Best Betta Fish Names

Siamese fighting fish are incredibly popular for their vibrant colors, unique personalities, and aggressive nature. The more these beautiful creatures exhibit their dashing appearance to their owners, the more their lovers come in touch with them. And the first step of forming a bond with your betta often begins with giving them a best deserving name. However, naming them can be tricky, especially for those who are having the betta for the first time. There are a lot of factors, such as gender, color, personality, and behavior, that need to be put forward while choosing the perfect name for them.

In addition to these factors, you can also name your betta fish based on your favorite movie actor, best friend, sweetheart, historical figures, historical places, or even fictional characters.

How to Name Your Betta Fish?

There are no strict thumb rules for naming a betta fish. I’ve named my current and previous bettas based on several factors mentioned above. My approach to naming is very simple, and I want to make it as easy for you. This way, as a newbie, you won’t be confused when choosing a name for your betta fish.

I currently have five bettas at home, and the one closest to me is Azo, the name of my best friend. Another female betta, who is very charming and attractive, and all my family likes his fascinating personality, is Jinay, which means “beautiful girl” in our native language.

My male betta fish with a similar striking personality is named Tusparay, which means “handsome boy” in our local language. My mom named another blue-colored female betta fish, Shino, inspired by the blue eyes of a cat. Lastly, our fifth betta is named Tokee, hinting at a funny name in our language.

Hopefully, by now, you understand how to name your beloved betta fish, just like experienced betta enthusiasts name theirs.

To know all about betta fish, don’t miss our article about Siamese fighting fish.

Good Names for Betta Fish

Now, let’s explore our collection of the best betta fish names, organized by popular categories. In the end, you will come up with several names for your betta fish that we will match with your betta’s color, trait, or any other unique behavior.

Names Based on Color

Naming a betta fish based on its color is the simplest way to give your fish a name. Bettas come in various colors, such as red, blue, orange, and multi-color patterns, which can be an imaginative reflection of their striking appearance. Below are some of the most popular color-based names that you can use for both male and female betta fish.

Red Betta Names

1. Mr. Jam – A red male betta fish name, to be used for bright red betta, especially in certain lighting.
2. Ruby –  a name of gemstone, to be used to name a pinkish red or blood-red betta.
3. Tomato – A simple red betta.
4. Lava – My dad has used this name for her red betta, ideal for red male veiltail.
5. Phoenix – a bird name, for a white red or fiery-colored betta.
6. Cranberry Ocean Spray – For a red or cranberry-colored betta.
7. Chilli Jam – name of a red betta, reflecting a spicy, vibrant color.
8. Aka – Red in Japanese language.
9. Sur – Red in our local language, Pashto
10. Ember – beautiful name for fiery-colored betta, my personal choice
11. Guava – a tropical fruit tree, a name that works well for a red-orange betta.
12. Big Red – Perfect for a bright red betta.
13. Rosé – A rosy pink betta.
14. Cherry Garcia – A fun name for a red betta, reflecting an ice cream flavor.

Blue Betta Fish Names

Below are the names for male blue betta fish that are widely used in fish hobby and have a meaningful backend reasoning.

1. Ice King – For white and pale blue male betta fish, a fictional character of the Adventure Time.
2. Blue Moon – For moon lovers who want to name a betta having a blue hue.
3. Skywalker – a fictional character to be used for a blue betta, referring to the sky.
4. Blueberry Rockstar – an energy drink, used to name a blue betta of aggressive nature.
5. Pretty Blue – A female blue betta, named by my young child for its vibrant blue color.
6. Neptune – a planet of our solar system, ideal for a deep blue betta, inspired by the god of the sea.
7. Uranus – A fitting name for a greenish-blue betta, after the blue-colored planet.
8. Rigel – Named after the blue star, seventh brightest star in the night sky.
9. Bluey – A simple and playful name for a blue betta.
10. Ocean – For a male betta with a light blue hue, matching with the color of water.
11. Mr. Bubbles – For a bubbly blue betta.
12. Blue – A straightforward name for a blue betta.
13. Sirius – A blue- white betta named after the star, Sirius, the brightest in the night sky.

Black/Dark Betta Names

Black or dark-colored betta names are rare to be found. However, if you find the one, he or she deserves a good name, reflecting his/her theme and characteristics.

1. Black Parade – For a darker or black-colored betta, after a song by American band.
2. Bean Burrito – A unique color cheese burrito.
3. Azrael Abyss – The hosts of Goth Talk, suggesting deep, dark hues or a mysterious appearance.
4. Hoshi – A black samurai plakat with metallic silver and yellow-lavender fins, named after the Japanese word for “star.” Hoshi is also a nick name of South Korean singer and dancer.
5. Lucifer (Luci) – a TV series with a black theme color, for a betta with dark colors, possibly black or deep hues.
6. Torpedo – A betta with streamlined, likely grey or silver coloring after the name of missile fired underwater.
7. Midas – A male betta with gold or dark hues, known for avoiding the camera.
8. Vengeance – An American black comedy mystery movie, a powerful name for a dark betta.
9. Darth Betta – For a dark or black betta, inspired by fictional character Darth Vader, reflecting dark side of Force.
10. Pax – A mysterious and powerful name for a black betta.
11. Moon shadow – Suitable for a dark betta with shadowy or moonlit hues.
12. Plankton – A playful name for a dark or black betta.
13. Midnight – for dark colored betta fish

White/Pale Betta Names

1. Zombie Mermaid – a name suggested for a betta having pale or ghostly pattern.
2. Glacier – A conventional name for a white or icy-colored warrior betta.
3. Django Freefish – A white opal betta, suggesting a light or pale appearance.
4. Snowberry – A betta with light or white coloring, resembling a forest plant, snowberry.
5. Opi (Opium) – a white substance extracted from Papaver somniferum, a name of white betta with grey having delicate appearance.
6. Casper – Ideal for a white or ghostly pale betta, inspired by the friendly ghost.
7. Himbo – A slang term for sexually attractive man, it could be a name of a light-colored betta with a playful and simple personality.
8. Lumen – A white light emitted by luminous object, a name for a betta with a bright or radiant appearance.
9. Linq – A delicate and light name, suited for a pale betta.
10. Ivory – Ornamental teeth of elephant, best for a white or light-colored betta.

Orange/Yellow Betta Names

1. Salmon – For a light orange or pinkish cellophane-colored betta.
2. Rin (Tangerine) – A citrus fruit of orange color to be used for an orange or yellow halfmoon.
3. Pumpkin – A name of orange-colored squash varieties, likely named for an orange color betta.
4. Orange Joe – A coffee name for a koi betta with orange coloring.
5. Saffron – A spice name that would fit a reddish-brown or golden-yellow betta.
6. Midas – Named after the mythological figure, the king of Phrygia, with a golden touch.
7. Mustard – A condiment extracted from Mustard seeds having yellow color.

Pink/Light-Colored Betta Names

1. Cherry – For a pink-colored betta.
2. Mesmer – A hypnotic fascination for a light yellowy-pink betta named after rejecting names like “Meat” or “Raw Chicken.”
3. Elton – To be used for a male betta, after my favorite singer Elton John.
4. Carnation – A specie of pink-colored flowering plant for a handsome betta with red or pink hues.
5. Confetti – These are small pieces of paper to name a colorful and light-hearted name for a pink or multicolored betta.
6. Dot – A cute and simple name for a small pink or light-colored betta.
7. Lisa Frank – A name of American artist owning a corporation on the name of her name. You could use it for a brightly colored or pastel-toned betta, inspired by the vibrant designs.
8. Sherbert (Sherbie) – For a betta with soft pastel colors, especially pink or orange.
9. Spyro – A fun name for a purple or pinkish betta, after a Spyro game series.
10. Opal – A gemstone to be used to name a betta with iridescent or light colors.

Multicolor/Koi Betta Names

1. Plum – After the name of fruit having purple color with brownish-grey hue.
2. Phil Collins – A movie actor name, Likely named for its mustard gas pattern with vibrant colors.
3. Klaus – A comedy name used for multicolor betta.
4. Rust – For a betta with reddish-orange or rusty hues.
5. Juice Box – A playful name for a colorful betta, same as the juice box.
6. Finley – A fun name for a multicolored or koi-patterned energetic betta, after a horror short.
7. Ajax – A strong and dynamic name for a koi or dragon scale betta.

Read our complete article to understand the all types of betta fish.

Names Based on Gender

Gender is an essential aspect of identity for all creatures. Just like humans, who have unique names for men and women, male and female betta fish also have distinctive names. Naming male and female betta fish can be fun and creative. While we have already categorized the betta names based on their color, traits, historical figures, and movie characters, these names usually align with one of the two genders, male or female. Below is our list of male and female betta fish names, representing betta’s gender more simply and clearly.

Male Betta Fish Names

1. Greg – It means vigilant, a normal human name for a simple yet adorable male betta.
2. Rocky – A name showing the strength and power of male betta.
3. Ace – It is a word used for champions, perfect fitted for aggressive betta fish.
4. Atlas – On the name of movie, also reflects a god of strength.
5. Rex – A royal title meaning king or ruler, ideal for your king betta.
6. Odin – It is considered a god of war and death in Germanic paganism. Odin is one of my favorite betta fish names.
7. Aqua – A Latin word for water, likely for the betta being an aquatic creature.
8. Draco – An ancient Greek word meaning dragon, can be used for dragon-scale male betta fish.
9. Hades – It’s a video game as well as a king of the underworld in ancient Greek mythology.
10. Turbo – An action comedy, representing the fun name for male betta fish.
11. DB Cooper – Inspired by the infamous mystery man who had hijacked Northwest Airline Flight.
12. Rick Ross – An American rapper, for a betta with a big personality.
13. Anubis – Named after the Egyptian god of the afterlife, best fits for a black color betta.
14. Futura – It was my friend betta’s name after a graphic design font.
15. Gerald – A simple yet distinguished one, inspired by the Gerald’s game.
16. Fireball – Likely named for fiery energy color betta fish.
17. Filbert – Inspired by the name of a Hazel tree.
18. Raptor, T-Rex, Dila – Dinosaur-inspired names.

Female Betta Fish Names

1. Her Highness – A female betta behaving regally.
2. Pam Halpert – Female betta, potentially based on the fictional character from The Office.
3. Xena – A name of female dynamic betta, inspired by Xena, a mighty warrior princess.
4. Kitty – A female betta name, I have personally named used for my previous betta for her calico cat-like colors.
5. Athena – A powerful, feminine name, based on ancient Greek goddess known for her wisdom.
6. Shep – Inspired by a dog-like herding instinct, for bettas that interact with other tank mates.
7. Iris Kyle – Cute, playful name, after an African-Indian American bodybuilder that highlight personality and uniqueness of your female betta.
8. Nate – A named traced back to biblical times, a straightforward name that fits a male betta.
9. Georgie – A fictional character used for a gender-neutral betta fish.
10. Pearl – A classical name for feminine.
11. Aurora – It’s a very pretty and cool name for female betta fish having multi-colors. Aurora represents a dynamic and brilliant lights on the sky in the form of rays.
12. Lily – A romantic flower, theme name used by feminine. You can use it for your white female betta.
13. Angel – For a graceful and friendly female betta fish.

Names Based on Special Traits

1. Betta-Max – A betta name of a strong or dynamic personality.
2. Falcor – A fictional character, name of a dragon scale betta.
3. Pigalle – A Paris city known for night clubs to be used for a red and orange koi half-moon.
4. Akira – An action Japanese movie used for most active female koi betta.
5. Phantom –Indian thriller movie, it could be name of a copper halfmoon betta of aggressive nature.
6. Scrooge – A fictional character for shy bettas, named in conjunction with snail companions Huey, Dewey, and Louie.
7. Carp Kent – It could be a name of giant betta, resembling with a deep-bodied fish in Kent.
8. Eros – A name of Greek god, known for love and sex, for a with a romantic or powerful association.
9. Hexe – Hexe is a German word for witch, for a ginger betta.
10. Jinbei – For a giant betta with vibrant colors, named after a character from One Piece.
11. Dreadnought, Panzer, and Pan-Pan – Based on war machines or strength, these could be a name of aggressive and active bettas.
12. Dr. Strawberry – It represents a goddess of love, a unique, quirky name with loving personality.
13. Cobra – A betta with a secret agent persona.
14. Zeno – After a song titled Fighting Fish.
15. Zorg – An alien betta, with a sci-fi inspiration.
16. Finbo Baggins, Mandalorifin, Betta Fett – Names inspired by Star Wars and The Lord of the Rings.
17. Bubble Fett – Known for blowing bubbles frequently.
18. Finjamin – A betta name emphasizing their large and wide fins.
19. Swimothy – A gender-neutral betta’s name representing its swimming grace.
20. Blucifer – A blue betta with an angry temperament.
21. Adolphin Fishler – A blue betta with a “mustache” appearance.
22. Chewbetta – A name of king betta, inspired by Star Wars’ Chewbacca who was considered a Wookie king.
23. Serotonin – It is body chemical that controls our mood. The name is ideal for betta whom you believe to have an emphasis on mood.
24. Pharaoh – A name suggesting majesty or a regal appearance. Pharaoh was a ruler of ancient Egypt.
25. Flea – Named after the Red Hot Chili Peppers band member, possibly for its energetic behavior.
26. Grumplestiltskin – A name indicating a grumpy or mischievous personality.
27. Rorschach – Named after the inkblot test, likely for a betta with a unique, shifting pattern or having strong physical strength.
28. Watery – A playful name reflecting its aquatic environment.
29. Finnegan – A pun on the word fin, meaning fair-haired, highlighting the betta’s flowing fins.
30. Slurpee – It is beverage brand name hinting at a fun, possibly curious nature.
31. Mooch – A betta known for interacting and “mooching” around the tank.
32. Daisy, Casper, Whisper – These all could be the names of shy bettas who hide in caves most of the time.
33. Jericho, Fantasma, Husker – You can use these names for angry and aggressive bettas.

Funny Betta Fish Names

1. Master Betta – A humorous take on the word betta.
2. Swimmy Todd – A playful spin on Sweeney Todd.
3. Hot Wheels – A name for fast or energetic betta.
4. Pork chop – A fun and quirky name.
5. Mr. Wigglesworth – On the name of a British evangelist, a comical, distinguished name.
6. Captain – This name is used by my 10-year-old sibling for a betta in community tank.
7. Betta Call Saul – A reference to the TV show Better Call Saul.
8. Bubbles – A classic, cute name for a fish for his bubble producing behavior.
9. Stinky – A funny name for a betta with quirky behavior.
10. Bobert – A funny twist on a regular name.
11. YEET – The literal meaning of yeet is “to throw”. It’s a funny name for a daring or jumpy betta who likes to leap out of the tank.

Other funny names for betta fish, widely used by betta owners are Mayo, Pisho, Goby Mac, Arlo Guppie, Barb Ruth, Charles Garwin, Earl Eddy, Coldplaty, Governor Guppy, Mr. Captain, Mr. Tokee, Khandii, and Aqua Sultan.

Names Reflecting Type

1. Sirius – For a black plakat
2. Juicibox – To be used for koi betta for his multicolor pattern like juice box.
3. Himbo – It means a person with dashing look but with a low IQ level. A name to be used for white plakat dumbo.
4. Rembrandt – It was a name of Dutch painter and artist, to name a koi betta.
5. Tsunami – Another name for a koi betta with aggressive nature.
6. Fawkes: For a dragon scale male betta fish or one with a fiery color.
7. Spogmay: A Pashto name for moon, which you can use to name a halfmoon betta.
8. Kookay: A local name for butterfly in Pashto, for a halfmoon butterfly betta fish.
9. Velvet: For veil tail betta fish.
10. Thorn: They are rose bushes, to be used for crown tail betta.
11. Ninja: A name of koi betta fish.
12. Diva: A female crowntail betta fish name.
13. Moonlight: A name reflecting moon, on the name of halfmoon.

Food-Inspired Names

1. Hamburger – A simple burger dish comprising of fillings.
2. Sushi – A Japanese rice dish, a name of male betta fish.
3. Swedish – Named for resemblance to Swedish Fish candy.
4. Banana– A tropical-sounding name for a female betta.
5. Fruit Tingle – Another tropical-sounding name.
6. Sashimi – A sushi-themed name, adding humor and personality. Actually it is a Japanese dish comprising or raw fish.
7. Mozzarella – It is a plastic or stretched-curd cheese name.
8. Cutlet – A light-hearted name, representing a piece of meat, possibly for a small or colorful betta.
9. TATAKI – A fish food or meat inspired unique and bold name for male betta.
10. Jelly Donut – A fruit preserving donut, cool name for a female koi betta.

Betta Fish Names Based on Historical Figures

1. Claude – Likely named after artist Claude Monet, referencing water-inspired vibes.
2. Zuko – After the character from Avatar: The Last Air bender.
3. Vincent – Named after Vincent van Gogh, for its “Starry Night” vibes.
4. Spider-Man – Likely named for its colors resembling Spider-Man’s suit.
5. Raphael – Named after the archangel, an Italian painter and architect, likely for a betta with majestic or pure appearance.
6. Poseidon – A fitting name for your giant betta that dominates the tank.
7. Jacques – Named after the famous oceanographer.
8. Palpatine – To be used for a betta originally black, named after the Star Wars villain.
9. Justin – A name for baby betta, reflecting a pop culture figure.
10. Ernest – A simple yet classic name for a distinguished betta, based on movie character.
11. Pedro – Named after Pedro Pascal, for a betta with charisma.
12. Cleo – A name reflecting ancient Egypt or royalty, a cool name for territorial betta.
13. Marcus Aurelius – A historically inspired name for a regal betta.
14. Leonardo – Part of a collective tank name (Leonardo da Pinci).
15. Cumberbetta – Inspired by the actor Benedict Cumberbatch.
16. Vincent – Likened to Vincent van Gogh’s “Starry Night”, who was a nominative figure among Western artists. The word vincens means, “winning” or “conquering”, which fits best for king betta fish.
17. Uldren Sov – Named after a character in Destiny 2, to be used for male betta fish.
18. Freddy – After a thriller movie name, for female betta fish.
19. Hector Barbossa – Inspired by Pirates of the Caribbean.
20. Fin Diesel – A play on the actor Vin Diesel.
21. Trunks – For a betta named after a Dragon Ball Z character, showing love for anime.
22. Genji and Hanzo – Inspired by the Overwatch characters, great for fans of the game.
23. Ryuujin – A dragon god, referencing Japanese folklore, for a betta with a dragon-like grace.
24. Poirot – A sophisticated name, inspired by the fictional Belgian detective, Hercule Poirot.
25. Jacque – A nod to the character from Finding Nemo, fitting for a betta with charm.
26. Piola – A unique name for a betta with an exotic flair, after an Italian pizza cuisine.
27. Ikaroa (Ikky) – A more elaborate and affectionate name, hinting at mythology.

Unique Names for Betta Fish

1. Cosmo – Elegant and playful name representing cosmopolitanism ideas.
2. Frank – For a betta who is more friendly to his owner.
3. Rawr-Rawr – It emphasizes an expression of appreciation.
4. Rocket – A name reflecting space and speed.
5. Bubba – A casual, endearing name for a beloved betta.
6. Bubblegum – A sweet name for a brightly colored or lively betta, liked by bubble lovers.
7. Biggie – A character name, possibly for a large female dumbo betta.
8. Boaty – Named by my child for previous betta with a love for boats.
9. Marty – A fun spin on the name of Marty McFly from Back to the Future.
10. Barrycuda – A pun on “Barracuda” for a betta with a bold personality having ray type fins.
11. Signor – A polite name used for male adult, ideal for shy betta.
12. Tiger Woods – A betta with a competitive or powerful demeanor.
13. Animals/Themed: Barnabas, Finnigan, Sashimi, Sushi III, Big Man, Hot Wheels
14. Unique or Odd: Drax, Plankton, McNugget Buddy, Steve, Terry, That Guy, Sashimi
15. Egg – A whimsical name, showing humor and simplicity.
16. Mr. Anger – A meme-inspired name, possibly for a grumpy or territorial betta.
17. Phish – For a betta where the owner couldn’t decide, leaving the name neutral.
18. Swim Shady – A clever pun on the famous rapper Eminem (Slim Shady).
19. Sid Fishous – A play on Sid Vicious, great for a female betta with a punk attitude.
20. Pappy McPoyle – A humorous and affectionate name, referencing quirky TV characters.
21. Stormageddon – A TV movie – powerful, intimidating name for a fierce betta.
22. Slayer – An American thrash metal band, to be used for a betta with a fearsome reputation in the tank.
23. Buttface – A comical and charming name for an odd or quirky fish.
24. Jellybean – These are colorful bean-shaped candies, to be used for multicolor betta fish.
25. Mr. Mime – A name to be used for active and aggressive betta representing gesture or character.

Names of Betta Fish Based on Characteristics or Themes

Mythological/Historical Characters

1. Fen’Harel: Fen’Harel or Dead Wolf represents a character who hunts alone.
2. Achilles: A Greek Hero, known as the worrier of Trojan war, ideal for siamese fighting fish.
3. Azura: You can name your female betta as Azura, who was the daughter of Adam and Eve.
4. Zeus: A name used in Greek mythology for sky and thunder god, ideal for male betta fish.
5. Hercules: In Roman mythology, Hercules is the god of strength and heroes, making it a perfect fit for aggressive nature fighting fish.
6. Icarus: A Greek historical name used for a risky person.
7. Thor: A historical god representing power and arrogance.

Space/Stars

1. Neptune
2. Uranus
3. Rigel
4. Ganymede
5. Crumbs
6. Callisto
7. Luna

Video Game Characters

1. Lumen
2. Spyro
3. Zelda
4. Zuko
5. Sokka
6. Phantom
7. Frye
8. Sylveon
9. Casper
10. Sukuna (JJK)
11. Morax (Genshin)