40 beautiful names that mean sun

Some people feel like embodied sunshine; they exude warmth, positivity, brightness, joy, and optimism. What better way to inspire that spirit in your little one than through their name?

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Names that mean sun symbolise warmth, positivity, brightness, joy – all pretty wonderful connotations.

The sun has naming traditions across cultures, often symbolising strength, and hope. From Greek and Latin roots to Japanese, Indian, and African origins, the sun’s influence shines through in diverse and beautiful ways.

Let’s explore 40 lovely names inspired by the sun, each bringing a touch of optimism and positivity into your little one’s world.

Popular girl names that mean sun

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1. Eleanor

• Origin: French
• Meaning: Sunray, shining light
• Why it’s perfect: Eleanor is a timeless name that embodies strength, elegance and grace. It has been popularised by inspiring figures throughout history, from queens to activists, making it a wonderful choice.

2. Ari

• Origin: Scandinavian
• Meaning: Eagle, lion, sun-like
• Why it’s perfect: This beautiful baby name has a lovely melodic sound and soft feel. Ari can be a nickname for a range of names beginning with Ar, but shines just as brightly on its own.

3. Nellie

• Origin: Latin
• Meaning: Horn, sunray
• Why it’s perfect: Nellie has a certain nostalgic charm that gives it a special place in our hearts. It’s perfect for parents seeking a retro-chic name that is sweet yet refined.

4. Lenora

• Origin: British
• Meaning: The other Aenor, light, torch
• Why it’s perfect: You don’t need to be holding your little one yet to know they will be the light of your life. The name Lenora expresses that sentiment wonderfully.

5. Marisol

• Origin: Spanish
• Meaning: Sunny sea, sea and sunny, Mary of solitude
• Why it’s perfect: Marisol brings to mind long, hot summer holidays spent in the sand and sea. If your family is drawn to the water, this might be the name for you.

6. Zaria

• Origin: Slavic
• Meaning: Brilliance, bright, light, sunrise, flower, blossom, dawn
• Why it’s perfect: The baby name Zaria is both beautiful and full of rich cultural meaning. Its unique flair makes it a lovely choice for parents looking for a name that feels strong, radiant and full of life.

7. Solana

• Origin: Spanish
• Meaning: Sunshine, sunny place
• Why it’s perfect: A beautiful name that rolls off the tongue, Solana feels like a summer picnic under a shady tree. Its special meaning is sure to bring sunshine to your little girl’s life.

8. Ellen

• Origin: French, Greek
• Meaning: Brilliant, the bright one, shining light
• Why it’s perfect: With French and Greek origins, the name Ellen has a smooth sound many love. It’s perfect for a child that shines light wherever she goes.

9. Idalia

• Origin: Greek
• Meaning: Hardworking
• Why it’s perfect: With its definition, your baby girl will always be inspired to work towards their dreams and ambitions. In Greek mythology, Idalia is an epithet of the goddess of love and beauty.

10. Eleni

• Origin: Greek
• Meaning: Torch, the bright one
• Why it’s perfect: If you’re a lover of Greek Mythology, this name might stand out. Eleni has ties to iconic Greek names like Helen, Eleanor, Ellen, and Elena, while still having an original feel.

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Unique sun-inspired girl names

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11. Jalaina

• Origin: Slavic
• Meaning: Torch, shining light, brilliant, moon
• Why it’s perfect: When people meet little Jalaina for the first time, they’ll know what it’s like to be around someone who makes everything brighter. This name also encapsulates both the sun and the moon.

12. Cyrina

• Origin: Persian
• Meaning: Sun, young
• Why it’s perfect: Cyrina is elegant and perfect for a little princess with big ambitions. It feels feminine and bold – the kind of name that stands out for all the right reasons.

13. Helaine

• Origin: Greek
• Meaning: Sunray, shining light
• Why it’s perfect: The beautiful name Helaine is inspired by Helen and Elaine, holding onto tradition while staying unique. Its hopeful connotations make it even more magical.

14. Eos

• Origin: Greek
• Meaning: Dawn
• Why it’s perfect: Parents who love Greek mythology will also love this name. Eos belongs to the Greek goddess of the sun, who’s often represented as a young woman with wings. This name inspires your little one to take flight.

15. Leonara

• Origin: Italian
• Meaning: Sunray, shining light
• Why it’s perfect: So you love the name Leo but discovered you’re expecting a little girl. Leonara gives the vintage name a gorgeous feminine twist, keeping in the theme of sunny names.

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Popular sun-inspired names for boys

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16. Avi

• Origin: Hebrew
• Meaning: Father, father of nations, sun, protector
• Why it’s perfect: The name Avi is short, sweet and packed with meaning. Its simplicity and sunny symbolism give it a friendly feeling that’ll make your little one the most popular guy on the playground.

17. Cyrus

• Origin: Persian, Greek
• Meaning: Sun, lord
• Why it’s perfect: The Persian name Cyrus is as powerful as it is gentle. Just like the sun, your baby boy will be a source of light in your life and a part of your daily routine from morning to night.

18. Sampson

• Origin: Hebrew, Greek
• Meaning: Sun
• Why it’s perfect: Sampson is the perfect name for babies with a bright personality because of its beautiful meaning. Whether you intend to raise a baby that embodies love or faith, Sampson’s sunny symbolism is going to remind him of both.

19. Sunny

• Origin: British
• Meaning: Sunshine, Happy, cheerful temperament
• Why it’s perfect: Now this one’s the obvious pick. Bright, happy and cheerful are all words that come to mind when thinking about the name Sunny. With plenty of positive connotations, it’s hard not to smile when hearing it. What could be more fitting for your gorgeous baby boy than a name that celebrates joy and happiness?

20. Elio

• Origin: Italien, Greek, Latin
• Meaning: Sun
• Why it’s perfect: Elio is a masculine Italian name with an effortless, modern sound, yet it carries the timeless charm of classic names. It’s an adorable title with a soft feel.

21. Ravi

• Origin: Sanskrit
• Meaning: Sun
• Why it’s perfect: Ravi is a Sanskrit name that embodies brightness, warmth, and vitality. It’s stood the test of time with rich roots in Indian culture and plenty of pop culture references to inspire your little guy.

22. Ramses

• Origin: Egyptian
• Meaning: Born of Ra
• Why it’s perfect: In ancient Egypt, Ramses was the name of many pharaohs, prominent rulers and the sun god Ra. Egyptians worshipped Ra as a powerful Egyptian God of the Sun who had command of the heavens, sun and all creations. If you’re looking for a name with a rich historical past and a wonderful meaning, Ramses is a beautiful choice for your baby!

23. Helios

• Origin: Greek
• Meaning: Sun
• Why it’s perfect: Helios is a strong, masculine name with a rich History. In Greek Mythology, Helios is a Greek god and ruler of the sun. With this name, your little one will always know how important he is, symbolising strength and leadership.

24. Tidus

• Origin: Japanese
• Meaning: Sun
• Why it’s perfect: The sweet Japanese name Tidus is a modern-sounding choice that embodies a sense of strength and calm. It’s a perfect choice for parents seeking a name that is rare and meaningful, capturing qualities like resilience, flow and harmony.

25. Savitri

• Origin: Sanskrit
• Meaning: Of sun
• Why it’s perfect: In Hindu mythology, Savitri is respected as the daughter of the Hindu sun god and embodiment of purity, devotion, and strength.

Unique boy names that mean sun

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26. Orien

• Origin: Latin
• Meaning: East, Sunrise
• Why it’s perfect: Orien is a unique and elegant choice that expresses the sentiment of looking forward, to the sunrise.

27. Aelius

• Origin: Greek
• Meaning: Sun, sunshine
• Why it’s perfect: If you want your baby to grow into a vibrant person whose soul shines bright, naming them Aelius would be a good place to start.

28. Anshu

• Origin: Indian
• Meaning: Ray of sun
• Why it’s perfect: Anshu has connotations of happiness and success, which will allows your baby to find their inner light.

29. Sanson

• Origin: Hebrew, Arabic
• Meaning: Sun
• Why it’s perfect: The arabic name Sanson is a strong and distinctive name that embodies brightness, energy and vitality.

30. Eleodoro

• Origin: Spanish
• Meaning: Sun gift
• Why it’s perfect: This Spanish name is a wonderful name for your baby boy as it symbolises the gift your little prince is to you!

Gender-neutral names meaning “Sun”

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31. Xia

• Origin: Chinese
• Meaning: Summer, rosy clouds, grand
• Why it’s perfect: Xia is a beautiful choice for parents who wish to welcome their baby into their lives with a unique, short and sweet meaning.

32. Solis

• Origin: Hebrew
• Meaning: My light, I have light
• Why it’s perfect: If your little one is already your personal ray of sunshine (or the reason you’re up at sunrise), Solis is a name that captures that warmth. It’s sleek, effortlessly cool, and just the right amount of unique without being out there.

33. Ataru

• Origin: Japanese
• Meaning: The sun
• Why it’s perfect: Ataru has a bright, effortless charm, much like the little one who’s about to take centre stage in your life. It’s short, smooth, and full of warmth—an easy yet meaningful choice for a baby who’s already your sunshine.

34. Hunu

• Origin: Pacific Islander
• Meaning: Sunray, beam
• Why it’s perfect: Hunu is as bright and cheerful as the little one who’s about to take over your world. With its soft yet lively sound, it’s a rare name that feels warm, joyful, and full of sunshine

35. Chiharu

• Origin: Japanese
• Meaning: A thousand spring, sunny weather
• Why it’s perfect: A bundle of joy and perfect for the spring. The name is a sweet reminder of the endless sunshine they bring to your life.

36. Lior

• Origin: Hebrew
• Meaning: Illumination and hope
• Why it’s perfect: Lior is simple yet powerful, the kind of name that feels both grounded and luminous. It’s a great pick for a child who brings brightness to every moment (even the chaotic ones).

37. Reasmey

• Origin: Cambodian
• Meaning: Aunshine
• Why it’s perfect: This delightful name means “sunshine” and will no doubt bring you a smile throughout life.

38. Cymbeline

• Origin: Greek
• Meaning: Sun lord
• Why it’s perfect: It’s perfect for parents who love a distinctive name. Shakespeare fans will recognise the name from the 1611 play Cymbeline.

39. Phanumas

• Origin: Thai
• Meaning: Sun
• Why it’s perfect: The name Phanumas is a unique meaningful choice. The name can be translated to “sunshine” or “sunlight”, embodying the qualities of warmth, brightness and positivity.

40. El

• Origin: Greek
• Meaning: Sunray, shining light
• Why it’s perfect: El is proof that sometimes the simplest names shine the brightest. Short, punchy, and effortlessly cool, it’s the kind of name that grows with your child—whether they’re a giggling newborn or a future world-changer.

Wrapping it up

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Sun-inspired baby names are such a beautiful choice for parents wanting to capture a sense of warmth, light and positivity.

With so many lovely and unique options, you’re sure to find a name that perfectly suits your little one and radiates the qualities you hope they’ll carry with them.

As you decide, consider the meaning behind each name and how it resonates with your family’s culture or lifestyle. And don’t be afraid to get a little creative! A name can be a wonderful way to celebrate your child’s unique personality and all the brightness they bring to your world.