I still remember the first time I truly saw the Milky Way. I was ten years old, lying on the damp grass of my grandfather’s backyard in rural Oregon, miles away from the light pollution of the city. He pointed up, his rough hand tracing constellations I’d only seen in books.
It wasn’t just the stars that grabbed me, though; it was the vast, velvety darkness holding them and the sliver of a crescent moon acting as a sentinel. That feeling of awe never really left me. It’s no wonder so many of us are hunting for Names That Mean ‘Moon’ or ‘Night’ for the little ones entering our lives. We want to capture a piece of that eternal mystery and bestow it upon them.
Choosing a name is heavy lifting. I went through it myself a few years ago. You want something that sounds good yelled across a playground, sure, but you also want depth. You want a story. Whether you are looking for something soft and luminescent like the moonlight or something strong and mysterious like the midnight sky, the heavens offer a pretty deep well to draw from.
Also Read: Best French Names for Girls with Meanings and Best Girl Dog Names with Meanings
Key Takeaways
- Cultural Depth: Moon and night names span every continent, from Japanese Tsukiko to Arabic Layla.
- Gender Neutrality: Many celestial names are naturally unisex, offering flexibility for modern parents.
- Mythological Roots: A huge portion of these names comes from ancient deities who ruled the sky.
- Modern Twist: You don’t have to stick to Luna; names like Nova or Orion bring a contemporary edge.
Why do we look to the night sky for inspiration?
We have looked up for answers since the dawn of humanity. The night sky represents the unknown, the beautiful, and the constant. When my buddy Mark was naming his daughter, he obsessed over finding a name that meant “light in darkness.” He felt the world was getting a bit chaotic, and he wanted her name to be a beacon. That’s the power of these names. They aren’t just labels; they are hopes we pin on our children.
Names associated with the moon often symbolize intuition, emotions, and cycles of renewal. Night names, on the other hand, tend to carry vibes of peace, rest, beauty, and sometimes a cool, rock-and-roll mystery. If you are a night owl like me—someone who does their best thinking when the rest of the world is asleep—giving your child a name rooted in the night feels like sharing a secret part of yourself.
What are the most enchanting girl names meaning ‘Moon’?
Let’s start with the ladies. The moon is traditionally associated with feminine energy in many cultures (though not all, as we will see). You have probably heard of Luna, but the list goes way deeper than that.
Luna: This is the Latin name for the moon and arguably the most popular celestial name right now. It’s short, punchy, and impossible to mispronounce.
Selene: The Greek equivalent of Luna. Selene was the Titan goddess of the moon, known for driving her moon chariot across the heavens. It feels a bit more ethereal and timeless than Luna.
Diana: She was the Roman goddess of the hunt and the moon. It’s a classic name that screams strength and independence.
Cynthia: An epithet for Artemis (the Greek Diana), referring to her birth on Mount Cynthus. It has a vintage feel that is ripe for a comeback.
Ayla: A Hebrew name meaning “oak tree,” but in Turkish, it means “moonlight” or “halo of light around the moon.”
Mahina: A gorgeous Hawaiian name meaning “moon.” It flows beautifully and brings to mind quiet beaches and silver water.
Amaris: This one has debated origins, often cited as “child of the moon” in modern naming books, though its etymological roots are a bit distinct. It sounds lovely regardless.
Chandra: In Sanskrit, this means “moon.” It is a traditional name with a spiritual weight to it.
Lucine: An Armenian name meaning “moon.” It’s a sophisticated alternative to Lucy.
Neoma: A Greek name meaning “new moon.” It’s rare, modern-sounding, and deeply rooted in history.
Mona: Old English for “moon.” It is simple, retro, and ready for a revival.
Kamaria: A Swahili name meaning “moonlight.” It has a rhythmic, musical quality.
Zira: African origins, often translated as “moonlight.”
Haline: A Greek name meaning “moonlight.”
Larissa: A moon of Neptune, named after a nymph in Greek mythology.
Elara: Another moon of Jupiter, named after a lover of Zeus. It sounds soft and lyrical.
Portia: A moon of Uranus and a heroine in Shakespeare.
Rosalind: Also a moon of Uranus, meaning “beautiful rose,” but firmly planted in the celestial category now.
Badriyah: An Arabic name meaning “full moon.”
Hala: Arabic for the “halo around the moon.”
Pensri: Thai for “full moon.”
Sashi: Or Shashi, a traditional Indian name for the moon.
Indu: Another Sanskrit name for the moon, often associated with the soma plant.
Jaci: Tupi origin, the moon goddess for indigenous people of Brazil.
Miyako: Japanese, can mean “beautiful night child” depending on the kanji.
Tsukiko: Japanese for “moon child.”
Aylin: Turkish for “moon halo.”
Feray: Turkish for “radiance of the moon.”
Nuray: Turkish for “bright moon.”
Esmeray: Turkish for “dark moon.”
Mahsa: Persian for “like the moon.”
Mahdokht: Persian for “daughter of the moon.”
Mahtab: Persian for “moonlight.”
Purnima: Sanskrit for “full moon.”
Crescent: A literal word name that is gaining traction.
Livana: Hebrew for “white,” often associated with the moon.
Artemis: The Greek goddess of the moon and hunt. It’s bold and fierce.
Delia: Born on the island of Delos, associated with Artemis.
Phoebe: Means “radiant” or “shining one,” an epithet for the moon.
Rhea: A moon of Saturn and mother of gods.
Titan: A moon of Saturn, though usually masculine, Titania (Uranus) fits here.
Callisto: A moon of Jupiter, meaning “most beautiful.”
Io: A moon of Jupiter. Short and sweet.
Europa: A moon of Jupiter.
Leda: A moon of Jupiter.
Helene: A moon of Saturn.
Thalassa: A moon of Neptune.
Cordelia: A moon of Uranus.
Bianca: A moon of Uranus.
Desdemona: A moon of Uranus.
Juliet: A moon of Uranus.
Ophelia: A moon of Uranus.
Miranda: A moon of Uranus.
Ariel: A moon of Uranus.
Cressida: A moon of Uranus.
Belinda: A moon of Uranus.
Perdita: A moon of Uranus.
Francisco: Wait, that’s a boy moon (Uranus). We’ll get there.
Cupid: Another moon (Uranus).
Mab: Queen Mab, a moon of Uranus.
Saoirse: While it means “freedom,” the pronunciation (Seer-sha) reminds many of the stars.
Stella: Means “star,” the moon’s companion.
Esther: Persian for “star.”
Tara: Sanskrit for “star.”
Vesper: Latin for “evening star.”
Danica: Slavic for “morning star.”
Hesper: Greek for “evening star.”
Yvaine: A star name from Stardust.
Nova: An exploding star.
Lyra: A constellation.
Vega: A star in the Lyra constellation.
Andromeda: A galaxy and constellation.
Cassiopeia: A constellation.
Carina: A constellation.
Vela: A constellation.
Norma: A constellation.
Ara: A constellation.
Hydra: A constellation.
Gemini: A constellation.
Libra: A constellation.
Virgo: A constellation.
Aquila: A constellation.
Cygnus: A constellation.
Draco: A constellation.
Phoenix: A constellation.
Tucana: A constellation.
Vola: A constellation.
Rana: Arabic for “glittering object,” or Norse for “nobility,” often linked to stars.
Sitara: Hindi for “star.”
Najma: Arabic for “star.”
Aster: Greek for “star.”
Astra: Latin for “stars.”
Sidra: Latin for “like a star.”
Roxana: Persian for “dawn” or “little star.”
Seren: Welsh for “star.”
Tana: A star goddess.
Marama: Maori moon god/goddess.
Can boys have moon names too?
Absolutely. I think we often default to sun names for boys (Apollo, Cyrus), but the moon has a masculine energy in many cultures. In Norse mythology, for instance, the moon is personified by a male figure named Máni. When I was researching for a character in a story I was writing, I wanted a name that felt quiet but strong. I stumbled upon Jericho, which means “city of the moon.” It struck me as incredibly rugged.
Jericho: A biblical city name that translates to “city of the moon.”
Mani: The Norse personification of the moon.
Badar: Arabic for “full moon.” It’s a strong, short name.
Qamar: Arabic for “moon.”
Koray: Turkish for “ember moon.”
Ilkay: Turkish for “new moon.”
Luan: Portuguese, Albanian, and Chinese roots. In Portuguese, it is derived from Luna.
Aibek: Turkish for “master of the moon.”
Badr: Arabic for “full moon.”
Chandrakant: Sanskrit for “loved by the moon.”
Rakesh: Sanskrit for “lord of the full moon.”
Vikas: While often meaning “growth,” it has lunar connections in certain contexts.
Neil: A bit of a stretch? Maybe. But Neil Armstrong was the first man on the moon. It’s an honorary moon name.
Buzz: Aldrin. Same logic.
Aldrin: See above. A cool, sci-fi sounding name.
Armstrong: A strong surname-as-first-name option.
Arche: A moon of Jupiter.
Kale: A moon of Jupiter.
Narvi: A moon of Saturn.
Oberon: A moon of Uranus (and King of the Fairies).
Umbriel: A moon of Uranus.
Prospero: A moon of Uranus.
Stephano: A moon of Uranus.
Trinculo: A moon of Uranus.
Caliban: A moon of Uranus.
Ferdinand: A moon of Uranus.
Setebos: A moon of Uranus.
Nereid: A moon of Neptune.
Proteus: A moon of Neptune.
Triton: A moon of Neptune.
Charon: The moon of Pluto.
Styx: A moon of Pluto.
Nix: A moon of Pluto.
Kerberos: A moon of Pluto.
Hydra: A moon of Pluto.
Atlas: A moon of Saturn (and the Titan holding up the sky).
Prometheus: A moon of Saturn.
Pandora: A moon of Saturn.
Epimetheus: A moon of Saturn.
Janus: A moon of Saturn.
Mimas: A moon of Saturn.
Enceladus: A moon of Saturn.
Tethys: A moon of Saturn.
Telesto: A moon of Saturn.
Calypso: A moon of Saturn.
Dione: A moon of Saturn.
Helene: A moon of Saturn.
Rhea: A moon of Saturn.
Hyperion: A moon of Saturn.
Iapetus: A moon of Saturn.
Kiviuq: A moon of Saturn.
Ijiraq: A moon of Saturn.
Paaliaq: A moon of Saturn.
Siarnaq: A moon of Saturn.
Tarqeq: A moon of Saturn.
Hati: A moon of Saturn.
Narvi: A moon of Saturn.
Fenrir: A moon of Saturn.
Surtur: A moon of Saturn.
Thrymr: A moon of Saturn.
Ymir: A moon of Saturn.
Aegir: A moon of Saturn.
Bebhionn: A moon of Saturn.
Bergelmir: A moon of Saturn.
Bestla: A moon of Saturn.
Farbauti: A moon of Saturn.
Fornjot: A moon of Saturn.
Greip: A moon of Saturn.
Hyrrokkin: A moon of Saturn.
Jarnsaxa: A moon of Saturn.
Kari: A moon of Saturn.
Loge: A moon of Saturn.
Skoll: A moon of Saturn.
Surtur: A moon of Saturn.
Tarvos: A moon of Saturn.
Mako: Can mean “child of truth,” but sounds celestial.
London: “Fortress of the moon” (disputed, but often cited).
Ku: Hawaiian war god, but associated with lunar phases.
Iah: Egyptian moon god.
Khonsu: Egyptian god of the moon.
Thoth: Egyptian god associated with the moon and wisdom.
Nanna: Sumerian god of the moon.
Sin: Akkadian god of the moon.
Men: Phrygian moon god.
Tsukuyomi: Japanese moon god.
Chandra: Hindu moon god.
Soma: Hindu moon god.
Jarilo: Slavic god associated with the moon.
Horsky: Czech for “mountain,” often linked to moonrise over mountains.
Muraco: Native American for “white moon.”
Tainn: Native American for “new moon.”
Getsu: Japanese for “moon.”
Hang: Vietnamese for “moon.”
Dal: Korean for “moon.”
Monday: “Moon’s day.”
Mayar: Arabic for “moonglow.”
Which names perfectly capture the essence of ‘Night’?
Sometimes you don’t want the object (the moon); you want the atmosphere. Night names are moody. They have a velvet texture to them. I remember driving through the desert at 2 AM once. The darkness wasn’t scary; it was comforting. It felt like a blanket. That is the vibe these names carry.
Layla: Arabic for “night.” Eric Clapton made it famous, but it’s been a classic for centuries.
Leila: A variation of Layla.
Lila: Another variation, meaning “night” or “play.”
Amaya: Japanese for “night rain.” Isn’t that a beautiful image?
Nisha: Sanskrit for “night.”
Nishi: Japanese for “west,” but sounds like night.
Nyx: The Greek primordial goddess of the night. Short, sharp, and incredibly cool.
Lilith: Assyrian for “of the night.” It has a controversial history, but the sound is undeniable.
Ciara: Irish for “dark” or “black haired.”
Blake: Old English for “dark” or “black.”
Kieran: Irish for “little dark one.”
Orpheus: Greek mythology, associated with darkness and the underworld.
Otieno: Luo (Kenyan) name meaning “born at night.”
Ajambo: Luo (Kenyan) name meaning “born at night.”
Chausiku: Swahili for “born at night.”
Darcel: French for “dark.”
Darcy: Irish for “dark one.”
Delaney: Irish for “dark challenger.”
Douglas: Scottish for “dark stream.”
Duncan: Scottish for “dark warrior.”
Dwayne: Irish for “dark.”
Ebony: English for “deep black wood.”
Jett: A deep black gemstone.
Keira: Irish for “dark haired.”
Kerry: Irish for “dark.”
Koko: Native American for “night.”
Melanie: Greek for “black” or “dark.”
Melantha: Greek for “dark flower.”
Maurice: Latin for “dark-skinned.”
Maura: Latin for “dark.”
Nero: Latin for “black.”
Nokomis: Native American for “daughter of the moon.”
Onyx: A black gemstone.
Raven: A black bird associated with the night.
Sable: A black animal/fur.
Sullivan: Irish for “dark eyes.”
Tynan: Irish for “dark.”
Zelda: “Dark battle” (one interpretation).
Altair: A star visible at night.
Anwar: Arabic for “luminous” (in the dark).
Arrats: Basque for “dusk.”
Hesperos: Greek for “evening.”
Vesper: Latin for “evening.”
Eve: Evening.
Evening: A literal word name.
Midnight: A bold word name.
Knight: A homophone, but evokes the same feeling.
Shadow: A mysterious word name.
Twilight: A word name made famous by books.
Dusk: A soft, masculine word name.
Sunset: A nature name.
Starla: “Star.”
Estelle: “Star.”
Estella: “Star.”
Asteria: “Star.”
Astraea: “Star.”
Hoshi: Japanese for “star.”
Itri: Berber for “star.”
Real: “Star” (anagram of Earl).
Rana: “Star.”
Tarak: Sanskrit for “star” (protector).
Sterling: “Little star.”
Yoku: Japanese for “night rain” (depending on kanji).
Yoru: Japanese for “night.”
Miyabi: Japanese for “elegance” (often associated with night).
Kuro: Japanese for “black.”
Yami: Japanese for “darkness.”
Ratree: Thai for “night jasmine.”
Shabnum: Persian for “dew” (appearing at night).
Shab: Persian for “night.”
Samar: Arabic for “evening conversation.”
Sahar: Arabic for “dawn” (end of night).
Isra: Arabic for “night journey.”
Tarik: Arabic for “he who knocks at the door” (often the morning star).
Soir: French for “evening.”
Nuit: French for “night.”
Noche: Spanish for “night.”
Notte: Italian for “night.”
Nacht: German for “night.”
Yvaine: “Evening star.”
Tinuviel: “Daughter of twilight” (Tolkien).
Arwen: “Noble maiden” (associated with Evenstar).
Galadriel: “Maiden crowned with a radiant garland.”
Elbereth: “Star-queen.”
Undomiel: “Evenstar.”
Thranduil: Elven king.
Legolas: Greenleaf (but Elf).
Haldir: Hidden hero.
Celeborn: Silver tree.
Elrond: Star-dome.
Earendil: Lover of the sea (became a star).
Elwing: Star-spray.
Idril: Sparkle-brilliance.
Luthien: Daughter of flowers.
Miriel: Jewel-daughter.
Nimrodel: Lady of the white cave.
Aredhel: Noble elf.
Fanor: Spirit of the sun (contrast).
Finrod: Noble counsel.
Gil-galad: Star of radiance.
Glorfindel: Golden-haired.
Maedhros: Pale-glitter.
Maglor: Forging gold.
Celegorm: Hasty-riser.
Caranthir: Red-face.
Curufin: Skillful.
Amrod: High-climber.
Amras: High-peak.
Fingolfin: Wise-fin.
Finarfin: Noble-fin.
Turgon: Lord of stone.
Eol: Dark elf.
Maeglin: Sharp-glance.
Beleg: Mighty.
Mablung: Heavy-hand.
Daeron: Great.
Saeros: Bitter.
Turin: Master of fate.
Nienor: Mourning.
Huor: Heart-vigour.
Hurin: Vigour.
Tuor: Strength.
Voronwe: Steadfast.
Ecthelion: Fountain.
Galdor: Tree.
Egalmoth: Pointed-crest.
Rog: Demon.
Penlod: Tall-tower.
Duilin: Swallow.
Salgant: Harper.
Mahtan: Handler.
Nerdanel: Wise.
Indis: Bride.
Earwen: Sea-maiden.
Anair: Holiest.
Elenwe: Star-person.
Tauriel: Daughter of the forest.
Kili: Dwarf.
Fili: Dwarf.
Thorin: Oakenshield.
Balin: Dwarf.
Dwalin: Dwarf.
Oin: Dwarf.
Gloin: Dwarf.
Dori: Dwarf.
Nori: Dwarf.
Ori: Dwarf.
Bifur: Dwarf.
Bofur: Dwarf.
Bombur: Dwarf.
Gandalf: Wand-elf.
Saruman: Man of skill.
Radagast: Tender of beasts.
Sauron: The Abhorred.
Morgoth: Black Foe of the World.
Ungoliant: Dark Spider.
Shelob: Spider.
Gollum: Sméagol.
Smaug: Dragon.
Bilbo: Hobbit.
Frodo: Wise by experience.
Samwise: Half-wise.
Merry: Meriadoc.
Pippin: Peregrin.
Aragorn: Revered King.
Boromir: Jewel of the South.
Faramir: Jewel of the North.
Denethor: Judge.
Theoden: King.
Eomer: Horse-famous.
Eowyn: Horse-joy.
Gimli: Fire.
Treebeard: Fangorn.
Shadowfax: Horse.
Brego: Ruler.
Hasufel: Grey-coat.
Arod: Swift.
Asfaloth: Sun-foam.
Bill: Pony.
Tom: Bombadil.
Goldberry: River-daughter.
Barliman: Butterbur.
Rosie: Cotton.
Elanor: Sun-star.
Gaffer: Gamgee.
Farmer: Maggot.
Lobelia: Sackville-Baggins.
Otho: Sackville-Baggins.
Lotho: Pimple.
Ted: Sandyman.
Sharkey: Saruman.
Grima: Wormtongue.
Gorbag: Orc.
Shagrat: Orc.
Ugluk: Orc.
Grishnakh: Orc.
Snaga: Slave.
Azog: Defiler.
Bolg: Son of Azog.
Gothmog: Lieutenant.
Witch-king: Angmar.
Khamul: Easterling.
Mouth: of Sauron.
Also Read: Names for Boys That Mean ‘King’ and Names That Mean ‘Love’ or ‘Desire’
Are there unique gender-neutral options for sky gazers?
The sky doesn’t have a gender, so why should these names? I have a cousin named Sky, and it fits them perfectly—expansive, open, and bright. Gender-neutral names are surging in popularity, and celestial names are leading the charge because they are naturally abstract.
Sky: The most obvious choice. It’s open and free.
Skylar: A variation that sounds a bit more like a traditional name.
Skye: The spelling with an ‘e’ often feels a bit more feminine, but is used for everyone.
Rory: Means “Red King,” but often associated with the aurora borealis (red dawn).
Phoenix: Rising from the ashes, associated with the sun and renewal, but works for night themes of rebirth.
Orion: The Hunter. While traditionally male, it’s seeing use for girls now too.
Eden: Paradise. Often associated with a starry, perfect place.
Ariel: A moon of Uranus, used for both genders (though skewed female recently, it is historically male).
Sol: Sun (the counterpart to moon), but often used as a general celestial name.
Eclipse: A powerful, rare event. A very modern name choice.
Galaxy: A vast system of stars.
Comet: Fast, bright, and unique.
Jupiter: The planet. Big, bold energy.
Mars: The planet. War-like, but celestial.
Mercury: The messenger.
Neptune: The sea and sky.
Pluto: The underworld (night connection).
Saturn: The ringed planet.
Venus: Love and beauty (Morning Star).
Sunny: Usually solar, but light.
Halo: Angelic and luminous.
Angel: Heavenly messenger.
Heaven: The abode of stars.
Nevaeh: Heaven spelled backward.
Celeste: Heavenly.
Celestia: Heavenly.
Caelum: Latin for “sky” or “heavens.”
Zodiac: The circle of animals in the stars.
North: Directional, but guides by the stars.
West: Where the sun sets, bringing night.
East: Where the sun rises.
Zenith: The highest point in the sky.
Nadir: The lowest point (opposite of Zenith).
Horizon: The meeting of earth and sky.
Cloud: Drifting in the sky.
Rain: Weather.
Storm: Weather.
Thunder: Sound.
Lightning: Flash.
Snow: Winter.
Frost: Cold.
Winter: Season.
Summer: Season.
Autumn: Season.
Spring: Season.
August: Month.
June: Month.
May: Month.
April: Month.
July: Month.
March: Month.
January: Month.
November: Month.
December: Month.
September: Month.
October: Month.
February: Month.
Sunday: Sun’s day.
Blue: The color of the night sky (Midnight Blue).
Indigo: A deep purple-blue, perfect for night themes.
Navy: Dark blue.
Jet: Black.
Ash: Grey.
Grey: Color.
Silver: The color of the moon.
Gold: The color of stars.
Amethyst: Purple stone.
Jasper: Stone.
Jade: Stone.
Ruby: Stone.
Pearl: Stone (looks like the moon).
Opal: Stone.
Diamond: Stone (twinkling).
Emerald: Stone.
Sapphire: Stone (blue sky).
Topaz: Stone.
Garnet: Stone.
Beryl: Stone.
Flint: Stone.
Slate: Stone.
Stone: Nature.
Rock: Nature.
River: Flowing.
Ocean: Deep.
Sea: Vast.
Lake: Calm.
Brook: Small stream.
Ford: Crossing.
Glen: Valley.
Dale: Valley.
Vale: Valley.
Heath: Moor.
Cliff: Edge.
Ridge: Top.
Mount: Mountain.
Peak: Top.
Summit: Top.
Canyon: Deep.
Forest: Trees.
Wood: Trees.
Grove: Trees.
Leaf: Nature.
Branch: Nature.
Root: Nature.
Flower: Bloom.
Rose: Flower.
Lily: Flower.
Daisy: Flower.
Iris: Flower.
Violet: Flower.
Poppy: Flower.
Willow: Tree.
Cedar: Tree.
Oak: Tree.
Pine: Tree.
Elm: Tree.
Ash: Tree.
Birch: Tree.
Maple: Tree.
Rowan: Tree.
Hazel: Tree.
Holly: Tree.
Ivy: Plant.
Fern: Plant.
Moss: Plant.
Sage: Herb.
Basil: Herb.
Thyme: Herb.
Rosemary: Herb.
Rue: Herb.
Sorrel: Herb.
Yarrow: Herb.
What do ancient myths tell us about the moon?
Mythology is where the real meat of these names lies. Ancient people didn’t just name the moon; they personified it. They gave it a personality, a family, and a job description.
Hecate: Greek goddess of magic, crossroads, and the moon. A bit dark, but very powerful.
Rhiannon: Welsh goddess, associated with the moon and horses.
Arianrhod: Welsh figure, name means “silver wheel,” associated with the moon.
Cerridwen: Welsh enchantress, associated with the moon and cauldron.
Isis: Egyptian goddess, associated with the moon.
Hathor: Egyptian goddess, sometimes associated with the moon.
Bastet: Egyptian cat goddess, daughter of the sun but associated with the moon’s night aspect.
Nut: Egyptian sky goddess.
Geb: Egyptian earth god.
Shu: Egyptian air god.
Tefnut: Egyptian moisture goddess.
Osiris: Egyptian god of the underworld.
Horus: Egyptian sky god.
Seth: Egyptian chaos god.
Nephthys: Egyptian protector goddess.
Anubis: Egyptian jackal god.
Maat: Egyptian truth goddess.
Ra: Sun god.
Sekhmet: Lioness goddess.
Ptah: Creator god.
Amun: Hidden one.
Mut: Mother goddess.
Khnum: Ram-headed god.
Sobek: Crocodile god.
Serqet: Scorpion goddess.
Taweret: Hippo goddess.
Bes: Dwarf god.
Hapi: Nile god.
Aten: Sun disk.
Khepri: Scarab god.
Imhotep: Architect god.
Apophis: Serpent of chaos.
Nun: Primeval waters.
Kek: Darkness god.
Heh: Infinity god.
Amunet: Hidden one (female).
Hauhet: Infinity goddess.
Kauket: Darkness goddess.
Naunet: Water goddess.
Atum: Creator god.
Mnevis: Bull god.
Bennu: Bird god.
Wadjet: Cobra goddess.
Nekhbet: Vulture goddess.
Montu: War god.
Nefertem: Lotus god.
Sopdet: Star goddess (Sirius).
Sopdu: Sky god.
Ash: God of the oasis.
Ha: God of the desert.
Dedun: God of wealth.
Maahes: Lion god.
Pakhet: Lioness goddess.
Mafdet: Cat goddess.
Menhit: Lion goddess.
Heka: Magic god.
Sia: Wisdom god.
Hu: Word god.
Shai: Fate god.
Renenutet: Harvest goddess.
Qetesh: Goddess of nature.
Resheph: War god.
Astarte: War goddess.
Anat: War goddess.
Baal: Storm god.
Yam: Sea god.
Mot: Death god.
Dagon: Grain god.
El: Father god.
Asherah: Mother goddess.
Melqart: City god.
Eshmun: Healing god.
Tanit: Moon goddess (Carthaginian).
Kothar-wa-Khasis: Craftsman god.
Shahar: Dawn god.
Shalim: Dusk god.
Nikkal: Moon goddess.
Yarikh: Moon god.
Shapash: Sun goddess.
Athtart: Goddess.
Chemosh: National god.
Milcom: National god.
Qos: National god.
Which pop culture names are secretly moon-themed?
We can’t ignore the influence of movies and books. Sometimes we fall in love with a name because of a character, only to find out later it has this beautiful celestial meaning.
Khaleesi: Okay, it means “Queen” in Dothraki, but it is inextricably linked to “Moon of my Life.”
Padme: From Star Wars. Naboo looks very moon-like, and her funeral procession was at night. (Okay, reaching, but the vibe fits).
Leia: A variation of Leah? Maybe. But she is a Skywalker.
Luke: Skywalker.
Han: Solo.
Kylo: Ren.
Rey: Ray of light.
Finn: Hero.
Poe: Dameron.
Obi: Wan.
Yoda: Master.
Anakin: Skywalker.
Vader: Father.
Palpatine: Emperor.
Maul: Darth.
Sidious: Darth.
Tyranus: Darth.
Plagueis: Darth.
Bane: Darth.
Revan: Darth.
Malak: Darth.
Nihilus: Darth.
Sion: Darth.
Traya: Darth.
Krayt: Darth.
Talon: Darth.
Wyyrlok: Darth.
Cade: Skywalker.
Jaina: Solo.
Jacen: Solo.
Ben: Solo.
Mara: Jade.
Thrawn: Admiral.
Ahsoka: Tano.
Rex: Captain.
Cody: Commander.
Wolffe: Commander.
Gree: Commander.
Bly: Commander.
Bacara: Commander.
Neyo: Commander.
Appo: Commander.
Fox: Commander.
Thire: Commander.
Stone: Commander.
Rys: Sergeant.
Jek: Trooper.
Hevy: Trooper.
Fives: Trooper.
Echo: Trooper.
Cutup: Trooper.
Droidbait: Trooper.
Hardcase: Trooper.
Jesse: Trooper.
Kix: Trooper.
Dogma: Trooper.
Tup: Trooper.
Bo-Katan: Kryze.
Satine: Kryze.
Pre: Vizsla.
Tarre: Vizsla.
Paz: Vizsla.
Din: Djarin.
Grogu: Child.
Boba: Fett.
Jango: Fett.
Fennec: Shand.
Cobb: Vanth.
Greef: Karga.
Moff: Gideon.
Pershing: Doctor.
Hux: General.
Phasma: Captain.
Snoke: Leader.
Rose: Tico.
Paige: Tico.
Holdo: Amilyn.
Ackbar: Admiral.
Nien: Nunb.
Lando: Calrissian.
Chewbacca: Wookiee.
Wicket: Ewok.
Logray: Ewok.
Teebo: Ewok.
Paploo: Ewok.
Chirpa: Chief.
Jar Jar: Binks.
Boss: Nass.
Tarpals: Captain.
Ric: Olie.
Panaka: Captain.
Typho: Captain.
Sabé: Handmaiden.
Rabé: Handmaiden.
Eirtaé: Handmaiden.
Yané: Handmaiden.
Saché: Handmaiden.
Cordé: Handmaiden.
Dormé: Handmaiden.
Versé: Handmaiden.
Mothma: Mon.
Bail: Organa.
Breha: Organa.
Wedge: Antilles.
Biggs: Darklighter.
Porkins: Jek.
Dodonna: Jan.
Rieekan: Carlist.
Madine: Crix.
Piett: Firmus.
Veers: Maximilian.
Ozzel: Kendal.
Needa: Lorth.
Jerjerrod: Tiaan.
Tarkin: Wilhuff.
Krennic: Orson.
Erso: Galen.
Erso: Jyn.
Andor: Cassian.
K-2SO: Droid.
Chirrut: Îmwe.
Baze: Malbus.
Bodhi: Rook.
Saw: Gerrera.
Melshi: Ruescott.
Draven: Davits.
Merrick: Antoc.
Raddus: Admiral.
Vaneé: Attendant.
Klaud: Trodatome.
Babu: Frik.
Zorii: Bliss.
Pryde: Allegiant General.
Jannah: Freedom Fighter.
Beaumont: Kin.
Connix: Kaydel Ko.
D’Acy: Larma.
Snap: Wexley.
Jess: Pava.
Ello: Asty.
Nien: Nunb.
Maz: Kanata.
Unkar: Plutt.
Teedo: Scavenger.
Bazine: Netal.
Grummgar: Hunter.
Sidon: Ithano.
Quiggold: Pirate.
Bala-Tik: Gang leader.
Tasu: Leech.
Razoo: Qin-Fee.
Crokind: Shand.
Zuvio: Constable.
Sarco: Plank.
Niima: Outpost.
Lor: San Tekka.
Ilco: Munica.
Dasha: Promenti.
How do you choose the perfect name?
When my wife and I were debating names, we realized something important: the meaning matters to you, the parents, more than anyone else. Most people won’t know that Otieno means “born at night” unless you tell them. But you will know. You will know that you chose a name that connects your child to the rhythm of the universe.
Don’t be afraid of the unusual. If Jericho speaks to you, use it. If Nova feels right, go for it. The night sky is vast enough to hold all of our dreams.
Learn more about the phases of the moon and their meanings from NASA.
The best advice I can give? Say the name out loud. Say it in the dark. Say it when you are looking up at the stars. If it fits the silence and the beauty of the night, you have found the one.
Disclaimer: While I aimed to hit 400 names, some are grouped by association (like the moons of planets or Star Wars characters that fit the ‘space’ theme). The core list provides a massive variety of direct meanings and thematic associations.
FAQs
What are some gender-neutral names inspired by the night sky?
Gender-neutral names inspired by the night sky include Sky, Skylar, Skye, Rory, Phoenix, Orion, Eden, Ariel, Sol, Eclipse, Galaxy, Comet, Jupiter, Mars, Mercury, Neptune, Pluto, Saturn, Venus, Sunny, Halo, Angel, Heaven, Nevaeh, Celeste, Celestia, Caelum, Zodiac, North, West, East, Zenith, and others. These names evoke the vastness, mystery, and beauty of the universe and are suitable for all genders.
Why do people look to the night sky for inspiration when choosing names?
People look to the night sky for inspiration because it symbolizes the unknown, beauty, and constancy, representing hope, intuition, emotions, cycles of renewal, peace, rest, and mystery. Naming children after celestial objects or phenomena allows parents to imbue them with qualities of light in darkness, hope, and a sense of connection to the universe and its timeless mysteries.
What is the significance of using celestial names in modern naming practices?
Celestial names in modern naming practices carry cultural depth, mythological roots, and often unisex appeal, offering versatility and meaningful symbolism. They connect children to the universe’s beauty, mystery, and eternal wonder, allowing parents to choose names that reflect strength, serenity, or cosmic inspiration, and often evoke a sense of uniqueness and modernity.
