Choosing a Name That Suits Your Boat


Naming a boat is a cherished tradition among sailors, fishermen, and recreational boaters alike. The right name gives your vessel personality, meaning, and maybe even a touch of humor. Whether you're naming a brand-new yacht, a sturdy fishing boat, or a humble dinghy, the process should reflect something personal—your interests, adventures, or even inside jokes.

To determine the best name for your boat, consider:

  • The boat’s purpose – Is it built for speed, leisure, or long voyages?

  • Your passions – Are you inspired by music, mythology, literature, or pop culture?

  • Personal meaning – Does it reflect family, pets, or a cherished memory?

  • Humor vs. tradition – Do you prefer a classic maritime name or a witty pun?


Once you've decided on the essence of your boat's name, it's time to explore different categories of boat names to spark your creativity.

boat

Above: Boat named Lazy Dolphin. Photo via Pexels.


Classic & Traditional Boat Names


Some names stand the test of time. These often evoke the elegance of seafaring history or the reliability of a vessel that’s ready for any adventure. Classic names tend to be short, elegant, and easy to pronounce over the radio.

  • Serenity

  • Endeavour

  • Morning Star

  • True North

  • Liberty

  • Navigator

  • Seafarer

  • Victory

  • Mariner’s Pride

  • Celestial Voyager


Mythological Boat Names


Draw from legendary figures and gods of the sea, sky, and beyond to give your boat an air of mystery and power. Mythological names often carry a sense of grandeur and timelessness.

  • Poseidon’s Pride (Greek god of the sea)

  • Nautilus (inspired by Jules Verne and marine creatures)

  • Odyssey (for those who love long journeys)

  • Freya’s Voyage (Norse goddess of love and war)

  • Kraken’s Wrath (perfect for something formidable)

  • Neptune’s Call

  • Sirens’ Lure

  • Apollo’s Wake

  • Selene’s Moon

  • Medusa’s Gaze

  • Athena 

  • Aphrodite


Infamous & Historical Names


Some boats are remembered for their history—both grand and notorious. Whether inspired by real ships or historical figures, these names carry a story:

  • Black Pearl (from Pirates of the Caribbean)

  • Mayflower (for a nod to history)

  • Cutty Sark (a famous 19th-century clipper ship)

  • Calypso (Jacques Cousteau’s legendary research vessel)

  • Jolly Roger (for the pirate at heart)

  • USS Constitution

  • Victoria’s Helm

  • Endurance (Shackleton’s legendary vessel)

  • HMS Bounty

  • Titan’s Glory


Famous Villains & Heroes


For fans of legendary characters, boats named after heroes and villains from history, fiction, and pop culture can add an element of adventure and mystique.

  • The Dark Knight (for Batman fans)

  • Vader’s Fury (Star Wars)

  • Loki’s Mischief (Norse mythology and Marvel)

  • Davy Jones’ Revenge (Pirates of the Caribbean)

  • Sherlock’s Clue (Sherlock Holmes)

  • Thor’s Hammer

  • Medusa’s Curse

  • Zorro’s Shadow

  • Hercules

  • The Phoenix (symbolizing resilience and rebirth)


Musical-Inspired Boat Names


Music lovers can name their boat after a favorite song, lyric, or band. A music-inspired name adds a fun, personal touch and is great for boaters who love to sail with tunes playing in the background.

  • Bohemian Rhapsody (for Queen fans)

  • Sloop John B (from The Beach Boys)

  • Dock of the Bay (Otis Redding’s classic tune)

  • Piano Man (for Billy Joel lovers)

  • Blue Bayou (evoking a dreamy, peaceful scene)

  • Rhythm & Waves

  • Rock the Boat

  • Siren Song

  • Island Melody

  • Vinyl Voyage


Movie & TV-Inspired Boat Names


Pop culture fans can turn to movies and television for creative boat names. Many iconic vessels from film and television can serve as inspiration.

  • Millennium Falcon (for Star Wars fans who love speed)

  • SS Minnow (Gilligan’s Island)

  • The Enterprise (Star Trek)

  • Jenny (Forrest Gump)

  • Davy Jones’ Locker

  • Ghost Ship

  • Nemo’s Quest

  • Ocean’s Eleven

  • Castaway’s Haven


rose

Above: Boat named Rosé. Photo via Pexels.


Literary & Art-Inspired Boat Names


For those with a love of books, poetry, and fine arts, these names offer timeless elegance:

  • Hemingway’s Wake

  • Moby Deck (pun on Moby Dick)

  • Van Gogh’s Voyage

  • Call Me Ishmael (a nod to Moby Dick)

  • Picasso’s Paddle

  • Shakespeare’s Tide

  • Poe’s Raven

  • Gatsby’s Dream

  • Driftwood Stories

  • Maritime Muse


Nature-Themed Boat Names


If you love the natural world, consider names inspired by the elements. These names evoke the beauty of the sea and sky.

  • Ivy

  • Lily

  • Jasmine

  • Sea Breeze

  • Rolling Tide

  • Storm Chaser

  • Driftwood

  • Aurora 

  • Ocean Whisper

  • Wave Dancer

  • Coral Dream

  • Wild Horizon

  • Sapphire Skies

  • Eclipse

  • Luna


Personal & Familial Boat Names (Including Pets!)


Naming your boat after family members, pets, or significant symbols like a family crest can be a meaningful way to honor those who hold a special place in your life. Consider using the name of a beloved family member, perhaps a grandparent or parent whose legacy you wish to carry forward. If your family has a crest, the boat could bear its name or symbol, tying the vessel to generations of heritage and tradition. Pets also make charming inspiration—whether it’s a loyal dog, a quirky cat, or even a cherished bird, a pet's name can add a sense of joy and companionship to your maritime adventures. Ultimately, the name should resonate with you personally, reflecting the bond or memory that brings you the most comfort or pride when you're out on the water.

To give your family name a more nautical feel, you can incorporate terms that evoke the sea, sailing, or maritime life. Here are some ideas:

  • Seawind or Wind – For a connection to the wind that guides your boat.

  • Voyager – Signifying the journey or adventure.

  • Crest – A nod to the family crest, but also a reference to the top of the waves.

  • Meridian – Referring to lines of longitude, perfect for a boat with an adventurous spirit.

  • Sail – Adding this to a name like "Harrison Sail" could evoke the image of a proud sailing vessel.

  • Tide – Symbolizing the ebb and flow, adding a natural rhythm to the name.

  • Harbor – Suggesting a safe place, ideal for a boat meant to bring comfort and protection.

  • Nautica – A play on nautical but adding a personal twist.

  • Reef – Referring to the underwater structure, this gives a sense of exploration.

  • Current – Tying the name to the ever-moving sea currents, symbolic of a family that's always moving forward.


For example, you could have "The Reynolds Voyager", "Crest of the Turner", or "The Starlight Tide". By adding such terms, you'll bring a nautical flair while keeping the connection to family roots.




sister boat

Above: Boat named after sisters. Photo via pexels.


Funny & Pun-Based Boat Names


If humor is your style, a clever name will make your boat stand out at the dock.

  • Seas the Day

  • Bouyancé

  • Knot on Call

  • Vitamin Sea

  • Ship Happens

  • Water You Doing?

  • Pier Pressure

  • Fish and Ships

  • Nauti Buoy

  • Aboat Time

  • Wave Goodbye

  • Bored Afloat

  • Aquaholic 


Need More Ideas?


If you're still undecided, try using a boat name generator online. These tools can provide fresh ideas and inspiration based on keywords or themes. Ultimately, the best boat name is one that resonates with you and makes you smile every time you set sail. Happy naming!

Written by: Liza McVinney
Liza McVinney is a writer, journalist, lifelong boater, surfer and outdoor enthusiast who often covers the marine industry and boating lifestyle. She holds a Bachelors Degree in Creative Writing from from the California College of the Arts and has taught English as a substitute teacher, led writing workshops with homeless youth groups in San Francisco and has worked with non-profit literary arts organizations throughout the country.