A Boat's Name: The Us Show's Unique Quirk

Choosing a boat name is a difficult task, as it often reveals a lot about the personality of the owner. The Boat Owners Association of America releases an annual list of the most popular boat names in the US, compiled from requests for boat name designs. The 2019 list included names such as High Maintenance, Why Knot?, and Pearl, while the 2022 list featured Andiamo, Osprey, and Serenity.

Boat names reflect owner personalities

Choosing a boat name is a highly personal decision, and boat owners often want their vessel's name to reflect their personality, interests, and sense of humour. The Boat Owners Association of America (BoatUS) notes that boat names can reveal something about the personality of their owners.

Boat names can be inspired by a variety of sources, such as the owner's favourite book, movie, TV show, song, band, vacation spot, hobby, sport, drink, food, animal, historical figure, mythological creature, or quote. Names from literature, art, classical music, and philosophy can indicate a lot about the owner's personality, heritage, and education.

Some boat owners may prefer a more unique and clever name, such as a play on words, pun, or pop culture reference. For example, "Why Knot?" combines nautical wordplay with a sense of spontaneity, while "More Cowbell" references a popular comedy sketch, indicating a fun-loving and playful personality.

Other boat owners may opt for a more romantic or traditional name, such as naming the boat after a loved one or combining names to create something unique. Feminine names have been a popular choice for boats throughout history, often calming superstitious fears of rough seas.

The type and purpose of the boat may also influence its name. For example, a fishing boat may have a different name than a luxury yacht. A strong and sturdy boat may be named "Dauntless," while a smaller, recreational boat may be named "Joyful" or "Bouncer."

When choosing a boat name, it is essential to keep it simple, memorable, and easy to pronounce and understand, especially for radio communications. Superstition also plays a role in boat naming, as some believe that changing a boat's name can bring bad luck.

Ultimately, the perfect boat name is one that suits the owner's personality and makes them feel proud and happy. It reflects their interests, creativity, and the intended use of the boat, becoming a source of pride and a reflection of their personality on the waters.

Top boat names in the US

Naming a boat is one of the most enjoyable parts of boat ownership. While some people have a beloved name in mind for years before they buy, for others, it takes a few weeks of thought and research to pick the right one. Traditionally, boat names were gods or deities, as a way to bring luck to a vessel. Today, boat naming is more of an "anything goes" exercise, with boat owners choosing elegant, classic, tongue-in-cheek, edgy, or funny names.

The Boat Owners Association of the United States (BoatUS) releases an annual list of the top 10 boat names in the country, based on requests for boat name designs from its boat graphics service. The 2022 list included the following names:

• Andiamo: Meaning "let's go / we go / come on" in Italian, this name remains in the No. 1 spot from the previous year's list.
• Osprey: This name refers to a bird of prey that dives into the water to catch its dinner.
• Serenity: This name has made the top 10 seven times since 2010 and is popular with sailboat owners.
• Encore: This name may indicate the "next" boat or a comeback to boat owning after a hiatus.
• Zephyr: A gentle breeze; this name last appeared on the top 10 in 2010.
• Second Wind: This name may signify a new chapter or achievement in the owner's life.
• Adventure: Boats with this name are often out on the water every weekend, exploring new places.
• Knot on Call: This name serves as a notice that the owner's time on the water is sacred and uninterrupted by cell phone calls.
• Shenanigans: This name embraces the lighthearted and fun nature of boating culture.
• Grace: This elegant name likely holds deep meaning for vessels with beautiful lines or for those that navigate with finesse and make docking look easy.

The BoatUS list from 2019 included the following names:

• Aquaholic: This name, which returned to the top 10 after a four-year absence, pokes fun at spending too much time on the water.
• Pearl: A reference to the fictional ship in the "Pirates of the Caribbean" film series, this name conveys understated luxury.
• Forever Young: This name reflects the feeling that boating, sailing, or fishing keeps people feeling young and stress-free.
• Second Chance: This name suggests that the boat owner has had a fresh start or a "do-over" in some aspect of their life.
• Pegasus: This name, derived from Greek mythology, connects the earth and the sky and is commonly found on both sailboats and powerboats.
• Why Knot?: This name combines nautical wordplay with the idea of jumping into things without overthinking.
• High Maintenance: This name may refer to the boat owner's spouse or indicate that the vessel requires significant time, money, or effort to maintain.

Boat naming trends

Naming a boat is a tradition that has been around for thousands of years. Sailors would carefully choose the names of their vessels, believing that the wrong name could mean the difference between a safe voyage and being lost at sea. In ancient times, boats were often named after gods or goddesses, while during the age of exploration, boats were frequently named after royalty or patrons. In modern times, boat names often reflect the owner's personality, wit, interests, or hobbies.

Length and Ease of Communication

It is recommended to keep the name short and sweet, with a maximum of 33 characters. This is not only for aesthetic purposes but also to ensure that the name is easy to communicate over the VHF radio. Marine radio etiquette dictates that the name is said three times, so a shorter name is preferable.

Superstitions and Taboos

According to seafaring legends and superstitions, it is considered bad luck to rename a boat or choose a name that begins with "O". Additionally, it is generally advised to avoid names that are associated with tragedy, such as "Titanic" or "Unsinkable". It is also important to avoid using racist, sexist, or profane language in the boat's name and to ensure that the name does not include phrases that might be used to seek help at sea, such as "Man Overboard."

Creativity and Personal Connection

A boat name often reflects the owner's creativity, personality, and interests. It can be a play on words, a sentimental reference, or something that sparks curiosity. The name might be inspired by the owner's hobbies, favourite songs or movies, or even a tribute to a loved one.

Tradition and Elegance

For those who prefer a more traditional approach, names like "Liberty", "Enterprise", or "Endeavour" convey strength and a pioneering spirit. Yacht owners might opt for names that reflect the elegance and grandeur of their vessel, such as "Elysium" or "Majestic".

Humour and Wordplay

Many boat owners enjoy adding a touch of humour to their vessel's name. This can be in the form of puns, such as "Knot on Call" or "More Cowbell", or witty plays on words like "Seaduction" or "Squid Pro Quo".

In conclusion, when naming a boat, it is important to consider the length and ease of communication, avoid superstitions and taboos, reflect the owner's personality and interests, and add a touch of creativity, tradition, or humour. Remember, the perfect boat name is one that brings joy and smiles whenever you set sail.

Boat naming tips

Naming a boat is a special tradition and a fun way to customise your vessel and make it your own. It is also a requirement by the U.S. Coast Guard to identify your boat's name and hailing port on documents and the boat itself. Here are some tips to help you choose the perfect name for your boat:

Keep it concise

A short name looks sleek and ensures clarity and ease of communication during VHF radio communications. Aim for brevity without sacrificing personality or impact.

Incorporate a familiar name

Including your family's name or that of a loved one adds a personal touch and symbolises the unity and camaraderie experienced aboard your maritime adventures. It's a way to honour the bond shared with those closest to you and creates a sense of history, legacy, and emotional connection.

Reflect your interests or hobbies

Choose a name that reflects your career, hobbies, or favourite songs, movies, or other cultural works. This adds a layer of significance and personality to your boat's name and can be a great conversation starter among fellow enthusiasts on the water.

Embrace wordplay and puns

Puns and double meanings inject wit and humour into your vessel's identity. Attorneys, for example, often embrace wordplay to incorporate their profession into their boat's name, showcasing their legal expertise with a playful twist.

Make it memorable

Choose a name that is memorable and rolls off the tongue. It should suit your vessel and be bold and visible, even in adverse weather conditions.

Avoid certain words and phrases

According to seafaring legends, it is bad luck to rename a boat or choose a name that begins with "O". Also, avoid using any language that might be used to seek help at sea, such as "Man Overboard." Stay away from racist, sexist, or profane language, and don't use your boat's name to make a distress call, as this could lead to confusion in an emergency.

Remember, your boat's name becomes your name on the water, so choose wisely and opt for a moniker that resonates with you and captures the essence of your maritime adventures.

Boat name inspiration

Boat names can reveal a lot about the personality of the owner, so it's important to choose a name that suits you and your vessel. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Wordplay and Puns

A little wordplay or punning can go a long way in making your boat's name memorable. For instance, "Why Knot?" combines a nautical term with a common phrase, and "More Cowbell" references a popular comedy sketch. If you're looking for a name that's fun and lighthearted, this could be a good direction to go in.

Amorous Angles

If you're feeling a little amorous on the high seas, a playful name like "Feelin' Nauti" might be the way to go. It's cheeky, fun, and sure to raise a smile from anyone who sees it.

Greek Mythology

For a more classical approach, you could turn to Greek mythology. "Pegasus", a winged horse capable of creating water springs, is a popular choice for both sailboats and powerboats.

Latin Lovers

If you're a fan of the classical world but want to go off the beaten track, why not try a little Latin? "Squid Pro Quo" is a fun name for a fishing vessel, and its owner clearly understands that life is all about give and take.

Second Chances

A boat can be a great way to start over, and many owners choose names that reflect a new chapter in their lives. "Second Chance" or "Second Wind" are popular choices for those who've had a do-over, whether that's in boating, health, career, or matrimony.

Film and Literature

For the film buffs and bookworms among us, there's a wealth of inspiration to be found in popular culture. "Pearl" could refer to the fictional ship in the "Pirates of the Caribbean" films, or it might be a subtle nod to the classic novel by John Steinbeck.

Water-Related Puns

If you're looking for a name that's a little more on the nose, why not go for a water-related pun? "Aquaholic" is a fun and playful way to suggest you're addicted to the sea, and it's sure to raise a smile from anyone who sees it.

Italian Inspiration

If you're looking for a name with a little European flair, why not try some Italian? "Andiamo", meaning "let's go", is a popular choice and a happy refrain often heard from the person behind the helm.

Nature Names

Taking inspiration from nature is always a good idea, and the "Osprey" is a popular choice for anglers. This bird of prey, diving into the water to catch its dinner, is the perfect namesake for a fishing boat.

Calm and Peaceful

For those seeking serenity on the water, a peaceful name like "Serenity" or "Grace" could be the perfect choice. These names are especially popular with sailboat owners, perhaps reflecting the calm and tranquility of sailing.

Musical References

If you're a music lover, why not pay homage to your favourite band or song? "More Cowbell", as mentioned earlier, is a great choice, but you could also go for something like "Encore", which might suit an entertainer or someone who's returned to boating after a break.

Nautical Terms

Using nautical terms in your boat's name is always a good idea, and "Knot on Call" is a fun way to indicate that your time on the water is sacred.

Shenanigans

If you're the kind of boat owner who loves a little mischief, why not go for a name like "Shenanigans"? It's a fun and lighthearted way to suggest that you're up to no good, and it's sure to keep the atmosphere on board playful and enjoyable.

Frequently asked questions