44 Moon Names: Real Moons & Lunar Ideas [2026]
The best moon names include Europa, Titan, Luna, and Selene — real moons of our solar system plus lunar-inspired favorites. Below you will find 44 moon names, from actual moons to moon-goddess names.
Our solar system has over 290 known moons — and they have some of the most beautiful names in astronomy. Moon names like Europa, Titan, and Enceladus come from mythology, poetry, and discovery, making them perfect inspiration for baby names, characters, and pets.
In this guide, you will discover 44 names of moons and lunar-inspired names, each with its meaning and origin. We will tour the real moons of Jupiter and Saturn, then explore lunar-inspired girl names and boy names. This is the definitive lunar naming guide.
Unlike names that merely mean “moon,” these are the actual names astronomers gave Earth’s celestial neighbors — Europa’s hidden ocean, Titan’s methane lakes, Enceladus’s ice geysers. Each moon has a story. Let us visit them all.
Unlike names that merely mean “moon,” these are the actual names astronomers gave Earth’s celestial neighbors — Europa’s hidden ocean, Titan’s methane lakes, Enceladus’s ice geysers. Each moon has a story, and each story makes a name.
Moons of Jupiter
Jupiter’s 95 moons include the four great Galilean moons. These Jupiter moon names are mythic and magnificent.
| Name | Meaning | Origin |
|---|---|---|
| Europa | Broad face (mythological princess) | Greek |
| Io | Mythological priestess loved by Zeus | Greek |
| Ganymede | Cupbearer of the gods | Greek |
| Callisto | Most beautiful | Greek |
| Amalthea | Nymph who nursed Zeus | Greek |
| Elara | Mother of the giant Tityos | Greek |
| Metis | Wisdom (Titaness) | Greek |
| Thebe | Nymph, eponym of Thebes | Greek |
| Himalia | Nymph loved by Zeus | Greek |
| Carme | Nymph, mother of Britomartis | Greek |
| Leda | Mother of Helen of Troy | Greek |
Jupiter’s moons are mythological treasure — Europa, Io, and Callisto were all figures in Zeus’s stories, chosen by astronomers for the king of planets’ court. These names carry 400 years of telescopic wonder since Galileo’s discovery.
Europa hides a vast ocean beneath its ice — a name full of mystery. Callisto (“most beautiful”) is pure poetry. Io is short, striking, and unforgettable. For more celestial beauty, see our goddess names.
Moons of Saturn & Beyond
Saturn’s rings frame 146 moons. These Saturn moon names — plus gems from Uranus and Neptune — are otherworldly.
| Name | Meaning | Origin |
|---|---|---|
| Titan | Giant deities (largest Saturn moon) | Greek |
| Enceladus | Giant buried under Etna | Greek |
| Rhea | Mother of the gods (Titaness) | Greek |
| Iapetus | Titan, father of Atlas | Greek |
| Dione | Goddess, mother of Aphrodite | Greek |
| Tethys | Titaness of the sea | Greek |
| Mimas | Giant slain by Hephaestus | Greek |
| Hyperion | Titan of heavenly light | Greek |
| Phoebe | Bright, radiant (Titaness) | Greek |
| Miranda | Wonderful (Shakespeare) | Latin / Literary |
| Ariel | Lion of God (Shakespeare sprite) | Hebrew / Literary |
Saturn’s moons got Titan names — Titan, Rhea, and Iapetus were the elder gods, fitting for the most majestic planet. Shakespearean names (Miranda, Ariel) went to Uranus’s moons instead. The naming conventions are as fascinating as the moons.
Titan is bold and powerful — perfect for a boy. Enceladus spouts ice geysers into space. Miranda and Ariel (Uranus’s moons, named for Shakespeare) are wearable and lovely. For more mythic names, explore our Greek mythology names.
Lunar-Inspired Girl Names
These moon-inspired girl names come from moon goddesses and lunar words across cultures.
| Name | Meaning | Origin |
|---|---|---|
| Luna | Moon | Latin |
| Selene | Moon goddess | Greek |
| Diana | Moon goddess | Latin |
| Artemis | Moon goddess | Greek |
| Cynthia | Of Mount Cynthus (Artemis) | Greek |
| Hecate | Goddess of the moon and magic | Greek |
| Neoma | New moon | Greek |
| Aylin | Moon halo | Turkish |
| Kamaria | Moon (Swahili) | Swahili |
| Ayana | Beautiful flower; moon (various) | African / Japanese |
| Chandra | Moon (unisex in origin) | Sanskrit |
Lunar girl names blend science and goddess — Luna is a top-20 name, Selene is pure mythology, Aylin is Turkish poetry. These names work because the moon is universally beloved: feminine, luminous, eternal.
Luna is a global favorite — simple, luminous, perfect. Selene and Artemis are goddess-grade. Aylin (“moon halo”) is Turkish treasure. For more luminous names, see our beautiful girl names.
Lunar-Inspired Boy Names
The moon has masculine faces too. These moon-inspired boy names come from moon gods and lunar words.
| Name | Meaning | Origin |
|---|---|---|
| Mani | Moon god | Norse |
| Chandra | Moon | Sanskrit |
| Qamar | Moon | Arabic |
| Aydin | Moonlight, enlightened | Turkish |
| Badr | Full moon | Arabic |
| Hilal | Crescent moon | Arabic / Turkish |
| Jericho | City of the moon | Hebrew |
| Apollo | God of the sun (Apollo moon missions) | Greek |
| Endymion | Beloved of the moon goddess | Greek |
| Soma | Moon god | Sanskrit |
| Thoth | Moon god of wisdom | Egyptian |
Lunar boy names are underused gems — Mani (Norse moon god), Qamar (Arabic moon), and Endymion (the moon’s lover) are distinctive and meaningful. For a boy, a moon name is unexpected and unforgettable.
Mani drove the moon chariot in Norse myth — short and striking. Qamar and Badr are handsome Arabic moon names. Endymion is romantic and rare. For more distinctive boy names, browse our unique baby names.
How to Choose the Perfect Moon Name
- Real moon or lunar-inspired? Europa and Titan are actual moons; Luna and Selene are moon words. Both are wonderful — choose your style.
- Check pronounceability. Europa and Rhea are easy; Enceladus and Iapetus are conversation pieces. Know your comfort level.
- Consider the mythology. Many moon names come with epic stories — Europa’s abduction, Endymion’s eternal sleep. A great story enriches a name.
- Think about nicknames. Callisto becomes Callie; Enceladus becomes Ence (maybe). Short forms matter.
- Pair with meaning. A moon first name pairs beautifully with star or sky middles: Luna Stella, Titan James.
- Look up. The best test: say the name under a full moon. If it feels right, it is right.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the names of the actual moons?
Famous real moons include Europa, Io, Ganymede, Callisto (Jupiter), Titan, Enceladus, Rhea, Iapetus (Saturn), and Miranda, Ariel (Uranus).
What is a good moon name for a girl?
Luna, Selene, Europa, Callisto, Rhea, and Phoebe are all beautiful — real moons and moon goddesses alike.
What is a good moon name for a boy?
Titan, Mani, Qamar, Endymion, and Apollo are all strong lunar boy names.
How many moons does Jupiter have?
Jupiter has 95 recognized moons, including the four large Galilean moons: Io, Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto.
What moon name means “beautiful”?
Callisto literally means “most beautiful” in Greek. Miranda means “wonderful” or “admirable.”
Is Luna a popular baby name?
Very — Luna has surged into the US top 20 for girls, beloved for its simplicity and luminous meaning.
What is the most beautiful moon name?
Europa and Callisto (“most beautiful”) are the usual answers — both real moons with gorgeous sounds. Luna and Selene are beloved for their simplicity.
Can I name my baby after a moon?
Absolutely — Luna, Titan, Rhea, and Miranda are all established baby names. More unusual moons (Enceladus, Iapetus) work better as middle names or inspiration.
Conclusion
From the real Europa orbiting Jupiter to the beloved Luna, moon names offer the best of astronomy and mythology. Whether you choose a genuine moon like Titan or a lunar goddess like Selene, you are naming your child after one of the night sky’s greatest wonders.
Keep exploring the heavens with our Greek mythology names, or find more luminous ideas in unique baby names.
