Numerous Royal Navy ships have borne the name HMS Arethusa, after the Greek mythological nymph Arethusa who was transformed by Artemis into a fountain.

HMS Arethusa (F38) was a Leander-class frigate of the Royal Navy (RN). She was, like the rest of the Leanders, named after a figure of mythology. Arethusa was built by J.S.

HMS Arethusa (26) was the name ship of her class of light cruisers for the Royal Navy. She was built by Chatham Dockyard (UK), with the keel being laid down on 25 January 1933. She was launched on 6 March 1934, and commissioned 21 May 1935 by Captain Philip Vian.