Are you drawn to the mysterious glow that lights up our night sky? The moon has captivated humans since ancient times, inspiring poetry, rituals, and yes beautiful baby names. Whether you’re expecting a little one or just love lunar names, this collection of names that mean moon will guide you through a magical journey across cultures and traditions.
The moon’s influence reaches far beyond just lighting our way through darkness. It represents femininity, intuition, cycles of life, protection, and wisdom. By choosing one of these moon-inspired names for your child, you’re connecting them to something timeless and powerful that humans have looked up to for thousands of years.
In this article, we’ll explore over 100 enchanting names that mean moon for boys, girls, and gender-neutral options. I’ll dive into their origins, meanings, and the rich cultural stories behind them. Let’s discover the perfect lunar name that will shine bright for your little one!
The Spiritual & Symbolic Meaning of the Moon in Names
The moon symbolism in naming traditions runs deeper than just pretty sounds. Across virtually all cultures, the moon represents powerful feminine energy, intuition, cycles, emotional depth, and protection. In many Western cultures, the moon embodies the divine feminine, while in Indigenous cultures, it often symbolizes wisdom and guidance.
Parents who choose names that mean moon often seek to bestow these qualities on their children. The lunar cycle – constantly changing yet eternally returning – represents both transformation and reliability. These names connect your child to something ancient and mysterious while giving them a bright, luminous identity in today’s world. The moon’s pull isn’t just physical – it’s emotional and spiritual too, making these names meaningful on multiple levels.
100 Magical Baby Names That Mean ‘Moon’
Diving into our collection of moon names feels like exploring a vast night sky filled with shimmering possibilities. These names span continents, languages, and millennia, each carrying unique cultural significance and beautiful meanings connected to our celestial neighbor.
I’ve gathered these names from ancient mythologies, modern languages, and diverse cultural traditions worldwide. Some are obvious in their lunar meaning (like Luna), while others hide their moon connection in fascinating etymology. You’ll find options for every style preference – from popular classics to rare gems that might make your child the only one with their name in their class.
Baby Girl Names That Mean “Moon”
Girl names that mean moon often capture the gentle radiance and feminine energy associated with our lunar companion. These names have surged in popularity as more parents seek names with celestial meaning for their daughters. The feminine connection to the moon goddess traditions across cultures makes these particularly meaningful choices.
Luna tops the charts as one of the most beloved moon-inspired names for girls today. This Latin beauty simply means “moon” and has rocketed up the popularity charts in recent years. Other favorites include Selene (Greek moon goddess), Chandra (Sanskrit for “luminous“), and Phoebe (another Greek lunar deity). These names combine meaningful origins with beautiful sounds that feel both timeless and contemporary.
| Rank | Name | Origin | Meaning |
| 1 | Luna | Latin | Moon |
| 2 | Selene | Greek | Moon goddess |
| 3 | Chandra | Sanskrit | Luminous, moon |
| 4 | Phoebe | Greek | Bright one, moon goddess |
| 5 | Ayla | Turkish | Moonlight, halo around moon |
| 6 | Mona | Irish/Persian | Noble/moon |
| 7 | Cynthia | Greek | From Mount Cynthus, moon goddess epithet |
| 8 | Diana | Latin | Divine, Roman moon goddess |
| 9 | Esmeray | Turkish | Dark moon |
| 10 | Qamar | Arabic | Moon |
| 11 | Mahina | Hawaiian | Moon |
| 12 | Neoma | Greek | New moon |
| 13 | Seline | Greek | Moon |
| 14 | Indu | Sanskrit | Moon |
| 15 | Thalia | Greek | To bloom, associated with moon |
| 16 | Jaci | Native American | Moon |
| 17 | Amaris | Hebrew | Child of the moon |
| 18 | Hang | Vietnamese | Moon |
| 19 | Larissa | Greek | Citadel, moon of Neptune |
| 20 | Lucine | Armenian | Moon, light |
Boy Names That Mean “Moon”
Boy names with moon meanings draw from powerful mythological moon gods across cultures and languages. These names often combine the moon’s mystical qualities with strength and character, making them perfect for little boys who might grow to be both thoughtful and bold.
Chandra isn’t just for girls – in Hindu tradition, it’s also a masculine name for the moon deity. Other standout boy names inspired by moon include Qamar (Arabic for “moon“), Jericho (Hebrew name associated with “moon city“), and Atu (Egyptian moon god name). These names give boys a connection to something vast and cosmic while still feeling approachable and strong for everyday use.
| Rank | Name | Origin | Meaning |
| 1 | Chandra | Sanskrit | Moon |
| 2 | Qamar | Arabic | Moon |
| 3 | Jericho | Hebrew | City of the moon |
| 4 | Atu | Egyptian | Moon god |
| 5 | Thoth | Egyptian | Moon god, wisdom |
| 6 | Ay | Turkish | Moon |
| 7 | Soma | Sanskrit | Moon god, elixir |
| 8 | Badr | Arabic | Full moon |
| 9 | Mani | Norse | Moon |
| 10 | Luan | Portuguese | Moon-like |
| 11 | Chandran | Hindu | Moon god |
| 12 | Mond | German | Moon |
| 13 | Lleu | Welsh | Light, associated with moon |
| 14 | Arawn | Celtic | Lunar god |
| 15 | Atlas | Greek | Moon of Saturn |
| 16 | Oberon | Literature | Moon of Uranus |
| 17 | Tsuki | Japanese | Moon |
| 18 | Jian | Chinese | Seeing the moon |
| 19 | Dawa | Tibetan | Moon |
| 20 | Yue | Chinese | Moon |
Gender-Neutral Names That Mean Moon
The moon transcends human constructs, making gender-neutral moon names particularly fitting for parents seeking inclusive options. These names that mean moon work beautifully for any child, regardless of gender, and often have nature-based or cosmic associations that feel fresh and meaningful.
Names like Ayla (Turkish for “moonlight“), Moon (direct and powerful), and Nova (suggesting the brightness of celestial bodies) fit perfectly into modern naming trends while carrying ancient lunar wisdom. Other options include Vesper (evening star that appears alongside the moon) and Io (one of Jupiter’s moons with a simple, striking sound). These gender-neutral names offer flexibility while still connecting your child to the moon’s timeless magic.
| Name | Origin | Meaning |
| Moon | English | Direct name for the celestial body |
| Nova | Latin | New, associated with celestial brightness |
| Vesper | Latin | Evening star, appears with moon |
| Io | Greek | Moon of Jupiter |
| Ayla | Turkish | Moonlight, halo around moon |
| Luna | Latin | Moon |
| Neoma | Greek | New moon |
| Sky | English | Where the moon resides |
| Juno | Roman | Goddess associated with moon phases |
| Silver | English | Color of moonlight |
| Sol | Latin | Sun (complementary to moon) |
| Echo | Greek | Reflected sound (like moon reflects light) |
| Crescent | English | Moon phase |
| Dusk | English | When moon appears |
| Celeste | Latin | Celestial, heavenly |
Baby Names Inspired by the Moon
Beyond names that directly mean “moon,” there’s a universe of baby names inspired by the moon and its qualities. These names reference lunar phases, moonlight characteristics, or celestial phenomena connected to our nearest neighbor in space.
Names like Aurora (dawn light, often seen with the moon), Stella (star, moon’s companion), and Orion (constellation visible by moonlight) all capture different aspects of lunar beauty. Other creative options include Elara (one of Jupiter’s moons), Nash (meaning “adventure” – like moon exploration), and Cordelia (moon of Uranus). These names expand your options while keeping that special lunar connection intact.
| Category | Names |
| Moon Phases | Crescent, Nova, Eclipse, Gibbous, Dawn, Dusk |
| Moon Qualities | Silver, Glow, Luminous, Shine, Bright, Pearl |
| Moons of Planets | Elara, Callisto, Titan, Oberon, Miranda, Larissa |
| Moon-Related Words | Celestial, Orbit, Tide, Eclipse, Cosmic, Twilight |
Astrology & Moon Names: Lunar Signs and Baby Naming
In astrology, your moon sign reveals your emotional landscape and inner self – aspects that many parents wish to honor in naming their children. The moon’s influence in your birth chart can inspire names that reflect not just lunar meaning but specific qualities of your child’s astrological makeup.
Children born under a Cancer moon might suit names like Diana or Selene, honoring the sign’s lunar rulership. For those with Pisces moons, names like Mahina (Hawaiian for “moon“) reflect both the water element and lunar energy. Parents can also consider names that honor the lunar phase present at birth – “New moon” babies might be perfect Neomas, while full moon arrivals could be Badrs (Arabic for “full moon“). This astrological connection adds another meaningful layer to your lunar naming journey.
Read More About : 200+ Best Sibling Group Names for Friends: Funny, Cute, and Cool Chat Name Ideas
Cultural Moon Names Across the World
Moon names exist in virtually every language and culture, each offering unique sounds and associations. In Turkish and Kazakh cultures, “Ay” forms the base of many lunar names like Ayla and Aylin. Sanskrit gives us Chandra and Indu, while Arabic traditions offer beautiful options like Qamar and Badr.
European languages haven’t been left out of moon naming traditions. Luna (Latin), Selene (Greek), and Mani (Norse) all represent lunar deities from their respective pantheons. Indigenous cultures across continents have their own rich traditions – Jaci (Tupi), Mahina (Hawaiian), and Mawu (African) all refer to powerful moon spirits or gods. This global diversity gives parents endless possibilities for finding the perfect cultural moon name that resonates with their heritage or values.
| Cultural Region | Moon Names | Gender |
| Arabic/Middle Eastern | Qamar, Badr, Hilal, Noor | Mixed |
| Sanskrit/Indian | Chandra, Indu, Soma, Chandran | Mixed |
| Turkish/Turkic | Ay, Ayla, Aylin, Dolunay | Mixed |
| Greek/Roman | Luna, Selene, Diana, Phoebe | Feminine |
| Norse/Germanic | Mani, Mond, Luna, Máni | Mixed |
| East Asian | Tsuki, Yue, Daeul, Ming | Mixed |
| Native American | Jaci, Mani, Nokomis, Hala | Mixed |
| African | Mawu, Anningan, Khonsu | Mixed |
| Celtic | Arianrhod, Luan, Arawn | Mixed |
| Pacific Islands | Mahina, Masina, Marama | Feminine |
Cute Baby Names That Mean Moon
Cute moon names combine sweetness with celestial meaning, perfect for parents who want something adorable yet significant. These lighter options still carry the moon’s magic but with a playful twist that works beautifully for little ones.
Lunette (French for “little moon“), Stellan (meaning “calm” but with star connections), and Moonbeam (nature-inspired and whimsical) offer charming options for parents seeking something cute yet meaningful. Other options include Lunita (Spanish diminutive of Luna) and Moonlet (literally “little moon”). These names capture both innocence and wonder – perfect for your little one who lights up your night like the moon itself!
Unique Baby Names That Mean Moon
For parents seeking something truly distinctive, these unique baby names that mean moon will ensure your child stands out from the crowd. These rare lunar gems come from lesser-known mythologies, ancient languages, or creative combinations that few others will share.
Consider Ixchel (Mayan moon goddess), Mayari (Filipino lunar deity), or Kusuma (Sanskrit for “flower,” associated with moon blossoms). Other standouts include Neomyth (combining “new moon” with mythic qualities), Lunaverse (modern blend suggesting lunar cosmos), and Chandrakanta (Sanskrit for “beloved of the moon”). These unique moon names give your child something special while maintaining that beautiful lunar connection.
Short Baby Names That Mean Moon
In our fast-paced world, short baby names that mean moon offer practical elegance. These concise options pack powerful meaning into just a few letters, making them easy to spell, pronounce, and remember while still carrying cosmic significance.
Lu (derived from Luna), Io (Jupiter’s moon), Ay (Turkish for “moon“), and Aku (Finnish moon deity) exemplify this minimalist approach to lunar naming. Other options include Mah (Persian “moon“), Shu (Egyptian moon associated), and Dae (Korean “greatness,” used in moon compounds). These short moon names prove that sometimes the most powerful statements come in the smallest packages.
Classic Baby Names That Mean Moon
Some lunar names have stood the test of time, becoming classics that feel both timeless and meaningful. These established options have history and tradition behind them while still feeling relevant for today’s children.
Diana (Roman moon goddess), Luna (Latin for “moon“), and Selene (Greek lunar deity) top the list of classic moon names that have adorned birth certificates for generations. For boys, Chandra and Lawrence (meaning “crowned with laurel” but associated with lunar cycles) offer traditional gravitas. These names connect your child not just to the moon but to a long lineage of namesakes throughout human history.
Read More : Sweet and Creative Couple Nicknames for Instagram to Strengthen Your Bond
Boy Names That Mean Moon
Finding the perfect middle name to complement your lunar first name choice creates harmonious flow and adds meaning to your child’s full identity. The right pairing can enhance the celestial quality or balance the uniqueness of a moon-inspired name.
For first names like Luna or Selene, classic middle options like James, Rose, or Grace provide beautiful contrast. More adventurous parents might pair Chandra with Phoenix or Qamar with Storm for a fully celestial identity. Consider rhythm and syllable count – shorter moon names often pair well with longer middles and vice versa. The middle name spot also offers a chance to honor family traditions while keeping the lunar theme in the first position.
Middle Names That Pair Well with Moon-Inspired First Names
Mythological moon gods and goddesses offer some of the richest naming options, connecting your child to ancient stories and divine archetypes. These deity names carry power, mystery, and cultural significance that transcends time.
Greek mythology gives us Selene (primary moon goddess) and Artemis (huntress associated with the moon), while Roman traditions offer Luna and Diana. Beyond Western mythologies, we find Chandra (Hindu moon god), Khonsu (Egyptian), Mani (Norse), and Tsukuyomi (Japanese). These mythological names connect your child to ancient wisdom while feeling distinctive in today’s playgrounds and classrooms.
| Culture | Moon Deity | Gender | Story/Meaning |
| Greek | Selene | Feminine | Primary moon goddess who drove moon chariot across sky |
| Roman | Luna/Diana | Feminine | Diana was huntress associated with moon; Luna personified moon |
| Egyptian | Khonsu | Masculine | God of time, associated with lunar calendar |
| Norse | Mani | Masculine | Moon personified, brother of Sol (sun) |
| Hindu | Chandra | Masculine | Moon god who rides chariot pulled by antelope |
| Japanese | Tsukuyomi | Masculine | Moon god, brother of sun goddess Amaterasu |
| Aztec | Coyolxauhqui | Feminine | Moon goddess, daughter of earth goddess |
| Mayan | Ixchel | Feminine | Moon goddess associated with medicine and weaving |
| Inuit | Anningan | Masculine | Moon god who chases sister (the sun) |
| Celtic | Arianrhod | Feminine | Goddess associated with moon, stars and fate |
Moon God Names From Mythology
Choosing the perfect name that means moon for your little one requires thoughtful consideration beyond just how it sounds. Your child will carry this name throughout their life, so its meaning, pronunciation, and cultural context all matter deeply.
Consider how the name flows with your surname, potential nicknames (both wanted and unwanted), and whether the meaning resonates with your family values. For moon-inspired names from cultures not your own, research the pronunciation and cultural significance carefully to ensure respectful usage. Test the name by calling it out loud, writing it down, and imagining it on future job applications or wedding invitations. The right lunar name should feel magical now and practical for a lifetime.
Tips for Naming Your Child
Choosing a moon-inspired name isn’t just about picking something that sounds pretty it’s about finding a perfect fit that will grow with your child for decades.
- Consider how your chosen moon name flows with your family surname and middle name options
- Check for unfortunate initials or potential unwanted nicknames the combination might create
- Test the name by saying it aloud in different life contexts: graduation announcements, job interviews, formal introductions
- Research proper pronunciation and cultural significance if selecting a lunar name from traditions not your own
- Balance uniqueness with practicality your child will carry this name through every phase of life
- Contemplate nickname possibilities, both the ones you love and those playground kids might invent
- Reflect on how the name might appear on official documents, resumes, and social media
- Discuss the name with close family members to ensure everyone can pronounce it correctly
- Consider the meaning and symbolism you want your child to carry moon names offer rich connections to intuition, cycles, and ancient wisdom
- Trust your intuition the right name that means moon will resonate emotionally and practically for your family’s unique situation
Read More : 230+ Funny Inappropriate Names That Will Leave You Laughing Out Loud
Frequently Asked Questions
What name means moon?
The most direct names that mean moon across languages include Luna (Latin), Chandra (Sanskrit), Qamar (Arabic), Ay (Turkish), Mani (Norse), Selene (Greek), Tsuki (Japanese), and Mahina (Hawaiian). Luna has become particularly popular in English-speaking countries, ranking in the top baby names in recent years. Each of these options directly translates to “moon” in their original language, making them perfect choices for parents seeking a straightforward lunar connection.
What is a unique name related to the moon?
For truly unique moon names, look to lesser-known mythologies or rare linguistic traditions. Ixchel (Mayan moon goddess), Mayari (Filipino lunar deity), Chandrakanta (Sanskrit “beloved of the moon”), Dawa (Tibetan “moon”), and Jericho (Hebrew city name with lunar associations) offer distinctive options that maintain strong lunar connections while standing out from more common choices like Luna or Selene. These names combine cultural richness with rarity that gives your child a truly one-of-a-kind lunar identity.
What female name means Moonlight?
Female names meaning moonlight capture the gentle radiance rather than the moon itself. Beautiful options include Ayla (Turkish “moonlight” or “halo around moon”), Leila (Arabic “night” with moonlight associations), Yue (Chinese “moon brightness”), Altalune (created name meaning “high moon/moonlight”), and Chandni (Hindi “moonlight” or “moonlit night”). These names evoke the soft, silvery glow that has inspired poets and dreamers throughout human history, perfect for a daughter who brings light to your darkest nights.
What witchy name means moon?
For parents drawn to the magical associations of the moon, several witchy names with lunar meanings connect to pagan traditions and mystical practices. Phoebe (Titan moon goddess), Hecate (Greek goddess of witchcraft associated with the dark moon), Selene (primary Greek moon goddess), Diana (Roman lunar deity connected to witchcraft), and Lilith (associated with dark moon phases in some traditions) all carry powerful magical connotations alongside their lunar meanings. These names honor the moon’s magical aspects while giving your child a name with depth and mystery.
Conclusion
The moon has watched over humanity since our earliest days, inspiring wonder, marking time, and symbolizing everything from feminine power to intuition and change. By choosing a name that means moon for your child, you’re connecting them to this ancient celestial relationship that transcends culture and time.
Whether you prefer popular classics like Luna and Diana or unique treasures like Chandrakanta and Ixchel, these lunar-inspired names carry beauty, meaning, and a touch of magic. They remind us to look up, dream big, and remember our place in the vast cosmos. Just as the moon faithfully returns each night, these names will faithfully serve your child throughout their life journey, illuminating their path with ancient lunar wisdom and timeless beauty. What moon name speaks to your heart? The perfect choice awaits somewhere in this celestial collection, ready to shine bright for your little one for years to come.
Lena Rivers
Content Creator
Lena Rivers, our co-founder and creative soul, combines her love for animals with a flair for fantasy naming. Her unique ability to blend myth and nature results in captivating names that bring magical creatures to life. With a passion for storytelling, Lena adds a touch of wonder to every project she undertakes.