A ship name, also known as a relationship name or couple name, is a term used to refer to the romantic pairing of two characters in a fictional work, such as a book, movie, TV show, or video game. The ship name is usually created by combining parts of the characters' names or using a portmanteau of their names.
For example, in the Harry Potter series, the ship name for Harry Potter and Ginny Weasley is "Hinny," while in the Twilight series, the ship name for Bella Swan and Edward Cullen is "Bedward." Ship names are commonly used by fans to discuss and celebrate their favorite romantic pairings within a fandom.
The term "ship" is derived from the word "relationship," and it can also be used as a verb, meaning to support or endorse a particular romantic pairing. Shipping has become a popular aspect of fan culture, with many fans creating fan art, fan fiction, and engaging in discussions about their preferred ships.