The sun represents life, warmth, hope, strength, and fresh beginnings. A sun-inspired name can be a meaningful choice for a child who brings light into your family.
Some names below literally translate to “sun.” Others mean “sunlight,” “morning sun,” “gift of the sun,” or come from solar figures in mythology. You can also explore more names associated with the sun when comparing their origins and meanings. Meanings and gender use may vary by language and culture.
Girl Names That Mean Sun
1. Arev
Origin: Armenian
Meaning: Sun
Arev is the Armenian word for the sun. Its short spelling and warm sound make it easy to use beyond its culture of origin.
2. Arevik
Origin: Armenian
Meaning: Little sun
Arevik is an affectionate form connected to Arev. The meaning makes it especially fitting for a beloved child who brightens family life.
3. Arpi
Origin: Armenian
Meaning: Sun or sunlight
Arpi is a compact Armenian name with a poetic connection to the sun and sky.
4. Günəş
Origin: Azerbaijani
Meaning: Sun
Günəş comes directly from the Azerbaijani word for the sun. The letter ş is pronounced like the “sh” sound in English.
5. Güneş
Origin: Turkish
Meaning: Sun
Güneş is both the Turkish word for the sun and a given name. It is sometimes used for boys as well as girls.
6. Heulwen
Origin: Welsh
Meaning: Sunshine
Heulwen is formed from Welsh elements connected with the sun and brightness. It offers an unusual alternative to familiar names such as Sunny.
7. Mzia
Origin: Georgian
Meaning: Sun
Mzia is a traditional Georgian name taken from the word for “sun.” It is pronounced with two clear syllables.
8. Narangerel
Origin: Mongolian
Meaning: Sunlight
Narangerel combines Mongolian words for “sun” and “light.” It carries a gentle meaning while sounding confident and substantial.
9. Narantsetseg
Origin: Mongolian
Meaning: Sunflower
This Mongolian name brings together the words for “sun” and “flower.” It works well for parents drawn to both celestial and botanical names.
10. Nou
Origin: Hmong
Meaning: Sun
Nou is a brief Hmong name with a direct solar meaning. Its simple form pairs easily with a longer middle name.
11. Saulė
Origin: Lithuanian
Meaning: Sun
Saulė is the Lithuanian word for the sun and the name of a Baltic solar goddess. It is generally pronounced approximately “sow-LEH.”
12. Savitri
Origin: Sanskrit
Meaning: Related to the sun
Savitri is connected to Savitr, a Vedic solar deity. The name also appears in important Hindu stories and religious traditions.
13. Siqiniq
Origin: Inuktitut
Meaning: Sun
Siqiniq comes from an Inuktitut word for the sun. It carries particular significance in Arctic regions, where the return of sunlight marks an important seasonal change.
14. Sole
Origin: Italian
Meaning: Sun
Sole is the Italian word for the sun. In Italian, it is pronounced roughly “SO-leh,” rather than like the English word “soul.”
15. Soleil
Origin: French
Meaning: Sun
Soleil is the French word for the sun. As a given name, it has become more familiar in English-speaking countries than it is in France.
16. Solana
Origin: Spanish
Meaning: Sunny place
Solana comes from a Spanish word describing a place exposed to sunlight. It has a flowing sound and a warm landscape-inspired meaning.
17. Solveig
Origin: Old Norse
Meaning: Sun strength
Solveig combines Old Norse elements associated with the sun and strength. It remains a familiar traditional name in parts of Scandinavia.
18. Sunniva
Origin: Old English and Norwegian
Meaning: Sun gift
Sunniva developed from older elements meaning “sun” and “gift.” It has a long history in Norway and can be shortened to Sunni or Sunny.
Boy Names That Mean Sun
19. Aditya
Origin: Sanskrit
Meaning: Sun or descendant of Aditi
Aditya is associated with the sun in Hindu tradition and is also one of the names of the solar god Surya.
20. Areg
Origin: Armenian
Meaning: Sun
Areg is an Armenian name linked directly with the sun. It is simple, distinctive, and easy to pair with many surnames.
21. Antiman
Origin: Mapuche
Meaning: Condor of the sun
Antiman combines words associated with the sun and the condor. Its meaning reflects two powerful natural images from South America.
22. Antinanco
Origin: Mapuche
Meaning: Eagle of the sun
Antinanco is another Mapuche name that joins the sun with a soaring bird. It has a bold meaning tied to freedom, height, and light.
23. Arthit
Origin: Thai
Meaning: Sun
Arthit is a Thai name connected to the Sanskrit name Aditya. The Thai word can also refer to Sunday.
24. Eguzki
Origin: Basque
Meaning: Sun
Eguzki is the Basque word for the sun. It is a rare option with a strong connection to Basque language and identity.
25. Eki
Origin: Basque
Meaning: Sun
Eki is another Basque word connected to the sun. Its compact form may appeal to parents who prefer short names.
26. Haul
Origin: Welsh
Meaning: Sun
Haul is the Welsh word for the sun. It is pronounced more like “howl” than the English verb “haul.”
27. Heliodoro
Origin: Greek, Spanish, and Portuguese
Meaning: Gift of the sun
Heliodoro comes from Greek elements meaning “sun” and “gift.” Helio is an approachable nickname.
28. Inti
Origin: Quechua
Meaning: Sun
Inti is the Quechua word for the sun and the name of the Inca sun god. It is brief, energetic, and rich in cultural history.
29. Naranbaatar
Origin: Mongolian
Meaning: Sun hero
Naranbaatar combines Mongolian words for “sun” and “hero.” Its meaning suggests courage, warmth, and leadership.
30. Ochieng
Origin: Luo
Meaning: Born when the sun shines
Ochieng is traditionally given in connection with the time or conditions of a child’s birth. It may be especially meaningful for a baby born during daylight.
31. Ravi
Origin: Sanskrit
Meaning: Sun
Ravi is a widely used South Asian name and another title associated with the Hindu sun god. It is familiar without feeling overly common in English-speaking countries.
32. Ravindra
Origin: Sanskrit
Meaning: Lord of the sun
Ravindra combines Ravi, meaning “sun,” with an element meaning “lord” or “ruler.” Ravi is often used as a shorter form.
33. Samson
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Possibly sun or sun-like
Samson comes from the Hebrew name Shimshon, traditionally linked to the word shemesh, meaning “sun.” The biblical Samson is remembered for his remarkable strength.
34. Suraj
Origin: Hindi and other South Asian languages
Meaning: Sun
Suraj comes from the Sanskrit word Surya. It is a well-established name across India and neighboring regions.
35. Surya
Origin: Sanskrit
Meaning: Sun
Surya is the Sanskrit word for the sun and the name of the Hindu solar deity. It can also be used as a gender-neutral name in some communities.
36. Shams ad-Din
Origin: Arabic
Meaning: Sun of the faith
Shams ad-Din is a traditional compound name. Common spelling variations include Shamsuddin, Shams al-Din, and Shemseddin.
Gender-Neutral Names Connected to the Sun
37. Asahi
Origin: Japanese
Meaning: Morning sun
Asahi can be written with Japanese characters meaning “morning sun.” The exact meaning depends on the kanji chosen.
38. Günay
Origin: Turkish and Azerbaijani
Meaning: Sun and moon
Günay brings two celestial images together in one name. It is used for different genders depending on the country and community.
39. Haru
Origin: Japanese
Meaning: Sunlight, spring, or clear weather
Haru can carry several meanings because Japanese names change according to their kanji. Some written forms connect it with sunlight or brightness.
40. Hinata
Origin: Japanese
Meaning: Sunny place or facing the sun
Hinata can mean “sunny place,” “toward the sun,” or have other meanings depending on its characters. It is used for both boys and girls in Japan.
41. Khorshid
Origin: Persian
Meaning: Sun
Khorshid is the Persian word for the sun. It has literary and poetic associations throughout Persian-speaking cultures.
42. Shams
Origin: Arabic, Persian, and Urdu
Meaning: Sun
Shams is used as a personal name and as part of longer names. One famous bearer was Shams of Tabriz, the spiritual companion of the poet Rumi.
43. Sunday
Origin: English
Meaning: Day of the sun
Sunday is an English day name rather than a traditional name meaning “sun.” It has a relaxed, cheerful style similar to names such as August and Winter.
44. Tonalli
Origin: Nahuatl
Meaning: Sunlight, daytime warmth, or vital energy
Tonalli is a layered Nahuatl word connected with the warmth of the sun, the day, fate, and life energy. Its meaning is broader than a simple translation of “sun.”
Sun Names From Mythology
These names belong to important religious and mythological figures. Learning about their cultural background is worthwhile before choosing one as a baby name.
45. Amaterasu
Origin: Japanese mythology
Meaning: Shining over heaven
Amaterasu is the Shinto goddess of the sun and one of the central figures in Japanese mythology.
46. Helios
Origin: Greek mythology
Meaning: Sun
Helios was the Greek god who drove the sun across the sky in a golden chariot. His name remains closely tied to solar imagery.
47. Ra
Origin: Ancient Egyptian mythology
Meaning: Sun
Ra was one of the most important gods in ancient Egyptian religion. He was associated with the sun, creation, and royal power.
48. Shamash
Origin: Mesopotamian mythology
Meaning: Sun
Shamash was the Akkadian sun god and a figure associated with truth and justice. His Sumerian counterpart was Utu.
49. Tonatiuh
Origin: Nahuatl and Aztec mythology
Meaning: Sun
Tonatiuh was an Aztec solar deity. The name carries a strong connection to Nahua history and religious tradition.
50. Utu
Origin: Sumerian mythology
Meaning: Sun
Utu was the Sumerian god of the sun and justice. Although ancient, the name has a strikingly simple form.
How to Choose a Sun-Inspired Name
First, decide how direct you want the meaning to be. Names such as Arev, Ravi, Shams, and Soleil literally mean “sun,” while Solana, Hinata, and Sunday have broader solar associations.
It also helps to consider:
- How the name sounds with your surname
- Whether the original pronunciation matters to you
- Possible nicknames and spelling variations
- Whether the name has religious or mythological importance
- How the name is traditionally used in its culture
- Whether you have a personal connection to its language or origin
Rare names are not automatically difficult to use. A short choice such as Inti, Eki, Mzia, or Sole can feel distinctive while remaining easy to remember.
Does Marisol Mean Sun?
Marisol is sometimes interpreted as “sea and sun” because it resembles the Spanish words mar and sol. Its established origin, however, is generally linked to María de la Soledad, a title connected with the Virgin Mary.
The “sea and sun” meaning is a popular modern association rather than the name’s original etymology.
