200+ Names That Mean Sun: Creative & Beautiful Names That Truly Shine

Names that mean sun carry warmth, radiance, and the promise of new beginnings. Whether you’re drawn to the golden glow of ancient mythology or the gentle light of dawn, sun-inspired names offer something truly special for your child.

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll discover over 200 carefully researched names from cultures around the world—from Arabic and Hebrew to Japanese and Native American traditions. Each name includes meaning, origin, pronunciation, and historical context, helping you find the perfect name that truly shines.

Quick Picks: Beautiful Names That Mean Sun

What Does Sun Symbolize?

The sun has captured human imagination across every culture and civilization. Its symbolism varies, but certain themes appear throughout history:

• Life and Vitality: The sun provides light and warmth essential for life, making it a universal symbol of energy and existence itself
• Power and Authority: Many ancient rulers associated themselves with the sun to claim divine right and strength
• Renewal and Hope: Sunrise represents new beginnings, fresh starts, and the triumph of light over darkness
• Divine Connection: Numerous religions feature sun deities or use solar imagery to represent the divine
• Truth and Enlightenment: The sun’s ability to illuminate and reveal has made it a metaphor for wisdom and clarity
• Protection: In some traditions, solar symbols were believed to ward off evil and bring good fortune

Different cultures emphasize different aspects—while Egyptian mythology centered on the sun’s daily journey, Norse traditions linked it to the cycle of seasons. Understanding these varied perspectives helps appreciate the depth behind sun-inspired names.

The Benefits of Choosing Names That Mean Sun

• Meaningful Symbolism: A sun-related name carries positive associations of warmth, light, and hope that can inspire throughout life
• Cultural Connection: These names often connect children to specific cultural or linguistic heritage, creating meaningful family ties
• Distinctive Identity: While some sun names are classic, many remain uncommon, offering a unique yet meaningful choice
• Nature Connection: Sun names reflect a love of nature and the natural world, appealing to environmentally conscious families
• Personal Significance: The sun’s universal presence allows families to assign personal meaning—perhaps a child born at sunrise or during summer
• Memorable Quality: Sun names often have a bright, warm sound that makes them easy to remember and pleasant to say
• Heritage Preservation: Choosing names from specific traditions helps preserve linguistic and cultural diversity
• Timeless Appeal: Solar symbolism has resonated for millennia, ensuring these names remain relevant across generations

Parents seeking celestial inspiration often explore beautiful star-inspired baby names that capture the wonder of the night sky and add a sparkling touch to any nursery list.

Each Letter Analysis of the Word “Sun”

This creative acrostic interpretation celebrates the positive qualities associated with the word “sun”:

S – Strength: The sun’s constancy and power inspire resilience and determination

U – Unity: The sun shines on everyone equally, symbolizing togetherness and universal connection

N – Nurture: Solar warmth sustains all life, representing care, growth, and protection

Note: This is a creative interpretation celebrating positive associations, not a linguistic or etymological analysis of the word.

Names That Literally Mean Sun

These names have established meanings that directly translate to “sun” in their respective languages.

1. Helios

Meaning: Sun
Pronunciation: HEE-lee-os
Origin: Greek
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: In Greek mythology, Helios was the Titan god who drove the sun chariot across the sky each day
Popularity/Usage: Rare in English-speaking countries; occasionally used in Greece
Lucky Number: 1

2. Surya

Meaning: Sun
Pronunciation: SOOR-yah
Origin: Sanskrit/Hindi
Gender: Unisex (traditionally male in Hindu tradition)
Historical Significance: Surya is a major solar deity in Hinduism, worshipped as the source of life and health
Popularity/Usage: Common in India; growing usage internationally
Lucky Number: 12

3. Ravi

Meaning: Sun
Pronunciation: RAH-vee
Origin: Sanskrit/Hindi
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: A common name referencing Surya, the sun god; also associated with the day of the week Sunday
Popularity/Usage: Widely used in India and among Indian diaspora
Lucky Number: 7

4. Cyrus

Meaning: Sun
Pronunciation: SY-rus
Origin: Persian (from Kourosh)
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Cyrus the Great founded the Achaemenid Empire; the name derives from Old Persian meaning “sun” or “throne”
Popularity/Usage: Established in Western countries; consistently used
Lucky Number: 3

5. Samson

Meaning: Sun
Pronunciation: SAM-sun
Origin: Hebrew (Shimshon)
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Biblical judge known for his extraordinary strength; the name derives from “shemesh” meaning sun
Popularity/Usage: Traditional; used across Jewish and Christian communities
Lucky Number: 6

6. Solveig

Meaning: Sun strength (Sol = sun, veig = strength)
Pronunciation: SOL-vay
Origin: Norwegian/Old Norse
Gender: Female
Historical Significance: Appears in Norse mythology and Henrik Ibsen’s play “Peer Gynt”
Popularity/Usage: Common in Scandinavia; uncommon elsewhere
Lucky Number: 9

Names Related to Sun

These names connect to sun through related concepts—dawn, light, fire, and solar mythology—rather than directly translating to “sun.”

1. Aurora

Meaning: Dawn
Pronunciation: aw-ROAR-ah
Origin: Latin
Gender: Female
Historical Significance: Roman goddess of dawn who announced the arrival of the sun each morning
Popularity/Usage: Consistently popular in English-speaking countries
Lucky Number: 8

2. Elio

Meaning: Sun (from Greek Helios)
Pronunciation: EH-lee-oh
Origin: Italian/Spanish
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Italian and Spanish form of Helios; used in Romance-speaking regions
Popularity/Usage: Growing in popularity in Europe
Lucky Number: 5

3. Theia

Meaning: Divine light, goddess
Pronunciation: THAY-ah
Origin: Greek
Gender: Female
Historical Significance: Titaness of light and sight; mother of Helios, Selene, and Eos
Popularity/Usage: Rare; occasionally used in Greece and internationally
Lucky Number: 4

4. Zora

Meaning: Dawn
Pronunciation: ZOR-ah
Origin: Slavic
Gender: Female
Historical Significance: Slavic goddess of dawn; also used as a given name in various Slavic countries
Popularity/Usage: Established in Slavic regions; gaining international attention
Lucky Number: 7

5. Idris

Meaning: Ardent lord (associated with sun symbolism)
Pronunciation: ID-ris
Origin: Welsh
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Legendary Welsh prince and giant; the name may relate to “udd” meaning lord
Popularity/Usage: Traditional Welsh name; used internationally
Lucky Number: 2

6. Sandeep

Meaning: Light of the sun (Sandhya = twilight, deep = light)
Pronunciation: SUN-deep
Origin: Sanskrit/Hindi
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Common Indian name with spiritual connotations of inner light
Popularity/Usage: Widely used in India
Lucky Number: 6

Creative Names That Mean Sun

1. Solaris

Meaning: Of the sun
Pronunciation: so-LAIR-is
Origin: Latin (modern usage)
Gender: Unisex
Historical Significance: Latin adjective form; popularized through science fiction and modern naming
Popularity/Usage: Rare; modern creative choice
Lucky Number: 1

2. Sunniva

Meaning: Sun gift
Pronunciation: sun-EE-vah
Origin: Norwegian
Gender: Female
Historical Significance: Saint Sunniva is a Norwegian martyr; name combines sun and gift
Popularity/Usage: Traditional in Norway; rare elsewhere
Lucky Number: 9

3. Soleil

Meaning: Sun
Pronunciation: so-LAY
Origin: French
Gender: Female
Historical Significance: French word for sun; used as a given name in French-speaking regions
Popularity/Usage: Established in France; uncommon in English-speaking countries
Lucky Number: 3

4. Heliodoro

Meaning: Gift of the sun
Pronunciation: eh-lee-oh-DOR-oh
Origin: Greek/Spanish
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Derived from Greek Heliodoros; used in Spanish-speaking countries
Popularity/Usage: Traditional in Spain and Latin America
Lucky Number: 8

5. Marisol

Meaning: Sea and sun (María + Sol)
Pronunciation: mah-ree-SOL
Origin: Spanish
Gender: Female
Historical Significance: Combination name blending Mary and Sol; popular in Hispanic cultures
Popularity/Usage: Common in Spanish-speaking countries
Lucky Number: 5

6. Sunita

Meaning: Well-behaved, but associated with sun through “Sun”
Pronunciation: soo-NEE-tah
Origin: Sanskrit/Hindi
Gender: Female
Historical Significance: Common Indian name; the “Sun” element creates solar association
Popularity/Usage: Widely used in India
Lucky Number: 4

Cute Girl Names That Mean Sun

1. Helena

Meaning: Sun ray, shining light
Pronunciation: HEL-uh-nah
Origin: Greek
Gender: Female
Historical Significance: Variant of Helen; mother of Constantine the Great was Saint Helena
Popularity/Usage: Widely used across Europe and Americas
Lucky Number: 6

2. Elara

Meaning: Possibly related to light
Pronunciation: ee-LAH-rah
Origin: Greek
Gender: Female
Historical Significance: In Greek mythology, Elara was a lover of Zeus and mother of the giant Tityos
Popularity/Usage: Growing in popularity in English-speaking countries
Lucky Number: 3

3. Aelia

Meaning: Sun
Pronunciation: AY-lee-ah
Origin: Roman/Latin
Gender: Female
Historical Significance: Ancient Roman family name; associated with the sun
Popularity/Usage: Rare; classical revival choice
Lucky Number: 7

4. Sunniva

Meaning: Sun gift
Pronunciation: sun-EE-vah
Origin: Norwegian
Gender: Female
Historical Significance: Named after Saint Sunniva of Norway
Popularity/Usage: Traditional in Norway
Lucky Number: 9

5. Cyra

Meaning: Sun (feminine form of Cyrus)
Pronunciation: SY-rah
Origin: Persian
Gender: Female
Historical Significance: Feminine form of Cyrus; associated with sun meaning
Popularity/Usage: Rare; modern usage
Lucky Number: 2

6. Solana

Meaning: Sunshine
Pronunciation: so-LAH-nah
Origin: Spanish
Gender: Female
Historical Significance: Derived from Spanish “sol” meaning sun; modern usage
Popularity/Usage: Growing in popularity
Lucky Number: 5

Best Boy Names That Mean Sun

1. Samson

Meaning: Sun
Pronunciation: SAM-sun
Origin: Hebrew
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Biblical judge famous for his strength
Popularity/Usage: Traditional; consistently used
Lucky Number: 6

2. Ravi

Meaning: Sun
Pronunciation: RAH-vee
Origin: Sanskrit/Hindi
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: References Surya, the Hindu sun god
Popularity/Usage: Common in India
Lucky Number: 7

3. Cyrus

Meaning: Sun
Pronunciation: SY-rus
Origin: Persian
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Cyrus the Great, founder of Persian Empire
Popularity/Usage: Established internationally
Lucky Number: 3

4. Helios

Meaning: Sun
Pronunciation: HEE-lee-os
Origin: Greek
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Greek Titan god of the sun
Popularity/Usage: Rare; classical choice
Lucky Number: 1

5. Sorin

Meaning: Sun (possibly from Romanian)
Pronunciation: so-REEN
Origin: Romanian
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Romanian given name; possibly derived from “soare” meaning sun
Popularity/Usage: Established in Romania
Lucky Number: 8

6. Elio

Meaning: Sun
Pronunciation: EH-lee-oh
Origin: Italian/Spanish
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Romance language form of Helios
Popularity/Usage: Growing in Europe
Lucky Number: 5

Cool Baby Names That Mean Sun

1. Apollo

Meaning: God of the sun, light, music
Pronunciation: uh-POL-oh
Origin: Greek
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Major Greek and Roman deity associated with the sun
Popularity/Usage: Popular in English-speaking countries
Lucky Number: 1

2. Nova

Meaning: New (associated with stellar brightness)
Pronunciation: NO-vah
Origin: Latin
Gender: Female
Historical Significance: Refers to a bright stellar explosion; modern usage as a name
Popularity/Usage: Rapidly growing in popularity
Lucky Number: 9

3. Orion

Meaning: Hunter (associated with constellation)
Pronunciation: oh-RY-un
Origin: Greek
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Greek hunter placed among stars; constellation contains prominent stars
Popularity/Usage: Popular and rising
Lucky Number: 4

4. Surya

Meaning: Sun
Pronunciation: SOOR-yah
Origin: Sanskrit
Gender: Unisex
Historical Significance: Hindu sun deity
Popularity/Usage: Common in India
Lucky Number: 12

5. Zenith

Meaning: Highest point (sun’s peak position)
Pronunciation: ZEE-nith
Origin: Arabic (modern usage)
Gender: Unisex
Historical Significance: Astronomical term for sun’s highest point; modern word name
Popularity/Usage: Rare; modern creative choice
Lucky Number: 6

6. Blaze

Meaning: Fire, flame (sun-related)
Pronunciation: BLAYZ
Origin: English (modern)
Gender: Unisex
Historical Significance: Modern word name associated with fire and brightness
Popularity/Usage: Established in English-speaking countries
Lucky Number: 3

Last Names That Mean Sun

1. Samson

Meaning: Sun
Pronunciation: SAM-sun
Origin: Hebrew
Gender: Surname
Historical Significance: Biblical name adopted as surname across cultures
Popularity/Usage: Common surname in many countries
Lucky Number: 6

2. Cyrus

Meaning: Sun
Pronunciation: SY-rus
Origin: Persian
Gender: Surname
Historical Significance: From the Persian king’s name; adopted as surname
Popularity/Usage: Established surname
Lucky Number: 3

3. Helios

Meaning: Sun
Pronunciation: HEE-lee-os
Origin: Greek
Gender: Surname
Historical Significance: Rare surname form of the Greek sun god
Popularity/Usage: Very rare as surname
Lucky Number: 1

4. Solano

Meaning: From the sun (solano = east wind)
Pronunciation: so-LAH-no
Origin: Spanish
Gender: Surname
Historical Significance: Spanish surname related to “sol” (sun) and east wind
Popularity/Usage: Established in Spanish-speaking regions
Lucky Number: 7

5. Soriano

Meaning: From Soria (possibly related to sun)
Pronunciation: so-ree-AH-no
Origin: Spanish
Gender: Surname
Historical Significance: Spanish place name surname; possible etymological connection to sun
Popularity/Usage: Common in Spain and Latin America
Lucky Number: 8

6. Suryavanshi

Meaning: Of the solar dynasty
Pronunciation: soor-yah-VAHN-shee
Origin: Sanskrit/Hindi
Gender: Surname
Historical Significance: Indian surname denoting descent from the solar dynasty
Popularity/Usage: Used in India
Lucky Number: 12

Mythical Names That Mean Sun

1. Helios

Meaning: Sun
Pronunciation: HEE-lee-os
Origin: Greek
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Titan god who drove the sun chariot daily across the sky
Popularity/Usage: Rare; classical reference
Lucky Number: 1

2. Apollo

Meaning: God of sun, light, prophecy
Pronunciation: uh-POL-oh
Origin: Greek/Roman
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Olympian god associated with the sun, music, and healing
Popularity/Usage: Popular
Lucky Number: 1

3. Surya

Meaning: Sun
Pronunciation: SOOR-yah
Origin: Hindu/Vedic
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Major solar deity; worshipped as source of life
Popularity/Usage: Common in India
Lucky Number: 12

4. Ra

Meaning: Sun
Pronunciation: RAH
Origin: Egyptian
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Supreme Egyptian sun god; often depicted with falcon head
Popularity/Usage: Rare as given name
Lucky Number: 1

5. Sol

Meaning: Sun
Pronunciation: SOL
Origin: Norse/Roman
Gender: Unisex
Historical Significance: Roman sun god; Norse sun goddess
Popularity/Usage: Growing as given name
Lucky Number: 5

6. Amaterasu

Meaning: Shining in heaven (sun goddess)
Pronunciation: ah-mah-teh-RAH-soo
Origin: Japanese
Gender: Female
Historical Significance: Shinto sun goddess; central deity in Japanese mythology
Popularity/Usage: Rare outside Japan; significant cultural name
Lucky Number: 8

Arabic Origin Names That Mean Sun

1. Shams

Meaning: Sun
Pronunciation: SHAMS
Origin: Arabic
Gender: Unisex
Historical Significance: Common Arabic name; appears in “Shams al-Din” meaning sun of religion
Popularity/Usage: Common in Arabic-speaking countries
Lucky Number: 5

2. Shamsa

Meaning: Little sun
Pronunciation: SHAM-sah
Origin: Arabic
Gender: Female
Historical Significance: Feminine form of Shams; used across the Arab world
Popularity/Usage: Established in Arabic-speaking regions
Lucky Number: 6

3. Aftab

Meaning: Sun
Pronunciation: af-TAHB
Origin: Persian/Urdu
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Persian word for sun; used as given name in South Asia
Popularity/Usage: Common in Pakistan and India
Lucky Number: 3

4. Zia

Meaning: Light, splendor (sun-related)
Pronunciation: ZEE-ah
Origin: Arabic
Gender: Unisex
Historical Significance: Arabic name meaning light or glow; associated with sunlight
Popularity/Usage: Used across Muslim world
Lucky Number: 7

5. Mishal

Meaning: Torch, light
Pronunciation: mih-SHAL
Origin: Arabic
Gender: Unisex
Historical Significance: Arabic name associated with light and guidance
Popularity/Usage: Used in Middle East
Lucky Number: 4

6. Nour

Meaning: Light
Pronunciation: NOOR
Origin: Arabic
Gender: Unisex
Historical Significance: Common Arabic name; associated with divine light
Popularity/Usage: Widely used in Arabic-speaking countries
Lucky Number: 9

Scottish Origin Names That Mean Sun

1. Grian

Meaning: Sun
Pronunciation: GREE-an
Origin: Scottish Gaelic
Gender: Female
Historical Significance: Gaelic word for sun; appears in Scottish mythology
Popularity/Usage: Rare; traditional Gaelic name
Lucky Number: 6

2. Sorcha

Meaning: Bright, radiant
Pronunciation: SOR-khah
Origin: Scottish Gaelic
Gender: Female
Historical Significance: Traditional Gaelic name meaning brightness; associated with light
Popularity/Usage: Established in Scotland and Ireland
Lucky Number: 8

3. Ailsa

Meaning: Possibly from Norse for island
Pronunciation: AYL-sah
Origin: Scottish
Gender: Female
Historical Significance: From Ailsa Craig island; associated with scenic beauty
Popularity/Usage: Established in Scotland
Lucky Number: 3

4. Duncan

Meaning: Dark warrior (not sun-related, but Scottish)
Pronunciation: DUN-kun
Origin: Scottish Gaelic
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Scottish royal name
Popularity/Usage: Established
Lucky Number: 5

Note: Scottish Gaelic has fewer directly sun-meaning names; these reflect the closest connections.

5. Fiona

Meaning: White, fair (associated with brightness)
Pronunciation: fee-OH-nah
Origin: Scottish Gaelic
Gender: Female
Historical Significance: Created by James Macpherson; associated with light coloring
Popularity/Usage: Popular internationally
Lucky Number: 7

6. Kenneth

Meaning: Born of fire (light-related)
Pronunciation: KEN-eth
Origin: Scottish Gaelic
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Scottish royal name; associated with fire and light
Popularity/Usage: Traditional
Lucky Number: 4

Irish Origin Names That Mean Sun

1. Gráinne

Meaning: Possibly related to “grian” (sun)
Pronunciation: GRAWN-yah
Origin: Irish Gaelic
Gender: Female
Historical Significance: Legendary Irish figure; possible connection to sun
Popularity/Usage: Traditional in Ireland
Lucky Number: 6

2. Áine

Meaning: Brightness, radiance
Pronunciation: AWN-yah
Origin: Irish Gaelic
Gender: Female
Historical Significance: Irish goddess of summer and sun; associated with light
Popularity/Usage: Established in Ireland
Lucky Number: 8

3. Niamh

Meaning: Bright, radiant
Pronunciation: NEEV
Origin: Irish Gaelic
Gender: Female
Historical Significance: Daughter of sea god in Irish mythology; name means brightness
Popularity/Usage: Popular in Ireland
Lucky Number: 3

4. Aodh

Meaning: Fire
Pronunciation: EE
Origin: Irish Gaelic
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Ancient Irish name associated with fire and sun
Popularity/Usage: Traditional in Ireland
Lucky Number: 5

5. Fintan

Meaning: White fire, white bull
Pronunciation: FIN-tan
Origin: Irish Gaelic
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Legendary Irish figure; associated with light
Popularity/Usage: Traditional
Lucky Number: 7

6. Eibhlín

Meaning: Bright, shining
Pronunciation: EV-leen
Origin: Irish Gaelic
Gender: Female
Historical Significance: Irish form of Evelyn; associated with light
Popularity/Usage: Traditional in Ireland
Lucky Number: 4

Hebrew Origin Names That Mean Sun

1. Samson

Meaning: Sun
Pronunciation: SAM-sun
Origin: Hebrew (Shimshon)
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Biblical judge; name from “shemesh” (sun)
Popularity/Usage: Traditional
Lucky Number: 6

2. Shimshon

Meaning: Sun
Pronunciation: SHIM-shon
Origin: Hebrew
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Original Hebrew form of Samson
Popularity/Usage: Used in Israel
Lucky Number: 6

3. Shemesh

Meaning: Sun
Pronunciation: SHEH-mesh
Origin: Hebrew
Gender: Unisex
Historical Significance: Hebrew word for sun; used in biblical texts
Popularity/Usage: Rare as given name
Lucky Number: 1

4. Zohar

Meaning: Splendor, radiance
Pronunciation: ZOH-har
Origin: Hebrew
Gender: Unisex
Historical Significance: Hebrew name meaning light; associated with sun’s glow
Popularity/Usage: Used in Israel
Lucky Number: 8

5. Meirav

Meaning: Possibly related to light
Pronunciation: may-RAHV
Origin: Hebrew
Gender: Female
Historical Significance: Hebrew name with possible light connection
Popularity/Usage: Used in Israel
Lucky Number: 3

6. Uri

Meaning: My light
Pronunciation: OO-ree
Origin: Hebrew
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Biblical name; associated with light and fire
Popularity/Usage: Used in Israel
Lucky Number: 5

Polish Origin Names That Mean Sun

1. Słoneczna

Meaning: Sunny
Pronunciation: swo-NECH-nah
Origin: Polish
Gender: Female
Historical Significance: Polish adjective form; used descriptively
Popularity/Usage: Rare as given name
Lucky Number: 6

2. Słońce

Meaning: Sun
Pronunciation: SWON-tseh
Origin: Polish
Gender: Unisex
Historical Significance: Polish word for sun
Popularity/Usage: Rare as given name
Lucky Number: 1

3. Zorza

Meaning: Aurora, dawn glow
Pronunciation: ZOR-zhah
Origin: Polish
Gender: Female
Historical Significance: Polish word for aurora; associated with dawn light
Popularity/Usage: Rare
Lucky Number: 8

4. Świt

Meaning: Dawn
Pronunciation: SHVEET
Origin: Polish
Gender: Unisex
Historical Significance: Polish word for dawn
Popularity/Usage: Rare as given name
Lucky Number: 5

5. Jasny

Meaning: Bright, clear
Pronunciation: YAS-nih
Origin: Polish
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Polish adjective associated with light
Popularity/Usage: Rare
Lucky Number: 3

6. Blask

Meaning: Shine, glow
Pronunciation: BLASK
Origin: Polish
Gender: Unisex
Historical Significance: Polish word for brightness
Popularity/Usage: Rare
Lucky Number: 7

Italian Origin Names That Mean Sun

1. Elio

Meaning: Sun
Pronunciation: EH-lee-oh
Origin: Italian
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Italian form of Helios
Popularity/Usage: Used in Italy
Lucky Number: 5

2. Sole

Meaning: Sun
Pronunciation: SO-leh
Origin: Italian
Gender: Unisex
Historical Significance: Italian word for sun
Popularity/Usage: Growing as given name
Lucky Number: 1

3. Solaris

Meaning: Of the sun
Pronunciation: so-LAH-ris
Origin: Italian/Latin
Gender: Unisex
Historical Significance: Latin adjective; modern usage
Popularity/Usage: Rare
Lucky Number: 3

4. Aurora

Meaning: Dawn
Pronunciation: ow-RO-rah
Origin: Italian/Latin
Gender: Female
Historical Significance: Roman goddess of dawn
Popularity/Usage: Popular
Lucky Number: 8

5. Helios

Meaning: Sun
Pronunciation: EH-lee-os
Origin: Italian (from Greek)
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Greek sun god
Popularity/Usage: Rare
Lucky Number: 1

6. Lucente

Meaning: Shining, bright
Pronunciation: loo-CHEN-teh
Origin: Italian
Gender: Unisex
Historical Significance: Italian adjective associated with light
Popularity/Usage: Rare
Lucky Number: 6

Native American Origin Names That Mean Sun

Note: Specific tribal affiliations are identified where reliably documented.

1. Paytah

Meaning: Fire (Lakota)
Pronunciation: PAY-tah
Origin: Lakota Sioux
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Lakota name associated with fire and sun
Popularity/Usage: Rare
Lucky Number: 1

2. Catori

Meaning: Spirit (Hopi)
Pronunciation: kah-TOR-ee
Origin: Hopi
Gender: Female
Historical Significance: Hopi name; associated with spirit and life force
Popularity/Usage: Rare
Lucky Number: 5

3. Tahoma

Meaning: Possibly related to mountain
Pronunciation: tah-HOH-mah
Origin: Coast Salish
Gender: Unisex
Historical Significance: Salish name; associated with Mount Rainier
Popularity/Usage: Rare
Lucky Number: 3

4. Hurit

Meaning: Beautiful (Algonquian)
Pronunciation: HOO-rit
Origin: Algonquian
Gender: Female
Historical Significance: Algonquian name associated with beauty and light
Popularity/Usage: Rare
Lucky Number: 7

5. Ahanu

Meaning: He laughs (Algonquian)
Pronunciation: ah-HAH-noo
Origin: Algonquian
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Algonquian name; associated with joy
Popularity/Usage: Rare
Lucky Number: 2

6. Kachina

Meaning: Spirit being (Hopi)
Pronunciation: kah-CHEE-nah
Origin: Hopi
Gender: Female
Historical Significance: Hopi spiritual beings; associated with nature spirits
Popularity/Usage: Rare as given name
Lucky Number: 9

Greek Origin Names That Mean Sun

1. Helios

Meaning: Sun
Pronunciation: HEE-lee-os
Origin: Greek
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Titan god of the sun
Popularity/Usage: Rare
Lucky Number: 1

2. Apollo

Meaning: God of sun and light
Pronunciation: uh-POL-oh
Origin: Greek
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Olympian god associated with sun
Popularity/Usage: Popular
Lucky Number: 1

3. Theia

Meaning: Divine light
Pronunciation: THAY-ah
Origin: Greek
Gender: Female
Historical Significance: Titaness of light; mother of sun, moon, and dawn
Popularity/Usage: Rare
Lucky Number: 4

4. Eos

Meaning: Dawn
Pronunciation: EE-os
Origin: Greek
Gender: Female
Historical Significance: Titaness of dawn; rose each morning to announce the sun
Popularity/Usage: Rare
Lucky Number: 7

5. Helene

Meaning: Sun ray
Pronunciation: heh-LEH-neh
Origin: Greek
Gender: Female
Historical Significance: Greek form of Helen; associated with light
Popularity/Usage: Used in Greece
Lucky Number: 6

6. Pyrrhus

Meaning: Fire, flame-colored
Pronunciation: PEER-us
Origin: Greek
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Greek name associated with fire and sun
Popularity/Usage: Rare
Lucky Number: 3

European Names That Mean Sun

1. Solveig

Meaning: Sun strength
Pronunciation: SOL-vay
Origin: Norwegian
Gender: Female
Historical Significance: Norse name; appears in mythology
Popularity/Usage: Common in Scandinavia
Lucky Number: 9

2. Sunniva

Meaning: Sun gift
Pronunciation: sun-EE-vah
Origin: Norwegian
Gender: Female
Historical Significance: Saint Sunniva
Popularity/Usage: Traditional in Norway
Lucky Number: 3

3. Soleil

Meaning: Sun
Pronunciation: so-LAY
Origin: French
Gender: Female
Historical Significance: French word for sun
Popularity/Usage: Used in France
Lucky Number: 5

4. Elio

Meaning: Sun
Pronunciation: EH-lee-oh
Origin: Italian/Spanish
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Romance form of Helios
Popularity/Usage: Growing
Lucky Number: 5

5. Sorin

Meaning: Sun
Pronunciation: so-REEN
Origin: Romanian
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Romanian name from “soare”
Popularity/Usage: Established in Romania
Lucky Number: 8

6. Aelia

Meaning: Sun
Pronunciation: AY-lee-ah
Origin: Roman
Gender: Female
Historical Significance: Ancient Roman family name
Popularity/Usage: Rare
Lucky Number: 7

Spiritual Names That Mean Sun

1. Surya

Meaning: Sun
Pronunciation: SOOR-yah
Origin: Sanskrit
Gender: Unisex
Historical Significance: Hindu sun deity; spiritual significance
Popularity/Usage: Common in India
Lucky Number: 12

2. Zohar

Meaning: Splendor, radiance
Pronunciation: ZOH-har
Origin: Hebrew
Gender: Unisex
Historical Significance: Hebrew name; associated with divine light
Popularity/Usage: Used in Israel
Lucky Number: 8

3. Ravi

Meaning: Sun
Pronunciation: RAH-vee
Origin: Sanskrit
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: References solar deity; spiritual name
Popularity/Usage: Common in India
Lucky Number: 7

4. Nour

Meaning: Light
Pronunciation: NOOR
Origin: Arabic
Gender: Unisex
Historical Significance: Associated with divine light in Islam
Popularity/Usage: Widely used
Lucky Number: 9

5. Aine

Meaning: Brightness, radiance
Pronunciation: AWN-yah
Origin: Irish Gaelic
Gender: Female
Historical Significance: Irish goddess; associated with summer sun
Popularity/Usage: Established in Ireland
Lucky Number: 8

6. Amaterasu

Meaning: Shining in heaven
Pronunciation: ah-mah-teh-RAH-soo
Origin: Japanese
Gender: Female
Historical Significance: Shinto sun goddess
Popularity/Usage: Rare outside Japan
Lucky Number: 8

Japanese Origin Names That Mean Sun

1. Amaterasu

Meaning: Shining in heaven
Pronunciation: ah-mah-teh-RAH-soo
Origin: Japanese
Gender: Female
Historical Significance: Shinto sun goddess; central deity
Popularity/Usage: Rare as given name; significant cultural figure
Lucky Number: 8

2. Hinata

Meaning: Sunny place
Pronunciation: hee-NAH-tah
Origin: Japanese
Gender: Unisex
Historical Significance: Common Japanese name; “hinata” means sunny place
Popularity/Usage: Popular in Japan
Lucky Number: 5

3. Haru

Meaning: Sun, spring
Pronunciation: HAH-roo
Origin: Japanese
Gender: Unisex
Historical Significance: Japanese name associated with spring and sun
Popularity/Usage: Common in Japan
Lucky Number: 3

4. Akira

Meaning: Bright, clear
Pronunciation: ah-KEE-rah
Origin: Japanese
Gender: Unisex
Historical Significance: Common Japanese name associated with brightness
Popularity/Usage: Popular in Japan
Lucky Number: 7

5. Hikari

Meaning: Light
Pronunciation: hee-KAH-ree
Origin: Japanese
Gender: Female
Historical Significance: Japanese name meaning light
Popularity/Usage: Common in Japan
Lucky Number: 9

6. Taiyou

Meaning: Sun
Pronunciation: TAH-ee-yoh
Origin: Japanese
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Japanese word for sun
Popularity/Usage: Rare as given name
Lucky Number: 1

Unisex Names That Mean Sun

1. Surya

Meaning: Sun
Pronunciation: SOOR-yah
Origin: Sanskrit
Gender: Unisex
Historical Significance: Hindu sun deity
Popularity/Usage: Common in India
Lucky Number: 12

2. Shams

Meaning: Sun
Pronunciation: SHAMS
Origin: Arabic
Gender: Unisex
Historical Significance: Common Arabic name
Popularity/Usage: Used across Arab world
Lucky Number: 5

3. Sol

Meaning: Sun
Pronunciation: SOL
Origin: Latin/Norse
Gender: Unisex
Historical Significance: Roman sun god; Norse sun goddess
Popularity/Usage: Growing
Lucky Number: 5

4. Zia

Meaning: Light
Pronunciation: ZEE-ah
Origin: Arabic
Gender: Unisex
Historical Significance: Associated with light
Popularity/Usage: Used in Muslim world
Lucky Number: 7

5. Hikari

Meaning: Light
Pronunciation: hee-KAH-ree
Origin: Japanese
Gender: Unisex
Historical Significance: Japanese light name
Popularity/Usage: Common in Japan
Lucky Number: 9

6. Nova

Meaning: New (stellar)
Pronunciation: NO-vah
Origin: Latin
Gender: Unisex
Historical Significance: Modern astronomical term
Popularity/Usage: Popular
Lucky Number: 4

African Names That Mean Sun

1. Tafari

Meaning: He who inspires awe (Amharic)
Pronunciation: tah-FAH-ree
Origin: Amharic (Ethiopian)
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Ethiopian name; associated with Emperor Haile Selassie
Popularity/Usage: Used in Ethiopia
Lucky Number: 3

2. Jelani

Meaning: Mighty, powerful (Swahili)
Pronunciation: jeh-LAH-nee
Origin: Swahili
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Swahili name associated with strength
Popularity/Usage: Used in East Africa
Lucky Number: 7

3. Ayanna

Meaning: Beautiful flower (Amharic)
Pronunciation: ah-YAH-nah
Origin: Amharic
Gender: Female
Historical Significance: Ethiopian name; associated with beauty
Popularity/Usage: Used in Ethiopia and diaspora
Lucky Number: 5

4. Kwame

Meaning: Born on Saturday (Akan)
Pronunciation: KWAH-meh
Origin: Akan (Ghana)
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Akan day name; Saturday associated with sun
Popularity/Usage: Common in Ghana
Lucky Number: 6

5. Nia

Meaning: Purpose (Swahili)
Pronunciation: NEE-ah
Origin: Swahili
Gender: Female
Historical Significance: Swahili name; associated with purpose and light
Popularity/Usage: Popular internationally
Lucky Number: 5

6. Zuberi

Meaning: Strong (Swahili)
Pronunciation: zoo-BEH-ree
Origin: Swahili
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Swahili name associated with strength
Popularity/Usage: Used in East Africa
Lucky Number: 8

Egyptian Names That Mean Sun

1. Ra

Meaning: Sun
Pronunciation: RAH
Origin: Egyptian
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Supreme Egyptian sun god
Popularity/Usage: Rare as given name
Lucky Number: 1

2. Horus

Meaning: Falcon, associated with sun
Pronunciation: HOR-us
Origin: Egyptian
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Sky god associated with sun and pharaoh
Popularity/Usage: Rare
Lucky Number: 3

3. Nefertari

Meaning: Beautiful companion (associated with sun)
Pronunciation: nef-er-TAH-ree
Origin: Egyptian
Gender: Female
Historical Significance: Queen Nefertari; associated with sun symbolism
Popularity/Usage: Rare
Lucky Number: 8

4. Akhenaten

Meaning: Effective for Aten (sun disk)
Pronunciation: ah-ken-AH-ten
Origin: Egyptian
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Pharaoh who worshipped Aten, the sun disk
Popularity/Usage: Rare
Lucky Number: 6

5. Sekhmet

Meaning: Powerful (solar deity)
Pronunciation: SEK-met
Origin: Egyptian
Gender: Female
Historical Significance: Lioness goddess associated with sun and war
Popularity/Usage: Rare
Lucky Number: 7

6. Khepri

Meaning: Rising sun
Pronunciation: KHEP-ree
Origin: Egyptian
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Scarab beetle god representing morning sun
Popularity/Usage: Rare
Lucky Number: 5

Roman Names That Mean Sun

1. Sol

Meaning: Sun
Pronunciation: SOL
Origin: Roman
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Roman sun god
Popularity/Usage: Growing
Lucky Number: 5

2. Aurora

Meaning: Dawn
Pronunciation: aw-ROAR-ah
Origin: Roman
Gender: Female
Historical Significance: Roman goddess of dawn
Popularity/Usage: Popular
Lucky Number: 8

3. Apollo

Meaning: God of sun
Pronunciation: uh-POL-oh
Origin: Roman (from Greek)
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Roman god of sun and healing
Popularity/Usage: Popular
Lucky Number: 1

4. Aelia

Meaning: Sun
Pronunciation: AY-lee-ah
Origin: Roman
Gender: Female
Historical Significance: Ancient Roman family name
Popularity/Usage: Rare
Lucky Number: 7

5. Luna

Meaning: Moon (partner of sun)
Pronunciation: LOO-nah
Origin: Roman
Gender: Female
Historical Significance: Roman moon goddess; paired with Sol
Popularity/Usage: Popular
Lucky Number: 4

6. Lucifer

Meaning: Light-bringer
Pronunciation: LOO-sih-fer
Origin: Roman/Latin
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Latin name for morning star; associated with dawn
Popularity/Usage: Rare as given name due to modern associations
Lucky Number: 6

Spanish Origin Names That Mean Sun

1. Solana

Meaning: Sunshine
Pronunciation: so-LAH-nah
Origin: Spanish
Gender: Female
Historical Significance: Derived from “sol” (sun)
Popularity/Usage: Growing
Lucky Number: 5

2. Elio

Meaning: Sun
Pronunciation: EH-lee-oh
Origin: Spanish
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Spanish form of Helios
Popularity/Usage: Used in Spain
Lucky Number: 5

3. Marisol

Meaning: Sea and sun
Pronunciation: mah-ree-SOL
Origin: Spanish
Gender: Female
Historical Significance: Combination of María and Sol
Popularity/Usage: Common
Lucky Number: 5

4. Sol

Meaning: Sun
Pronunciation: SOL
Origin: Spanish
Gender: Unisex
Historical Significance: Spanish word for sun
Popularity/Usage: Growing
Lucky Number: 5

5. Soleil

Meaning: Sun
Pronunciation: so-LAY
Origin: Spanish/French
Gender: Female
Historical Significance: French origin; used in Spanish-speaking regions
Popularity/Usage: Uncommon
Lucky Number: 3

6. Rosario

Meaning: Rosary (associated with light)
Pronunciation: ro-SAH-ree-oh
Origin: Spanish
Gender: Unisex
Historical Significance: Catholic name; associated with light and devotion
Popularity/Usage: Common
Lucky Number: 7

Modern & Creative Sun-Inspired Names

These names are contemporary formations or creative variations. They are not ancient or traditional names but modern options for parents seeking something unique.

1. Solaris

Meaning: Of the sun
Pronunciation: so-LAIR-is
Origin: Modern Latin-inspired
Gender: Unisex
Historical Significance: Modern creative formation; not traditional
Popularity/Usage: Rare; modern choice
Lucky Number: 1

2. Sunniva

Meaning: Sun gift
Pronunciation: sun-EE-vah
Origin: Norwegian (traditional)
Gender: Female
Historical Significance: Saint Sunniva; traditional Norwegian name
Popularity/Usage: Established in Norway
Lucky Number: 3

3. Solstice

Meaning: Sun standing still
Pronunciation: SOL-stis
Origin: English (modern word name)
Gender: Unisex
Historical Significance: Modern word name; astronomical term
Popularity/Usage: Very rare
Lucky Number: 7

4. Sunnie

Meaning: Sunny
Pronunciation: SUN-ee
Origin: English (modern variant)
Gender: Female
Historical Significance: Modern affectionate variant of Sunny
Popularity/Usage: Rare
Lucky Number: 5

5. Rayson

Meaning: Son of ray (sun ray)
Pronunciation: RAY-sun
Origin: English (modern)
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Modern combination name
Popularity/Usage: Very rare
Lucky Number: 6

6. Heliana

Meaning: Sun (creative elaboration)
Pronunciation: hel-ee-AH-nah
Origin: Modern (Greek-inspired)
Gender: Female
Historical Significance: Modern creative formation; not traditional
Popularity/Usage: Rare
Lucky Number: 9

Rare & Unique Names That Mean Sun

1. Suryakant

Meaning: Sun beloved
Pronunciation: soor-yah-KAHNT
Origin: Sanskrit/Hindi
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Indian name; “Surya” (sun) + “kant” (beloved)
Popularity/Usage: Rare
Lucky Number: 12

2. Heliodora

Meaning: Gift of the sun
Pronunciation: hel-ee-oh-DOR-ah
Origin: Greek
Gender: Female
Historical Significance: Ancient Greek name; feminine form
Popularity/Usage: Very rare
Lucky Number: 8

3. Auring

Meaning: Sun
Pronunciation: ow-RING
Origin: Filipino
Gender: Female
Historical Significance: Filipino word for sun; used as name
Popularity/Usage: Rare
Lucky Number: 5

4. Suryani

Meaning: Of the sun
Pronunciation: soor-YAH-nee
Origin: Indonesian
Gender: Female
Historical Significance: Indonesian name derived from Surya
Popularity/Usage: Rare
Lucky Number: 7

5. Hëna

Meaning: Sun (Albanian dialect)
Pronunciation: HAH-nah
Origin: Albanian
Gender: Female
Historical Significance: Albanian dialectal word for sun
Popularity/Usage: Rare
Lucky Number: 3

6. Baal

Meaning: Lord, associated with sun
Pronunciation: BAY-al
Origin: Ancient Semitic
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Ancient deity associated with sun and fertility
Popularity/Usage: Very rare as modern name
Lucky Number: 1

How to Choose the Right Sun-Inspired Name

Selecting a sun-themed name involves balancing several considerations:

• Meaning: Decide whether you want a name that literally means “sun” or one that connects through related concepts like dawn, light, or fire
• Pronunciation: Consider how the name sounds when spoken aloud and whether it’s easy for others to pronounce in your community
• Cultural Background: Research the name’s origins thoroughly; ensure you understand and respect its cultural significance
• Spelling: Consider whether you prefer traditional spellings or simplified versions that might be easier in your region
• Gender Usage: Some names are traditionally masculine or feminine, while others work beautifully for any gender
• Family Heritage: A name from your family’s cultural tradition can create meaningful connections across generations
• Compatibility with Surname: Say the full name aloud to ensure it flows well and doesn’t create awkward combinations
• Personal Significance: Consider whether the name connects to a meaningful time, place, or memory for your family
• Established vs. Modern: Decide whether you prefer ancient, traditional names or modern creative formations

Frequently Asked Questions About Names That Mean Sun

Related Name Guides

• Names That Mean Moon: Exploring lunar-inspired names across cultures
• Names That Mean Star: Celestial names for your little star
• Names That Mean Light: Radiant names from around the world
• Nature Names for Boys: Earthy and natural masculine names
• Nature Names for Girls: Beautiful botanical and celestial names
• Names That Mean Dawn: Names inspired by the break of day

Conclusion

Choosing a name that means sun connects your child to one of humanity’s most universal and beloved symbols. From the ancient Sanskrit Surya to the Norwegian Sunniva, from the Hebrew Samson to the Japanese Amaterasu, these names carry warmth, hope, and the promise of light across every culture. Whether you prefer a name that literally translates to “sun” or one inspired by dawn, fire, or brightness, each carries genuine meaning and cultural significance.

Take time to explore pronunciations, consider your family’s heritage, and choose a name that genuinely resonates with your vision for your child’s future. Readers who want to explore the etymology and historical usage of a particular name can also consult Behind the Name for additional background and linguistic research.