Names that mean sun: 100+ bright baby names for boys and girls

Summer has its own rhythm. School’s out, grills are fired up, the ice cream truck makes its rounds, and daylight seems to linger well into the evening. It’s the season of family vacations, lazy afternoons, and children staying outside until the porch lights come on. Even if you don’t love the heat, there’s something about a sunny day that makes the world feel a little lighter.

If you’re expecting a baby during the summer, or simply want a name that reflects warmth, happiness, or a bright new beginning, you’ll find plenty of inspiration in the sun. For thousands of years, civilizations across the world have looked to it as a symbol of life, hope, strength, and renewal. Some of the names on this list come from ancient gods and goddesses. Others literally translate to “light” or “dawn.” A few simply capture the golden glow that makes summer unforgettable.

Whether you’re drawn to timeless classics, mythology, or names from around the world, here are 104 baby names that mean sun.

Why choose a baby name inspired by the sun?

The sun has inspired stories, celebrations, and traditions for as long as people have recorded history. Ancient Egyptians worshipped Ra, the Greeks told stories about Helios driving the sun across the sky, and many cultures still celebrate the summer solstice as a time of abundance and light.

A sun-inspired name can carry its own story. It might remind you of a summer due date, a family beach vacation, or simply the joy your child brings into your life.

Girl names that mean sun 

Some of these names have been around for centuries, while others have only recently found their way onto baby name lists. What they share is a connection to sunshine, light, dawn, or the stories people have told about the sun across different cultures.

1. Soleil

Origin: French
Meaning: Sun. 

Soleil is simply the French word for “sun,” making it one of the most literal sunshine-inspired names you can choose. Actress Soleil Moon Frye introduced it to many Americans, yet it still feels refreshingly uncommon.

2. Solana

Origin: Spanish
Meaning: Sunshine; sunny place. 

In Spanish, solana describes a place that gets plenty of sunshine. It’s easy to picture this name alongside warm afternoons, blooming gardens, and long summer days.

3. Sunniva

Origin: Old Norse
Meaning: Sun gift. 

Sunniva traces back to an Irish princess who, according to legend, drifted to Norway and later became one of the country’s patron saints. Its meaning, “sun gift,” adds an extra layer of warmth to an already beautiful story.

4. Aelia

Origin: Latin
Meaning: Sun

Aelia comes from the ancient Roman family name Aelius, which is often linked to the sun. It has the graceful sound of names like Amelia or Aurelia but remains a much rarer choice.

5. Marisol

Origin: Spanish
Meaning: Sea and sun

Marisol feels like summer wrapped into a name. Whether it reminds you of ocean waves or afternoons spent by the coast, it instantly brings to mind sunshine and blue skies.

6. Aurora

Origin: Latin
Meaning: Dawn

Long before it became a Disney princess, Aurora was the Roman goddess who announced each sunrise. The colorful Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights, also takes its name from her.

7. Alba

Origin: Latin
Meaning: Sunrise

Alba has been a favorite in Spain and Italy for decades. Short and easy to pronounce, it celebrates the warmth and the beauty of the day just as the sun begins to rise.

8. Oriana

Origin: Latin
Meaning: Dawn

Oriana has appeared in medieval poetry, Renaissance literature, and modern baby name lists. Its meaning ties it to the first light of morning, when the sky slowly shifts from darkness to gold.

9. Helen

Origin: Greek
Meaning: Bright, shining light

Helen has never really disappeared; it simply moves through generations. From the legendary Helen of Troy to actress Helen Mirren, it’s a name with remarkable staying power.

10. Helena

Origin: Greek
Meaning: Shining light

You’ll hear Helena pronounced a few different ways depending on where you are, from HEL-en-ah to heh-LAY-na. Every version traces back to the same idea: brightness.

11. Elaine

Origin: French
Meaning: Bright, shining light

Readers of Arthurian legends will recognize Elaine as one of Camelot’s memorable heroines. Even without the literary connection, it has a graceful sound that’s easy to imagine growing with a child.

12. Lucia

Origin: Latin
Meaning: Light

Lucia travels beautifully across languages. In Italy, it’s loo-CHEE-ah, while in parts of Spain you’ll hear loo-THEE-ah. Every pronunciation shares the same radiant meaning.

13. Lucy

Origin: Latin
Meaning: Light

Lucy has charmed parents for generations, thanks in part to beloved literary characters and the annual celebration of St. Lucy’s Day in Scandinavia. This festival honors light during the darkest part of winter.

14. Clara

Origin: Latin
Meaning: Bright; clear

Clara manages to feel vintage without sounding dated. It brings to mind ballet, classic novels, and names that quietly return to popularity every few decades.

15. Chiara

Origin: Italian
Meaning: Bright; clear

Chiara has long ranked among Italy’s favorite baby names. Its musical pronunciation and connection to brightness have helped it remain popular across generations.

16. Phoebe

Origin: Greek
Meaning: Bright; radiant

Before Phoebe became everyone’s favorite quirky sitcom character, she was a Titan in Greek mythology associated with brilliance and prophecy. It’s one of those names that carries both ancient history and modern charm.

17. Thea

Origin: Greek
Meaning: Goddess; divine light

Thea may be only four letters long, but it has impressive roots. It’s linked to Theia, the Titan goddess connected with the sun, moon, and dawn.

18. Noor

Origin: Arabic
Meaning: Light

Noor is widely used across the Middle East and South Asia and has become increasingly popular elsewhere, too. Its simplicity is part of its appeal; there’s nothing complicated about a name that means light.

19. Nuri

Origin: Arabic
Meaning: My light

Nuri feels gentle and delicate. The meaning makes it especially meaningful for parents looking for a name that reflects the joy a new baby brings.

20. Hikari

Origin: Japanese
Meaning: Light

Hikari is a familiar name in Japan and appears in everything from literature to anime. The word itself means “light,” giving it a direct connection to brightness.

21. Akari

Origin: Japanese
Meaning: Bright light

Akari has a cheerful sound that matches its meaning. It’s one of those names that’s easy to pronounce even if you’ve never encountered it before.

22. Hinata

Origin: Japanese
Meaning: Sunny place

In Japanese, Hinata evokes the image of a spot warmed by the sun. It’s also a popular name in manga and anime, introducing it to families well beyond Japan.

23. Áine

Origin: Irish
Meaning: Radiance

Pronounced AWN-ya, Áine was the Irish goddess of summer, sunshine, and prosperity. Her stories are closely tied to midsummer celebrations, making this one of the strongest seasonal names on the list.

24. Eliane

Origin: French, Hebrew
Meaning: Sun

Eliane has been quietly used across Europe for generations. If you like names such as Elise or Elaine but want something less familiar, this is one worth considering.

25. Kalinda

Origin: Sanskrit
Meaning: Sun

Kalinda has a lyrical rhythm that feels distinctive without being difficult to say. Its connection to the sun gives it an uplifting meaning rooted in ancient Sanskrit.

26. Eos

Origin: Greek
Meaning: Dawn

In Greek mythology, Eos opened the gates of heaven each morning so the sun could begin its journey across the sky. It’s a tiny name with one of the biggest stories in mythology.

More girl names that mean the Sun 

Some sunshine-inspired names are instantly recognizable. Others are tucked away in mythology, ancient languages, or different corners of the world. If you’re hoping to find something less familiar, this half of the list is full of names with fascinating stories and bright meanings.

27. Amaterasu

Origin: Japanese
Meaning: Shining over heaven

In Japanese mythology, Amaterasu is the revered sun goddess and one of the most important figures in Shinto tradition. It’s a bold choice with centuries of history behind it and a beautiful connection to light.

28. Aruna

Origin: Sanskrit
Meaning: Dawn

Aruna represents the reddish glow that fills the sky just before sunrise. In Hindu mythology, Aruna is the charioteer who announces the arrival of the sun each morning.

29. Savita

Origin: Sanskrit
Meaning: Sun

Savita comes from the Sanskrit word Savitr, a solar deity celebrated in ancient Hindu texts. It’s a familiar name in India and carries a sense of warmth and life.

30. Hina

Origin: Māori, Japanese (varied origins)
Meaning: Sun goddess (Māori tradition)

In Māori stories, Hina is associated with celestial light and appears in several legends across Polynesia. It’s short, memorable, and travels well across languages.

31. Elidi

Origin: Greek (modern usage)
Meaning: Gift of the sun

Elidi isn’t heard very often, which makes it an intriguing discovery. Its sunny meaning gives it an uplifting feel without sounding unusual for the sake of being different.

32. Zia

Origin: Arabic
Meaning: Light; splendor

Zia packs a lot of meaning into just three letters. It has a lively sound and a bright meaning that has made it a favorite in several cultures.

33. Liora

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: My light

Liora has a warm, flowing sound that feels both familiar and distinctive. Rather than borrowing from mythology, it celebrates light in the simplest, most personal way.

34. Ilona

Origin: Hungarian
Meaning: Shining light

Ilona is the Hungarian form of Helen, connecting it to the same family of names associated with brightness. Outside Central Europe, it’s still a pleasant surprise.

35. Niamh

Origin: Irish
Meaning: Bright

Pronounced Neev, Niamh belongs to one of Ireland’s best-known mythological heroines. The spelling may surprise newcomers, but it’s considered a classic in Ireland.

36. Roxana

Origin: Persian
Meaning: Dawn

Roxana entered history as the wife of Alexander the Great, though the name itself predates their story. It comes from an ancient Persian word referring to the first light of day.

37. Cyra

Origin: Persian
Meaning: Sun

Cyra is often described as the feminine form of Cyrus, though it has developed its own identity over time. Its crisp sound gives it a contemporary feel while honoring ancient Persian roots.

38. Aster

Origin: Greek
Meaning: Star

While Aster means “star” rather than “sun,” it belongs to the same celestial family of names. It’s also the name of a cheerful late-summer flower that blooms well into early fall.

39. Stella

Origin: Latin
Meaning: Star

Stella has spent more than a century in regular use without feeling tied to any one era. It calls to mind clear summer nights when the stars finally appear after a long sunny day.

40. Cielo

Origin: Spanish
Meaning: Sky; heaven

Cielo literally means “sky” in Spanish. Even though it doesn’t translate to “sun,” it’s hard to separate one from the other when you picture a cloudless summer afternoon.

41. Raya

Origin: Hebrew, Slavic
Meaning: Friend; flowing (varied meanings)

Raya appears in several languages with slightly different origins. Many parents are drawn to it because of its bright, open sound and its recent rise in popularity.

42. Noorjehan

Origin: Persian
Meaning: Light of the world

Best known as the name of the influential Mughal empress Nur Jahan, this name carries centuries of history. While it’s longer than many names on this list, its meaning couldn’t be more radiant.

43. Chiara

Origin: Italian
Meaning: Bright; clear

Chiara has remained one of Italy’s favorite girls’ names for years. Once you hear it pronounced: kee-AH-ra, it’s easy to understand why so many parents fall in love with it.

44. Leora

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Light

Leora has quietly appeared on baby-name lists for decades without ever becoming overused. If you like Nora or Cora, this offers a similar rhythm with a luminous meaning.

45. Oriane

Origin: French
Meaning: Dawn

Oriane is a French cousin of Oriana and shares the same connection to sunrise. It has appeared in French literature for centuries but remains relatively uncommon elsewhere.

46. Neriah

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Lamp of God; light of God

Although Neriah doesn’t refer directly to the sun, it belongs to the broader family of light-inspired names. Its Biblical roots give it a sense of history without making it feel old-fashioned.

47. Lucinda

Origin: Latin
Meaning: Light

Lucinda enjoyed a wave of popularity in the 19th century and has quietly waited for another moment in the spotlight. Nicknames like Lucy, Lulu, or Cindy offer plenty of flexibility.

48. Dawn

Origin: English
Meaning: Daybreak

Few names are as straightforward as Dawn. It captures that quiet moment when the world begins to wake up, and the first sunlight spills across the horizon.

49. Alba Luz

Origin: Spanish
Meaning: White dawn; morning light

Double names remain popular in many Spanish-speaking communities, and Alba Luz paints a vivid picture of daybreak. It’s poetic without feeling overdone.

50. Soraya

Origin: Persian
Meaning: The Pleiades constellation

Soraya is technically a star name rather than a sun name, but it belongs to the same celestial tradition. It has long been admired for its graceful sound and royal associations.

51. Auronie

Origin: French (derived from aurore)
Meaning: Golden dawn

Auronie is an uncommon choice inspired by the French word for dawn. If Aurora feels a little too popular, this offers a similar mood with a distinctive twist.

52. Luz

Origin: Spanish
Meaning: Light

Luz has been cherished in Spanish-speaking families for generations. It’s uncomplicated, meaningful, and one of the clearest expressions of brightness you’ll find in any language.

Boy names that mean sun 

Summer has a way of making everything feel a little more adventurous. Maybe it’s the road trips, evenings spent outside, or mornings that start with bright sunshine instead of alarm clocks. These boy names capture that same spirit. Some belong to ancient sun gods, while others simply celebrate light, dawn, or the promise of a new day.

53. Elio

Origin: Italian, Spanish
Meaning: Sun

Elio comes from the same ancient root as Helios, the Greek personification of the sun. It has been quietly popular in Italy for years and is now finding fans elsewhere thanks to its cheerful sound and easy pronunciation.

54. Helios

Origin: Greek
Meaning: Sun

Long before Apollo became closely associated with sunlight, Helios was the deity believed to guide the sun across the sky each day in a golden chariot. Few names have a more direct link to solar mythology.

55. Ravi

Origin: Sanskrit
Meaning: Sun

Ravi has remained a familiar name across India for generations. In Sanskrit, it directly refers to the sun and appears in ancient Hindu texts celebrating light and life.

56. Surya

Origin: Sanskrit
Meaning: Sun

Surya is the Hindu sun god and one of the oldest solar deities still honored today. Temples dedicated to Surya can still be found throughout India, giving this name centuries of living history.

57. Aditya

Origin: Sanskrit
Meaning: Sun

Aditya is one of several names traditionally used for the sun in Hindu scripture. It has remained consistently popular, balancing cultural significance with a contemporary sound.

58. Arun

Origin: Sanskrit
Meaning: Dawn; reddish glow of sunrise

Before the sun appears, the horizon takes on a soft red-orange glow. That’s the image behind Arun, a name that celebrates the beginning of a new day rather than the sun itself.

59. Aarush

Origin: Sanskrit
Meaning: First ray of the sun

Aarush paints a vivid picture of sunlight breaking over the horizon. Parents often choose it for the hopeful symbolism it carries, a fresh start and a bright future.

60. Anatole

Origin: Greek
Meaning: Sunrise

Anatole comes from a Greek word meaning “east” or “sunrise.” While it’s better known in France and Eastern Europe than in North America, it has an unmistakably refined feel.

61. Apollo

Origin: Greek
Meaning: God associated with light and the sun

Apollo’s influence stretched far beyond sunshine. In Greek mythology, he was also connected to music, healing, poetry, and prophecy. It’s a name with one of the richest backstories you’ll find.

62. Ra

Origin: Egyptian
Meaning: Sun

Ancient Egyptians believed Ra traveled across the sky by day and through the underworld by night before rising again each morning. Despite having only two letters, the name carries thousands of years of history.

63. Shamash

Origin: Akkadian
Meaning: Sun

Shamash was the Mesopotamian god of the sun and justice. His name appears in some of the world’s oldest written records, making it one of history’s earliest solar names.

64. Sol

Origin: Latin, Spanish
Meaning: Sun

Sol has been used as both a given name and a nickname in many Spanish-speaking countries. Simple and unmistakable, it says exactly what it means.

65. Samson

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Sun

Many people know Samson from the Bible because of his extraordinary strength. Fewer realize his name comes from the Hebrew word shemesh, meaning “sun.”

66. Lucian

Origin: Latin
Meaning: Light

Lucian traces back to the Latin word lux, meaning “light.” It has appeared in the names of philosophers, saints, and writers for centuries without ever feeling tied to one particular era.

67. Luca

Origin: Italian
Meaning: Bringer of light

Luca has become one of the fastest-rising boy names in several countries over the past decade. Its connection to light adds another reason parents continue to gravitate toward it.

68. Lucius

Origin: Latin
Meaning: Light

Lucius was common in Ancient Rome and appears throughout Roman history. It has the familiar nickname Luke while offering something a little less expected on paper.

69. Kiran

Origin: Sanskrit
Meaning: Ray of light

Kiran is widely used across South Asia for both boys and girls. Rather than referring to the sun itself, it celebrates the rays that spread its light.

70. Zohar

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Radiance; brilliance

Zohar comes from the Hebrew word for brightness and is also the title of one of Judaism’s most important mystical texts. It’s a meaningful choice with both spiritual and linguistic depth.

71. Ori

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: My light

Ori may be brief, but it carries a heartfelt meaning. It’s increasingly popular in Israel and has started appearing on baby name lists in other parts of the world.

72. Ner

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Lamp; light

Ner has a clean, modern sound despite its ancient roots. In Hebrew tradition, lamps often symbolize wisdom and guidance, giving the name a thoughtful layer of meaning.

73. Roshan

Origin: Persian
Meaning: Bright; shining

Roshan has long been used across South Asia and the Middle East. Beyond its radiant meaning, it’s a familiar surname and given name that has crossed cultures with ease.

74. Anwar

Origin: Arabic
Meaning: Luminous; brighter

Anwar comes from the Arabic word for light and brightness. It has been borne by artists, scholars, and political leaders, giving the name a broad cultural history.

75. Taiyō

Origin: Japanese
Meaning: Sun

Taiyō is the Japanese word for “sun.” While it’s uncommon outside Japan, its straightforward meaning and bright imagery make it one of the strongest sunshine-inspired names available.

76. Haru

Origin: Japanese
Meaning: Sunlight; spring (depending on the kanji)

One of the things that makes Japanese names so interesting is that their meanings can change with the characters used to write them. Certain forms of Haru carry associations with sunlight and clear skies.

77. Mehr

Origin: Persian
Meaning: Sun; kindness; affection

Mehr has deep roots in Persian culture, where it has long been connected with the sun as well as friendship and compassion. It’s short, distinctive, and rich in symbolism.

78. Aurelio

Origin: Latin, Spanish
Meaning: Golden

Aurelio doesn’t literally mean “sun,” but its connection to gold has long linked it with sunshine and light. The name has been used across Spain, Italy, and Latin America for generations.

More boy names that mean the sun

By now you’ve seen names from Greek myths, Sanskrit texts, Irish folklore, and Japanese traditions. This final group rounds out the list with more names inspired by light, dawn, gold, and the sun itself, some familiar, others waiting to be discovered.

79. Cyrus

Origin: Persian
Meaning: Sun (traditional association)

Cyrus is one of those names that carries centuries of history. Cyrus the Great founded the Persian Empire more than 2,500 years ago, and while scholars debate the exact meaning of the name, it’s long been associated with the sun in traditional baby-name references.

80. Elian

Origin: Hebrew, Spanish
Meaning: Sun

Elian has climbed steadily in popularity over the past decade, helped by its smooth sound and international appeal. It feels contemporary without sounding invented.

81. Lior

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: My light

Lior has become increasingly popular in Israel for both boys and girls. Its meaning is wonderfully personal, almost reading like a quiet declaration of affection.

82. Uriel

Origin: Hebrew

Meaning: God is my light

Uriel appears in Jewish and Christian traditions as one of the archangels. Whether you’re drawn to its spiritual roots or simply love names connected with light, it has an unmistakable presence.

83. Abner

Origin: Hebrew

Meaning: Father of light

Abner has Old Testament roots but has recently caught the attention of parents looking beyond the current top-100 lists. It feels familiar without blending into the crowd.

84. Aelius

Origin: Latin

Meaning: Sun

Aelius was the family name of the Roman emperor Hadrian. Historians connect it with the ancient Latin word for the sun, making it one of the oldest solar names still recognized today.

85. Aurelius

Origin: Latin

Meaning: Golden

Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius helped make this name famous, though today’s parents may know it from history books or philosophy. Its connection to gold naturally evokes sunshine.

86. Blaine

Origin: Scottish

Meaning: Yellow

While Blaine doesn’t translate directly to “sun,” its association with golden color earns it a place among light-inspired names. It’s simple, approachable, and easy to wear at every age.

87. Castor

Origin: Greek

Meaning: To shine

Castor was one of the famous Gemini twins in Greek mythology and also lends his name to one of the brightest stars in the night sky. It’s a name that bridges mythology and astronomy.

88. Cormac

Origin: Irish

Meaning: Charioteer

Ancient Irish stories describe Cormac mac Airt as one of Ireland’s greatest legendary kings. While the meaning isn’t directly solar, the image of a chariot offers an interesting parallel to many sun myths around the world.

89. Dai

Origin: Japanese

Meaning: Great; shining (depending on the kanji)

Japanese names often change meaning depending on the characters chosen. Certain spellings of Dai carry meanings connected to brightness, making it a flexible option.

90. Hikaru

Origin: Japanese

Meaning: Light; radiance

Hikaru has appeared in novels, anime, sports, and music, helping introduce the name to audiences around the world. It literally means “to shine.”

91. Lux

Origin: Latin

Meaning: Light

Lux has traditionally been a word rather than a given name, but modern parents have embraced it as a fresh, minimalist choice. Despite its brevity, it has plenty of impact.

92. Oran

Origin: Irish, Hebrew

Meaning: Light; pale green (varied origins)

Depending on its linguistic roots, Oran can have different meanings. The Hebrew form connects it with light, while the Irish version has a separate history altogether.

93. Prabhakar

Origin: Sanskrit

Meaning: Maker of light

Prabhakar has been used in India for generations and is another traditional name for the sun. It carries both poetic meaning and deep cultural significance.

94. Bhaskar

Origin: Sanskrit

Meaning: Sun; giver of light

Bhaskar appears frequently in Indian literature and remains a familiar given name today. It literally refers to the one who brings light.

95. Savitr

Origin: Sanskrit

Meaning: Solar deity

Savitr is one of the oldest names associated with the sun in Hindu tradition and is celebrated in the Rig Veda. The famous Gayatri Mantra is dedicated to this deity.

96. Mitra

Origin: Sanskrit, Persian

Meaning: Sun; friendship

Mitra has been associated with solar deities in both ancient Persia and India. Depending on the tradition, it also represents loyalty, agreements, and friendship.

97. Inti

Origin: Quechua

Meaning: Sun

The Inca civilization worshipped Inti as the sun god, believing he watched over crops and the changing seasons. Today, the name remains a meaningful tribute to Indigenous South American heritage.

98. Tonatiuh

Origin: Nahuatl

Meaning: Sun

Tonatiuh was the Aztec sun god and one of the central figures in Aztec cosmology. While uncommon outside Mexico, few names have a stronger solar connection.

99. Günay

Origin: Turkish

Meaning: Sun and moon

Günay combines two celestial bodies into one poetic name. It’s traditionally used for both boys and girls in Turkey.

100. Raviindra

Origin: Sanskrit

Meaning: Lord of the sun

An expanded form of Ravi, Raviindra carries the same bright symbolism while adding a more formal sound. Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore’s name shares the same linguistic roots.

101. Aftab

Origin: Persian

Meaning: Sun

Aftab has been used throughout Persia and South Asia for centuries. The word still means “sun” in Persian today, giving the name a wonderfully direct meaning.

102. Mehrdad

Origin: Persian

Meaning: Given by the sun

Mehrdad comes from the ancient Persian god Mithra, who was associated with light and the rising sun. The name has been used by Persian kings and scholars for centuries.

103. Sunny

Origin: English

Meaning: Cheerful; sunny

Sometimes the most obvious choice is also the happiest one. Sunny has long been used as both a nickname and a standalone name, bringing instant warmth wherever it appears.

104. Samson

Origin: Hebrew

Meaning: Sun

Samson closes our list with one of the oldest sunshine-inspired names still in use. Best known for his Biblical story, his name ultimately comes from the Hebrew word shemesh, meaning “sun.”