Baby names that mean ‘moon’ not only offer a touch of enchantment but also symbolize intuition, femininity, and the ever-changing cycles of life.

As you embark on the joyous journey of naming your baby, consider delving into this celestial theme. Whether you’re drawn to names steeped in culture or those echoing nature’s wonders, there is an array of options waiting to be discovered. From soft-sounding monikers reminiscent of moonlit nights to strong names with historical significance, each choice carries its own unique charm. 

Baby Names Inspired by the Moon

Choosing a baby name inspired by the moon can evoke a sense of wonder and connection to the cosmos. Names like Luna have increasingly gained popularity, honoring the Latin word for moon while embodying a soft elegance. This celestial inspiration extends beyond just feminine names; consider unisex options like Ayla, which means “moonlight” in Turkish.  

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, the 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

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.

Cute Baby Names That Mean Moon 

Choosing a baby name that means moon can add a touch of celestial charm to your child’s identity. The allure of the moon has inspired many cultures across the globe, leading to unique and beautiful names. For instance, Ayla, which means moonlight in Turkish, captures both femininity and elegance while offering serene imagery often associated with twilight skies. Similarly, the name Chandra, derived from Sanskrit, embodies a sense of calmness and brilliance, reflecting the moon’s gentle glow in darkness.

• Janus
• Lunetta
• Mani
• Neoma
• Nikini
• Nuray
• Phoebe
• Rhea
• Runa
• Sasi
• Selene
• Titania
• Umbriel
• Zira 
• Altalune
• Arche
• Callisto
• Carme
• Cela
• Channary
• Chantara
• Dione

Unique Baby Names That Mean Moon 

Exploring baby names that mean moon offers a celestial touch, perfect for parents seeking something truly unique. Names such as Ayla, which has Turkish origins and translates to moonlight, beautifully evoke the gentle glow of the moon’s reflection on still waters.  

• Himalia
• Hydra
• Indu
• Kuutar
• Lunafreya 
• Mahina
• Marama
• Mitsuki
• Neomah
• Oberon
• Pallene
• Valetudo
• Thalassa
• Thelxinoe
• ​​Thyone
• Zulay
• Zunair 
• Ainar
• Alvaldi
• Chandra
• Charon
• Despina
• Erinome
• Esmeray
• Euanthe
• Galatea

Short Baby Names That Mean Moon 

Short baby names that mean ‘moon’ evoke a sense of wonder and celestial beauty, making them enchanting choices for parents looking to imbue their child’s identity with ethereal qualities. Names like Nia, which translates to bright in Swahili, also carry the symbolic weight of the moon’s radiant glow. Similarly, Ayla is a Turkish name meaning moonlight, perfectly encapsulating the soft illumination that it brings to nights. 

• Kale
• Kore
• Leda
• Lua
• Luan
• Miray
• Raka
• Selie
• Ymir 
• Aitne
• Atlas
• Deva
• Dia
• Elara
• Ersa

Classic Baby Names That Mean Moon 

When it comes to choosing baby names that mean ‘moon,’ one can’t overlook the timeless charm of classics like Selene and Luna. Selene, drawn from Greek mythology, represents the goddess of the moon, embodying brightness and serenity. The name carries with it a sense of ethereal beauty and strength, making it not just appealing in sound but also rich in heritage.  

• Hati
• Helene
• Kamariah
• Larissa
• Lucine
• Luneth
• ​​Lysithea
• Miranda
• Pandia
• Rosalind 
• Ariel
• Artemis
• Aysel
• Bianca
• Celimene
• Chaldene
• Chanda
• Cressida
• Cyllene
• Devana
• Eirene
• Francisco

Tips for Naming Your Child  

• Choosing a name for your child is more than an exercise in creativity; it’s also about imbuing their identity with meaning and connection to the universe.  
• If you’re captivated by celestial themes, consider baby names that mean ‘moon.’ Names like Ayla, which has Turkish origins, evoke the enchanting glow of the moon in its associations with bright spots or halo effects.  
• Meanwhile, Leila has roots in Arabic literature and means “night,” beautifully symbolizing midnight skies illuminated by a silvery moon.
• Additionally, explore variations from different cultures for diversity and resonance—Selene emerges from Greek mythology as the goddess of the moon and offers a classic yet exotic appeal.  
• Remember to think beyond mere aesthetics; reflect on how each name feels when spoken aloud and how it aligns with your family’s heritage or values.  
• A name resonates not just through sound but also through emotion—allow this weighty decision to encapsulate dreams, aspirations, or even whispers of nature guiding your child through life’s journey.

Conclusion: 

Choosing a baby name that means ‘moon’ not only carries a sense of beauty and serenity but also embodies the qualities of calmness and inspiration associated with the night sky. From popular names like Luna to more unique options such as Chandra or Selene, there are many choices to reflect your admiration for this celestial body. Each name tells its own story, connecting your child to the rich tapestry of cultural meanings and symbolism linked to the moon. As you embark on this exciting journey of parenthood, consider how these names can inspire dreams and aspirations for your little one’s future.