100 Magical Baby Names That Mean 'Moon'
Fact checked by Karen CilliFact checked by Karen Cilli
People have been fascinated with the moon since long before the first astronauts set foot on its rocky surface in 1969. They often see this celestial rock as a symbol of life, eternity, and good fortune.
Choosing a baby name inspired by the moon—or by one of the many moons orbiting other planets—will evoke the same mystery and beauty we experience whenever we glimpse the night sky.
Keep reading for a round-up of 100 baby names that mean "moon" or are otherwise related to the moon.
Although this article separates names by gender, your baby’s assigned sex at birth does not need to dictate the name you choose for them. Names are not inherently gendered or associated with a specific sex, and it's important to select a name that feels right for your little one and your family.
Baby Names Inspired by the Moon
Looking for a moniker that's out of this world? Here, we rounded up the best baby names that mean "moon," or are the titles of moons in our solar system. Not only are these celestial-inspired names sure to set your baby apart, but they also have sweet meanings and histories that you may find intriguing.
Alina
Origin: Russian
Meaning: Bright and beautiful (which could reference moonlight)
Famous Namesakes: Alina Baraz (American singer)
Peak Popularity: Alina has been gaining popularity in recent years. It peaked in 2022 at number 132.
Aiman
Origin: Kazakh
Meaning: Beauty of the moon
Peak Popularity: Aiman is not a popular name in the US and has never been in the top 1,000 for baby names
Aruna
Origin: Sanskrit, Japanese
Meaning: Reddish-brown; Asian moon
Famous Namesakes: The god Aruna is the charioteer who drives the sun god Surya across the sky in Hinduism.
Peak Popularity: Aruna is not a common name in the US and has never broken through the top 1,000 for baby names.
Ayla
Origin: Hebrew; Turkish
Meaning: Halo, moonlight, oak tree
Famous Namesakes: Ayla (main character in the The Clan of the Cave Bear), Princess Ayla (character in the video game Chrono Trigger), Ayla Marie Kell (American Actress)
Peak Popularity: According to the Social Security Administration, Ayla reached its peak popularity in 2022 when it was ranked 98.
Badar
Origin: Arabic, Hindi
Meaning: Full moon
Famous Namesakes: Badar uz Zaman (Pakistani composer)
Peak Popularity: Badar is an uncommon name in the US and has never been in the top 1,000 for baby names.
Hala
Origin: Arabic
Meaning: Moon halo
Famous Namesakes: Hala Gorani (American TV journalist)
Peak Popularity: Not many people in the US name their baby Hala, as this name has never been in the top 1,000 for baby names.
Koray
Origin: Turkish
Meaning: Ember moon
Famous Namesakes: Koray Arslan (Turkish footballer), Koray Candemir (Turkish musician)
Peak Popularity: Koray has never broken the top 1,000 for baby names.
Livana
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: The moon, white
Peak Popularity: Even though Livana is closely linked to the name Olivia, it hasn't been given to many babies in the US and has never broken the top 1,000.
Lucian
Origin: Latin
Meaning: Light, moonlight
Famous Namesakes: Saint Lucian of Antioch (theologian), Lucian Kiggs (the main character in Seraphina)
Peak Popularity: Lucian hit its peak popularity in 2023 when it was ranked 487 in baby names.
Luna
Origin: Latin
Meaning: Moon
Famous Namesakes: Luna Lovegood (character in the Harry Potter series), Luna Maximoff (character in Marvel Comics), Luna Blaise (American actress)
Peak Popularity:Luna is an extremely popular name for baby girls, peaking in 2023 and 2022 when it made the top 10.
Rakesh
Origin: Hindi
Meaning: Lord of the full moon
Peak Popularity: Despite having a fun nickname of Rake, this moniker is not commonly used in the US and has never made the top 1,000 for baby names.
Selena
Origin: Greek
Meaning: Moon, moon goddess
Famous Namesakes: Selena Gomez (pop singer and former Disney star), Selena Quintanilla (Tejano singer)
Peak Popularity: Selena first appeared in the top 1,000 names in 1900 and has appeared there consistently since 1958. It hit its peak popularity in 1995 at number 91 and has started to become popular again in recent years, ranking 203 in 2021 and 229 in 2023.
Titan
Origin: Greek
Meaning: Defender (It’s also the name of Saturn’s largest moon)
Famous Namesakes: Titan Leeds (American almanac publisher), Titan (character in Marvel Comics)
Peak Popularity: The name Titan has been in the top 1,000 baby names since 2012 and hit its peak popularity in 2017 when it was ranked 621. In 2023, it ranked 972.
Tsuki
Origin: Japanese
Meaning: Moon
Peak Popularity: Tsuki is not a commonly used name in the US and it has never been in the top 1,000 for baby names.
Zenith
Origin: English
Meaning: The point at which the moon is directly overhead and at a 90-degree angle from Earth.
Peak Popularity: Despite its cute nickname, Zen, Zenith is not a common name choice in the US and has never been in the top 1,000 baby names
Cute Baby Names That Mean Moon
The moon connects us to the universe, and it’s also a thing of wonder and mystery that bathes the world in its graceful, silvery light. For more baby names related to the moon, look no further than this list of cute options.
Altalune
Arche
Callisto
Carme
Cela
Channary
Chantara
Dione
Janus
Lunetta
Mani
Neoma
Nikini
Nuray
Phoebe
Rhea
Runa
Sasi
Selene
Titania
Umbriel
Zira
Unique Baby Names That Mean Moon
Some parents searching for a baby name that means "moon" want a unique option that won’t be found on every backpack at school. Here are some of our favorite original moon-inspired baby names.
Ainar
Alvaldi
Chandra
Charon
Despina
Erinome
Esmeray
Euanthe
Galatea
Himalia
Hydra
Indu
Kuutar
Lunafreya
Mahina
Marama
Mitsuki
Neomah
Oberon
Pallene
Valetudo
Thalassa
Thelxinoe
Thyone
Zulay
Zunair
Short Baby Names That Mean Moon
There’s something special about a short baby name that's tied to the moon. Not only are short names easier for kids to learn, but they're less likely to be nicknamed or abbreviated, if that's important to you. Plus, short baby names are catchy and make an immediate impression!
Aitne
Atlas
Deva
Dia
Elara
Ersa
Kale
Kore
Leda
Lua
Luan
Miray
Raka
Selie
Ymir
Classic Baby Names That Mean Moon
While most monikers inspired by the moon are inherently unique names, they can also have a classic feel. Check out some of our favorites below.
Ariel
Artemis
Aysel
Bianca
Celimene
Chaldene
Chanda
Cressida
Cyllene
Devana
Eirene
Francisco
Hati
Helene
Kamariah
Larissa
Lucine
Luneth
Lysithea
Miranda
Pandia
Rosalind
Tips for Naming Your Child
Your baby's name is one of the first gifts you'll bestow on them. Choosing a name may seem daunting, but the process is supposed to be fun. Take your time and don’t put too much pressure on yourself. No matter which name you choose, it’s going to be right for your child.
In the meantime, here are a few additional baby naming tips to keep in mind.
Start by exploring all types of names and develop a list of options.
Consider how each name will work in real life—you want your child to be able to introduce themselves without feeling self-conscious or embarrassed.
Consider popular names as well as unique names. Having a popular name means the moniker is well-liked, while unique names are fun and original.
Test drive each name on your list by incorporating it into everyday conversations.
Look at your child’s potential initials to make sure they don't spell out something awkward.
Ensure your baby’s name is not too difficult to spell or pronounce.
Consider what your baby’s name rhymes with and how people may shorten the name.
Resist the pressure to find the perfect baby name; it’s highly unlikely that you'll pick the wrong name for your baby anyway!
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