200+ Names That Mean Turtle: Funny, Creative & Unique Ideas

Are you searching for a name that captures resilience, ancient wisdom, and a touch of charm?

Whether you are welcoming a new baby or adopting a shelled pet, finding the perfect moniker can be tough. But don’t retreat into your shell just yet!

We have curated a massive list of funny, creative, and culturally rich names that mean “turtle.”

Let’s explore these options and find a name that carries a legacy of longevity and strength.

The Benefits of Choosing Names That Mean Turtle

Symbolizes deep wisdom, patience, and longevity.

Connects your little one to nature and the earth.

Offers unique, conversation-starting options for pets or babies.

Represents a grounded, peaceful, and steady energy.

Funny & Creative Names That Mean Turtle

1. Shell-by

Meaning: A playful pun on the name Shelby
Pronunciation: SHEL-bee
Origin: English/Modern Pun
Gender: Unisex
Historical Significance: A favorite for cartoon turtles
Popularity: Very popular for pets
Lucky Number: 5

2. Tortellini

Meaning: A pasta shape resembling a turtle shell
Pronunciation: tor-tuh-LEE-nee
Origin: Italian
Gender: Unisex
Historical Significance: Culinary staple in Italy
Popularity: Common for small pets
Lucky Number: 3

3. Peekaboo

Meaning: Refers to a turtle hiding in its shell
Pronunciation: PEEK-uh-boo
Origin: English
Gender: Unisex
Historical Significance: Classic game for infants
Popularity: Unique and quirky
Lucky Number: 2

4. Snap

Meaning: Short for Snapping Turtle
Pronunciation: SNAP
Origin: English
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Reference to aggressive turtle species
Popularity: Moderate for feisty pets
Lucky Number: 9

5. Hardtop

Meaning: Refers to the hard shell
Pronunciation: HARD-top
Origin: English
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Automotive term applied to animals
Popularity: Rare and cool
Lucky Number: 8

Cute Girl Names That Mean Turtle

1. Chelone

Meaning: Turtle
Pronunciation: ke-LOH-nee
Origin: Greek
Gender: Female
Historical Significance: A nymph turned into a turtle
Popularity: Rare and mythological
Lucky Number: 7

2. Ara

Meaning: Short for Archelon, an ancient sea turtle
Pronunciation: AH-rah
Origin: Greek Roots
Gender: Female
Historical Significance: Refers to an extinct ruler turtle
Popularity: Increasing as a short name
Lucky Number: 1

3. Kame

Meaning: Turtle or Tortoise
Pronunciation: KAH-meh
Origin: Japanese
Gender: Female
Historical Significance: Symbol of longevity in Japan
Popularity: Common in Japan
Lucky Number: 6

4. Calipha

Meaning: Inspired by the Calipash turtle fat
Pronunciation: ka-LEE-fah
Origin: English/Culinary
Gender: Female
Historical Significance: Old literary term adapted
Popularity: Very unique
Lucky Number: 4

Best Boy Names That Mean Turtle

1. Kurma

Meaning: Turtle
Pronunciation: KOOR-mah
Origin: Sanskrit
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Second avatar of Vishnu
Popularity: Traditional in India
Lucky Number: 9

2. Kachhap

Meaning: Turtle or Tortoise
Pronunciation: KATCH-hap
Origin: Hindi
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Ancient nature name
Popularity: Rare outside India
Lucky Number: 5

3. Tate

Meaning: Cheerful (associated with Tortoise via Tata)
Pronunciation: TAYT
Origin: English/Norse
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Classic strong surname
Popularity: Popular boy name
Lucky Number: 3

4. Roth

Meaning: Red (inspired by Roth’s side-necked turtle)
Pronunciation: ROTH
Origin: German
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Scientific discovery namesake
Popularity: Common surname
Lucky Number: 8

Cool Baby Names That Mean Turtle

1. Ridley

Meaning: Olive Ridley Sea Turtle
Pronunciation: RID-lee
Origin: English
Gender: Unisex
Historical Significance: Famous conservation species
Popularity: Trendy hipster name
Lucky Number: 7

2. Slate

Meaning: Grey rock (resembles shell color)
Pronunciation: SLAYT
Origin: English
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Modern nature name
Popularity: Rising trend
Lucky Number: 4

3. Loggerhead

Meaning: Specific large-headed turtle
Pronunciation: LOG-er-hed
Origin: English
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Iconic sea turtle species
Popularity: Used as a nickname
Lucky Number: 2

4. Hawk

Meaning: Hawksbill Sea Turtle
Pronunciation: HAWK
Origin: English
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Predatory bird and turtle name
Popularity: Cool and edgy
Lucky Number: 1

Last Names That Mean Turtle

1. Tortoise

Meaning: Dweller near turtles or slow mover
Pronunciation: TOR-tuss
Origin: English/French
Gender: Surname
Historical Significance: Descriptive medieval nickname
Popularity: Very rare surname
Lucky Number: 6

2. Shell

Meaning: One who lived by a shell-shaped hill
Pronunciation: SHELL
Origin: English
Gender: Surname
Historical Significance: Topographic surname
Popularity: Common surname
Lucky Number: 5

3. Hardin

Meaning: Hard valley (implies hard shell)
Pronunciation: HAR-din
Origin: English
Gender: Surname
Historical Significance: Old English location name
Popularity: Common surname
Lucky Number: 8

4. Galapago

Meaning: Tortoise
Pronunciation: ga-la-PAH-go
Origin: Spanish
Gender: Surname
Historical Significance: Linked to the famous islands
Popularity: Rare geographical name
Lucky Number: 9

Mythical Names That Mean Turtle

1. Akupara

Meaning: The World Turtle
Pronunciation: ah-koo-PAH-rah
Origin: Hindu Mythology
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Turtle supporting the world
Popularity: Mythical niche
Lucky Number: 3

2. Genbu

Meaning: Black Tortoise of the North
Pronunciation: GEN-boo
Origin: Japanese Mythology
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: One of four guardian beasts
Popularity: Anime and gaming fans
Lucky Number: 4

3. Bedawang

Meaning: The World Turtle
Pronunciation: beh-DAH-wang
Origin: Balinese Mythology
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Underworld stabilizer
Popularity: Culturally specific
Lucky Number: 7

4. A’a

Meaning: Mythical deity figure
Pronunciation: AH-ah
Origin: Polynesian
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: God associated with shells
Popularity: Rare
Lucky Number: 1

Arabic Origin Names That Mean Turtle

1. Sulhufat

Meaning: Turtle
Pronunciation: sool-hoo-FAT
Origin: Arabic
Gender: Female
Historical Significance: Direct translation of the animal
Popularity: Rare as a name
Lucky Number: 6

2. Tirkilah

Meaning: Movement (associated with swimming)
Pronunciation: teer-KEE-lah
Origin: Arabic Roots
Gender: Female
Historical Significance: Poetic description of motion
Popularity: Very rare
Lucky Number: 2

3. Sabir

Meaning: Patient (a turtle trait)
Pronunciation: sah-BEER
Origin: Arabic
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Virtue name in Islam
Popularity: Common name
Lucky Number: 8

4. Dar

Meaning: House/Shell
Pronunciation: DAHR
Origin: Arabic
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Symbolizes protection and home
Popularity: Classical name
Lucky Number: 4

Scottish Origin Names That Mean Turtle

1. Slighe

Meaning: Shell or Way
Pronunciation: SLEE-uh
Origin: Scottish Gaelic
Gender: Female
Historical Significance: Nature-based word name
Popularity: Unique and rare
Lucky Number: 5

2. Turtair

Meaning: Turtle
Pronunciation: TUR-ter
Origin: Scottish Gaelic
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Literal translation used as nickname
Popularity: Rare
Lucky Number: 9

3. Dubh

Meaning: Dark/Black (like a shell)
Pronunciation: DOO
Origin: Scottish
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Common descriptive name
Popularity: Historical favorite
Lucky Number: 3

4. Mara

Meaning: Sea (where turtles live)
Pronunciation: MAH-rah
Origin: Scottish
Gender: Female
Historical Significance: Connection to the ocean
Popularity: Very popular
Lucky Number: 7

Irish Origin Names That Mean Turtle

1. Turtar

Meaning: Turtle
Pronunciation: TUR-tar
Origin: Irish
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Literal animal name
Popularity: Very rare
Lucky Number: 2

2. Sliogan

Meaning: Shell
Pronunciation: SHLIG-on
Origin: Irish
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Nature descriptor
Popularity: Unique choice
Lucky Number: 6

3. Cillian

Meaning: Little church (safe enclosure/shell)
Pronunciation: KILL-ee-an
Origin: Irish
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Saint’s name
Popularity: Extremely popular
Lucky Number: 1

4. Lir

Meaning: Sea (habitat of sea turtles)
Pronunciation: LEER
Origin: Irish Mythology
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: God of the sea
Popularity: Mythological classic
Lucky Number: 8

Hebrew Origin Names That Mean Turtle

1. Tzav

Meaning: Turtle
Pronunciation: TSAV
Origin: Hebrew
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Animal mentioned in scripture
Popularity: Modern distinct usage
Lucky Number: 4

2. Shiryon

Meaning: Armor or Body Armor
Pronunciation: sheer-YON
Origin: Hebrew
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Represents protection like a shell
Popularity: Rare modern Hebrew
Lucky Number: 9

3. Maon

Meaning: Dwelling or Shelter
Pronunciation: mah-ON
Origin: Hebrew
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Biblical location name
Popularity: Rare
Lucky Number: 3

4. Yona

Meaning: Dove (often paired with Turtle in texts)
Pronunciation: yo-NAH
Origin: Hebrew
Gender: Unisex
Historical Significance: Prophet Jonah
Popularity: Classic and timeless
Lucky Number: 7

Polish Origin Names That Mean Turtle

1. Zolw

Meaning: Turtle
Pronunciation: ZOOLF
Origin: Polish
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Literal animal name
Popularity: Rare as human name
Lucky Number: 5

2. Skorupa

Meaning: Shell or Crust
Pronunciation: sko-ROO-pah
Origin: Polish
Gender: Female (Grammatical)
Historical Significance: Descriptive nature term
Popularity: Unique surname or nickname
Lucky Number: 1

3. Ochrona

Meaning: Protection
Pronunciation: o-HRO-nah
Origin: Polish
Gender: Female
Historical Significance: Virtue concept
Popularity: Conceptual name
Lucky Number: 8

4. Wolny

Meaning: Slow or Free
Pronunciation: VOL-nee
Origin: Polish
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Trait of the turtle
Popularity: Common surname
Lucky Number: 2

Italian Origin Names That Mean Turtle

1. Tartaruga

Meaning: Turtle
Pronunciation: tar-ta-ROO-gah
Origin: Italian
Gender: Female
Historical Significance: The animal itself
Popularity: Quirky pet name
Lucky Number: 6

2. Caretta

Meaning: Loggerhead Turtle species
Pronunciation: ka-RET-ta
Origin: Italian/Latin
Gender: Female
Historical Significance: Scientific classification name
Popularity: Rare and melodic
Lucky Number: 9

3. Rughe

Meaning: Wrinkles (resembling turtle skin)
Pronunciation: ROO-geh
Origin: Italian
Gender: Unisex
Historical Significance: Descriptive nickname
Popularity: Very rare
Lucky Number: 4

4. Lento

Meaning: Slow
Pronunciation: LEN-toh
Origin: Italian
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Musical tempo and trait
Popularity: Unique descriptor
Lucky Number: 7

Native American Origin That Mean Turtle

1. Mikinak

Meaning: Turtle
Pronunciation: mik-in-ACK
Origin: Ojibwe (Algonquian)
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Central to creation stories
Popularity: Traditional usage
Lucky Number: 3

2. Keya

Meaning: Turtle
Pronunciation: KAY-ah
Origin: Lakota
Gender: Female
Historical Significance: Spirit animal symbol
Popularity: Increasing popularity
Lucky Number: 5

3. Unilaha

Meaning: Slow mover
Pronunciation: oo-nee-LAH-ha
Origin: Cherokee roots
Gender: Unisex
Historical Significance: Descriptive nature name
Popularity: Rare cultural name
Lucky Number: 8

4. A’nini

Meaning: Hard Shell
Pronunciation: ah-NEE-nee
Origin: Native American Dialects
Gender: Female
Historical Significance: Protective symbol
Popularity: Unique and sweet
Lucky Number: 1

Greek Origin That Mean Turtle

1. Chelone

Meaning: Turtle
Pronunciation: ke-LO-nee
Origin: Greek Mythology
Gender: Female
Historical Significance: Nymph changed by Hermes
Popularity: Mythological classic
Lucky Number: 2

2. Caretta

Meaning: Turtle species
Pronunciation: ca-REH-tah
Origin: Greek/Latin
Gender: Female
Historical Significance: Ancient biological term
Popularity: Rare and exotic
Lucky Number: 6

3. Aspis

Meaning: Shield (Shell)
Pronunciation: AS-pis
Origin: Ancient Greek
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Soldier’s protection
Popularity: Historical niche
Lucky Number: 9

4. Zoe

Meaning: Life (Long life like a turtle)
Pronunciation: ZO-ee
Origin: Greek
Gender: Female
Historical Significance: Early Christian favorite
Popularity: Extremely popular
Lucky Number: 4

European Names That Mean Turtle

1. Tortue

Meaning: Turtle
Pronunciation: tor-TOO
Origin: French
Gender: Female
Historical Significance: National language word
Popularity: Cute nickname
Lucky Number: 7

2. Schild

Meaning: Shield/Shell
Pronunciation: SHILT
Origin: German
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Protective surname
Popularity: Common root
Lucky Number: 5

3. Konn

Meaning: Frog/Turtle (Toad)
Pronunciation: KON
Origin: Estonian
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Nature classification
Popularity: Rare outside Estonia
Lucky Number: 8

4. Kilpikon

Meaning: Turtle
Pronunciation: kil-pee-KON
Origin: Finnish
Gender: Unisex
Historical Significance: Literal animal name
Popularity: Unique pet choice
Lucky Number: 3

English Origin That Mean Turtle

1. Baxter

Meaning: Baker (Famous Turtle character)
Pronunciation: BAKS-ter
Origin: Old English
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Popularity: Popular pet name
Lucky Number: 1

2. Franklin

Meaning: Free landholder (Famous Turtle)
Pronunciation: FRANK-lin
Origin: English
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Famous Children’s Book Turtle
Popularity: Classic revival
Lucky Number: 6

3. Yertle

Meaning: Made-up name
Pronunciation: YER-tul
Origin: Dr. Seuss (American English)
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: The Turtle King
Popularity: Literary whimsical
Lucky Number: 9

4. Oogway

Meaning: Tortoise (in Chinese, anglicized)
Pronunciation: OOG-way
Origin: English Media (Kung Fu Panda)
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Master of wisdom
Popularity: Pop culture favorite
Lucky Number: 2

Spiritual Names That Mean Turtle

1. Kasyapa

Meaning: Tortoise
Pronunciation: cash-YAH-pah
Origin: Sanskrit/Hindu
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Ancient sage
Popularity: Spiritual and traditional
Lucky Number: 4

2. Honu

Meaning: Green Sea Turtle
Pronunciation: HO-noo
Origin: Hawaiian Spiritual
Gender: Unisex
Historical Significance: Symbol of good luck
Popularity: Spiritual nature name
Lucky Number: 8

3. Awa

Meaning: Water/River
Pronunciation: AH-wah
Origin: Native American
Gender: Female
Historical Significance: Life force of the turtle
Popularity: Gentle nature name
Lucky Number: 5

4. Terra

Meaning: Earth (Turtle Island)
Pronunciation: TEH-rah
Origin: Latin/Spiritual
Gender: Female
Historical Significance: Earth mother connection
Popularity: Widely used
Lucky Number: 7

Japanese Origin Names That Mean Turtle

1. Kame

Meaning: Turtle
Pronunciation: KAH-meh
Origin: Japanese
Gender: Unisex
Historical Significance: Symbol of long life
Popularity: Traditional
Lucky Number: 3

2. Kamesaburo

Meaning: Turtle third son
Pronunciation: kah-meh-sah-BOO-ro
Origin: Japanese
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Traditional birth order name
Popularity: Historical/Rare
Lucky Number: 9

3. Genbu

Meaning: Black Tortoise
Pronunciation: GEN-boo
Origin: Japanese
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Guardian of the North
Popularity: Mythological
Lucky Number: 1

4. Umigame

Meaning: Sea Turtle
Pronunciation: oo-mee-GAH-meh
Origin: Japanese
Gender: Unisex
Historical Significance: Ocean spirit symbol
Popularity: Rare as human name
Lucky Number: 6

Unisex Names That Mean Turtle

1. Turtle

Meaning: The animal itself
Pronunciation: TUR-tul
Origin: English
Gender: Unisex
Historical Significance: Character in “Entourage”
Popularity: Celebrity baby name
Lucky Number: 2

2. Sandy

Meaning: Defender of men / Sand dweller
Pronunciation: SAN-dee
Origin: English/Greek
Gender: Unisex
Historical Significance: Where eggs are laid
Popularity: Classic nickname
Lucky Number: 5

3. Green

Meaning: Color of the sea turtle
Pronunciation: GREEN
Origin: English
Gender: Unisex
Historical Significance: Nature color name
Popularity: Modern distinct
Lucky Number: 8

4. River

Meaning: Stream of water
Pronunciation: RIV-er
Origin: English
Gender: Unisex
Historical Significance: Freshwater turtle habitat
Popularity: Very popular
Lucky Number: 4

Biblical Names That Mean Turtle

1. Keshet

Meaning: Rainbow (often associated with water/ark)
Pronunciation: keh-SHET
Origin: Hebrew
Gender: Female
Historical Significance: Covenant symbol
Popularity: Modern Israeli
Lucky Number: 7

2. Teva

Meaning: Nature
Pronunciation: TEH-vah
Origin: Hebrew
Gender: Unisex
Historical Significance: Creation connection
Popularity: Nature-loving choice
Lucky Number: 3

3. Noah

Meaning: Rest/Repose
Pronunciation: NO-ah
Origin: Hebrew
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Saver of animals
Popularity: Top 10 name
Lucky Number: 9

4. Sela

Meaning: Rock (Hard like a shell)
Pronunciation: SAY-lah
Origin: Hebrew
Gender: Female
Historical Significance: Biblical place name
Popularity: Rare and pretty
Lucky Number: 1

African Names That Mean Turtle

1. Mfudu

Meaning: Tortoise
Pronunciation: m-FOO-doo
Origin: Zulu
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Folklore trickster figure
Popularity: Traditional
Lucky Number: 6

2. Kamba

Meaning: Tortoise
Pronunciation: KAM-bah
Origin: Swahili
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Wisdom symbol
Popularity: Regional
Lucky Number: 2

3. Kobe

Meaning: Tortoise
Pronunciation: KO-beh
Origin: Swahili/Tswana
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Long life symbol
Popularity: Famous modern name
Lucky Number: 8

4. Fulwe

Meaning: Tortoise
Pronunciation: FOOL-weh
Origin: Bemba
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Cultural storytelling
Popularity: Rare
Lucky Number: 5

Chinese Names That Mean Turtle

1. Gui

Meaning: Turtle/Tortoise
Pronunciation: GWAY
Origin: Chinese
Gender: Unisex
Historical Significance: Ancient symbol of power
Popularity: Often avoided due to slang
Lucky Number: 9

2. Xuanwu

Meaning: Dark Warrior (Turtle deity)
Pronunciation: shwan-WOO
Origin: Chinese Mythology
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Northern sky guardian
Popularity: Mythological
Lucky Number: 4

3. Ao

Meaning: Giant Sea Turtle
Pronunciation: OW
Origin: Chinese Mythology
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Supports the heavens
Popularity: Legendary
Lucky Number: 7

4. Bixi

Meaning: Dragon Turtle
Pronunciation: bee-SHEE
Origin: Chinese
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Carrier of heavy burdens
Popularity: Artistic symbol
Lucky Number: 3

Egyptian Names That Mean Turtle

1. Shetyw

Meaning: The Tortoise
Pronunciation: shet-YOO
Origin: Ancient Egyptian
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Obscure constellation/deity
Popularity: Ancient Historical
Lucky Number: 1

2. Apez

Meaning: Turtle (variant interpretation)
Pronunciation: ah-PEZ
Origin: Ancient Egyptian
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Linked to the Nile
Popularity: Very rare
Lucky Number: 5

3. Nile

Meaning: From the Nile River
Pronunciation: NYL
Origin: Greek/Egyptian
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Softshell turtle habitat
Popularity: Stylish modern name
Lucky Number: 8

4. Ammon

Meaning: Hidden one
Pronunciation: AM-on
Origin: Egyptian
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Important deity
Popularity: Classic antiquity
Lucky Number: 2

Roman Names That Mean Turtle

1. Testudo

Meaning: Tortoise
Pronunciation: tes-TOO-do
Origin: Latin
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Military formation name
Popularity: Historical term
Lucky Number: 6

2. Chelonia

Meaning: Turtle
Pronunciation: ke-LO-nee-ah
Origin: Latinized Greek
Gender: Female
Historical Significance: Order of reptiles
Popularity: Scientific
Lucky Number: 9

3. Scutum

Meaning: Shield
Pronunciation: SKOO-tum
Origin: Latin
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Soldier’s defense
Popularity: Rare
Lucky Number: 4

4. Durus

Meaning: Hard/Enduring
Pronunciation: DOO-rus
Origin: Latin
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Trait of the shell
Popularity: Ancient Roman
Lucky Number: 7

Spanish Origin Names That Mean Turtle

1. Tortuga

Meaning: Turtle
Pronunciation: tor-TOO-gah
Origin: Spanish
Gender: Female
Historical Significance: Famous pirate island
Popularity: Place name/Nickname
Lucky Number: 3

2. Carey

Meaning: Hawksbill Turtle shell
Pronunciation: cah-REY
Origin: Spanish
Gender: Unisex
Historical Significance: Valuable material history
Popularity: Familiar surname
Lucky Number: 1

3. Marina

Meaning: Of the sea
Pronunciation: mah-REE-nah
Origin: Spanish
Gender: Female
Historical Significance: Sea turtle home
Popularity: