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.