Maritime tradition meets modern-day memes in one of the most unexpected places — the names painted on the sides of ships. From clever puns to laugh-out-loud absurdities, funny names for ships have become a phenomenon sailing beyond the docks and into internet culture.
Naming a vessel is more than a formality; it’s a moment that can blend wit, identity, and sometimes sheer hilarity. In this post, we’ll dive deep into the world of ship-naming humor, explore how these names catch the public’s imagination, and why even serious vessels sometimes bear names that sound like punchlines.
The Art of Naming a Ship
For centuries, ship naming has been steeped in superstition, symbolism, and ceremony. Traditionally, ships were named after deities, places, or important individuals — but as maritime culture merged with modern humor, creativity took a turn for the amusing.
Why Ship Names Matter
Naming a ship isn’t just branding — it can affect everything from morale to public recognition. A good name gives a ship personality. A funny name gives it unforgettable character.
Fun fact: Naval superstition holds that changing a ship’s name is bad luck unless a specific renaming ceremony is performed, usually involving champagne and invoking Poseidon’s blessing.
Here are some common factors that influence ship naming:
| Factor | Explanation |
| Historical Reference | Named after events or figures (e.g., USS Constitution) |
| Owner’s Humor | Personal wit or puns (e.g., Nauti Girl, Pier Pressure) |
| Pop Culture Inspiration | Based on shows, films, or memes (e.g., Boaty McBoatface) |
| Branding Purpose | For cruise lines or ferries to stand out |
| Crowd-sourced Naming | Online polls often lead to unexpected — and hilarious — results |
As naval registries have loosened their naming requirements for private vessels, especially recreational boats and yachts, the field for humor has grown wide open.
Classic Funny Names for Ships That Have Made Headlines
Some ships become famous not for where they sail, but for what they’re called. Here’s a look at some of the most iconic funny ship names that have gone viral or become legends in their own right.
Boaty McBoatface: The Meme That Launched a Thousand Laughs
Perhaps the most notorious example, Boaty McBoatface was the name overwhelmingly chosen in a 2016 public poll to name a British polar research ship. Though the actual vessel was eventually named RRS Sir David Attenborough, a smaller submersible was officially christened Boaty McBoatface in honor of the popular vote.
“We wanted the public engaged — we got that in spades. But perhaps next time we’ll be more careful with online polls.”
— British Antarctic Survey representative
Other Notable Funny Names for ships
| Name | Reason It’s Funny |
| Usain Boat | A pun on sprinter Usain Bolt, often given to speedboats |
| Ferry McFerryface | Australian ferry name inspired by Boaty McBoatface |
| Titanic II: Cruise Control | A satirical twist on the ill-fated original |
| Ship Happens | Popular among casual boaters with a dark sense of humor |
| Unsinkable II | A sarcastic jab at the Titanic legacy |
| The Codfather | Perfect for a fishing trawler with a cinematic nod |
These funny names for ships aren’t just amusing — they’ve turned vessels into viral sensations, often with no marketing budget at all.
Why Funny Ship Names Work
- Memorability: A quirky name is easier to recall than a generic one.
- Shareability: Humor travels fast on social media, bringing ships unexpected fame.
- Emotional Connection: People respond more warmly to humor, making the ship feel approachable.
In the digital age, a witty ship name can do what logos and slogans struggle to achieve: genuine connection and viral appeal.
Categories of Funny Ship Names
Funny names for ships come in all styles, from clever puns to pop culture parodies. Below are the main categories you’ll often find:
Puns & Wordplay
This is the most common category and arguably the most entertaining. These names use clever language, maritime terms, or phonetic humor to get a laugh.
- Seas the Day
- Pier Pressure
- Water You Thinking
- Nauti Buoy
- Aboat Time
“If you can make someone laugh before they even step aboard, you’re already off to a good voyage.”
Pop Culture References
Pop culture gives boat owners a treasure trove of inspiration. From movies to memes, these names ride the wave of cultural relevance:
- Titanic II: Cruise Control
- The Codfather
- Ship Faced
- Floatin’ Solo
Sarcastic or Self-Deprecating
Humor meets humility with ship names that don’t take themselves too seriously:
- Unsinkable II
- This is a Bad Idea
- S.S. Overdraft
- Knot Paid Off
Food and Drink Themes
Some ship owners just want to combine their love for sailing with their love for snacks:
- Beeracuda
- S.S. Tequila Sunrise
- Gravy Boat
- Waffleboard
Social Media’s Role in Funny Ship Naming
Social media has become the ultimate harbor for funny names for ships. Platforms like Twitter, Reddit, and Facebook have transformed what used to be a local naming ceremony into a global naming contest.
The Boaty McBoatface Effect
This now-legendary name was born from a 2016 online poll by the UK’s Natural Environment Research Council (NERC). The public overwhelmingly voted for Boaty McBoatface, despite more “serious” entries like RRS Endeavour or RRS Falcon. Though officials overruled it, the name lived on through a research sub and inspired a wave of similar naming contests.
Other Examples Fueled by the Internet:
| Name | Platform | Why It Went Viral |
| Ferry McFerryface | Echo of Boaty, chosen by Australian commuters | |
| Shippy McShipface | Used in a naval warship simulator game | |
| Usain Boat | Photo captioned under a supercharged speedboat |
“Online polls don’t always give you what you want. But they always give you something unforgettable.” — Social Media Analyst, Wired Magazine
DIY: How to Come Up with Your Own Funny Ship Name
Naming your boat should be fun, not forced. Here’s how to craft a hilarious ship name that’s original and memorable.
1. Use a Maritime Theme
Incorporate sailing-related terms like:
- Knot
- Buoy
- Dock
- Wake
- Anchor
Example: Knot on Call, Dock Holiday
2. Think of Puns
Take familiar phrases and twist them nautically:
- Seas the Day instead of Seize the Day
- Sail Yeah! instead of Hell Yeah!
3. Tap Into Pop Culture
Try TV shows, music, or celebrity references:
- Bohemian Rhapsody → Boathemian Rhapsody
- Breaking Bad → Breaking Wake
4. Use Online Generators
Some tools generate ideas based on keywords. Be cautious—they can be hit or miss, but useful for sparking ideas.
| Tool | Pros | Cons |
| Boat Name Generator | Fast and simple | May lack originality |
| Wordplay Finder | Great for pun inspiration | Not boat-specific |
| Pun Generator | Quirky and humorous | Can be random or incoherent |
Funny Ship Names in Popular Culture
Funny ship names have made appearances in fiction, cartoons, and satire, further cementing their place in cultural history.
In Movies & TV:
- Planet Express Ship – Futurama
- S.S. Minnow – Gilligan’s Island
- The Ship of Fools – Satirical allegory, also used in political commentary
- Stealth Ark 69 – A parody of spy ships in adult comedy
In Literature & Parody:
- Terry Pratchett’s Discworld includes bizarre ship names like The Prid of Ankh-Morpork
- Douglas Adams’ Heart of Gold features ships with artificially intelligent sarcasm
Funny names for ships in fiction not only entertain but often reflect social commentary, poking fun at bureaucracy, vanity, or incompetence.
When Funny Goes Too Far: Controversial Ship Names
Sometimes, attempts at humor backfire. What one person finds funny, others might see as offensive, insensitive, or just in poor taste.
Rejected Ship Names Examples:
- Floaty McFloatface – Rejected due to redundancy
- S.S. Depression – Flagged as inappropriate for public service
- The Wet Dream – Denied registration for being vulgar
Regulatory Guidelines:
Maritime registries in the US, UK, and Australia may reject names that:
- Are obscene or profane
- Impersonate government vessels
- Incite hate or violence
- Contain racial or religious slurs
It’s always smart to check your country’s naming laws before registering a name.
Real Ships with Funny Names Around the World
You don’t have to look far to find real ships with names that crack a smile. These aren’t just legends — they’re docked in marinas, lakes, and harbors today.
| Ship Name | Location | Type |
| Knot Working | Seattle, USA | Fishing Boat |
| Nauti Buoy | Gold Coast, AUS | Speedboat |
| Bacon in the Wind | Miami, USA | Sailboat |
| Ctrl+Sea+Del | Rotterdam, NL | Personal Yacht |
| Fish & Ships | Cornwall, UK | Trawler |
These names not only show off the owner’s personality but also turn everyday marine vessels into conversation pieces.
The Psychology Behind Laughing at a Ship Name
Humor in ship names taps into a basic human instinct: to find joy in the unexpected. When someone reads “S.S. Overdraft”, their brain lights up with surprise, recognition, and amusement — a powerful mix that forges a connection.
Why Funny Names Stick:
- Incongruity: Ships are serious, names are silly — that contrast is funny.
- Relatability: We’ve all felt “Pier Pressure.”
- Cognitive Dissonance: A fancy yacht named Mo’ Money Mo’ Boating challenges expectations.
Naming Ceremonies: When Humor Meets Tradition
Despite the tradition-heavy nature of ship launching ceremonies, funny names are increasingly finding a place — often to the delight of guests.
Case Study: “Knot on Call”
During a Miami yacht launch in 2022, a tech entrepreneur named his new vessel Knot on Call. During the christening, the crowd erupted in laughter, especially as the bottle of champagne bounced off the bow and didn’t break — a good omen, they claimed, “because the ship is unbreakable.”
Even humorous names get the full ceremonial treatment, often adding levity to what can be a stiff affair.
Conclusion: All Aboard the Laughing Ship
Whether you’re sailing a luxury yacht, captaining a fishing boat, or just dreaming of one, giving it a funny ship name makes the journey that much more enjoyable. These names are more than just jokes — they’re cultural artifacts, reflections of our collective wit, and sometimes even viral phenomena.
So next time you see a boat named Usain Boat or Nauti Girl, remember — behind that pun is a person who loves the sea and loves to laugh.
Got a funny ship name of your own? Drop it in the comments and share the laugh with the fleet!
