135 Pirate Names: Ultimate List for Boys, Girls & Adventurers
From legendary rogues to whimsical labels, embrace a seafaring identity for every voyage.

Image: ShutterStock
Pirate Names: The Ultimate List for Every Adventurer
From classic swashbucklers to bold new adventurers, pirate names capture the wild spirit of the high seas. Whether you’re hunting for a moniker for a pirate-themed party, a creative username, or the perfect name for your pet, this guide delivers 135 of the best pirate names—spanning historical legends, unique picks, and fun favorites for boys, girls, and more.
Why Choose a Pirate Name?
Pirate names aren’t just for costume parties or Talk Like a Pirate Day. They lend energy to creative writing, gaming handles, storytelling, team names, and more.
- Historically Inspired: Many pirate names have real origins in history and legend.
- Pop Culture Appeal: Pirate names have been popularized by movies, books, and video games.
- Versatile Use: Great for naming pets, characters, trivia nights, and role-playing games.
Best Pirate Names
These names blend historical flair with whimsical bravado. Each name is packed with a little meaning and a lot of personality!
- Maire – Melodic, mysterious, and the stuff of legends.
- Beckett – A rugged and testy surname turned first name.
- Aegea – Derived from the Aegean Sea, a perfect pick for a water wanderer.
- Finn – Meaning “fair” or “white” in Irish; invokes a wave-rider’s spirit.
- Ada – “Noble” in both German and Latin roots.
- Shai – Hebrew for “gift”; a treasure on any crew.
- Remi – From Latin “remigis,” meaning rower of oars; born to sail.
- Adva – Hebrew for “wave” or “ripple,” ideal for sea-bound adventurers.
- Calico – A nod to Calico Jack, the famous English pirate and inspiration for many a fictional rogue.
- Bourne – “One who lives by a stream or brook,” suitable for a pirate who loves the water.
- Lysander – Greek for “liberator,” conjuring visions of naval command.
- Nagisa – Japanese for “beach” or “shore.”
- Sutton – “Southern settlement” in Old English origins.
- Ama – Means “water” in both Native American and African traditions.
- Cheng – In honor of Zheng Yi Sao, a legendary Chinese pirate queen.
Girl Pirate Names
These names blend grace and grit, making them ideal for fierce, adventurous girls or strong female characters:
- Pearl – Iridescent beauty hiding formidable toughness.
- Isla – Means “island”; as mysterious as an undiscovered cove.
- Nami – Japanese for “wave.”
- Ada – “Noble” in Germanic tradition; short, sweet, and ship-shape.
- Remi – Defying expectations and navigating her own course.
- Calico – As in Calico Jack, but with a feminine twist.
- Guinevere – Suggests legendary royalty and command.
- Imani – Swahili for “faith”; any crew would be lucky to have her.
- Sable – Dark, alluring, and undeniably bold.
- Morgana – Magic and mystery, drawing from Arthurian legend.
Boy Pirate Names
Straight from the annals of legend or inspired by the rugged lives of real captains, these boy pirate names set the tone for swashbuckling excitement:
- Bastian – Evokes strength and leadership.
- Cassian – Unique, yet timeless.
- Alistair – Scottish origin; means “defender of men.”
- Finn – Quick-witted and fair, a hero among crewmen.
- Remi – Both gentle and adventurous.
- Bourne – Hailing from the stream, ready for river runs and ocean crossings.
- Lysander – Sailing under a banner of liberty.
- Ronan – Means “little seal” in Irish, a true sea mate.
- Beckett – Born for the briny wilds.
- Sutton – A nobleman with the heart of a pirate.
Cool and Unique Pirate Names
For those looking for standout or creative pirate names that aren’t commonly heard, try these picks for something that charts a new course:
- Thorne – Tough as they come.
- Nash – With a hint of mystery.
- Lucian – A dark and elegant force at sea.
- Zephyr – Named after the west wind, swift and elusive.
- Delphine – Refined, graceful, and strong-willed.
- Orion – Like the hunter in the stars, always seeking new treasures.
- Mireille – French elegance with a swashbuckling edge.
- Calder – Wild and unpredictable as a stormy tide.
- Sinclair – Stylish and formidable in equal measure.
Funny Pirate Names
Pirate names sometimes take on a comical edge, making them perfect for lighthearted events or simply showing off your sense of humor:
- Fishbones McGillicuddy
- Swabbie Jones
- Jolly Roger Dodger
- Salty Sally
- Barnacle Bill
- Peg-Leg Pete
- Mackerel Mary
- Bootless Bob
- Long John Slippers
- Captain Crabby
Famous and Historical Pirate Names
Honor the legendary pirates who terrorized the oceans—these names are straight from history and lore:
- Blackbeard – The infamous English pirate Edward Teach.
- Anne Bonny – Legendary female pirate of the Caribbean.
- Calico Jack – Known for his flashy dress and daring spirit.
- Henry Morgan – Notorious and successful buccaneer.
- Mary Read – Disguised as a man to join the ranks of pirates.
- Bartholomew Roberts – “Black Bart,” one of the most successful pirates of all time.
- Sir Francis Drake – Queen Elizabeth’s privateer turned pirate.
- Ching Shih – The greatest female pirate leader in history, commanding thousands of ships.
- Jean Lafitte – French pirate and privateer in the Gulf of Mexico.
- Grace O’Malley – Fearless Irish pirate queen.
Pirate Names for Pets
Whether a dog, cat, parrot, or goldfish, pirate names make for memorable pet monikers:
- Rum – Short and spirited.
- Buccaneer – For a bold dog or cat.
- Scallywag – Playful and mischievous.
- Jewel – Bright and beautiful.
- Cutlass – Full of swashbuckling attitude.
- Siren – For alluring or vocal pets.
- Bones – Especially fitting for a bony or lanky animal.
- Patches – For pets with unique markings or lots of personality.
How to Choose the Perfect Pirate Name
Looking for the right pirate name? Here are tips to select one that fits your story, character, or event:
- Reflect Personality: Pick names that embody either a sense of adventure, mischief, or leadership.
- Consider Origins: Many pirate names come from languages or cultures around the world, adding flavor to your choice.
- Match to Purpose: Choose an intimidating name for your game character, or a funny and light one for a party persona.
- Think Phonetics: Bold, easily pronounced names resonate best.
- Mix and Match: Combine elements (like a fierce adjective and a strong noun) for a unique creation: e.g., Stormy Drake.
Pirate Culture in Pop Culture
Pirate names remain popular in movies, television, and books. Some iconic examples include:
- Captain Jack Sparrow – The charming rogue of “Pirates of the Caribbean.”
- Long John Silver – Classic villain and anti-hero from “Treasure Island.”
- Hook – The ever-menacing adversary of Peter Pan.
- Elizabeth Swann – Fearless and cunning, a breakout star in pirate lore.
- Will Turner – Loyal, valiant, with a hint of mystery.
Fun fact: Talk Like a Pirate Day, celebrated annually on September 19th, keeps pirate lingo and names in circulation for all ages.
Table: Sample Pirate Names & Their Origins
Name | Origin / Meaning | Category |
---|---|---|
Calico Jack | Based on John Rackham, English pirate, 18th-century | Historical |
Anne Bonny | Legendary female pirate | Historical |
Bastian | Strength, leadership | Boy |
Pearl | Grace, value, and toughness | Girl |
Sable | Dark, mysterious | Girl |
Rum | Named after the popular pirate drink | Pet |
Jolly Roger Dodger | Pun on the pirate flag (Jolly Roger) | Funny |
Zephyr | The west wind in Greek mythology | Unique |
Grace O’Malley | Irish pirate queen | Historical |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What makes a name a good “pirate name”?
A: A great pirate name suggests adventure, ocean imagery, a dash of danger, and often includes references to historic pirates or nautical slang. Names can be intimidating, charming, funny, or mysterious, but all should evoke the untamed spirit of the sea.
Q: Can I use a pirate name for my pet or game character?
A: Yes! Pirate names make for memorable pet monikers and add fun to game avatars and creative writing projects. Adapt a name from history or mix elements for a new, unique identity.
Q: Are there any famous female pirate names?
A: Absolutely. Anne Bonny, Mary Read, Ching Shih, and Grace O’Malley are among the most famous real-life female pirates, inspiring countless fictional and gaming character names.
Q: Why do pirate names sound so distinctive?
A: Pirate names often pull from diverse cultures, old nautical slang, and historical figures, all of which make them vivid, memorable, and full of character.
Q: How can I invent my own pirate name?
A: Combine a fierce-sounding adjective (like Stormy, Black, Wild) with a bold noun (such as Hawk, Blade, Drake) or alter an existing name with a pirate twist. For example: “Stormy Blade” or “Crimson Morgan.”
Conclusion
Whether you’re after a name for your next party, a fantasy novel, or your loyal pet parrot, pirate names are brimming with tales of courage, cunning, and ocean adventure. From historic legends to clever new creations, there’s a pirate name for every explorer at heart. So weigh anchor, choose your favorite, and set sail on your next big adventure!
References
- https://parade.com/living/pirate-names
- https://parade.com/news/josh-gad-john-stamos-congratulations-to-taylor-swift-from-disneyland-goes-viral
- https://parade.com/702175/solanahawkenson/celebrate-talk-like-a-pirate-day-with-14-the-most-memorable-pirates-from-film-tv/
- https://parade.com/books/best-young-adult-books-of-all-time
- https://parade.com/977752/samuelmurrian/movie-trivia/

Community Experiences
Join the conversation and become a part of our vibrant community! Share your stories, experiences, and insights to connect with like-minded individuals.
Read full bio of Medha Deb