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.

<p>Parents/Getty Images</p>

Parents/Getty Images



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!

For more Parents news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on Parents.

Advertisement