"third"
Triton
Pronunciation: [ tr-EYET-uhn ]
The god of the waves, bold and oceanic
Meaning & Origin
"sea god, messenger of the deep"
Things to Know About This Name
- Associated with Disney's The Little Mermaid — King Triton is Ariel's father, which some may see as a children's movie association
The Story of Triton
Triton comes from the Greek, possibly related to 'tritos' meaning 'third,' though the exact etymology is debated. In Greek mythology, Triton was the son of Poseidon and Amphitrite, the messenger of the sea. He could calm or raise the waves by blowing on his conch shell trumpet. The name evokes the power and mystery of the ocean.
Triton has been rising with the popularity of mythology-inspired names. Disney's The Little Mermaid (1989) brought King Triton to mass audiences, and the 2023 live-action remake revived interest. Parents drawn to oceanic or mythological names find it powerful but accessible.
In ancient Greek religion, Triton was worshipped alongside Poseidon as a sea deity. His image — a merman blowing a conch — appears on ancient coins, sculptures, and fountains. The triton shell was considered sacred in many Mediterranean cultures.
Fun Facts
- Neptune's moon Triton, discovered in 1846, is the only large moon in the solar system with a retrograde orbit
- Triton snails (Charonia tritonis) are named after the sea god and were used as ceremonial trumpets in ancient Greece
Triton in Other Languages
Popularity Over Time
Famous People Named Triton
Triton (Greek Mythology) Fictional
Other
Son of Poseidon and Amphitrite in Greek mythology, the messenger god of the sea who calmed waves with his conch shell
King Triton Fictional
Other
Ruler of Atlantica in Disney's The Little Mermaid (1989), father of Ariel, voiced by Kenneth Mars
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #3,824
- Total SSA Count
- 29
- Cultural Origins
- Greek English American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Common Nicknames
Pairs Well With
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
Premium
Check how Triton fits with existing sibling names — style, sound, and origin.
Enter sibling names above to see compatibility.
Similar Names
Compare Triton with...
Same Origin Names (Greek)
Playground Safety
Can't decide?
Start a tournament bracket with Triton and other names you're considering.
Start a TournamentLike this name?
Check how Triton sounds with your surname and test for potential nicknames.
Analyze This NameExplore More Generators
-
🧝
Fantasy Name Generator
Create names for D&D and RPG characters
-
🐾
Pet Name Generator
Find the perfect name for your furry friend
-
🎭
Character Name Generator
Names for fictional characters across genres
Frequently Asked Questions About Triton
What does the name Triton mean?
What is the origin of the name Triton?
Is Triton a boy or girl name?
How do you pronounce Triton?
How popular is the name Triton?
What are common nicknames for Triton?
What are good middle names for Triton?
What are good sibling names for Triton?
How many syllables does Triton have?
Is Triton a common or rare name?
About the Name Triton
Triton is a boy name with Greek, English, and American origins . The name means "third" in Greek .
Triton is currently ranked #3,824 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Triton has 2 syllables and is pronounced tr-EYET-uhn, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Triton include Tri. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.