss our other collections of most sought fish names:

Rainbow Fish Names For Girls

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Group Of Melanotaenia Australis, Rainbowfish Swimming In Aquarium Pool

Feminine names for rainbow fish often reflect their elegance and beauty. Think of the colors in a rainbow or the shimmer of a mermaid’s tail when choosing a name for your fish. Here are 50 names for your charming female fish, each carrying a unique meaning:

1. Aurora – Like the ethereal northern lights.

2. Marina – Evoking the beauty of the sea.

3. Opal – A gemstone with dazzling hues.

4. Pearl – Symbolizing purity and luster

5. Iris – A tribute to the rainbow.

6. Coral – Inspired by ocean wonders.

7. Luna – Capturing the mystique of the moon.

8. Bella – Italian for beautiful.

9. Sapphire – Resembling the deep blue sea.

10. Jewel – Precious and admired.

11. Celeste – Heavenly or celestial.

12. Sierra – Mountainous, evoking strength.

13. Violet – After the purple flower.

14. Ruby – Precious red gemstone.

15. Amber – Golden and warm, like the gem.

16. Skye – After the sky.

17. Azura – Blue, like the ocean.

18. Gemma – Meaning ‘gem’ or ‘jewel.’

19. Lily – Pure and elegant, like the flower.

20. Melody – Sweet-sounding, like her movements.

21. Misty – Soft and ethereal.

22. Nova – New or fresh, like a star.

23. Sunny – Bright and cheerful.

24. Cleo – Short for Cleopatra, regal and strong.

25. Dawn – The start of something new.

26. Echo – Reverberating sound, memorable.

27. Ivy – Strong and resilient, like the plant.

28. Jade – Signifying luck and purity.

29. Lola – Strong woman.

30. Maya – Illusion, mystical.

31. Nala – Successful and beloved.

32. Oceana – wide like the ocean.

33. Pebble – Small but significant.

34. Quinn – Wise and intelligent.

35. Raine – Like refreshing rain.

36. Star – Bright and captivating.

37. Tara – Star, fitting for a shining fish.

38. Uma – Tranquility and peace.

39. Venus – Beauty and love, after the goddess.

40. Wren – Small, yet lively and active.

41. Xena – Warrior, strong and fierce.

42. Yara – Small butterfly, delicate and beautiful.

43. Zelda – Battle maid, strong and brave.

44. Athena – Wise, like the goddess.

45. Brielle – God is my strength.

46. Cassie – Shining upon mankind.

47. Dahlia – Dignified, like the flower.

48. Elara – Joyful and bright.

49. Faye – Fairy, mystical, and enchanting.

50. Giselle – Pledge, representing commitment and care.

Rainbow Fish Names for Boys

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For the spirited male rainbow fish, names can reflect their boldness and character. Some male rainbow fish have bright, colorful fins that look like flames or stripes on a race car. Here are 50 names with their meanings you can give to your beautiful Rainbow fish:

1. Blaze – Signifying fiery spirit.

2. Finn – A playful nod to fish anatomy.

3. Marlin – After the ocean’s swift predator.

4. Nemo – The adventurous explorer.

5. Zephyr – Gentle like a sea breeze.

6. Ocean – Encompassing the large marine system.

7. Rio – Representing freedom like a river.

8. Sunny – For a fish that brightens your day.

9. Tide – Embodying strength and constancy.

10. Maverick – For the independent one.

11. Storm – Powerful and unbridled.

12. Atlas – After the titan bearing the heavens.

13. Comet – Fast and bright, like a celestial body.

14. Duke – Noble and regal.

15. Echo – Reflective and resonant.

16. Flint – Strong and sparking.

17. Gale – Strong like a sea storm.

18. Hawk – Majestic and sharp.

19. Ivan – God is gracious, a strong name.

20. Jasper – Treasured and colorful, like the stone.

21. Kai-Sea, in Hawaiian.

22. Lance – Strong as a knight’s lance.

23. Maximus – Greatest.

24. Nero – Strong, powerful.

25. Orion – After the mighty hunter constellation.

26. Phoenix – Symbolizing rebirth and immortality.

27. Quartz – Strong and unbreakable.

28. Rex – King, denoting leadership.

29. Spike – Spirited and lively.

30. Thor – Strong like the Norse god.

31. Ulysses – Brave, from Greek mythology.

32. Vulcan – God of fire, powerful and fierce.

33. Wade – To go through, like swimming.

34. Xander – Defender of men.

35. Yale – Old and venerable.

36. Zane – Gift from God, unique.

37. Ajax – Heroic and strong.

38. Bravo – Courageous and strong.

39. Cyrus – Sun, bright and shining.

40. Drake – Dragon, symbolizing strength.

41. Elton – Old town, steady and strong.

42. Felix – Lucky and successful.

43. Griffin – Mythical creature, strong and regal.

44. Hunter – Bold and adventurous.

45. Indigo – Deep and mysterious.

46. Jett – Quick and sleek.

47. Koda – Friend, companion.

48. Leo – Brave as a lion.

49. Milo – Gracious and beloved.

50. Nash – By the ash tree, steadfast.

Popular Rainbow Fish Names

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New Guinea Red Rainbowfish

Rainbow fish are truly mesmerizing! Coming in all the colors of the rainbow, it’s no surprise that people love to give them fun and peculiar names. Some people give fish names based on where they live, while others base them on their appearance and personalities. 

Whatever the case may be, here are some of the pretty names you can give to your beauiful fish:

1. Azure – Reflecting a deep blue sky.

2. Cobalt – Strong, deep blue hue.

3. Dazzle – Eye-catching and brilliant.

4. Ember – Glowing, warm, and vibrant.

5. Frost – Cool and sleek, like frost.

6. Glimmer – Softly shining and shimmering.

7. Harbor – Safe and calm, like a sheltered harbor.

8. Icicle – Reflective and crystal-like.

9. Jubilee – Celebration and joy.

10. Kaleido – Short for kaleidoscope, diverse and colorful.

11. Lagoon – Tranquil and beautiful, like a coastal lagoon.

12. Mystic – Enigmatic and magical.

13. Nebula – Mysterious and large, like a space cloud.

14. Oasis – Refreshing and life-giving.

15. Polaris – Bright and guiding, like the North Star.

16. Quiver – Nimble and quick, like an arrow.

17. Ripple – Gentle and calming, like water ripples.

18. Surge – Powerful and dynamic, like a wave.

19. Twilight – Mysterious time between day and night.

20. Vortex – Strong and swirling, commanding presence.

Funny Rainbow Fish Names

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Boeseman’s rainbowfish (Melanotaenia boesemani)

Sometimes, people prefer to give their pet fish names that make them laugh instead of generic or exotic ones. The name may be silly or a joke about the fish’s colors, but it’s precious to them. Here are the wacky names you can come up with for these colorful cuties:

1. Breeze – Light and airy, like a gentle wind.

2. Cascade – Flowing and vibrant, like a waterfall.

3. Dewdrop – Tiny and sparkling, like morning dew.

4. Eclipse – Mysterious and captivating.

5. Flurry – Quick and lively, like a snow flurry.

6. Garnet – Deep red and precious, like the gemstone.

7. Halcyon – Peaceful and calm, like tranquil seas.

8. Iris – Colorful and radiant, like a rainbow.

9. Journey – Adventurous and explorative.

10. Kraken – Mythical and mysterious sea creature.

11. Lotus – Pure and beautiful, like the flower.

12. Marble – Smooth and elegant.

13. Nectar – Sweet and life-giving.

14. Opaline – Multicolored and iridescent, like the gem.

15. Pebbles – Small, but full of character.

16. Quill – Delicate and fine, like a feather.

17. Reef – Strong and foundational, like coral reefs.

18. Sapphire – Brilliant blue, like the precious stone.

19. Triton – Powerful and regal, like the sea god.

20. Urchin – Quirky and distinctive, like the sea creature.

Unique Rainbow Fish Names

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Neon Rainbow Fish

Rainbow fish are like living rainbows in your tank! They come in all sorts of dazzling colors, and many aquatic enthusiasts love to give them names that are just as special. These names might not be the first thing that pops into your head, but they’re sure to stand out. The name may be inspired by a movie, a song, or even a yummy food!  

Are you curious to hear what one-of-a-kind names you can come up with for your rainbow fish? Let’s see the creative name ideas you can give to your amazing underwater friends:

1. Astra – Starry and celestial.

2. Brizo – Inspired by the sea goddess.

3. Cygnus – Majestic, like the constellation.

4. Dune – Reminiscent of windswept sands.

5. Eldorado – Mythical and full of riches.

6. Fable – Story-like and legendary.

7. Gobi – After the wide, mysterious desert.

8. Halo – Radiant and encircling light.

9. Inkwell – Deep and full of color.

10. Jasper – Varied and earthy, like the stone.

11. Kismet – Destiny, reflecting the fish’s unique path.

12. Lumin – Short for luminous, bright and shining.

13. Mosaic – Complex and artfully composed.

14. Nimbus – Resembling a cloud, soft and flowing.

15. Orbit – Moving gracefully, like a planet.

16. Pandora – Full of mystery and surprises.

17. Quasar – Distant and powerful cosmic phenomenon.

18. Rune – Mysterious and ancient symbols.

19. Seraph – Angelic and serene.

20. Tempest – Powerful and stormy, yet beautiful.

Fictional Rainbow Fish Names

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Dwarf rainbowfish Melanotaenia praecox in freshwater aquarium

From fantasy and lore, these names are perfect for your aquatic storytellers. Rainbow fish can be just as magical as a unicorn or a fairy, with their shimmering scales and graceful movements. Here are 20 fictional na, with their shimmering scales and graceful movements,mes inspired by various mythologies, fantasy, ah:

1. Avalon – Mystical island in Arthurian legend.

2. Calypso – Enchanting sea nymph in Greek mythology.

3. Draco – Dragon-like, strong and mythical.

4. Elfin – Small and magical, like an elf.

5. Fable – A name that evokes storytelling and myth.

6. Gandalf – Wise and powerful, from fantasy literature.

7. Hyperion – Titan of light in Greek mythology.

8. Ithaca – Homeward and mythical, from Greek lore.

9. Jinn – Mystical and magical, like the genie.

10. Krypton – Otherworldly, from comic lore.

11. Lorelei – Enchanting and alluring from German folklore.

12. Merlin – Legendary wizard and sage.

13. Narnia – Magical and mysterious, from literature.

14. Oberon – Majestic, from Shakespearean lore.

15. Pandora – Full of mystery and intrigue.

16. Quest – Adventurous and brave.

17. Rivendell – Serene and beautiful, from fantasy literature.

18. Starfire – Bright and powerful, cosmic.

19. Titania – Graceful and regal, from folklore.

20. Valinor – Enchanted and timeless, from mythology.

Famous Rainbow Fish Names

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Red Rainbow Fish

Rainbow fish are superstars in the fish tank! They come in different colors, just like fireworks. Some rainbow fish have names that are just as famous as they are! Maybe the names come from places they’re found in nature, or maybe they’re named after special people. 

Are you curious to learn the famous names some of these incredible fish share? Here are the most well-known rainbow fish names:

1. Apollo – After the Greek god of music and art.

2. Beethoven – Inspired by the famous composer.

3. Cleopatra – Named for the powerful Egyptian queen.

4. Da Vinci – A tribute to the Renaissance genius.

5. Einstein – After the renowned physicist.

6. Frida – Inspired by the iconic artist Frida Kahlo.

7. Galileo – Named for the pioneering astronomer.

8. Hemingway – After the celebrated author.

9. Isadora – Inspired by Isadora Duncan, the famous dancer.

10. Jules – After Jules Verne, the father of science fiction.

11. Kahlo – Honoring the artist Frida Kahlo.

12. Lennon – Named after John Lennon of The Beatles.

13. Mozart – For the legendary composer.

14. Napoleon – After the notable historical figure.

15. Orwell – Inspired by the author George Orwell.

16. Picasso – After the famous painter.

17. Queenie – A regal name inspired by queens.

18. Raphael – Named after the Renaissance artist.

19. Shakespeare – For the greatest playwright.

20. Tesla – Inspired by the inventor Nikola Tesla.

Creative Rainbow Fish Names

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Pacific Blue Eye Signifer Rainbowfish

The name you give to your Rainbow fish may be inspired by a movie you’ve watched, a song you’ve listened to, or even a yummy food you’ve eaten! Imagine calling your fish something that matches its sparkling personality, like a rockstar’s name. Here are the creative names you can give to  your amazing Rainbow fish.

1. Aquarelle – After the watercolor painting technique.

2. Bijou – French for ‘jewel,’ unique and precious.

3. Chiaroscuro – Inspired by the art of light and shadow.

4. Doodle – Playful and whimsical.

5. Euphony – Harmonious and pleasing to the ear.

6. Fable – A nod to storytelling and myth.

7. Graffiti – Bold and expressive, like street art.

8. Haiku – After the concise and evocative poetry form.

9. Inkblot – Abstract and open to interpretation.

10. Jamboree – Festive and lively.

11. Kaleidoscope – Ever-changing and colorful.

12. Labyrinth – Complex and intriguing.

13. Mosaic – Composed of many vibrant pieces.

14. Nimbus – Suggesting clouds and light.

15. Origami – Delicate and artfully folded.

16. Palette – Representing a blend of colors.

17. Quartz – Varied and sparkling.

18. Rhapsody – Passionate and free-form.

19. Sonnet – Structured yet expressive.

20. Tapestry – Intricate and rich with detail.

How To Name Your Fish

There are multiple ways to select a name for your pet rainbow fish. Some methods are great for some people, and others have more success choosing a name with other methods. 

For example, if you’re seeking a splash of inspiration, choose names derived from your pet’s physical attributes, such as Gill or Finn; they reflect parts of a fish’s anatomy. You can also draw inspiration from your fish’s color, patterns, and unique characteristics. Names that highlight these aspects can add a personal touch and make your fish’s name truly special.

Navigating the Sea of Names

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Cyprinid fish Enteromius rohani in freshwater aquarium

Embarking on the journey of pet ownership brings joy and the exciting challenge of naming. Your new pet will be part of your family, so take some time to choose a name that fits their personality or looks. 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 rainbows. A shorter name is easier to say and easier for your fish to remember. It should be memorable and easy for you to use comfortably.

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. Watch how your fish moves and interacts with other fish in the tank. 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.

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. Maybe you had to search for a long time to find the perfect fish, or you adopted a fish and gave it a fresh start. 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: 

Let the name reflect the Funnyness and playfulness of your aquatic friend. However, don’t feel pressured to follow trends. If your fish likes to hide or play with the bubbles in the tank, 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. Say the name a few times, and imagine yourself calling your fish to come to you. Feedback from friends and family can be invaluable in gauging the fit of a name.

6. A Collective Brainstorm: 

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. Ask your friends and family to help suggest names for your fish. 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. You could even change a name to match your fish’s color, like “Goldie” for a goldfish.

8. For the School of Fish:

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Celebes Rainbow (Marosatherina ladigesi)

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have some fishy questions about Rainbow fish names? This FAQ section has the most important answers you need to give you more knowledge on rainbow fish!

What Is the Rainbow Fish Group Called?

Rainbowfish belong to the Melanotaeniidae family, a diverse group native to Australia, New Guinea, Indonesia, Sulawesi, and Madagascar.

Why Are Rainbow Fish Called Rainbow Fish?

Rainbowfish are named for their vibrant, iridescent colors that resemble the colors of a rainbow, making them a visually striking addition to aquariums.

What Is the Best Rainbow Fish?

The Boeseman’s or Boesemani Rainbowfish is highly regarded in the aquarium hobby for its striking two-toned coloration with a blue-purple head and an orange-red back end. Known for being easy to care for and thriving in community aquariums, they are a popular choice among aquarists.

Final Thoughts

This journey of discovery doesn’t end here! As your bond with your rainbow fish grows, you may find new inspiration for names that reflect their personality even more perfectly. 

Don’t be afraid to experiment, have fun, and let your imagination swim free. The perfect name might be just around the bend! Let’s build a community of celebration around these dazzling creatures and the names that make them even more special.

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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