Hebrew Girl Names That Mean the Sea
Hebrew girl names that mean the sea mostly trace back to a single root, Miriam, whose old folk etymology joins mar, meaning bitter, with yam, meaning sea.
Names232
OriginHebrew
Meaningthe Sea
GenderGirl
That pairing, 'bitter sea,' shows up right in our list: the meaning on file for Molly, the English pet form of Mary, is literally 'sea of bitterness.' Mariana carries the same root, its Mary element defined here as 'bitter, beloved.'
Four more names carry the same lineage: Maria, the Latin form of Mary; Maryam and Mariam, its Arabic and Eastern Christian versions; and Mariah, its lyrical modern variant, the same Hebrew name, worn differently in nearly every culture that has used it.
Why Hebrew Girl Names That Mean the Sea Keep Returning to 'Mar'
Miriam's meaning has never been settled: scholars have proposed 'rebellion,' 'wished-for child,' and 'bitter sea,' with no consensus. What's stuck in naming tradition is the sea reading, likely because Hebrew mar ('bitter') sounds close to Latin mare ('sea'). That overlap is why Mary's whole family feels tied to water even where the etymology stays uncertain.
Familiar Names, One Real Surprise
Most of these forms are instantly familiar: Maria, Mariah, and Madeleine have topped charts for generations. The real surprise is how the same sound pulls in names with no Hebrew root at all: Raelynn and Raelyn pair Rachel's 'Rae' with the Welsh word for lake, while Marlee is simply a modern spelling of Marley. If the sea meaning matters, look at the Mary line, not just the sound.
Names List
Mia#6 in the U.S.Mine; beloved; my ownPronounced MEE-uh▶Maria#87 in the U.S.Sea of bitterness; or beloved; wished-for child — Latin and Greek form of Hebrew Miryam (Mary)Pronounced muh-REE-uh▶Raelynn#116 in the U.S.Modern American creation combining Rae (Hebrew: ewe, or beam of light) + Lynn (Welsh: lake)Pronounced RAY-lin▶Molly#196 in the U.S.Diminutive of Mary/Margaret; Mary means 'sea of bitterness' or 'wished-for child' from Hebrew MiriamPronounced MOL-ee▶Mariana#261 in the U.S.Combination of Mary (bitter, beloved) and Ana (grace); grace of Mary; sea of gracePronounced mah-ree-AH-nah▶Malia#349 in the U.S.Hawaiian form of Maria/Mary, from Hebrew Miryam. Also connected to the Hawaiian word for 'calm' or 'gentlPronounced mah-LEE-ah▶Maryam#351 in the U.S.Arabic form of Miriam and Mary, from Hebrew Miryam, possibly meaning 'beloved', 'wished-for child', 'sea Pronounced MAHR-ee-um▶Jordyn#371 in the U.S.Feminine spelling variant of Jordan, from the Hebrew Yarden, meaning 'to flow down' or 'descend' — the naPronounced JOR-din▶Mariah#448 in the U.S.Variant of Maria, the Latin form of the Hebrew Miriam; possible meanings include 'drop of the sea,' 'bittPronounced muh-RY-ah▶Madeleine#455 in the U.S.French form of Magdalene, from the place name Magdala on the Sea of Galilee, meaning 'tower' in Hebrew; mPronounced MAD-uh-lin▶Raelyn#502 in the U.S.Modern American blend of Rae (a short form of Rachel, from Hebrew meaning 'ewe,' or a variant meaning 'bePronounced RAY-lin▶Mariam#505 in the U.S.Variant of Miriam, the Aramaic/Hebrew form of Mary; from Hebrew Miryam, with debated roots possibly meaniPronounced MAIR-ee-am▶Madelynn#524 in the U.S.Modern spelling variant of Madeline/Madeleine, from the place-name Magdala (a town on the Sea of Galilee)Pronounced MAD-uh-lin▶Marlee#536 in the U.S.Feminine form of Marley, from the English surname Marley (from Old English mearc-leah meaning 'boundary mPronounced MAR-lee▶Jordan#584 in the U.S.To flow down or descend; from Hebrew yarden, the name of the Jordan RiverPronounced JOR-dun▶Jenna#679 in the U.S.Diminutive form of Jennifer or an independent form from the Cornish and Welsh Guinevere or Gwenhwyfar, mePronounced JEN-uh▶Marilyn#761 in the U.S.Star of the sea or beloved; a 20th-century blend of Mary (from Hebrew Miryam) and the suffix -lyn, with MPronounced MAIR-ih-lin▶Naya#813 in the U.S.New or fresh; from Arabic naya meaning new or recently arrived, or from the Hebrew root naah meaning pleaPronounced NAY-uh▶Romi#818 in the U.S.Used as a short form of the Hebrew name Romi or Roma meaning 'my height is exalted', and as a pet form ofPronounced ROH-mee▶Magdalena#850 in the U.S.Feminine form of Magdalene, from the Greek Magdalene meaning 'woman of Magdala', where Magdala is an anciPronounced mag-duh-LEE-nuh▶Madilynn#860 in the U.S.A creative American spelling of Madeline or Madelynn, ultimately from Magdalene (woman of Magdala), wherePronounced MAD-ih-lin▶Marianna#874 in the U.S.A compound of Mary (from Hebrew Miriam, meaning bitter sea or beloved) and Anna (from Hebrew Hannah, meanPronounced mair-ee-AN-uh▶Mariel#893 in the U.S.Dutch and German diminutive of Maria, itself from Hebrew Miryam; the meaning of Mary is debated but tradiPronounced MAIR-ee-el▶Mariella#943 in the U.S.Italian diminutive of Maria, itself from Hebrew Miriam, meaning beloved, wished-for child, or possibly drPronounced mair-ee-EL-uh▶Madalyn#946 in the U.S.Variant spelling of Madeline or Magdalene, from Hebrew Magdala meaning tower or place of the tower, a towPronounced MAD-uh-lin▶Anika#955 in the U.S.In Sanskrit, Anika means army or face, while as a Scandinavian and German diminutive of Anna from Hebrew Pronounced ah-NEE-kah▶Meera#1101 in the U.S.Prosperous; ocean; from Sanskrit mira (ocean, sea) or Hindi Meera (devoted one, after the saint Mirabai)Pronounced MEER-uh▶Shay#1158 in the U.S.Gift; from Irish Gaelic séaghdha (admirable, fine) or from Hebrew shay (gift)Pronounced SHAY▶Shea#1187 in the U.S.Admirable; from Irish Gaelic Séaghdha (admirable, fine); or from the shea tree (Vitellaria paradoxa) of WPronounced SHAY▶Mari#1510 in the U.S.A short form or variant of Mary/Maria, used in Welsh, Scandinavian, and other traditions; the underlying Pronounced MAH-ree▶Mayah#2253 in the U.S.waterPronounced MY-uh▶Dayla#2265 in the U.S.to draw water, gentle, delicatePronounced DAY-luh▶Maryn#2289 in the U.S.of the sea, star of the seaPronounced MAIR-in▶Daila#2304 in the U.S.to draw water, gentlePronounced DY-luh▶Maiya#2314 in the U.S.water (Hebrew), divine illusion (Sanskrit), great mother (Greek)Pronounced MY-uh▶Marla#2334 in the U.S.beloved, drop of the seaPronounced MAR-luh▶Annemarie#2432 in the U.S.grace and beloved, or grace and star of the seaPronounced an-uh-muh-REE▶Malena#2469 in the U.S.of the sea, of MagdalaPronounced muh-LAY-nuh▶Maliya#2993 in the U.S.Variant of Malia, the Hawaiian form of Mary/Maria, from the Hebrew Miriam meaning beloved, wished-for chiPronounced mah-LEE-yah▶Isamar#3087 in the U.S.Gift of the sea; blending Hebrew Isa (possibly from Ishmael or Isaiah) with the Hebrew yam (sea) and the Pronounced ee-sah-MAR▶Jesslyn#3187 in the U.S.Modern blend of Jessica (from Hebrew Yiskah meaning 'God beholds') and Lyn (Old English: lake, pool or waPronounced JES-lin▶Riva#3203 in the U.S.From Hebrew Riva, a diminutive of Rivka (Rebecca), meaning 'one who has joined' or 'to bind'; also used aPronounced REE-vah▶Miri#3613 in the U.S.Short form of Miriam — the prophetess sister of Moses, whose name is linked to 'beloved' or 'sea of bittePronounced MEE-ree▶Galia#3710 in the U.S.From Hebrew Galya — gal, 'wave', plus Yah, 'God' — 'wave of God' or 'God has revealed/redeemed'Pronounced GAH-lee-ah▶Jori#3770 in the U.S.Short form in the Jordan/Jordana family ('to flow down', the river) or of Marjorie ('pearl'); a crisp uniPronounced JOR-ee▶Amariyah#3811 in the U.S.Feminine-styled form of biblical Amariah — 'Yahweh has said/promised' — riding the melodic -iyah wavePronounced ah-mah-RY-ah▶Annalyn#4035 in the U.S.Blend of Anna — Hebrew 'grace, favor' — with the -lyn ending (originally Welsh 'lake')Pronounced AN-ə-lin▶Jordana#4059 in the U.S.Feminine of Jordan — from Hebrew yarden, 'to flow down, descend' — the river JordanPronounced jor-DAH-nah▶Madaline#4518 in the U.S.Variant spelling of Madeline/Magdalene — 'of Magdala' (a town meaning 'tower') by the Sea of GalileePronounced MAD-ə-line▶Ona#4732 in the U.S.Lithuanian/Catalan form of Anna — from Hebrew Channah, 'grace'; also linked to 'a river'; routes layeredPronounced OH-nah▶Seanna#4746 in the U.S.Feminine of Sean — the Irish John, from Hebrew Yochanan, 'God is gracious'Pronounced shaw-NAH▶Maiza#4960 in the U.S.Modern coinage echoing Maya ('water/illusion') and Maisie (a Margaret pet form, 'pearl'); no single fixedPronounced MY-zah▶Maureen#4969 in the U.S.Anglicized form of Mairin — an Irish diminutive of Mary ('beloved; star of the sea') — 'little Mary'Pronounced maw-REEN▶Mayan#5086 in the U.S.From Hebrew mayan, 'a spring, a fountain, a source of water'Pronounced mah-YAHN▶Adriella#5135 in the U.S.Elaboration of Adriel/Adriella — variously 'flock of God' (Adriel, Hebrew) or a feminine of Adrian ('fromPronounced ah-dree-EL-ah▶Jordy#5199 in the U.S.Pet form of Jordan/Jordana — from Hebrew Yarden, 'flowing down, descending' (the river Jordan); here for Pronounced JOR-dee▶Mariely#5227 in the U.S.Latina blend of Mari (Maria, 'beloved; of the sea; bitter') with an -ely/- ielys ending (echoing Eli/Ely,Pronounced mah-ree-EH-lee▶Amiria#5294 in the U.S.Maori form of Amelia/Maria (a transliteration), 'beloved; of the sea'; also echoes Arabic Amira, 'princesPronounced ah-MEE-ree-ah▶Mimi#5378 in the U.S.Pet form of Miriam/Maria/Mary — variously 'sea of bitterness', 'beloved', or 'wished-for child'; routes lPronounced MEE-mee▶Mirel#5379 in the U.S.Yiddish pet form of Miriam — variously 'sea of bitterness', 'beloved', or 'wished-for child'; routes layePronounced MEE-rəl▶Annamaria#5439 in the U.S.Compound of Anna ('grace, favor', Hebrew) and Maria ('beloved; of the sea; bitter') — a classic Catholic Pronounced ah-nah-mə-REE-ah▶Marialuisa#5525 in the U.S.Compound of Maria ('bitter; beloved; of the sea', Hebrew) and Luisa ('famous warrior', Germanic)Pronounced mah-REE-ah-loo-EE-sah▶Maryrose#5526 in the U.S.Compound of Mary ('bitter; beloved; of the sea', Hebrew) and Rose ('the rose flower', Latin)Pronounced MAIR-ee-rohz▶Mirian#5538 in the U.S.-n spelling of Miriam — from Hebrew Miryam, variously 'beloved', 'of the sea', or 'bitter'; the meaning iPronounced MEER-ee-ahn▶Sarita#5566 in the U.S.Spanish diminutive of Sara, 'princess; noblewoman' (Hebrew); also Sanskrit sarita, 'a flowing stream, a rPronounced sah-REE-tah▶Adamari#5601 in the U.S.Spanish compound of Ada ('noble', Germanic) and Mari (Maria, 'beloved; of the sea', Hebrew)Pronounced ah-dah-MAH-ree▶Mariyam#5709 in the U.S.-iy- spelling of Maryam/Mary — from Hebrew Miryam (via Arabic Maryam), variously 'beloved', 'of the sea',Pronounced MAR-ee-ahm▶Maryama#5710 in the U.S.An -a form of Maryam (Mariama) — from Hebrew Miryam, via Arabic, variously 'beloved', 'of the sea', or 'bPronounced mah-ree-AH-mah▶Annamae#5792 in the U.S.A compound of Anna ('grace', Hebrew) and Mae (a pet of Mary, 'beloved; of the sea'; or May, the month)Pronounced AN-ə-may▶Maddelyn#6055 in the U.S.A -delyn spelling of Madeline/Magdalene — from Hebrew/Greek, 'from Magdala' (a town on the Sea of GalileePronounced MAD-ə-lin▶Shawna#6103 in the U.S.A feminine of Shawn (Sean) — the Irish John, from Hebrew Yochanan, 'God is gracious'Pronounced SHAW-nah▶Maryon#6230 in the U.S.Maryon is a variant spelling of Marion, a medieval French diminutive of Marie (Mary) formed with the -on Pronounced MAIR-ee-un▶Jolynn#6247 in the U.S.A modern blend of Jo (from Joanna/Josephine, 'God will add; God is gracious') and Lynn ('a lake', Welsh);Pronounced joh-LIN▶Maddalena#6283 in the U.S.The Italian form of Magdalene — 'of Magdala; a woman of Magdala' (a town on the Sea of Galilee, from HebrPronounced mah-dah-LAY-nah▶Mariaalice#6291 in the U.S.A compound of Maria (variously 'beloved; of the sea; bitter', Hebrew/Latin) and Alice ('noble', Germanic)Pronounced mah-REE-ah-AL-iss▶Maribeth#6292 in the U.S.A blend of Mary (variously 'beloved; of the sea; bitter') and Beth (from Elizabeth, 'God is my oath; God'Pronounced MAIR-ee-beth▶Marlyn#6293 in the U.S.A spelling of Marilyn — a blend of Mary ('beloved; of the sea; bitter') and Lynn ('a lake'); used for botPronounced MAR-lin▶Maryella#6294 in the U.S.A blend of Mary ('beloved; of the sea; bitter') and Ella (variously 'a fairy maiden; all; other'); a combPronounced mair-ee-EL-ah▶Jordie#6477 in the U.S.A pet form of Jordan — from Hebrew Yarden, 'to flow down; to descend' (the river Jordan); used for both sPronounced JOR-dee▶Maayan#6523 in the U.S.From Hebrew maayan, 'a spring; a fountain; a source of water'Pronounced mah-ah-YAHN▶Manya#6529 in the U.S.A Russian pet form of Maria — variously 'beloved; of the sea; bitter' (Hebrew/Latin); also a Sanskrit worPronounced MAHN-yah▶Mareli#6530 in the U.S.A modern name joining Mar/Mari (variously 'sea; beloved', from Maria) with Eli ('ascended; my God'); no sPronounced mah-REH-lee▶Maryah#6533 in the U.S.A spelling of Mariah/Maria — variously 'beloved', 'of the sea (a drop of the sea)', and 'bitter'; routes Pronounced mə-RY-ah▶Magda#6802 in the U.S.A short form of Magdalena/Magdalene — 'from Magdala', a village on the Sea of Galilee whose name means 'aPronounced MAHG-dah▶Mame#6809 in the U.S.A pet form, variously of Mary ('beloved; bitter; of the sea') and Margaret ('a pearl'); routes layeredPronounced MAYM▶Mamie#6810 in the U.S.A pet form, variously of Mary ('beloved; bitter; of the sea') and Margaret ('a pearl'); routes layeredPronounced MAY-mee▶Marya#6811 in the U.S.A spelling of Maria/Mariya — variously 'beloved', 'bitter', and 'of the sea'; a Slavic and Arabic spellinPronounced MAR-yah▶Marybeth#6812 in the U.S.A compound of Mary (variously 'beloved; bitter; of the sea') and Beth (a short form of Elizabeth, 'my GodPronounced MAIR-ee-beth▶Maryclaire#6813 in the U.S.A compound of Mary (variously 'beloved; bitter; of the sea') and Claire (Latin clarus, 'bright; clear; faPronounced MAIR-ee-klair▶Maryellen#6814 in the U.S.A compound of Mary (variously 'beloved; bitter; of the sea') and Ellen (a form of Helen, 'light; a torch;Pronounced MAIR-ee-el-en▶Miarose#6821 in the U.S.A compound of Mia (variously 'mine', a pet of Maria 'beloved; of the sea', and Italian 'mine') and Rose (Pronounced MEE-ah-rohz▶Rayelynn#6845 in the U.S.A modern blend joining Rae (a pet of Rachel, 'a ewe', also read as 'a ray of light') with the -lynn endinPronounced RAY-uh-lin▶Rhaelynn#6848 in the U.S.A modern blend joining Rhae/Rae (a pet of Rachel, 'a ewe', also read as 'a ray of light') with the -lynn Pronounced RAY-lin▶Aviv#6949 in the U.S.From Hebrew aviv, 'spring; springtime; the season of renewal'; used for both sexes; here for girlsPronounced ah-VEEV▶Esmarie#7005 in the U.S.A blend of Esme ('esteemed; beloved') and Marie (a form of Mary, variously 'beloved; star of the sea; bitPronounced EZ-muh-ree▶Jamaria#7038 in the U.S.A modern blend joining a Ja- prefix with Maria (a form of Mary, variously 'beloved; star of the sea; bittPronounced juh-MAR-ee-ah▶Maleiah#7092 in the U.S.A spelling of Maliyah/Malia — variously a Hawaiian form of Mary ('beloved; star of the sea') and 'calm; gPronounced mah-LY-ah▶Maleya#7093 in the U.S.A spelling of Malia/Maleah — variously a Hawaiian form of Mary ('beloved; star of the sea') and 'calm; gePronounced mah-LAY-ah▶Mariajulia#7099 in the U.S.A Spanish compound of Maria (a form of Mary, 'beloved; star of the sea') and Julia ('youthful; of Jove/JuPronounced mah-REE-ah-HOO-lee-ah▶Maryan#7103 in the U.S.A spelling of Maryam/Marian — a form of Mary, variously 'beloved; star of the sea; bitter; wished-for chiPronounced MAR-ee-an▶Maryelizabeth#7104 in the U.S.A compound of Mary ('beloved; star of the sea') and Elizabeth ('my God is an oath; God is abundance')Pronounced MAIR-ee-ee-LIZ-uh-beth▶Maryjo#7105 in the U.S.A compound of Mary ('beloved; star of the sea') and Jo (a short form of Josephine/Joanna, 'God will add' Pronounced MAIR-ee-joh▶Nira#7139 in the U.S.Variously from Hebrew, 'a furrow; a plowed/cultivated field; light', and from Sanskrit nira, 'water'; rouPronounced NEE-rah▶Raelin#7154 in the U.S.A modern blend of Rae (a short form of Rachel, 'a ewe', or of Rae/Ray, 'grace') and Lynn ('a lake; a watePronounced RAY-lin▶Reighlyn#7160 in the U.S.An ornate spelling of Raylyn — a blend of Rae ('a ewe; grace') and Lynn ('a lake; a waterfall'); routes lPronounced RAY-lin▶Magalene#7220 in the U.S.Magalene is a spelling variant of Magdalene, which means 'of Magdala,' a town on the Sea of Galilee, and Pronounced MAG-uh-leen▶Maryanna#7435 in the U.S.A blend of Mary — variously 'bitter; beloved; lady of the sea' — and Anna, 'grace; favor' (from Hannah); Pronounced mair-ee-AN-ah▶Marysol#7436 in the U.S.A blend of Maria — variously 'beloved; bitter; lady of the sea' — and Sol, 'the sun' (Latin); often read Pronounced mah-ree-SOL▶Molli#7456 in the U.S.A spelling of Molly — a pet form of Mary, from Hebrew Miriam, variously 'beloved; bitter; lady of the seaPronounced MAH-lee▶Nahara#7461 in the U.S.From Aramaic/Hebrew nahara, variously 'light; brightness' and 'a river; a stream'; also Arabic nahar, 'daPronounced nah-HAH-rah▶Shawn#7513 in the U.S.The Anglicized spelling of the Irish Sean — a form of John, from Hebrew Yochanan, 'God is gracious'; morePronounced SHAWN▶Shayne#7514 in the U.S.A spelling of Shane — the Anglicized Irish Sean (John), from Hebrew, 'God is gracious'; also linked to YiPronounced SHAYN▶Ivry#7725 in the U.S.From Hebrew ivri, 'a Hebrew; one from across (the river)'; also linked to the place Ivry; routes layeredPronounced IV-ree▶Jordin#7741 in the U.S.A spelling of Jordan — from Hebrew Yarden, 'to flow down; to descend' (the river Jordan); used for both sPronounced JOR-din▶Mariamawit#7803 in the U.S.An Amharic (Ethiopian) form linked to Mariam (Mary) — ultimately from Hebrew Miryam, variously 'beloved; Pronounced MAR-yah-mah-wit▶Meah#7809 in the U.S.A spelling of Mia — variously Italian/Spanish 'mine', a short form of Maria ('beloved; star of the sea'),Pronounced MEE-ah▶Asherah#7990 in the U.S.From the ancient Semitic — the name of a mother goddess (a consort of El in Canaanite religion); variouslPronounced ash-uh-RAH▶Rozann#8016 in the U.S.Rozann is a compound of Rose, from the Latin for the flower, and Ann, from the Hebrew Hannah meaning gracPronounced roh-ZAN▶Shawnya#8025 in the U.S.Shawnya reads as an elaborated form of Shawna, the feminine of Shawn/Sean - names from the Irish Sean, thPronounced SHAWN-yuh▶Jesslynn#8133 in the U.S.A modern name, joining Jess (a short form of Jessica, 'God beholds; he sees') with Lynn ('a lake; a pool'Pronounced JESS-lin▶Chauna#8176 in the U.S.Chauna is a spelling of Shawna, the feminine of Shawn or Sean. Sean is the Irish form of John, from the HPronounced SHAW-nuh▶Marialuiza#8227 in the U.S.A Portuguese compound of Maria ('beloved; of the sea; bitter', from Hebrew Miriam) and Luiza ('a famous wPronounced mah-ree-ah-loo-EE-zah▶Marielena#8228 in the U.S.A Spanish compound of Marie ('beloved; of the sea', from Hebrew Miriam) and Elena ('light; the bright onePronounced mah-ree-eh-LEH-nah▶Marilee#8229 in the U.S.An English compound of Mary ('beloved; of the sea; bitter', from Hebrew Miriam) and Lee ('a meadow; a clePronounced MAIR-uh-lee▶Maryalice#8231 in the U.S.An English compound of Mary ('beloved; of the sea; bitter', from Hebrew Miriam) and Alice ('noble; of nobPronounced MAIR-ee-AL-iss▶Meri#8240 in the U.S.A name used in several cultures, variously the Finnish meri ('the sea') and a short form of Mary/MeredithPronounced MEH-ree▶Mitzi#8247 in the U.S.A German/Bavarian pet form of Maria — from the Hebrew Miriam, variously 'beloved; of the sea; bitter'Pronounced MIT-see▶Pollyanna#8284 in the U.S.A compound of Polly (a pet form of Mary, 'beloved; of the sea') and Anna (Hebrew, 'grace; favour'); famouPronounced pol-ee-AN-ah▶Analynn#8456 in the U.S.A compound of Ana ('grace; favour', Hebrew) and Lynn ('a lake; a waterfall', Welsh); a compound; we note Pronounced AN-ah-lin▶Ellamarie#8563 in the U.S.A compound of Ella (variously 'all; a fairy maiden; light', Germanic/Greek) and Marie (a form of Mary, vaPronounced el-ah-mah-REE▶Malaina#8731 in the U.S.A form/spelling of Malena/Magdalena — 'of Magdala; a woman from Magdala' (a town on the Sea of Galilee); Pronounced muh-LAY-nah▶Mariham#8743 in the U.S.A form/spelling of Mariam/Maryam — the Arabic/Coptic form of Mary, variously 'beloved; bitter; drop of thPronounced mah-ree-HAHM▶Marykatherine#8748 in the U.S.A compound of Mary ('beloved; bitter; drop of the sea', Hebrew) and Katherine ('pure', Greek katharos), hPronounced MAIR-ee-KATH-rin▶Mery#8757 in the U.S.A form/spelling of Mary — from the Hebrew Miriam, variously 'beloved; bitter; a drop/star of the sea'; roPronounced MEH-ree▶Mitzy#8761 in the U.S.A spelling of Mitzi — a German pet form of Maria/Miriam ('beloved; bitter; drop of the sea'); routes layePronounced MIT-see▶Rosana#8828 in the U.S.A form/spelling of Roseanna — a compound of Rose ('a rose', Latin) and Anna ('grace; favour', Hebrew), hePronounced roh-ZAH-nah▶Shauna#8851 in the U.S.A feminine of Shaun/Sean — the Irish form of John, from the Hebrew Yochanan, 'God is gracious; the Lord iPronounced SHAW-nah▶Agam#8931 in the U.S.From the Hebrew agam, 'a lake; a pool; a body of water'; used for both sexesPronounced ah-GAHM▶Bellamarie#9006 in the U.S.A compound name — Bella (Italian, 'beautiful') joined with Marie (a form of Mary, variously 'star of the Pronounced BEL-uh-muh-REE▶Shawneen#9094 in the U.S.Shawneen joins Shawn, the English spelling of the Irish Sean, to the Irish diminutive ending -een (Irish Pronounced shaw-NEEN▶Levee#9268 in the U.S.Variously from the word levee ('a raised embankment/riverbank', from the French levee, 'raised') and a spPronounced LEV-ee▶Pascha#9281 in the U.S.Pascha comes from the church word Pascha, the Greek and Latin form of the Hebrew Pesach, 'Passover', whicPronounced PAH-skuh▶Mariaelena#9305 in the U.S.A compound name — Maria (a form of Mary, variously 'star of the sea; beloved; bitter') joined with Elena Pronounced mah-REE-ah-eh-LEH-nah▶Mariateresa#9306 in the U.S.A compound name — Maria (a form of Mary, variously 'star of the sea; beloved') joined with Teresa (variouPronounced mah-REE-ah-teh-REH-sah▶Marisabel#9307 in the U.S.A compound name — Maria (a form of Mary, variously 'star of the sea; beloved') joined with Isabel (a formPronounced mah-ree-sah-BEL▶Mariska#9308 in the U.S.A Hungarian/Dutch diminutive of Maria — a form of Mary, variously 'star of the sea; beloved; bitter'Pronounced mah-RIS-kah▶Maryana#9311 in the U.S.A spelling of Mariana — a blend of Maria ('star of the sea; beloved') and Ana ('grace'); also linked to tPronounced mah-ree-AH-nah▶Marycatherine#9312 in the U.S.A compound name — Mary (variously 'star of the sea; beloved; bitter') joined with Catherine ('pure', fromPronounced MAIR-ee-KATH-rin▶Marylynn#9313 in the U.S.A compound name — Mary (variously 'star of the sea; beloved; bitter') joined with Lynn ('a lake/pool', frPronounced MAIR-ee-lin▶Yuval#9537 in the U.S.From the Hebrew Yuval, 'stream; brook' - the name of Jubal in Genesis, called the ancestor of all who plaPronounced yoo-VAHL▶Anamarie#9582 in the U.S.A compound name — Ana ('grace', Hebrew) joined with Marie (a form of Mary, variously 'star of the sea; bePronounced ah-nah-muh-REE▶Betsaida#9632 in the U.S.From the Hebrew/Aramaic Bethsaida, 'house of fishing; house of the hunter' — a town by the Sea of GalileePronounced bet-sah-EE-dah▶Danilynn#9674 in the U.S.A compound name — Dani (a short form of Daniela, 'God is my judge') joined with Lynn ('a lake', Welsh); wPronounced DAN-uh-lin▶Gali#9762 in the U.S.From the Hebrew gal, 'a wave; a fountain/spring', hence 'my wave; my spring'; also read as 'my hill'; rouPronounced GAH-lee▶Kaymarie#9863 in the U.S.A compound name — Kay (a short form of Katherine, 'pure'/'rejoice') joined with Marie ('of the sea; belovPronounced kay-mah-REE▶Lunamarie#9943 in the U.S.A compound name — Luna ('the moon', Latin) joined with Marie ('of the sea; beloved', from Mary, Hebrew)Pronounced LOO-nah-mah-ree▶Marella#9959 in the U.S.A modern name, variously a diminutive of Mara/Mary ('of the sea; beloved') and a form of Maribel; routes Pronounced mah-REL-ah▶Mariacecilia#9960 in the U.S.A compound name — Maria ('beloved; of the sea', from Mary) joined with Cecilia ('blind; of the Caecilii cPronounced mah-REE-ah-seh-SEEL-yah▶Marianny#9962 in the U.S.A modern Dominican/Hispanic form of Mariana — a blend of Maria ('of the sea; beloved') and Ana ('grace');Pronounced mah-ree-AH-nee▶Mariavictoria#9963 in the U.S.A compound name — Maria ('beloved; of the sea', from Mary) joined with Victoria ('victory', Latin; the goPronounced mah-REE-ah-veek-TOR-yah▶Marifer#9964 in the U.S.A contracted blend of Maria Fernanda — Maria ('of the sea; beloved', from Mary) + Fernanda ('a bold/bravePronounced MAH-ree-fer▶Marinette#9965 in the U.S.A French diminutive of Marie/Marina — from Mary ('of the sea; beloved') / the Latin marinus ('of the sea'Pronounced mah-ree-NET▶Marni#9968 in the U.S.Variously from the Hebrew Marnina, 'to rejoice; cause of joy', and a pet form of Marina/Marion ('of the sPronounced MAR-nee▶Meriam#9981 in the U.S.A form of Miriam/Mary — from the Hebrew, variously 'beloved; wished-for child; drop of the sea; bitternesPronounced MER-ee-am▶Ruchama#10098 in the U.S.From the Hebrew Ruchama, 'compassion; mercy; she who has obtained mercy/is pitied' (from racham, 'mercy')Pronounced roo-KHAH-mah▶Shanna#10132 in the U.S.Variously a short form of Shannon ('old/wise river', Irish) and a form of Shana/Shoshana ('lily; God is gPronounced SHAN-ah▶Marymar#10184 in the U.S.Marymar is a compound name joining Mary with Spanish mar, 'sea'. Mary comes from Hebrew Miriam, and mar mPronounced MAIR-ee-mar▶Shawny#10390 in the U.S.Shawny is a pet form of Shawna or Shawnee. Shawna is a feminine of Shawn, the anglicized Sean from the HePronounced SHAW-nee▶Galit#10515 in the U.S.From the Hebrew Galit, 'wave; ripple; spring; fountain' (from gal, 'wave'). A fresh, water-linked IsraeliPronounced gah-LEET▶Magdalen#10732 in the U.S.From Magdalene, 'of Magdala,' the name of Mary Magdalene, a follower of Jesus; Magdala was a town on the Pronounced MAG-duh-lin▶Magdalyn#10733 in the U.S.A modern respelling of Magdalene/Magdalen, 'of Magdala,' the byname of Mary Magdalene and a town on the SPronounced MAG-duh-lin▶Bethsaida#11236 in the U.S.Bethsaida is a biblical place name — a fishing town by the Sea of Galilee mentioned in the Gospels — tradPronounced beth-SAY-duh▶Gal#11401 in the U.S.From the Hebrew Gal, 'wave; ripple; a mound of stones' — a short, unisex modern Israeli name, gentle and Pronounced GAHL▶Marlaine#11484 in the U.S.Marlaine is a French-looking respelling of Marlene, which began as a German blend of Maria and Magdalene,Pronounced mar-LAYN▶Jourdyn#11547 in the U.S.A modern respelling of Jordan, from the Hebrew Yarden, 'to flow down; descend' — the name of the river whPronounced JOR-din▶Shawne#11593 in the U.S.Shawne is a spelling in the Shawn/Shawna family, from the Irish Sean — the Irish form of John, from HebrePronounced SHAWN▶Omi#11853 in the U.S.Omi is read a few ways — as a Japanese name (tied to 'large water; sea') and as a Hebrew name (from omer,Pronounced OH-mee▶Rebeka#11890 in the U.S.Rebeka is a form of Rebecca, from the Hebrew Rivka, traditionally read as 'to bind; to join; captivating.Pronounced reh-BEK-uh▶Shawni#11895 in the U.S.Shawni is a feminine -i respelling of Shawna, itself a feminine of Shawn (Sean), the Irish form of John, Pronounced SHAW-nee▶Betzaida#12332 in the U.S.A Spanish given name drawn from Bethsaida, the biblical fishing village by the Sea of Galilee, whose namePronounced bet-SY-dah▶Jourdan#12699 in the U.S.Jourdan is a French-flavored respelling of Jordan, from the Hebrew Yarden, 'to flow down; descend' — the Pronounced JOR-dun▶Maddalyn#12895 in the U.S.A modern spelling of Madeline/Madelyn, itself from Magdalene, 'of Magdala', a town by the Sea of Galilee.Pronounced MAD-uh-lin▶Madelene#12897 in the U.S.A variant spelling of Madeline, from Magdalene, 'of Magdala', a town on the Sea of Galilee. A classic namPronounced MAD-uh-lin▶Rozanne#12990 in the U.S.Rozanne is a variant of Roseanne, a compound of Rose, from Latin rosa, the flower, and Anne, from Hebrew Pronounced roh-ZAN▶Nahari#13020 in the U.S.Nahari has more than one possible thread: it echoes the Hebrew nahar, 'river', it exists as a Yemeni JewiPronounced nuh-HAH-ree▶Maralee#13078 in the U.S.Maralee is an American girl's name joining Mary, or its Mara form, with the popular ending Lee. Mary comePronounced MAR-ah-lee▶Ruhama#13160 in the U.S.From Hebrew Ruchamah, 'she has obtained mercy; she is pitied.' In the Book of Hosea, the prophet's daughtPronounced roo-HAH-mah▶Lashawna#13191 in the U.S.Lashawna is an American coinage pairing the decorative La- prefix with Shawna, the feminine of Shawn or SPronounced luh-SHAW-nuh▶Seana#13196 in the U.S.Seana is a feminine form of Sean — the Irish rendering of John, from Hebrew Yochanan, 'God is gracious.' Pronounced SHAW-nuh▶Shane#13216 in the U.S.Shane is an anglicized spelling of the Irish Sean, itself the Irish form of John, from Hebrew Yochanan, 'Pronounced SHAYN▶Seara#13236 in the U.S.Seara is an uncommon name read most often as a variant of Sara, from the Hebrew Sarah, 'princess' or 'nobPronounced SEER-uh▶Shawntae#13288 in the U.S.Shawntae is a later-twentieth-century American coinage built on Shawn — the English spelling of the IrishPronounced shawn-TAY▶Bethzaida#13296 in the U.S.Bethzaida is a Spanish given name taken from the biblical place Bethsaida, a fishing village by the Sea oPronounced beth-sah-EE-duh▶Lashaundra#13365 in the U.S.Lashaundra joins the La- prefix to Shaundra, a feminine elaboration of Shaun (an English form of Sean/JohPronounced luh-SHAWN-druh▶Madline#13451 in the U.S.Madline is a trimmed respelling of Madeline, from Magdalene — 'of Magdala,' a town on the Sea of Galilee,Pronounced MAD-lin▶Arbel#13600 in the U.S.From Mount Arbel, the cliff-topped peak above the Sea of Galilee, and the ancient town beside it. Used inPronounced ar-BEL▶Ezralynn#13972 in the U.S.A modern blend joining Ezra — Hebrew ezer, 'help', the name of a biblical scribe and traditionally a man'Pronounced EZ-ruh-lin▶Betzayda#14065 in the U.S.Betzayda is a Spanish given name drawn from Bethsaida, a town by the Sea of Galilee named in the Gospels.Pronounced bet-SY-duh▶Ioana#14102 in the U.S.Ioana is the Romanian feminine of Ioan (John), from the Hebrew Yochanan, 'God is gracious'. It is a mainsPronounced yoh-AH-nuh▶Lashone#14492 in the U.S.Lashone is an African-American coinage built from the fashionable La- prefix and Shon (a spelling of SeanPronounced luh-SHOHN▶Madalene#14517 in the U.S.A spelling in the Magdalene/Madeline family, meaning 'of Magdala' — a village on the Sea of Galilee, and Pronounced MAD-uh-leen▶Magdaline#14522 in the U.S.A variant spelling of Magdalene, 'of Magdala' — a village on the Sea of Galilee and the home of Mary MagdPronounced MAG-duh-line▶Meryam#14632 in the U.S.A spelling of Maryam, the Arabic form of Mary — the mother of Jesus, revered in both Islam and ChristianiPronounced MER-yam▶Maryssa#14690 in the U.S.Maryssa is a respelling of Marissa, itself an elaboration of Mary or of Latin maris, 'of the sea,' as in Pronounced muh-RISS-uh▶Deshawna#14807 in the U.S.Deshawna adds the De- prefix to Shawna, the feminine of Shawn/Sean, which descends from Irish Sean, itselPronounced duh-SHAW-nuh▶Shirah#14851 in the U.S.Shirah is a spelling of the Hebrew name Shira, meaning 'song' or 'singing.' The word appears in the HebrePronounced SHEE-rah▶Saralyn#14869 in the U.S.An American elaboration joining Sarah (Hebrew, 'princess; noblewoman') to the -lyn ending, which traces tPronounced SAIR-uh-lin▶Ruhamah#14894 in the U.S.From the Hebrew ruhamah, 'she has obtained mercy; pitied.' In the book of Hosea the prophet names a daughPronounced roo-HAH-mah▶Sheana#15005 in the U.S.Sheana is a variant of Shauna or Sheena, feminine forms of Sean — the Irish form of John, from Hebrew YohPronounced shee-AN-uh▶Madelon#15230 in the U.S.Madelon is a French pet form of Madeleine, which comes from Magdalene, 'of Magdala', a town on the Sea ofPronounced MAD-uh-lon▶Shaune#15494 in the U.S.Shaune is a feminine spelling in the Shaun/Shauna group; Shaun is the English form of Irish Sean, itself Pronounced SHAWN▶Mariellen#15648 in the U.S.Mariellen fuses Mary — Hebrew Miriam, variously 'beloved', 'wished-for child', or 'of the sea' — with EllPronounced mair-ee-EL-uhn▶Keshawna#15949 in the U.S.Keshawna is a coined name that adds the Ke- prefix and an -a ending to Shawna, the feminine of Shawn/SeanPronounced kuh-SHAW-nuh▶Isabellamarie#16050 in the U.S.A joined double-name: Isabella (a form of Elizabeth, 'pledged to God; my God is an oath') plus Marie (a FPronounced iz-uh-BEL-uh-muh-ree▶Hajer#16174 in the U.S.Hajer is a spelling of Hajar, the Arabic form of Hagar. In Islamic tradition Hajar is the wife of IbrahimPronounced HAH-jur▶Lashauna#16350 in the U.S.Lashauna pairs the popular La- prefix with Shauna — the feminine of Shaun/Sean, the Irish form of John, HPronounced luh-SHAW-nuh▶Madelline#16588 in the U.S.Madelline is a doubled-l spelling of Madeline, which comes from Magdalene, meaning 'of Magdala,' a town oPronounced MAD-uh-lin▶Magdeline#16596 in the U.S.Magdeline sits between Magdalene and Madeline, from Magdalene meaning woman of Magdala, a village by the Pronounced MAG-duh-lin▶Madalin#16660 in the U.S.Madalin is a variant spelling of Madeline (Madeleine), from Magdalene, 'of Magdala' — a town on the Sea oPronounced MAD-uh-lin▶Mada#16695 in the U.S.Mada is best read as a short form of Madeline or Magdalena, from Mary Magdalene, 'of Magdala' (a town on Pronounced MAY-duh▶Madilynne#16699 in the U.S.One of the many modern respellings of Madeline or Madelyn, from Magdalene — 'of Magdala,' a town on the SPronounced MAD-uh-lin▶Marisha#16761 in the U.S.Marisha is a Slavic diminutive of Maria (Russian Marisha/Marusha) and also reads as a variant of Marissa Pronounced muh-REE-shuh▶Marylu#16773 in the U.S.Marylu is a written-together spelling of Mary Lou, itself usually short for Mary Louise. It pairs Mary, fPronounced MAIR-ee-loo▶Marriah#16827 in the U.S.Marriah is a respelling of Mariah, a form of Maria/Miriam, whose Hebrew roots are variously read as 'of tPronounced muh-RY-uh▶Maryhelen#16851 in the U.S.Maryhelen is a written-together double name marrying Mary and Helen. Mary, from Hebrew Miriam, is variousPronounced MAIR-ee-HEL-uhn▶Miriah#16954 in the U.S.Miriah is a respelling of Mariah, an older English pronunciation of Maria that circles back to the HebrewPronounced muh-RYE-uh▶Madeliene#17055 in the U.S.Madeliene is a rearranged spelling of Madeline, from Magdalene meaning woman of Magdala, a village by thePronounced MAD-uh-lin▶Marlane#17162 in the U.S.Marlane is a variant of Marlene, a German contraction of Maria Magdalena — Mary Magdalene. Maria comes frPronounced mar-LAYN▶Marybel#17279 in the U.S.Marybel joins Mary, from Hebrew Miriam ('beloved', 'star of the sea' or 'bitter'), to belle, French for 'Pronounced MAIR-ee-bel▶Madaleine#17431 in the U.S.Madaleine is a spelling of Madeleine, the French form of Magdalene, meaning 'of Magdala,' a village on thPronounced MAD-uh-lin▶Shawniece#18743 in the U.S.Shawniece joins Shawn, the anglicized spelling of the Irish Sean and thus tied to the Hebrew idea that GoPronounced shaw-NEECE▶Tashawna#18961 in the U.S.Tashawna is a coined American name of the later twentieth century, joining a Ta- prefix to Shawna, a femiPronounced tuh-SHAW-nuh▶
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Frequently Asked
Do all the names on this page really mean 'the sea'?
Not literally every one. Most trace to Miriam's debated 'bitter sea' etymology, but a few, like Jordyn (named for the River Jordan) and Madelynn (from 'Magdala,' a real fishing town on the Sea of Galilee), connect to water and the sea through geography rather than a direct translation.
Which name here has the strongest direct link to the sea?
Molly does, the meaning on record for this classic Mary diminutive is literally 'sea of bitterness,' making it the most direct sea name on the whole list, even though it now reads as a cheerful, everyday name.
Is Marlee actually a Hebrew name?
No. Marlee is a modern feminine spelling of Marley, an English place-name with a meadow meaning, not a Hebrew name. It landed on this page mainly for its sound, not its roots, worth knowing if the sea meaning matters to you.