Every year, new names appear on the ONS (Office of National Statistics) list of baby names in England and Wales. In 2025, Muhammad topped the list as the most popular name for boys, while Olivia was the most popular for girls.
However, have you ever thought about which baby names have been inspired by the ocean? Well, we have researched the ocean baby names that have increased in popularity, using data from the ONS. The following sea-inspired baby names have had the highest increase since 1996.
Girl names:
| Name | Baby name increase in England and Wales (comparing 1996 to 2024) |
|---|---|
| Ariel | 1950% |
| Blue | 900% |
| Pearl | 652% |
| Ocean | 548% |
| Sandy | 11% |
The ocean-inspired girls' name that has increased in popularity the most between 1996 and 2024 is Ariel, growing 1950%. A name of Hebrew origin, it means “Lion of God.” The name was also the main character in Disney’s 1989 film, The Little Mermaid, which was remade in 2023, which may have contributed to the surge in popularity of the name.
The name Blue increased by 900% in England and Wales. We have seen celebrities such as Beyoncé and Jay Z popularise the name, naming their eldest daughter Blue Ivy Carter. The name originated from the colour, which symbolises peace, nature and wisdom.
Pearl has increased by 652%. A feminine name of English, Latin and French origin, the pearls are a rare sight found in oysters and other molluscs. Maya Rudolph, American actress and comedian, chose the name for one of her daughters.
Ocean is another name which has surged in popularity in England and Wales, increasing by 548%. A Greek baby name meaning “sea”, it is commonly used in English-speaking countries. Celebrities with children named Ocean include British singer Jesy Nelson and American reality TV star Lala Kent.
Finally, Sandy has increased by 11% for girls. As one of the main characters of the 1978 musical Grease, the name has become popular in England and Wales between 1996 and 2024. Another name of Greek origin, it means “defender of mankind”.
Boy names:
| Name | Baby name increase in England and Wales (comparing 1996 to 2024) |
|---|---|
| Ocean | 1025% |
| Sandy | 600% |
| Blue | 440% |
| Ariel | 283% |
| Reef | 233% |
For boy baby names inspired by the sea, the name Ocean takes first place, increasing by 1025%. A gender-neutral name, Harry Potter actress Bonnie Wright used the name as a middle name for her son. American actress Amber Heard also has a son named Ocean.
Sandy, a name that increased in popularity for baby girls, rose even more for baby boys. From 1996 to 2024, the name increased by 600% for boys in England and Wales. We’ve also seen the name Sandy used for males on screen, including Freddie Prince Jr.'s character, the male nanny in FRIENDS, and the wise lawyer Sandy Cohen in The O.C.
Blue increased by 440% for baby boys. Similarly, for girls, the name Blue can represent tranquillity, with connotations to nature.
Gender-neutral name Ariel has also increased by 283% for baby boys. The name appears in Shakespeare’s play The Tempest as an ambiguous spirit of no gender. However, many believe the spirit to be male as male pronouns are used throughout the play.
Finally, the name Reef has increased in popularity among boys by 233% between 1996 and 2024. The name primarily originates from the English word for a marine rock/coral formation, symbolising strength, nature, and the sea.
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