250+ Names That Mean Moon The Ultimate List: Every Culture, Style & Language
The moon has captivated humanity for thousands of years. Every culture on earth has looked up at the night sky and given it a name worth remembering. Whether you are looking for a baby name, a pet name, a character name, or simply curious about lunar names from around the world, this is the only list you need. We have gathered 250 plus names that mean moon from over 30 cultures and languages, complete with origins, pronunciations, and famous namesakes.
Names That Mean Moon — The Master List
The moon is called by hundreds of names across the world’s languages. This master list brings together the most powerful, beautiful, and meaningful moon names from every corner of the globe, for girls, boys, and beyond.
| Name | Meaning | Origin | Gender | Pronunciation | Popularity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ay | Moon | Turkish | Unisex | AY | Uncommon |
| Rengezuki | Lotus moon | Japanese | Female | — | Rare |
| Ihan | Full moon; God's grace | Arabic | Male | — | Uncommon |
| Boldexel | Pale glow of the moon | English | Unisex | bol-de-xel | Rare |
| Chandrika | Moonlight | Sanskrit | Female | — | Uncommon |
| Levana | White, moon/sun rising | Hebrew | Female | LE-va-na | Rare |
| Badar | Full moon | Arabic | Unisex | — | Uncommon |
| Nokomis | Daughter of the moon | Native American | Female | — | Rare |
| Aydemir | Iron moon | Turkish | Unisex | ay-deh-MEER | Uncommon |
| Galorel | Pale glow of the moon | French | Female | ga-lo-rel | Uncommon |
| Aratsuki | New moon rising | Japanese | Female | — | Rare |
| Aiman | Beauty of the moon | Arabic | Male | — | Uncommon |
| Dalbi | Moonlight rain | Korean | Unisex | DAHL-bee | Rare |
| Candra | Moon | Sanskrit | Female | — | Uncommon |
| Amatsukiyo | Celestial moonlit night | Japanese | Female | — | Rare |
| Galmir | Pale glow of the moon | Japanese | Female | ga-l-mi-r | Uncommon |
| Sylilia | Pale glow of the moon | Japanese | Male | sy-li-li-a | Rare |
| Tsukisora | Moon sky | Japanese | Female | — | Rare |
| Amelieon | Pale glow of the moon | French | Female | a-me-lieon | Uncommon |
| Feray | Radiance of the moon | Turkish | Female | feh-RAY | Uncommon |
| Moon | From the moon | English | Male | — | Uncommon |
| Tsuki | Moon; month | Japanese | Female | TSOO-kee | Rare |
| Elatha | God of the moon in Irish mythology | Irish | Male | — | Uncommon |
| Miakoda | Power of the moon | Native American | Female | — | Rare |
| Coniraya | Moon deity; god of instant fertility | Incan | Male | — | Uncommon |
| Voronion | Pale glow of the moon | Italian | Female | vo-ro-nion | Rare |
| Fenia | Pale glow of the moon | Japanese | Male | fe-ni-a | Rare |
| Voralyx | Pale glow of the moon | Japanese | Male | vo-ra-ly-x | Rare |
| Mani | Moon; Norse god of the moon | Old Norse | Male | MAH-nee | Uncommon |
| Thalusath | Pale glow of the moon | Italian | Unisex | tha-lu-sat | Uncommon |
| Vorilyx | Pale glow of the moon | Arabic | Unisex | vo-ri-lyx | Rare |
| Nuit | Night moon | French | Female | NWEE | Uncommon |
| Deleleth | Pale glow of the moon | Arabic | Unisex | de-le-let | Uncommon |
| Akatsuki | Dawn moon glow | Japanese | Female | ah-KAH-tsoo-kee | Uncommon |
| Yumitsuki | Dream moonlight | Japanese | Female | — | Rare |
| Katsuar | Pale glow of the moon | Japanese | Male | ka-tsu-a-r | Uncommon |
| Monday | Day of the moon | English | Male | MUN-day | Rare |
| Luan | Moon / phoenix | Chinese | Unisex | loo-AN | Rare |
| Chandra | Bright; radiant; of the moon | Sanskrit | Female | CHUN-dra | Common |
| Alolar | Pale glow of the moon | Italian | Unisex | a-lo-lar | Rare |
| Feua | Pale glow of the moon | French | Unisex | feua | Uncommon |
| Halilia | Pale glow of the moon | Japanese | Male | ha-li-li-a | Rare |
| Growthyn | Pale glow of the moon | Japanese | Unisex | g-ro-w-t-hy-n | Rare |
| Tsukikado | Moon gate | Japanese | Unisex | — | Rare |
| Oborozuki | Hazy moon | Japanese | Female | — | Rare |
| Magena | Coming moon | Native American | Female | — | Rare |
| Asatsuki | Morning moon | Japanese | Female | — | Rare |
| Chandrak | Moon | Indian | Male | CHUN-drak | Uncommon |
| Sorayn | Pale glow of the moon | Japanese | Unisex | so-ra-y-n | Uncommon |
| Neona | New moon | Greek | Female | — | Uncommon |
| Helesia | Pale glow of the moon | Italian | Unisex | he-le-sia | Uncommon |
| Calle | Free moon woman | Swedish | Female | — | Uncommon |
| Imadix | Pale glow of the moon | Arabic | Unisex | i-ma-dix | Uncommon |
| Senko | Celestial moon | Japanese | Female | — | Rare |
| Umigetsu | Sea moon | Japanese | Female | — | Rare |
| Shirogetsu | Pale moon | Japanese | Female | — | Rare |
| Hyperion | The high one (moon of Saturn) | Greek | Male | — | Uncommon |
| Kiona | Brown hills under the moon | Native American | Female | — | Rare |
| Galileo | After the great moon-observing astronomer | Italian | Male | — | Uncommon |
| Aldrin | After Buzz Aldrin, second man on the moon | Old English | Male | AWL-drin | Rare |
| Chandrani | Moon queen | Sanskrit | Female | — | Uncommon |
| Kirizuki | Misty moon | Japanese | Female | — | Rare |
| Lekha | Moonbeam line | Sanskrit | Female | — | Uncommon |
| Qamar | Moon | Arabic | Female | KAH-mar | Uncommon |
| Fumigetsu | Scholarly moon | Japanese | Female | — | Rare |
| Woori | Moon spirit | Korean | Unisex | WOO-ree | Rare |
| Koray | Ember moon | Turkish | Male | koh-RAY | Uncommon |
| Naoa | Pale glow of the moon | Japanese | Unisex | na-oa | Uncommon |
| Rinelar | Pale glow of the moon | English | Unisex | ri-ne-lar | Uncommon |
| Chang'e | Moon goddess | Chinese | Female | CHAHNG-eh | Uncommon |
| Sorazuki | Sky moon | Japanese | Female | — | Rare |
| Beauix | Pale glow of the moon | French | Male | beauix | Uncommon |
| Raka | Full moon | Sanskrit | Unisex | RAH-kah | Uncommon |
| Zeldael | Pale glow of the moon | English | Female | zel-dael | Uncommon |
| Nanna | Moon god | Sumerian | Male | — | Uncommon |
| Mwezi | Moon | Swahili | Unisex | MWEH-zee | Uncommon |
| Indumukhi | Moon face | Sanskrit | Female | — | Uncommon |
| Phobos | Fear; panic (moon of Mars) | Ancient Greek | Male | — | Uncommon |
| Celinith | Pale glow of the moon | English | Male | ce-li-nit | Rare |
| Velarara | Pale glow of the moon | French | Male | ve-la-ra-ra | Uncommon |
| Fahdon | Pale glow of the moon | Arabic | Male | fah-don | Uncommon |
| Selwyn | Friend of the moon | English | Male | SEL-win | Uncommon |
| Tsukimoto | Origin of the moon | Japanese | Male | — | Rare |
| Delormir | Pale glow of the moon | English | Unisex | de-lor-mir | Uncommon |
| Nanatsuki | Seventh moon | Japanese | Female | — | Rare |
| Artemis | Moon goddess | Greek | Female | AR-teh-mis | Very Common |
| Sogetsu | Twin moon | Japanese | Male | — | Rare |
| Fengari | Moon | Greek | Unisex | fen-GAH-ree | Uncommon |
| Hoshiel | Pale glow of the moon | Japanese | Female | ho-shi-e-l | Uncommon |
| Tsukisai | Festival of the moon | Japanese | Female | — | Rare |
| Ziri | Moonlight | Berber | Unisex | ZEE-ree | Uncommon |
| Elulion | Pale glow of the moon | Japanese | Female | e-lu-li-o-n | Uncommon |
| Sylwyn | Pale glow of the moon | English | Unisex | syl-wyn | Uncommon |
| Tsukitani | Moon valley | Japanese | Unisex | — | Rare |
| Badru | Born at full moon | Arabic | Male | BAH-droo | Uncommon |
| Halah | Moon halo | Arabic | Female | HAH-lah | Uncommon |
| Ferdinand | Courageous traveler (moon of Uranus) | German | Male | — | Uncommon |
| Tsukihama | Moon shore | Japanese | Unisex | — | Rare |
| Titan | Of the giants (Saturn's largest moon) | Greek | Male | — | Uncommon |
| Celalith | Pale glow of the moon | Arabic | Female | ce-la-lit | Uncommon |
Top Names — Full Detail
1. Luna
Origin: Latin
Pronunciation: LOO-nah
Culture: Roman mythology. Luna was the divine personification of the moon, worshipped as a goddess who rode her silver chariot across the night sky.
Meaning: Directly and simply means moon in Latin.
Popularity: #10 in the USA (2026), one of the fastest-rising names of the last two decades globally.
Famous Namesakes: Luna Lovegood from Harry Potter. Luna, daughter of Chrissy Teigen and John Legend. Luna Maya, Indonesian actress and singer.
2. Selene
Origin: Greek
Pronunciation: seh-LEE-nee
Culture: Ancient Greek mythology. Selene was the Titan goddess of the moon, sister of Helios (sun) and Eos (dawn).
Meaning: Derived from the Greek word selas meaning light or brightness; directly means moon.
Popularity: Rare and elegant. Not in top 200 in most countries, making it a distinctive choice.
Famous Namesakes: Selene, lead vampire character in the Underworld film franchise. NASA’s SELENE spacecraft, Japan’s lunar orbiter mission.
Girl Names That Mean Moon
The moon has always been linked to femininity, intuition, and the cycles of nature. These girl names that mean moon come from over 20 cultures, from ancient Roman goddesses to modern Turkish names, from Hawaiian shores to Sanskrit scriptures.
| Name | Meaning | Origin | Gender | Pronunciation | Popularity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kamra | Moon | Arabic | Female | — | Uncommon |
| Fiduciaon | Pale glow of the moon | Italian | Female | fi-du-ciaon | Rare |
| Nuray | Bright moonlight | Turkish | Female | NOO-ray | Uncommon |
| Tsukina | Moon greens | Japanese | Female | — | Rare |
| Chandrakanta | Moonbeam | Sanskrit | Female | chun-dra-KAN-tah | Uncommon |
| Tsukihime | Moon princess | Japanese | Female | — | Rare |
| Helunel | Pale glow of the moon | Arabic | Female | he-lu-nel | Uncommon |
| Diana | Moon goddess | Roman | Female | dy-AN-ah | Very Common |
| Sayaka | Clear moonlight | Japanese | Female | — | Rare |
| Ritsuki | Moon rhythm | Japanese | Female | — | Rare |
| Dhakain | Pale glow of the moon | Arabic | Female | dha-kain | Rare |
| Elarith | Moonlight elf | Fantasy / Elvish | Female | eh-LAR-ith | Rare |
| Lusine | Moon or star (context dependent) | Armenian | Female | loo-SEEN | Uncommon |
| Kamaria | Moonlight | Swahili | Female | kah-MAR-ee-ah | Uncommon |
| Tsukika | Fragrance of the moon | Japanese | Female | — | Rare |
| Ayla | Moon halo | Turkish | Female | AY-lah | Common |
| Celusia | Pale glow of the moon | French | Female | ce-lu-sia | Uncommon |
| Vishakha | Star and moon | Sanskrit | Female | — | Uncommon |
| Aine | Sun and moon goddess | Celtic | Female | AWN-yeh | Uncommon |
| Fumizuki | Letter moon (July) | Japanese | Female | — | Rare |
| Mitsutsuki | Shining moon | Japanese | Female | — | Rare |
| Celestinael | Pale glow of the moon | Italian | Female | ce-les-ti-nael | Rare |
| Tsukishiro | White moon | Japanese | Female | — | Rare |
| Aygün | Moon and sun | Turkish | Female | AYGN | Rare |
| Starla | Little star of the moon | English | Female | STAR-lah | Uncommon |
| Kozuki | Heart moon | Japanese | Female | — | Rare |
| Sukiar | Pale glow of the moon | Japanese | Female | su-ki-a-r | Uncommon |
| Parvani | Full moon | Sanskrit | Female | par-VAH-nee | Uncommon |
| Io | Moon of Jupiter | Greek | Female | EYE-oh | Uncommon |
| Kaguya | Radiant moon princess | Japanese | Female | kah-GOO-yah | Uncommon |
| Olena | Shining moon | Ukrainian | Female | — | Uncommon |
| Mahina | Moon | Hawaiian | Female | mah-HEE-nah | Uncommon |
| Reeanne | Moon grace | Celtic | Female | — | Uncommon |
| Esmeray | Dark moon | Turkish | Female | ez-meh-RAY | Uncommon |
| Tsukihina | Gentle moonlight | Japanese | Female | — | Rare |
| Phoebe | Shining moon | Greek | Female | FEE-bee | Very Common |
| Mitena | New moon | Native American | Female | — | Rare |
| Lunaire | Of the moon | French fantasy | Female | loo-NAYR | Rare |
| Elen | Moon spirit | Welsh | Female | — | Uncommon |
| Rukia | Moon spirit | Japanese | Female | ROO-kee-ah | Uncommon |
| Sashi | Moon | Sanskrit | Female | — | Uncommon |
| Enzuki | Circle moon | Japanese | Female | — | Rare |
| Ilanila | Young moon | Tamil | Female | — | Uncommon |
| Nilani | Moon | Tamil | Female | — | Uncommon |
| Louiseon | Pale glow of the moon | French | Female | loui-seon | Uncommon |
| Amara | Grace of the moon | African | Female | — | Very Common |
| Amaris | Child of the moon | Latin | Female | ah-MAR-is | Uncommon |
| Aelin | Moon spirit | Fantasy/Celtic | Female | — | Uncommon |
| Yukigetsu | Snow moon | Japanese | Female | — | Rare |
| Gabriella | Moon heroine | Hebrew | Female | — | Very Common |
Top Names — Full Detail
1. Diana
Origin: Latin / Roman
Pronunciation: dy-AN-ah
Culture: Roman mythology. Diana was the powerful goddess of the moon, hunt, and nature; the Roman equivalent of the Greek Artemis.
Meaning: Divine or heavenly light, strongly associated with the moon.
Popularity: Timeless classic, consistently in the top 200 in the USA for over 50 years.
Famous Namesakes: Princess Diana, Princess of Wales. Diana Ross, legendary American singer. Diana Prince, real name of Wonder Woman.
2. Artemis
Origin: Greek
Pronunciation: AR-teh-mis
Culture: Ancient Greek mythology. Twin sister of Apollo, goddess of the moon, hunt, wilderness, and childbirth.
Meaning: Firmly associated with the moon in all Greek traditions.
Popularity: Rare but rapidly rising since NASA named its lunar return missions Artemis in 2022.
Famous Namesakes: Artemis Fowl, fictional genius from Eoin Colfer’s book series. NASA Artemis Program.
3. Ayla
Origin: Turkish / Hebrew
Pronunciation: AY-lah
Culture: Turkish naming tradition. Ayla describes the soft, glowing halo of light that appears around the moon on misty nights.
Meaning: Moon halo or halo of light around the moon.
Popularity: Very popular in Turkey and Germany; steadily rising in the USA, UK, and Australia.
Famous Namesakes: Ayla, main character of Jean Auel’s Clan of the Cave Bear novel series. Ayla Brown, American singer.
4. Phoebe
Origin: Greek
Pronunciation: FEE-bee
Culture: Ancient Greek mythology. Phoebe was a Titan goddess associated with the moon and prophecy.
Meaning: Bright or radiant, associated with the shining light of the moon.
Popularity: Consistently popular in English-speaking countries; in top 100 in UK and Australia.
Famous Namesakes: Phoebe Buffay from Friends. Phoebe Bridgers, acclaimed singer-songwriter. Phoebe Waller-Bridge, BAFTA-winning actress.
5. Mahina
Origin: Hawaiian
Pronunciation: mah-HEE-nah
Culture: Native Hawaiian culture. The moon (mahina) is central to Hawaiian traditions, used to track planting seasons, fishing times, and spiritual ceremonies.
Meaning: Moon or moonlight in Hawaiian.
Popularity: Rare outside Hawaii; a uniquely beautiful choice for parents who love nature-inspired names.
Famous Namesakes: Mahina, a common given name among Native Hawaiian families. Mahina Henry, Hawaiian cultural practitioner.
See also: See our full list of 160+ girl names that mean moon
Boy Names That Mean Moon
Moon names for boys carry strength, mystery, and a deep connection to nature and mythology. These male names that mean moon span from Norse mythology to Arabic tradition, from Native American culture to Hindu scripture.
| Name | Meaning | Origin | Gender | Pronunciation | Popularity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ayden | From the moon | Turkish | Male | — | Uncommon |
| Vorunia | Pale glow of the moon | Arabic | Male | vo-ru-nia | Uncommon |
| Abylay | Father of the moon | Kazakh | Male | ab-LAY | Uncommon |
| Getsuya | Night of the moon | Japanese | Male | — | Rare |
| Primoin | Pale glow of the moon | Italian | Male | pri-moin | Uncommon |
| Mangetsu | Full moon | Japanese | Male | — | Rare |
| Hilal | Crescent moon | Arabic | Male | hih-LAHL | Uncommon |
| Wadd | God of the moon | Pre-Islamic Arabian | Male | — | Uncommon |
| Elolora | Pale glow of the moon | Japanese | Male | e-lo-lo-ra | Uncommon |
| Tsukimaru | Moon circle | Japanese | Male | — | Rare |
| Veloryx | Pale glow of the moon | Italian | Male | ve-lo-ryx | Rare |
| Hadafia | Pale glow of the moon | Arabic | Male | ha-da-fia | Rare |
| Naelariel | Pale glow of the moon | English | Male | nae-la-riel | Rare |
| Velonix | Pale glow of the moon | Italian | Male | ve-lo-nix | Uncommon |
| Rikuix | Pale glow of the moon | Japanese | Male | ri-ku-i-x | Uncommon |
| Callisto | Most beautiful (moon of Jupiter) | Greek | Male | — | Uncommon |
| Kalalorn | Pale glow of the moon | Japanese | Male | ka-la-lo-r-n | Uncommon |
| Ryuon | Pale glow of the moon | Japanese | Male | ryu-o-n | Uncommon |
| Elliana | Moon of God | Hebrew | Male | — | Uncommon |
| Miralar | Pale glow of the moon | Italian | Male | mi-ra-lar | Uncommon |
| Aeruswyn | Pale glow of the moon | French | Male | ae-rus-wyn | Uncommon |
| Aegaeon | Stormy one (moon of Saturn) | Greek | Male | — | Uncommon |
| Amar | Moon | Arabic | Male | ah-MAR | Uncommon |
| Galelael | Pale glow of the moon | English | Male | ga-le-lael | Rare |
| Indu | Moon | Sanskrit | Male | IN-doo | Uncommon |
| Iah | Moon deity | Egyptian | Male | EE-ah | Uncommon |
| Sylaseth | Pale glow of the moon | French | Male | sy-la-set | Uncommon |
| Lamar | Moonlight | Arabic | Male | lah-MAR | Common |
| Belmir | Pale glow of the moon | English | Male | bel-mir | Uncommon |
| Rinesrix | Pale glow of the moon | English | Male | ri-nes-rix | Rare |
| Loge | Lodge (moon of Saturn) | French | Male | — | Uncommon |
| Ayberk | High moon | Turkish | Male | — | Uncommon |
| Injaziel | Pale glow of the moon | Arabic | Male | in-ja-ziel | Rare |
| Tsukihiko | Moon prince | Japanese | Male | — | Rare |
| Jougetsu | Superior moon | Japanese | Male | — | Rare |
| Jerah | The moon; taught by God | Hebrew | Male | — | Uncommon |
| Mayank | Shining moon | Indian | Male | MAY-ank | Uncommon |
| Helora | Pale glow of the moon | French | Male | he-lo-ra | Uncommon |
| Igaluk | Moon god | Inuit/Eskimo | Male | — | Uncommon |
| Rento | Lotus moon | Japanese | Male | — | Rare |
| Akay | Shining moon | Turkish | Male | — | Uncommon |
| Narvi | Moon of Saturn | Old Norse | Male | — | Uncommon |
| Aibek | Moon | Turkish | Male | AY-bek | Uncommon |
| Francisco | Free land (moon of Uranus) | Spanish | Male | — | Uncommon |
| Valoleon | Pale glow of the moon | English | Male | va-lo-leon | Uncommon |
| Badr | Full moon | Arabic | Male | BAH-der | Uncommon |
| Rinynora | Pale glow of the moon | French | Male | ri-ny-no-ra | Rare |
| Guerriereth | Pale glow of the moon | French | Male | guer-rie-ret | Rare |
| Nour | Light / moon | Arabic | Male | NOOR | Common |
| Getsurou | Moon path | Japanese | Male | — | Rare |
Top Names — Full Detail
1. Badr
Origin: Arabic
Pronunciation: BAH-der
Culture: Arabic and Islamic tradition. Badr refers specifically to the full moon, considered the most beautiful phase. The Battle of Badr is one of the most significant events in Islamic history.
Meaning: Full moon, representing completeness, perfection, and radiant beauty.
Popularity: Widely used across Arab countries, Pakistan, and Muslim communities worldwide.
Famous Namesakes: Badr Hari, Moroccan-Dutch heavyweight kickboxing champion. Badr bin Abdullah, Saudi prince and Minister of Culture.
2. Khonsu
Origin: Ancient Egyptian
Pronunciation: KOHN-soo
Culture: Ancient Egyptian mythology. Khonsu was the moon god of Thebes, son of Amun and Mut, associated with healing and time.
Meaning: Traveler or he who traverses, referring to the moon’s journey across the night sky.
Popularity: Very rare as a given name; powerful choice for parents drawn to Egyptian mythology.
Famous Namesakes: Khonsu, powerful Marvel Comics character connected to Moon Knight. Temple of Khonsu, one of the best-preserved temples at Karnak, Egypt.
See also: See our full list of 150+ boy names that mean moon
Japanese Names That Mean Moon
Japan has one of the world’s deepest relationships with the moon. The annual Tsukimi festival celebrates the harvest moon every autumn. Japanese names that mean moon are uniquely beautiful, often combining the kanji for moon (月) with other meaningful characters.
| Name | Meaning | Kanji | Pronunciation | Popularity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kanatsuki | Golden moon | 金月 | — | Rare |
| Hinazuki | Sunshine moon | 陽月 | — | Rare |
| Hanazuki | Flower moon | 花月 | — | Rare |
| Jonetsuon | Pale glow of the moon | — | jo-ne-tsu-o-n | Rare |
| Tsukiyori | Moon's blessing | 月頼 | — | Rare |
| Tsukihara | Moon meadow | 月原 | — | Rare |
| Tsukikaze | Moon wind | 月風 | — | Rare |
| Tsukiko | Child of the moon | 月子 | — | Rare |
| Tsukinaga | Eternal moon | 月永 | — | Rare |
| Kyogetsu | Mirror moon | 鏡月 | — | Rare |
| Tsukifune | Moon ship | 月舟 | — | Rare |
| Harutsuki | Spring moon | 春月 | — | Rare |
| Reikazuki | Spirit light moon | 霊光月 | — | Rare |
| Amatsuki | Heavenly moon | 天月 | — | Rare |
| Aizuki | Loving moon | 愛月 | — | Rare |
| Arizuki | Moon of peace | 有月 | — | Rare |
| Ryoma | Dragon moon | 龍月 | — | Uncommon |
Top Names — Full Detail
1. Mitsuki
Origin: Japanese
Pronunciation: mit-SOO-kee
Culture: Japanese naming tradition. The kanji 美 (beautiful) plus 月 (moon) creates a name of delicate elegance.
Meaning: Beautiful moon, combining beauty and lunar grace.
Popularity: Consistently one of the most popular Japanese girl names; ranked in Japan’s top 20 for girls multiple years.
Famous Namesakes: Mitsuki, popular Japanese singer known for her dreamy music.
2. Kaguya
Origin: Japanese
Pronunciation: kah-GOO-yah
Culture: Japanese folklore. Kaguya-hime (Princess Kaguya) is the heroine of The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter, Japan’s oldest known narrative.
Meaning: Shining night or radiant night, deeply associated with the moon in Japanese culture.
Popularity: Rare as a given name but extremely well-known culturally; rising after Studio Ghibli’s 2013 film.
Famous Namesakes: Kaguya-hime, Japan’s most famous moon princess. JAXA’s KAGUYA spacecraft, Japan’s lunar orbiter mission.
See also: See our full list of Japanese names that mean moon
Korean Names That Mean Moon
In Korean culture, the moon (달 / dal) is a symbol of purity, longing, and reunion. The Chuseok festival, Korea’s harvest moon celebration, is one of the most important holidays of the year.
| Name | Meaning | Hangul | Pronunciation | Popularity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boyeong | Moonlit glory | 보영 | BOH-young | Rare |
| Dal | Moon; valley | 달 | DAHL | Uncommon |
| Dalgi | Moon brightness | 달기 | DAHL-gee | Rare |
| Dalnim | Dear moon | 달님 | DAHL-neem | Rare |
| Haedal | Sun and moon | 해달 | HAY-dahl | Rare |
| Harang | Moon lover | 하랑 | HAH-rang | Rare |
| Myungwol | Bright moon | 명월 | MYUNG-wol | Rare |
| Siwol | Tenth moon | 시월 | SHE-wol | Rare |
Top Names — Full Detail
1. Dal
Origin: Korean
Pronunciation: DAHL
Culture: Korean. Dal (달) is the everyday Korean word for moon; simple, pure, and deeply connected to Korean cultural identity and the Chuseok moon festival.
Meaning: Moon, direct and beautiful in its simplicity.
Popularity: Used as a given name and nickname in Korea; rare outside Korean communities.
Famous Namesakes: Dal appears in traditional Korean folk songs and poetry about the moon.
2. Dalnim
Origin: Korean
Pronunciation: DAHL-neem
Culture: Korean. Dalnim (달님) adds the honorific suffix nim to dal, creating a respectful, affectionate address meaning dear moon; used in Korean lullabies and folk songs.
Meaning: Dear moon or honored moon.
Popularity: Rare as a formal name but beloved in Korean cultural contexts.
Famous Namesakes: Dalnim appears in traditional Korean children’s songs about the moon.
3. Haedal
Origin: Korean
Pronunciation: HAY-dahl
Culture: Korean. Combines hae (해, sun) and dal (달, moon), representing the harmony of opposites, light and dark, day and night.
Meaning: Sun and moon, a name of beautiful duality.
Popularity: Very rare; a distinctive and meaningful choice for those who love Korean culture.
Famous Namesakes: Haedal is referenced in Korean mythology about the sun and moon siblings.
Names That Mean Moonlight
| Name | Meaning | Gender | Pronunciation | Popularity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zira | Moonlight | Female | ZEE-rah | Uncommon |
| Eleanora | Bright moonlight | Female | — | Uncommon |
| Leonore | Bright moonlight | Female | — | Uncommon |
| Konane | Glow like moonlight | Female | koh-NAH-neh | Uncommon |
| Iyla | Moonlight | Female | EYE-lah | Uncommon |
| Lewanna | The moon / moonlight | Female | leh-WAH-nah | Uncommon |
| Chandani | Moonlight | Female | chun-DAH-nee | Uncommon |
| Gekkou | Moonlight | Male | — | Rare |
| Chandrajyoti | Moonlight | Female | — | Uncommon |
| Jyotsana | Moonlight | Female | — | Uncommon |
| Quacey | Moonlight | Female | KWAY-see | Uncommon |
| Kamari | Moon; moonlight | Female | kah-MAR-ee | Uncommon |
| Aylin | Moon halo / moonlight | Female | AY-lin | Common |
| Mehtap | Moonlight | Female | meh-TAP | Uncommon |
| Mahnoor | Moonlight | Female | — | Uncommon |
Top Names — Full Detail
1. Aylin
Origin: Turkish
Pronunciation: AY-lin
Culture: Turkish naming tradition. Aylin describes the beautiful circular halo of light that appears around the moon on humid nights.
Meaning: Moon halo or halo of moonlight.
Popularity: Very popular in Turkey; rising in Germany, Austria, and among Turkish diaspora communities worldwide.
Famous Namesakes: Aylin Mujica, Venezuelan actress and singer. Aylin, contestant on The Voice Turkey.
2. Chandani
Origin: Hindi / Sanskrit
Pronunciation: chun-DAH-nee
Culture: Indian subcontinent. Chandani is the Hindi word for moonlight, also the name given to the white moonflower that blooms at night.
Meaning: Moonlight, the silver light cast by the moon.
Popularity: Common across India, Nepal, and Bangladesh.
Famous Namesakes: Chandni, iconic 1989 Bollywood film by Yash Chopra. Chandani, popular character name in Indian television dramas.
3. Konane
Origin: Hawaiian
Pronunciation: koh-NAH-neh
Culture: Native Hawaiian. Konane describes the quality of moonlight glowing on water, especially on the ocean at night.
Meaning: Glowing like moonlight or bright moonlight.
Popularity: Rare outside Hawaii; a deeply meaningful and culturally rich choice.
Famous Namesakes: Konane is also the name of a traditional Hawaiian strategy game played on stone boards, associated with moonlit evenings.
Names That Mean Moon or Stars
| Name | Meaning | Gender | Pronunciation | Popularity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reese Witherspaw | A star studded name for a cat who loves attention | Female | REES WITH er spaw | Uncommon |
| Mustard | Half of the classic ketchup and mustard pair | Unisex | MUS-turd | Very Common |
| Fieroix | Child of the stars | Male | fie-roix | Uncommon |
| Stella | Star | Female | STEL-uh | Very Common |
| Astraeus | A Greek Titan god associated with the stars and the evening | Male | as-TREE-uhs | Rare |
| Marisol | Sea and sun; often paired thematically with star/celestial names | Female | mah-ree-SOL | Uncommon |
| Darilix | Child of the stars | Unisex | da-ri-lix | Uncommon |
| Halix | Child of the stars | Male | ha-lix | Uncommon |
| Odtsetseg | Star flower | Female | ot-SET-seg | Uncommon |
| Olive | Black olive that started green | Female | OL-iv | Very Common |
Top Names — Full Detail
1. Celeste
Origin: Latin
Pronunciation: seh-LEST
Culture: Latin and French tradition. From caelestis meaning of the sky or heaven; used across Catholic Europe as a name associated with celestial beauty.
Meaning: Heavenly, encompassing both moon and stars in its celestial meaning.
Popularity: Consistently popular in France, Italy, Spain, and English-speaking countries.
Famous Namesakes: Celeste, popular British singer-songwriter who won the BRIT Critics’ Choice Award. Celeste Holm, Oscar-winning American actress.
2. Sitara
Origin: Persian / Urdu
Pronunciation: si-TAH-rah
Culture: Persian and South Asian tradition. Sitara is the Persian and Urdu word for star; used across Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India.
Meaning: Star, representing brightness, guidance, and celestial beauty.
Popularity: Common in Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Indian Muslim communities.
Famous Namesakes: Sitara Devi, legendary Indian classical dancer known as the Queen of Kathak. Sitara appears in Afghan and Persian poetry.
3. Zorya
Origin: Slavic
Pronunciation: ZOR-yah
Culture: Slavic mythology. Zorya were guardian goddesses of the sky. Zorya Utrennyaya (morning star) and Zorya Vechernyaya (evening star) guarded the universe from darkness.
Meaning: Star or aurora, the Slavic word for the light of stars at dawn and dusk.
Popularity: Rare outside Slavic countries; a deeply mythological and unique choice.
Famous Namesakes: Zorya is featured prominently in Neil Gaiman’s novel American Gods.
Names That Mean Sun and Moon
| Name | Meaning | Gender | Pronunciation | Popularity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oriana | Golden sunrise | Female | O-ria-na | Rare |
| Merlinar | Radiance of the sun | Male | mer-li-nar | Uncommon |
| Miyakoel | Radiance of the sun | Female | mi-ya-ko-e-l | Rare |
| Haleth | Radiance of the sun | Female | ha-let | Rare |
| Bhaskar | Sun (one who shines) | Male | BHA-skar | Uncommon |
| Suraj | Sun | Male | SU-raj | Uncommon |
| Vorath | Radiance of the sun | Female | vo-rat | Uncommon |
| Aurelian | Golden, like the sun | Male | AU-re-lian | Rare |
| Tapti | Sun's warmth | Female | TA-pti | Uncommon |
| Alvis | Sun elf, all-knowing | Male | A-lvis | Rare |
| Ha-Yun | Summer, sunlight | Female | HA-yun | Rare |
| Elena | Bright, shining sun | Female | E-le-na | Very Common |
| Elaine | Bright, shining sun | Female | E-lai-ne | Common |
| Hiyori | Sunny weather, sun harmony | Male | HI-yo-ri | Uncommon |
| Helion | Radiance of the sun | Female | he-lion | Rare |
Top Names — Full Detail
1. Aine
Origin: Celtic / Irish
Pronunciation: AWN-yeh
Culture: Irish mythology. Aine was a powerful goddess associated with both sun and moon, love, and prosperity; queen of the fairies in Munster.
Meaning: Brightness or radiance, connected to both solar and lunar energy.
Popularity: Traditional in Ireland; rare elsewhere, making it a distinctive and culturally rich choice.
Famous Namesakes: Aine is a central figure in Irish mythology, celebrated at summer solstice festivals at Knockainey Hill.
2. Eliana
Origin: Hebrew / Latin
Pronunciation: eh-lee-AH-nah
Culture: Hebrew and Latin Christian tradition. The Latin root eli connects to helios (sun), giving it sun-like radiance.
Meaning: God has answered or daughter of the sun.
Popularity: Rising rapidly; in the top 50 in the USA and top 100 in many European countries.
Famous Namesakes: Eliana is popular among Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese speaking communities.
3. Apollo
Origin: Greek
Pronunciation: ah-POL-oh
Culture: Ancient Greek mythology. Apollo was the god of the sun and twin brother of Artemis (moon goddess); NASA carried his name to the actual moon.
Meaning: Associated with the sun and light.
Popularity: Rising as a bold, mythological choice for boys in English-speaking countries.
Famous Namesakes: NASA Apollo Missions, the historic program that landed humans on the moon. Apollo Creed from the Rocky film franchise.
Names That Mean Night or Moon
| Name | Meaning | Gender | Pronunciation | Popularity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rinororn | Darkness of night | Unisex | ri-no-ror | Uncommon |
| Aerarrix | Darkness of night | Unisex | ae-rar-rix | Rare |
| Sylviear | Darkness of night | Female | syl-viear | Uncommon |
| Kawkabin | Darkness of night | Female | kaw-ka-bin | Rare |
| Sorael | Darkness of night | Unisex | so-ra-e-l | Uncommon |
| Galesiel | Darkness of night | Unisex | ga-le-si-e-l | Uncommon |
| Kazeyn | Darkness of night | Unisex | ka-ze-y-n | Uncommon |
| Shiroyn | Darkness of night | Male | shi-ro-y-n | Uncommon |
| Nisha | Night moon | Female | NEE-shah | Common |
| Chocolateth | Darkness of night | Unisex | cho-co-la-tet | Uncommon |
| Wavixon | Darkness of night | Unisex | wa-vi-xon | Rare |
| Aerasael | Darkness of night | Unisex | ae-ra-sael | Rare |
| Elynia | Darkness of night | Female | e-ly-nia | Uncommon |
| Chevalier | Knight | Male | shehvuhlihr | Uncommon |
| Sirius | "Burning" or "glowing", the brightest star in the entire night sky (Star) | Male | SEER-ee-uhs | Common |
Top Names — Full Detail
1. Layla
Origin: Arabic
Pronunciation: LAY-lah
Culture: Arabic literary tradition. Layla is the heroine of the famous love epic Layla and Majnun, evoking mystery and the enchantment of night.
Meaning: Night or dark beauty in Arabic.
Popularity: Extremely popular worldwide; in the top 20 in the UK and top 30 in the USA.
Famous Namesakes: Layla, the legendary heroine of the Arabic love story Layla and Majnun. Layla, one of Eric Clapton’s most famous songs.
2. Vesper
Origin: Latin
Pronunciation: VES-per
Culture: Latin and Christian tradition. Vesper refers to the evening star and the evening prayer service in Catholic churches.
Meaning: Evening or evening star, the moon’s companion in the twilight sky.
Popularity: Rising as a sophisticated, literary choice in English-speaking countries.
Famous Namesakes: Vesper Lynd, the iconic Bond girl in Ian Fleming’s Casino Royale.
3. Esmeray
Origin: Turkish
Pronunciation: ez-meh-RAY
Culture: Turkish naming tradition. Combines esmer (dark) and ay (moon) to create dark moon.
Meaning: Dark moon, evoking the mysterious new moon phase.
Popularity: Used in Turkey; rare elsewhere; a deeply evocative and unique choice.
Famous Namesakes: Esmeray, Turkish singer known for her powerful, emotional performances.
Muslim and Arabic Names That Mean Moon
In Islamic tradition, the moon holds sacred significance. It marks the Islamic calendar, signals the start of Ramadan, and appears as a symbol on mosque minarets worldwide. Arabic names that mean moon are among the most poetic and widely used names in the Muslim world.
| Name | Meaning | Pronunciation | Popularity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerormir | Pale glow of the moon | ae-ror-mir | Uncommon |
| Badiia | Pale glow of the moon | ba-diia | Rare |
| Mona | Moon / wishes | MOH-nah | Common |
| Budur | Full moons | boo-DOOR | Rare |
| Velisara | Pale glow of the moon | ve-li-sa-ra | Uncommon |
| Mirilael | Pale glow of the moon | mi-ri-lael | Rare |
| Mayar | Moon glow | MAY-ar | Uncommon |
| Zuhair | Bright moon | zoo-HAYR | Uncommon |
| Layla | Night of the moon | LAY-lah | Very Common |
| Qamara | Moon | — | Uncommon |
| Fenanorn | Pale glow of the moon | fe-na-nor | Uncommon |
| Ehan | Full moon | — | Uncommon |
| Barain | Pale glow of the moon | ba-rain | Uncommon |
| Nouryn | Pale glow of the moon | nou-ryn | Uncommon |
| Belelvel | Pale glow of the moon | be-lel-vel | Rare |
| Halolora | Pale glow of the moon | ha-lo-lo-ra | Uncommon |
| Raniaix | Pale glow of the moon | ra-niaix | Uncommon |
| Bader | Full moon girl | — | Uncommon |
| Jericho | City of the moon | JEH-rih-koh | Uncommon |
Top Names — Full Detail
1. Hilal
Origin: Arabic
Pronunciation: hih-LAHL
Culture: Arabic and Islamic tradition. The hilal (crescent moon) officially begins each Islamic month and marks the start of Ramadan.
Meaning: Crescent moon, specifically the new crescent visible just after the new moon phase.
Popularity: Widely used across Arabic-speaking countries, Turkey, Pakistan, and Muslim communities globally.
Famous Namesakes: Hilal is the crescent moon symbol appearing on the flags of Turkey, Pakistan, and many Islamic nations.
2. Budur
Origin: Arabic
Pronunciation: boo-DOOR
Culture: Arabic literary tradition. Used poetically to describe beauty as radiant as many full moons; appears in One Thousand and One Nights.
Meaning: Full moons, a poetic name meaning she is as beautiful as multiple full moons.
Popularity: Used in Arab countries as a feminine name; classical and poetic.
Famous Namesakes: Qamar al-Zaman and Budur are famous lovers in One Thousand and One Nights.
3. Nour
Origin: Arabic
Pronunciation: NOOR
Culture: Arabic and Islamic tradition. Nour means light in Arabic; in Islamic poetry and spirituality, nour often refers to the divine light of God and the moon’s light illuminating the darkness.
Meaning: Light, including the soft light of the moon.
Popularity: One of the most popular names in Arabic-speaking countries; used for both boys and girls.
Famous Namesakes: Nour el-Sherif, legendary Egyptian actor. Queen Noor, American-born Queen of Jordan.
Chinese Names That Mean Moon
In Chinese culture, the moon is central to the Mid-Autumn Festival, one of China’s most important holidays. The moon goddess Chang’e is one of Chinese mythology’s most beloved figures.
| Name | Meaning | Pronunciation | Popularity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chan | Moon toad | CHAHN | Rare |
| Ming Yue | Bright moon | MING YOO-eh | Rare |
| Yue | Moon | YOO-eh | Uncommon |
| Yue Er | Little moon | YOO-eh er | Rare |
| Yuk | Jade moon | YOOK | Rare |
Cat Names That Mean Moon
Female cat names that mean moon include the names of moon goddesses and lunar words from many cultures. Names like Selene, Artemis, and Hecate come from ancient Greek mythology. Others like Esmeray, Runa, and Livana mean moonlight or moon in Turkish, Japanese, and Hebrew. Currently trending female cat names with moon meanings include Luna, Ayla, and Diana.
Male cat names that mean moon range from short and spunky options like Ziri and Reito to more elaborate names like Moonglade and Aydemir. Luan and Artemis are among the trending male cat names with moon meanings right now.
Female Cat Names That Mean Moon
| Name | Meaning | Pronunciation | Popularity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alar | Pale glow of the moon | aylahr | Common |
| Helara | Pale glow of the moon | he-la-ra | Uncommon |
| Mirulith | Pale glow of the moon | mi-ru-lit | Uncommon |
| Rouxon | Pale glow of the moon | rou-xon | Uncommon |
| Rouxyn | Pale glow of the moon | rou-xyn | Uncommon |
| Rinyx | Pale glow of the moon | ri-nyx | Uncommon |
| Rosaiel | Pale glow of the moon | ro-saiel | Uncommon |
| Hanain | Pale glow of the moon | ha-na-i-n | Uncommon |
| Luna | Moon; mentor cat in Sailor Moon | LOO-nuh | Very Common |
Male Cat Names That Mean Moon
| Name | Meaning | Pronunciation | Popularity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phantomin | Pale glow of the moon | phan-to-min | Uncommon |
Dog Names That Mean Moon
Dogs and the moon share a deep connection going back thousands of years. The names below are all real names from real languages that carry genuine moon meanings, from Arabic and Turkish to Japanese and Norse.
Female Dog Names That Mean Moon
| Name | Meaning | Pronunciation | Popularity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lilyia | Pale glow of the moon | li-lyia | Uncommon |
| Fleurar | Pale glow of the moon | fleu-rar | Uncommon |
| Fenasdra | Pale glow of the moon | fe-nas-dra | Uncommon |
Male Dog Names That Mean Moon
| Name | Meaning | Pronunciation | Popularity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerion | Pale glow of the moon | ae-rion | Uncommon |
| Daronael | Pale glow of the moon | da-ro-nael | Uncommon |
| Velorith | Pale glow of the moon | ve-lo-rit | Uncommon |
| Helerith | Pale glow of the moon | he-le-rit | Uncommon |
| Marcoin | Pale glow of the moon | mar-coin | Uncommon |
Top Names — Full Detail
1. Luna
Origin: Latin
Pronunciation: LOO-nah
Culture: Roman mythology. Luna is the most recognized moon name in the world. It is the top female dog name in the USA, UK, and Australia for several years running.
Meaning: Moon.
Popularity: The number one most popular female dog name in the USA.
Famous Namesakes: Luna is the name of Sailor Moon’s black cat companion in the anime series. Luna Lovegood is a beloved character from the Harry Potter series.
2. Badr
Origin: Arabic
Pronunciation: BAH-der
Culture: Arabic tradition. Badr means full moon and is one of the most respected and widely used moon names across Arab countries and Muslim communities.
Meaning: Full moon.
Popularity: Widely used as a dog name in Arabic-speaking households and Muslim communities globally.
Famous Namesakes: Badr Hari, famous Moroccan-Dutch kickboxing champion. The Battle of Badr is one of the most significant events in Islamic history.
3. Koray
Origin: Turkish
Pronunciation: koh-RAY
Culture: Turkish naming tradition. Koray combines kor meaning ember or glowing coal and ay meaning moon, creating a vivid image of a moon glowing with warm amber light.
Meaning: Ember moon or glowing moon.
Popularity: Popular in Turkey; a strong and distinctive name for male dogs.
Famous Namesakes: Koray Candemir is a well-known Turkish rock musician.
Elf and Fantasy Names That Mean Moon
| Name | Meaning | Pronunciation | Popularity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Celonorn | Pale glow of the moon | ce-lo-nor | Rare |
| Darynar | Pale glow of the moon | da-ry-nar | Rare |
| Drevanel | Pale glow of the moon | dre-va-nel | Rare |
| Olar | Moon walker | o-lar | Uncommon |
| Astriel | Star-moon elf | AS-tree-el | Rare |
| Morvaine | Dark moon spirit | mor-VAYN | Rare |
| Zephyrine | Moon spirit wind | ZEF-ih-reen | Rare |
| Selenith | Dark moon elf | seh-LEH-nith | Rare |
| Lunara | Moon goddess | loo-NAR-ah | Rare |
| Noctara | Night moon | nok-TAR-ah | Rare |
| Vesperia | Evening moon | ves-PEER-ee-ah | Rare |
| Gelsominaar | Pale glow of the moon | gel-so-mi-naar | Rare |
| Kalaldra | Pale glow of the moon | ka-la-l-d-ra | Rare |
| Rinolmir | Pale glow of the moon | ri-no-l-mi-r | Rare |
| Ryuuia | Pale glow of the moon | ryu-ui-a | Rare |
| Tsukuyomi | Moon reader | tsu-ku-yo-mi | Rare |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a name that means moon?
The most well-known names that mean moon include Luna (Latin), Selene (Greek), Chandra (Sanskrit), Qamar (Arabic), and Tsuki (Japanese). Each comes from a different culture and language but all directly mean moon.
What is the most popular name that means moon?
Luna is by far the most popular name meaning moon worldwide. It ranked #10 in the USA in 2023 and is in the top 20 in the UK, Australia, Canada, Italy, and Spain.
What Japanese name means moon?
The most popular Japanese name meaning moon is Mitsuki (美月, beautiful moon). Other popular options include Yuzuki (結月), Tsuki (月), and Kaguya (輝夜, the famous moon princess).
What is a rare name that means moon?
Some rare and unique names that mean moon include Gealach (Irish), Lewanna (Hebrew), Tarkik (Inuktitut), Konane (Hawaiian), and Elarith (Fantasy Elvish). These are beautiful alternatives for parents who want something truly uncommon.
What dog or cat name means moon?
Luna is the most popular moon name for both dogs and cats. Other great choices for pets include Artemis, Tsuki, Phoebe, Badr, and Koray.
Conclusion
From the Latin elegance of Luna to the Japanese poetry of Mitsuki, from the Arabic beauty of Qamar to the Korean simplicity of Dal, names that mean moon are among the most beautiful, meaningful, and universal names in human language. Every culture on earth has looked at the same moon and given it a name worth carrying through a lifetime.
Whether you are naming a baby, a pet, or a character, we hope this list has helped you find the perfect lunar name.
