Boy and Girl Names That Mean Sun

By Dixie Legare – August 28, 2024

Choosing a name for a newborn is an exciting process, especially when you’re looking for a name with a special meaning.

Names that signify the sun, sunshine, and sunlight bring warmth and brightness, making them a joyful choice for a child.

From names representing the beginning of a new day with “sunrise” to those that mark the peaceful end of one with “sunset,” these names capture the beauty and radiance of the sun.

Here are a few names that may be the perfect fit for your little one.

Girl Names That Mean “Sun”

Arpi

In Armenian, Arpi is a beautiful and poetic name for girls meaning “sun.”

Aygün

Aygün is a Turkish name combining “moon” and “sun,” representing celestial harmony.

Chinatsu

This Japanese name translates to “thousand summers,” symbolizing warmth and joy.

Elanor

From J.R.R. Tolkien’s writings, Elanor refers to a star-shaped flower resembling the sun, meaning “star sun” in the fictional Sindarin language.

Grishma

In Sanskrit, Grishma signifies “sunlight,” making it an apt name for a cheerful child.

Ha-Eun

Ha-Eun is a Korean name meaning “summer” or “great,” mixed with “kindness” and “charity,” perfect for a sunny-natured girl.

Haruko

This Japanese name means “sun” or “spring child,” ideal for babies born in sunny seasons.

Heulwen

A Welsh name meaning “sunshine,” Heulwen is perfect for a bright, happy girl.

Hina

In Japanese, Hina means “sun” and also combines with “vegetables,” giving an earthy touch.

Marisol

This Spanish name could mean “Mary of Solitude” or “sea and sun,” evoking sunny beaches.

Mzia

Mzia is a short, sweet Georgian name meaning “sun.”

Narangerel

A Mongolian name meaning “sunlight,” Narangerel brings a bright aura.

Natsuko

In Japanese, Natsuko means “summer child,” a fitting name for a little one born in the sunnier months.

Nou

Nou is a name from the Hmong language of Southeast Asia, meaning “sun.”

Saulė

In Lithuanian, Saulė is the name of a sun goddess, simply meaning “sun.”

Savitri

A name found in Sanskrit meaning “relating to the sun,” Savitri is tied to Hindu mythology and hymns.

Solana

Solana is a Spanish name meaning “sunshine,” ideal for a radiant child.

Sole

An Italian name meaning “sun,” Sole is a short and sweet choice.

Soleil

Soleil is a French name translating to “sun,” and it brings warmth.

Solfrid

Norwegian in origin, Solfrid means “beloved sun,” combining love and light.

Summer

A name that straightforwardly captures the essence of “sun,” Summer is a season name that became popular in the 1970s.

Sunniva

Sunniva, a Scandinavian name, means “sun gift” and is tied to a legendary saint.

Sunshine

Rare and retro, Sunshine evokes brightness and cheer, fitting for a sunny-natured girl.

Theresa

Of Greek origin, Theresa possibly means “summer” or “harvest,” embodying warmth.

Vera

In Albanian, Vera means “summer,” while in Russian, it means “faith.” This classic name is making a comeback.

Yōko

A well-known name meaning “sun” or “ocean” combined with “child,” Yōko carries an air of warmth and depth.

Boy Names That Mean “Sun”

Aditya

Aditya is a name from India that translates to “sun.” In Hindu mythology, Aditya refers to the sun gods known as the Adityas.

Aelius

A classical Roman boys’ name meaning “sun.” It was used by several Roman emperors and notable historical figures, including Hadrian.

Antiman

A unique name of Mapuche origin. The Mapuche are indigenous to south-central Chile and southwestern Argentina. Antiman means “condor of the sun.”

Antinanco

Another Mapuche name, Antinanco translates to “eagle of the sun.” This name conveys strength and majesty.

Areg

A Armenian name that means “sun.” It’s a simple yet strong choice reflecting Armenian heritage.

Byeong-Ho

A traditional Korean name. Byeong-Ho translates to “bright and grand” or “bright summer,” evoking images of the sun’s brilliance.

Cyrus

This name has Persian roots and means “sun.” Cyrus the Great, an ancient Persian king, is a notable historical figure with this name.

Eki

A Basque name that simply means “sun.” Short and sweet, this name is easy and charming.

Elio

Rooted in Italian and Spanish cultures, Elio translates to “the sun.” It derives from the Greek sun god Helios.

Ha-Jun

A Korean name that combines Ha, meaning “summer,” and Jun, which means “talented” or “handsome.” Ha-Jun suggests a bright and promising personality.

Haruki

A Japanese boys’ name meaning “shining sun” or “radiant with sunlight.” A fitting name for a cheerful child.

Heliodoro

Of Greek origin, Heliodoro means “gift of the sun.” A captivating and unique name for a boy.

Helios

In Greek mythology, Helios was the personification of the sun. A name rich in ancient history and mythology.

Horus

Horus is the name of an ancient Egyptian deity known as the sky god. Often depicted as a falcon, he has the sun and moon as his eyes.

Inti

Derived from the Quechua language, spoken by the Andean people. Inti means “sun” and is associated with the Inca sun god.

Ji-Ho

A popular Korean name that means “wisdom and brightness.” It captures the illuminating properties of the sun.

K’inich

A unique Mayan boys’ name meaning “great sun.” K’inich is linked to ancient Mayan rulers, providing a powerful historical connection.

Mehrab

From Persian culture, Mehrab means “sun” and also conveys ideas of friendship and water. A name with multiple layers of meaning.

Naranbaatar

A Mongolian name that translates to “sun hero.” It conveys strength and heroism.

Ra

An Egyptian boys’ name meaning “sun.” In ancient Egypt, Ra was the sun god, revered as the king of all gods.

Ravi

Of Indian origin, Ravi signifies “sun.” In Hindu tradition, Ravi is a solar deity representing life-giving energy.

Somerled

A traditional Scottish and Old Norse name meaning “summer traveler.” It evokes warmth and adventure.

Sorin

Romanian in origin, Sorin means “sun.” This name brings a touch of European sophistication.

Surya

A Sanskrit name that means “sun.” In Hinduism, Surya is the sun god symbolizing brightness and energy.

Utu

A Sumerian name. Utu was the god of the sun and justice. His parents were Nanna, the moon god, and Ningal, the goddess of reeds.

Xbalanque

In Mayan mythology, Xbalanque is one of the Hero Twins representing the sun and moon. This name exemplifies courage and radiance.

Yōsuke

From Japan, Yōsuke means “bright help,” reflecting a sunny and supportive personality.

Gender-Neutral Names Meaning “Sun”

Aruna

A Sanskrit name that signifies “reddish brown” and “dawn.” It brings to mind the beautiful colors that paint the sky during sunrise. The name has deep roots in many Hindu texts and stories.

Asahi

This Japanese name means “morning sun.” Often linked to new beginnings and fresh starts, it carries a positive and hopeful vibe.

Chang

A Chinese name that can translate to “sunlight.” It may also mean “smooth” or “free,” which connects to the sun’s effortless journey across the sky each day.

Günay

This Turkish name combines two elements: gün, meaning “sun,” and ay, meaning “moon,” offering a unique blend of celestial associations.

Haru

Another Japanese name, Haru means “sunlight” or “clear weather.” It can also signify “springtime,” making it a lovely choice for babies born in spring.

Hinata

Also from Japan, Hinata means “sunny place” or “toward the sun.” It has gained popularity through the anime character Hinata Hyuga.

Khurshid

This Persian name means “shining sun.” Common in Iran and other Persian-speaking regions, it brings forth images of bright and radiant sunlight.

Kiran

A Sanskrit name meaning “sunbeam.” It is a well-liked unisex name in India.

Li

In Chinese, Li can mean “powerful,” “beautiful,” or “dawn.” It is a versatile name associated with the strength and beauty of the rising sun.

Rashmi

This Sanskrit name translates to “ray of sunlight.” It is widely used in India and carries a warm and illuminating meaning.

Shachar

A Hebrew name meaning “dawn” or “morning twilight.” It is a popular choice in Israel.

Shams

A unisex Arabic name that signifies “sun.” It also references a pre-Islamic Arabian goddess associated with the sun.

Shandiin

This name means “sunlight” in the Navajo language, reflecting the beautiful cultures of the Southwestern United States.

Sol

A name that means “sun” in Spanish and Portuguese. It can be used as a feminine name or as a short form of Solomon, which means “peace” in Hebrew.

Solaris

A cool Latin name meaning “sun.” It exudes a sense of warmth and energy.

Sunday

If born on a Sunday, this name is an interesting and cheerful option, directly referencing the day of the sun.

Sunny

This playful name means exactly what it sounds like. It’s perfect for a cheerful and positive individual.

Tonalli

From the Nahuatl language of the Aztecs, this name embodies the essence of “day” and “sunshine.”

Xia

In Chinese, Xia means “glow of the sunrise.” It suggests a bright and radiant start.

Yang

This Chinese name often symbolizes the sun, light, or the positive aspect of the yin-yang balance.

Girl Names That Mean “Sunrise” or “Sunset”

Afërdita

Afërdita means “daybreak” or “morning” in Albanian. It is a form of Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love and beauty.

Aurora

Aurora, a Latin name meaning “dawn,” is also the name of the Roman goddess of the morning.

This name has been popular for girls in 2023.

Aya

Aya means “dawn” and refers to the goddess of the dawn in Akkadian mythology.

Dawn

Dawn is an English name that captures the essence of the sunrise.

Eos

Eos means “dawn” in Greek and is the name of the Greek goddess of the dawn.

Fajr

Fajr is an Arabic name that means “dawn” and “beginning,” symbolizing new starts and new days.

Fioralba

Fioralba is an Italian girl’s name meaning “flower of the dawn.”

It combines a love for floral names with the beauty of morning’s first light.

Gwawr

Gwawr is a unique Welsh name that means “dawn.”

Sandhya

Sandhya, derived from Sanskrit, means “twilight,” representing the moments of sunrise and sunset when day meets night.

Sienna

Sienna means “orange-red,” evoking the color of the sun or the sky at sunrise or sunset.

Ushas

Ushas is a name for the Hindu goddess of dawn and means “dawn” in Sanskrit.

Boy Names That Mean “Sunrise” or “Sunset”

Agim

Agim is a distinctive name from Albania, meaning “dawn.”

This name embodies the idea of new beginnings and the arrival of light.

Agron

Originating from the ancient kingdom of Illyria, Agron means “dawn.”

This name was borne by a third-century BCE king, symbolizing a noble start to the day.

Altan

Altan, a Turkish name, translates to “red dawn.”

This vibrant name captures the beauty of the early morning sky, making it a special choice.

Anatolius

Anatolius is a Greek name that signifies “sunrise” or “from the east.”

It has a classical charm and was the name of several early saints.

Arrats

Arrats, from the Basque language, means “twilight.”

It reflects the calm and peace of sunset, offering a serene option for a baby name.

Dismas

Dismas is thought to derive from Greek and means “sunset.”

Known from the legend of the penitent thief crucified with Jesus, it’s a name with deep historical significance.

Nishant

Nishant is an Indian name that means “end of night” or “dawn.”

It symbolizes the bright and hopeful beginning of a new day.

Nuri

Nuri, of Arabic origin, means “my light.”

This name is associated with the warmth and brightness of the sun, making it a radiant choice.

Ochieng

From the Luo ethnic group in Kenya, Ochieng means “born when the sun shines.”

It is typically given to boys born at sunrise, signifying new light and beginnings.

Uhtric

Uhtric is an ancient English name that translates to “pre-dawn ruler.”

It lends a unique and strong character to those who bear it.

Vihaan

Vihaan, an Indian name, means “sunrise” or “beginning of a new era.” It stands for the fresh start that each day brings.