300+ Good Names For Fish You Must Know in 2024

Selecting the right name for your aquatic companion can be a fun and meaningful task.

Whether you’ve just welcomed a new fish into your tank or you’re brainstorming names for a future addition, finding the perfect name can add personality and charm to your underwater world.

In this guide, we’ll explore the art of naming fish, offering tips and inspiration to help you find a name that suits your friend swimmingly.

1. Consider Their Appearance: One of the first things to consider when naming your fish is their appearance. Please take note of their color, patterns, and size. For example, a brightly colored Betta fish might be aptly named “Sunshine” or “Ruby,” while a sleek, silver fish could be called “Silverado” or “Sleek.”
2. Personality Traits: Believe it or not, fish can exhibit distinct personalities. Some may be bold and outgoing, while others are more timid. Observing your fish’s behavior can give you insight into their personality, which can then inspire a fitting name. A playful fish might be named “Bubbles” or “Splash,” while a calm and serene fish could be called “Zen” or “Tranquil.”
3. Theme-Based Names: Creating a theme for your aquarium can inspire naming your fish. Whether you’re drawn to a specific hobby, interest, or aesthetic, you can find names that fit your chosen theme. For example, if you’re a fan of literature, you might name your fish after famous literary characters like “Gatsby” or “Darcy.” Alternatively, if you’re passionate about space, names like “Nova” or “Galaxy” could be fitting choices.
4. Cultural References: Drawing inspiration from cultural references can also lead to unique and meaningful names for your fish. Consider names from mythology, folklore, or pop culture that resonate with you. Names like “Neptune,” “Ariel,” or “Nemo” all have ties to the ocean and can add a touch of whimsy to your aquarium.
5. Keep it Simple: While creative and elaborate names can be fun, it’s important to remember that simplicity can also be effective. Fish respond to short, easy-to-pronounce names, so opt for monikers that are one or two syllables long. Names like “Finn,” “Blue,” or “Pearl” are simple yet charming choices that your fish will quickly recognize.
6. Personal Connection: Ultimately, the best names hold personal meaning for you. Whether it’s a name that reflects your fish’s unique characteristics or one that pays homage to something you love, choosing a name that resonates with you will strengthen the bond you share with your aquatic companion.

Famous Fish Names

• Moby Dick
• Captain Ahab
• Dory
• Nemo
• Flounder
• Jaws
• Wanda
• Magikarp
• Squirtle
• Long John Silver
• Captain Morgan
• Flipper
• Willie
• Poseidon
• Captain Hook
• Jacques Cousteau
• Captain Jack
• Neptune
• Aquaman
• Ariel
• Happy Gillmore

Fish Species That Double as Names

• Marlin
• Tuna
• Angel
• Albus
• Plankton
• Tetra
• Oscar
• Orca
• Ray
• Beluga

Funny (and Punny) Fish Names

• Bait
• Fin
• Small Fry
• Sashimi
• Sushi
• Swedish
• Jetsam
• Flotsam
• Shelly
• Swim Shady
• Algae B. Eater
• Fish N. Chips
• General Finn
• Betta White
• Gill-bert
• Harley Finn
• Marlin Brando
• Lake Skywalker
• Bubble Fett
• Katie Current
• James Pond
• Salty
• Johnny Depth
• Tuna Turner
• Marlin Monroe
• Sharkira
• Guppie Goldberg
• Ann Chovy
• Gill Clinton
• Filet
• Tank
• Tsunami

Funny Names for Pairs of Fish

• Splish and Splash
• Ebb and Flow
• Phineas and Ferb
• Mary Kate and Ashley Ocean
• Salmon and Gillfunkel

Names for Goldfish

• Pumpkin
• Goldie
• Blaze
• Penny
• Ruby
• Tiger

Names for Betta Fish

• Rocky
• Ronda Rousey
• Muhammad Ali
• Sugar Ray

Funny Fish Names

1. Leviathan: a gigantic mythical sea creature
2. Flipper: everyone’s favorite dolphin (which is technically a mammal)
3. Sponge Bob: he’s a sponge, but he lives under the sea
4. Squidward: Sponge Bob’s best frenemy
5. Sebastian: a crab, from the movie Little Mermaid
6. Ariel: The Little Mermaid
7. Poseidon: Ariel’s father the King
8. Willie: a famous whale (another mammal) from the movie Free Willie
9. Monstro: A whale in the 1940 animated Disney film Pinocchio
10. Cetus: A sea monster from ancient Greek mythology
11. Patrick Star: Sponge Bob’s best sea-star friend

Names for Damselfish

• Coral
• Sunny
• Morose
• In Distress
• Gidget
• Deb
• Mrs. Puff
• Marina

Elegant Fish Names

1. Angie
2. Annie
3. Astro
4. Baby
5. Beluga (the ultimate name for a white fish)
6. Billie
7. Bingo
8. Bubba
9. Cleo
10. Coco
11. Cookie
12. Dobby
13. Finn
14. Flash
15. Flipper
16. Flounder
17. Flower
18. Freckles (cute name for a spotted fishy)
19. George
20. Gordon or Gordy
21. Gracie
22. Guppy
23. Houdini
24. Kiko
25. Lenny
26. Louie
27. Lucky
28. Marble
29. Ollie
30. Otter
31. Paulie
32. Popcorn
33. Quimby
34. Rex
35. Rocky
36. Roxy
37. Salty
38. Sammy
39. Sandy
40. Sassy
41. Skippy
42. Snapper
43. Spike
44. Spot
45. Sprite
46. Surfer
47. Swimmer
48. Toby
49. Wavy
50. Ziggy

Orange Fish Names

1. Amber
2. Blaze
3. Butterscotch
4. Caramel
5. Carmen
6. Carrot
7. Cheeto
8. Clementine
9. Copper
10. Dorothy (the goldfish in Elmo’s World)
11. Ember
12. Fanta
13. Flame
14. Foxy
15. Ginger
16. Lemon
17. Mac (and Cheese)
18. Mango
19. Nala
20. Orange Crush
21. Peaches
22. Penny
23. Pumpkin (name the next fish ‘Pie’)
24. Rosie
25. Rusty
26. Satsuma
27. Sherbet
28. Shimmer
29. Simba
30. Sundance
31. Sunny
32. Sunshine
33. Tangerine
34. Tiger or Tigress
35. Topaz

Unique Fish Names

1. Alpha Betta
2. Amazon
3. Betta Midler
4. Betta White
5. Bob
6. Bubbly
7. Captain Hook
8. Captain Jack
9. Captain Morgan
10. Champagne
11. Cherry
12. Chips
13. Eddy (as in the water currents)
14. Foamy
15. Gill-bert
16. Gilligan
17. Harley Finn
18. Jabberjaw
19. Jetsam (a pair with Flotsam)
20. Lake Skywalker
21. Mackerel
22. Marlin Brando
23. Mr. Limpet
24. Mrs. Puff
25. Nibbles
26. Outta Tuna
27. Pip
28. Sashimi
29. Shelly
30. Small Fry
31. Squish
32. Suds
33. Sushi
34. Swedish
35. Yacht or Li’l Yachty

Names for Fish Pairs

• Bonnie and Clyde
• Romeo and Juliet
• Peek and Boo
• Tic and Tac
• Splish and Splash
• Jane and Doe
• One Fish and Two Fish
• Zig and Zag
• Mickey and Minnie
• Thelma and Louise
• Hall and Oates
• Gilligan and Skipper

Kid-Friendly Fish Names

• Taco
• Slimeface
• Cheeto
• Fishface
• BoBo
• Poseidon
• Neptune
• Ikaroa
• Bubba
• Big Gulp
• Plato
• Skipjack
• Gemini
• Phish
• Rebel
• Bruiser
• Chompers
• Loki
• Lasso
• Flounder
• Spot
• Bubbles
• Sparky
• Slippery
• Stinky
• Big Joe
• Swim Shady
• Bigmouth Billy Bass
• Slimy Steve
• Puckerface Jones
• Squirtle
• Stanley
• Goober

Names for Betta Fish

• Rocky
• Muhammad Ali
• Cuddles
• Clifford
• Papa Smurf
• Blueboy
• Ninja
• Betta Midler

Names for Goldfish

• Tropicana
• Pumpkin
• Goldilocks
• Dorothy
• Rick and Morty
• Shrek and Donkey
• Wayne and Garth
• Thelma and Louise
• Mom and Pop
• John Lennon and Yoko Ono
• Carrie and Big
• Jerry and Elaine
• Will and Grace
• Lilo and Stitch
• Snoopy and Woodstock
• Mutt and Jeff
• Abbott and Costello
• Frank and Beans
• Bonnie and Clyde
• Romeo and Juliet
• Butch and Sundance
• Felix and Oscar
• Hootie and the Blowfish
• The Prince and Princess of W(h)ales
• Goldie Hawn

Names for Molly Fish

• Eclipse
• Phantom
• Speckles
• Wanda (A Fish Called Wanda)
• Kilgore Trout (Slaughterhouse-Five and other Kurt Vonnegut books)
• Bruce (the mechanical shark used for filming Jaws)
• Ariel (The Little Mermaid)
• Nemo (Finding Nemo)
• Dory (Finding Nemo)
• Marlin (Finding Nemo)
• Oscar (Shark Tale)
• Flipper
• Carrie Fish-er
• Lance Bass
• Joe Pesce
• Catfish Hunter
• “Salmon” Rushdie
• “Marlin” Brando
• Molly Ringwald
• Pongo
• Perdita

Names for Oscar Fish

• Godfather
• PeeWee
• Poseidon
• Cujo
• Oscar De La Hoya
• Oscar Mayer

Names for Angelfish

• Diva
• Wings
• Sunshine
• Blondie
• Angelica

Names for Clownfish

• Garfield
• Orange Slice
• Bozo
• Krusty

More Names for Fish

1. Sushi
2. Guppi Goldberg
3. Ann Chovy
4. James Pond (a.k.a. James Bond)
5. Genghis Karp
6. Phish Styx
7. Uncle Salmon
8. Salmon and Gillfunkel
9. Gill Clinton
10. Bill Nye the Science Fry
11. Happy Gillmore
12. Bubble Fett
13. Tartar Sauce
14. Swim Shady
15. Swedish (after the candy, Swedish Fish)
16. Tuna Turner
17. Marlin Monroe
18. Mackerelmore
19. Alpha Betta
20. Nat Kingfish Cod
21. Flounder
22. Mr. Fish
23. Sharkira
24. Pescetarian
25. Goldie Hawn
26. Poop
27. Floaty
28. Tiny Fin
29. Fish Fieri

Cool names for fish

1. Michelangelo
2. Elvis Fishley
3. Phineas
4. Ferb
5. Johnny Dash
6. Batman
7. Gandalf
8. Jack Sparrow
9. Willy Wonka
10. Joker
11. Han Solo
12. Skywalker
13. Woody
14. Yoda
15. Brad Pitt
16. Channing Tatum
17. Stephen Curry
18. Lebron Waves
19. Johnny Depth
20. Batman
21. Ross
22. Seinfeld
23. Harry
24. Bruce

Punny Names for Pairs of Fish

1. Tic and Tac
2. Splish and Splash
3. Ebb and Flow
4. Han Solo and Chewbacca
5. Phineas and Ferb
6. Bonnie and Clyde
7. Beyoncé and Jay-Z
8. Mary Kate and Ashley Ocean
9. Aqua and Fina
10. Sea and Weed
11. High Tide and Low Tide
12. Rocket and Man
13. Oopsy and Daisy

The Most Popular Boy and Girl Fish Names

1. Magikarp: Name of a classic Pokémon that later evolves into a dragon
2. Sushi: A name dripping with irony … and maybe soy sauce
3. Nemo: The young fish in the classic children’s film Finding Nemo
4. Delta: The fertile land where a river meets the ocean
5. Dory: The main character in the children’s film Finding Dory
6. Bait: Another ironic name (hopefully)
7. Long John Silver: Pirate in the classic story Treasure Island
8. Neptune: Roman god of the sea
9. Atlantis: Mythical city swallowed by the sea
10. Taco: Total power move
11. Flipper: Name of a famous dolphin
12. Nugget: Great name for a goldfish
13. Salty: Like the oceans
14. Bubbly: Cute name for a cute fish
15. Aquaman: King of Atlantis, and by extension, of the seas
16. Stew: Perfect for a fish on a Friday
17. Goldie: Classic name for a goldfish
18. Cici: Pronounced “SeaSea,” it names the ocean twice!
19. Ariel: Name of the Little Mermaid
20. Rainbow: Great name for a colorful fish and a reminder about sharing

Things to avoid

While naming your fish can be an enjoyable endeavor, there are certain pitfalls to avoid to ensure you choose a name that both you and your aquatic friend will appreciate. Here are some things to steer clear of:

1. Offensive or Inappropriate Names: Avoid choosing names that could be offensive or inappropriate. This includes names that are derogatory, culturally insensitive, or have negative connotations. Remember, your fish deserves a name that reflects positivity and respect.
2. Overly Complicated Names: While creativity is encouraged, overly complicated names can be difficult to remember and pronounce. Keep your fish’s name simple and easy to say to ensure clear communication and recognition.
3. Generic or Unoriginal Names: Steer clear of generic or unoriginal names that lack personality. Instead of defaulting to common names like “Fishy” or “Goldie,” take the time to choose a name that is unique and meaningful to you and your fish.
4. Names That Don’t Fit: Avoid choosing names that don’t suit your fish’s appearance, personality, or characteristics. For example, naming a small, delicate fish “Tank” might be misleading and incongruent. Take the time to observe your fish and choose a name that reflects who they are.
5. Long or Tongue-Twisting Names: Long or tongue-twisting names can be cumbersome and difficult to use daily. Opt for short, concise names that are easy to say and remember. Your fish will appreciate the simplicity, and you’ll find it easier to bond with them using their chosen name.
6. Names That Are Difficult to Pronounce: Avoid names that are difficult to pronounce, especially if you plan to share your fish’s name with others. Choose a name that flows easily off the tongue to ensure clarity and ease of communication.
7. Negative Associations: Be mindful of names that have negative associations or remind you of unpleasant experiences. Your fish’s name should evoke positive feelings and associations, enhancing your bond with them rather than detracting from them.

By steering clear of these common pitfalls, you can ensure that the name you choose for your fish is a perfect fit, reflecting their unique identity and strengthening the connection you share.

Conclusion on Good Names For Fish

Naming your fish is a delightful opportunity to inject personality and creativity into your aquarium.

By considering factors such as appearance, personality traits, themes, cultural references, simplicity, and personal connection, you can find the perfect name that reflects the unique identity of your friend.

So dive in, get creative, and give your fish a name they’ll be proud to wear as they explore their underwater domain.

Thank You 🙂