Top 10 most popular canal boat names

With around 35,000 boats on our canals and rivers, it’s no surprise that there is some doubling up of names. Here are the 10 most popular boat names currently on our waters – does yours make the list?

A line of colourful narrowboats moored up and covered in bunting.

10. Poppy

The 10th most popular boat name on our canal is the simple, beautiful ‘Poppy’. There are 30 boat owners taking inspiration from these little red flowers.

9. Sapphire

Bold and regal, ‘Sapphire’ is a strong name – chosen by 32 boaters to christen their vessel.

8. Merlin

Our network can sometimes feel otherworldly as it weaves up and down the country. Inspired by myths and legends, there are 38 ‘Merlin’s on our canals.

7. Narrow Escape

A popular play on words, you’ll have certainly seen one of the 39 ‘Narrow Escape’s on our waters.

6. Serendipity

Boating life is famous for its tranquillity and peacefulness. Forty-five boaters are celebrating the ‘Serendipity’ of living on the water.

5. Phoenix

A powerful name, ‘Phoenix’ is the fifth most popular boat name. There are 48 on our canals and rivers.

A trip boat called 'Dragonfly' passes a row of canalside cottages.

This trip boat 'Dragonfly' has the fourth most common boat name.

4. Dragonfly

Is it any wonder that the wildlife that calls our canals home inspires boat owners? Sixty-one boat owners certainly think so, naming their boat ‘Dragonfly’.

3. Serenity

Another one for those looking for a calmer life on the water, ‘Serenity’ is a popular name chosen by 64 boaters.

2. Willow

There are few canal scenes that don’t feature this quintessential tree, so it’s no surprise that ‘Willow’ is the second most common name with 67 boats. It's also the most popular name among current continuous cruisers.

A blue boat called 'Kingfisher' moves along an urban canal, with high rises in the distance.

'Kingfisher' is the most common boat name.

1. Kingfisher

These blue-and-orange birds might be hard to spot, but the boats that go by the same name surely aren’t. With 68 ‘Kingfishers’ on our network, these little birds inspire the most popular boat name.