46 Names That Mean Moon: Lunar Picks [2026]
The best names that mean moon include Luna, Selene, Qamar, and Aylin — luminous choices from Latin, Greek, Arabic, and Turkish traditions. Below you’ll find 46 moon-meaning names for girls, boys, and unisex use, plus moon names from world mythology.
There is something magical about names that mean moon. The moon has symbolized mystery, calm, cycles, and quiet strength across every culture on Earth — and names drawn from it carry that same glow. From the wildly popular Luna to the elegant Turkish Aylin, moon names feel both dreamy and grounded.
In this guide, you’ll find 46 moon meaning names organized into girl names, boy names, unisex options, and names drawn from lunar mythology. Each entry includes its meaning and origin, so you can choose a name whose story you love as much as its sound.
Moon names occupy a special place in baby naming because they work on two levels at once. Literally, they reference the glowing orb in the night sky; symbolically, they evoke calm, intuition, cycles, and quiet strength. Parents are drawn to them for bedtime-soft sounds and for meanings that feel almost like blessings — who would not want their child associated with moonlight?
Girl Names That Mean Moon
These girl names that mean moon range from chart-topping favorites to rare international beauties. Luna’s popularity has opened the door for a whole constellation of lunar girl names.
| Name | Meaning | Origin |
|---|---|---|
| Luna | Moon | Latin |
| Selene | Moon | Greek |
| Ayla | Moonlight | Turkish |
| Aylin | Moon halo | Turkish |
| Ayça | Crescent moon | Turkish |
| Celine | Heavenly | French / Latin |
| Celia | Heavenly | Latin |
| Mahina | Moon | Hawaiian |
| Iluna | Moon | Basque |
| Esmeray | Dark moon | Turkish |
| Lunette | Little moon | French |
| Mahrukh | Moon-faced | Persian |
| Rona | Moon (Maori legend) | Maori |
| Chandra | Moon | Sanskrit |
Luna’s meteoric rise has done wonders for the whole category — it proved that a literal moon name could top the charts. But the real treasures here might be Aylin and Ayla, Turkish names with exquisite sounds that remain refreshingly uncommon in English-speaking countries. Mahina brings Hawaiian warmth to the lunar theme.
Luna remains the queen of moon names, but Aylin and Ayla are stunning alternatives climbing in popularity. For something truly uncommon, Iluna and Mahina are beautiful and barely used. Love celestial feminine names? See our goddess names for more luminous inspiration.
Boy Names That Mean Moon
Moon names for boys are less common — which makes these boy names that mean moon feel distinctive and strong. Many come from Arabic and Sanskrit traditions, where lunar names for boys are well established.
| Name | Meaning | Origin |
|---|---|---|
| Qamar | Moon | Arabic |
| Hilal | Crescent moon | Arabic |
| Badar | Full moon | Arabic |
| Mani | Moon | Sanskrit / Norse |
| Mah | Moon | Persian |
| Mahtab | Moonlight | Persian |
| Aydin | Bright, enlightened (from “ay,” moon) | Turkish |
| Ayhan | Moon ruler | Turkish |
| Moon | Moon | Korean |
| Chandra | Moon | Sanskrit |
| Ilay | Moonlight (traditional) | Turkish |
| Berkay | Bright moon (traditional) | Turkish |
Boy moon names are a frontier — few parents think of the moon as masculine, which makes these choices feel original and poetic. Qamar is strong and dignified in Arabic-speaking cultures, while Ayhan (“moon ruler”) has a regal quality that works beautifully in any language. These are names for a boy who will stand out gently.
Qamar and Mani are strong, short, and easy to pronounce — excellent picks for a boy. Ayhan and Aydin carry a regal Turkish sound. For more powerful boy options, browse our names for girls sibling list of boy names — or explore beautiful girl names for his future sister.
Unisex Moon Names
These unisex moon names work beautifully for any gender — soft, luminous, and modern. Several appear in both the girl and boy lists because their cultures genuinely use them for all children.
| Name | Meaning | Origin |
|---|---|---|
| Moon | Moon | Korean |
| Aylin | Moon halo | Turkish |
| Mahina | Moon | Hawaiian |
| Chandra | Moon | Sanskrit |
| Mani | Moon | Sanskrit / Norse |
| Esmeray | Dark moon | Turkish |
| Celine | Heavenly | French / Latin |
| Rona | Moon (Maori legend) | Maori |
| Ilay | Moonlight (traditional) | Turkish |
| Ayça | Crescent moon | Turkish |
Unisex moon names are perfect for parents who want to keep things open or simply love soft, glowing sounds regardless of gender. Mahina, Esmeray, and Aylin all share a dreamy, vowel-forward quality that feels modern and free. Pair them with a grounded middle name for beautiful balance.
Mahina and Esmeray are especially striking unisex choices with gorgeous sounds. If gender-neutral naming appeals to you, our Greek mythology names include more luminous unisex options like Artemis.
Moon Names From Mythology
Nearly every ancient culture worshipped a moon deity — and their names make extraordinary baby names. These moon goddess and god names come from Greek, Roman, Japanese, Chinese, Egyptian, Mayan, and Norse mythology.
| Name | Meaning | Origin |
|---|---|---|
| Selene | Moon goddess | Greek |
| Luna | Moon goddess | Roman |
| Artemis | Goddess of the moon and hunt | Greek |
| Diana | Goddess of the moon and hunt | Roman |
| Hecate | Goddess of the moon and magic | Greek |
| Tsukuyomi | Moon god | Japanese |
| Chang’e | Moon goddess | Chinese |
| Khonsu | Moon god | Egyptian |
| Ix Chel | Moon goddess | Mayan |
| Mani | Moon god | Norse |
Mythological moon names carry the weight of actual worship — these are not just pretty words, they are deities. Artemis and Diana were among the most revered goddesses of the ancient world, and Chang’e’s story is still celebrated every year at the Mid-Autumn Festival. A mythological moon name is a name with a saga behind it.
Artemis and Diana are the most wearable mythological moon names, blending strength with lunar grace. Chang’e (pronounced “chahng-uh”) is a breathtaking choice honoring Chinese legend. For spellbinding feminine power, see our witch names.
How to Choose the Perfect Moon Name
- Pick your lunar phase. Full-moon names (Badar, Luna) feel bold and radiant; crescent names (Hilal, Ayça) feel delicate and new.
- Consider pronunciation. Names like Aylin (“eye-lin”) and Chang’e may need gentle correction — decide if you love them enough to teach them.
- Match the meaning to your story. Was your baby born at night? Under a full moon? A moon name can mark the moment beautifully.
- Balance popularity. Luna is beloved but common; Iluna, Mahina, and Esmeray offer the same lunar magic with rarity.
- Test it with your surname. Say the full name aloud — moon names tend to be soft, so they pair well with crisper last names.
- Think about siblings. If you love Luna, names like Stella or Aurora keep a celestial theme without repeating the moon.
Frequently Asked Questions
What girl name means moon?
Luna (Latin), Selene (Greek), Ayla (Turkish), and Mahina (Hawaiian) all literally mean “moon.” Celine and Celia mean “heavenly,” a close lunar cousin.
What boy name means moon?
Qamar (Arabic), Mani (Sanskrit/Norse), Chandra (Sanskrit), and Ayhan (Turkish, “moon ruler”) are strong boy names with moon meanings.
Is Luna too popular now?
Luna has been a top 20 US girl name for several years, so it is very recognizable. If you want the same meaning with more rarity, consider Selene, Aylin, Iluna, or Mahina.
What is the Greek goddess of the moon’s name?
Selene is the Greek goddess who personifies the moon itself, while Artemis is the Olympian goddess of the moon, the hunt, and wild nature. Both make beautiful baby names.
Are there unisex names that mean moon?
Yes — Moon (Korean), Mahina (Hawaiian), Chandra (Sanskrit), Aylin (Turkish), and Esmeray (Turkish) are all used for any gender.
What moon name is the most unique?
Iluna (Basque), Mahina (Hawaiian), and Esmeray (Turkish) are all stunningly rare in the US. From mythology, Ix Chel (Mayan) and Khonsu (Egyptian) are virtually unheard of as baby names — true one-of-a-kind choices.
Conclusion
From Luna to Qamar, names that mean moon offer a rare blend of softness and strength — luminous, timeless, and full of story. Whether you choose a chart-topper or a hidden gem like Iluna, you’re giving your child a name tied to one of humanity’s oldest symbols.
Want to keep exploring the night sky? Our beautiful girl names list includes more ethereal favorites, and goddess names dives deeper into mythological feminine power.
