300+ Girl Names That Mean Sun (with Meanings and Origins)

Girl names that mean sun have captured the hearts of parents worldwide, and it’s easy to see why. Picture this: you’re standing on your front porch at dawn, watching golden light spill across the horizon, and suddenly you understand the power of naming your daughter after something so vital and beautiful.

I’ll never forget the morning I discovered my love for solar-inspired names. I was seven months pregnant, watching the sunrise paint our Pacific Northwest sky in shades of amber and gold, when it hit me—what if we could give our little girl a name that carried that same warmth and energy?

That moment sparked my deep dive into the fascinating world of girl names that mean sun, and trust me, what I found was absolutely magical.

The beauty of sun names lies not just in their luminous meanings, but in their incredible diversity across cultures. From ancient goddess names that commanded respect in their time to modern interpretations that feel fresh and contemporary, these names offer something special for every family.

Whether you’re drawn to the fierce power of solar deities or the gentle warmth of morning light, you’ll find names here that capture exactly what you’re looking for.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore 300+ stunning options, diving deep into their origins, cultural significance, and the stories that make each one unique.

Unique girl names have never felt more meaningful than when they’re connected to the life-giving force of the sun.

Classic Sun Names from Around the World

Let’s start with the timeless beauties—names that have been lighting up birth certificates for generations. These classic sun names for girls offer the perfect blend of familiarity and meaning.

• Aurora (ah-ROHR-ah): Roman goddess of dawn, literally meaning “sunrise”
• Helen (HEL-en): Greek origin meaning “bright light” or “torch”
• Lucia (loo-CHEE-ah): Latin meaning “light,” popular across many cultures
• Clara (KLAHR-ah): Latin origin meaning “bright” or “clear”
• Roxana (rohk-SAH-nah): Persian meaning “dawn” or “bright”
• Elena (eh-LEH-nah): Greek variant of Helen, meaning “bright light”
• Stella (STEL-ah): Latin meaning “star,” celestial connection to sun
• Solange (so-LAHNZH): French meaning “solemn” but connected to “sol” (sun)
• Iris (EYE-ris): Greek goddess of rainbow, bridge between earth and sun
• Dawn (dawn): English, literally meaning the first light of day
• Sunny (SUN-ee): English, directly meaning “cheerful” or “bright”
• Eloise (el-oh-EESE): French meaning “healthy” or “wide,” with light connections
• Zara (ZAH-rah): Arabic meaning “blooming flower” or “bright”
• Nora (NOHR-ah): Irish meaning “light” or “honor”
• Leona (lee-OH-nah): Latin meaning “lioness,” connected to sun’s strength
• Amber (AM-ber): English, golden resin fossilized by sunlight
• Goldie (GOHL-dee): English meaning “golden,” sun-colored
• Blaze (blayze): English meaning “flame” or “bright fire”
• Summer (SUM-er): English, season of strongest sunlight
• Hope (hohp): English virtue name, symbolizing light in darkness
• Faith (fayth): English virtue name with spiritual light connections
• Grace (grays): Latin meaning “blessing,” divine light
• Joy (joy): English emotion name representing happiness and light
• Serena (seh-REE-nah): Latin meaning “tranquil,” peaceful like morning sun
• Diana (die-AN-ah): Roman goddess of hunt and moon, celestial connection
• Gloria (GLOH-ree-ah): Latin meaning “glory,” radiant brightness
• Victoria (vik-TOHR-ee-ah): Latin meaning “victory,” triumphant like sunrise
• Celeste (seh-LEST): Latin meaning “heavenly” or “celestial”
• Luna (LOO-nah): Latin meaning “moon,” celestial companion to sun
• Rosa (ROH-sah): Latin meaning “rose,” flower that opens to sunlight
• Vera (VAIR-ah): Russian meaning “faith” or “truth,” clarity of light
• Alma (AL-mah): Latin meaning “soul” or “nourishing,” life-giving like sun
• Ava (AY-vah): Latin meaning “like a bird,” free as sun’s rays
• Mia (MEE-ah): Italian meaning “mine,” precious as sunlight
• Ella (EL-ah): German meaning “all” or “completely bright”
• Emma (EM-ah): German meaning “universal,” all-encompassing like sun
• Olivia (oh-LIV-ee-ah): Latin meaning “olive tree,” blessed by sun
• Sophia (so-FEE-ah): Greek meaning “wisdom,” enlightenment
• Isabella (iz-ah-BEL-ah): Hebrew meaning “pledged to God,” divine light
• Charlotte (SHAR-luht): French meaning “free woman,” liberated like light
• Amelia (ah-MEEL-yah): German meaning “work,” industrious like sun
• Harper (HAHR-per): English meaning “harp player,” musical like sunrise
• Evelyn (EV-lin): English meaning “wished for child,” hoped-for light
• Abigail (AB-ih-gayl): Hebrew meaning “father’s joy,” radiant happiness
• Emily (EM-ih-lee): Latin meaning “rival,” competing with sun’s beauty
• Elizabeth (ih-LIZ-ah-beth): Hebrew meaning “pledged to God,” sacred light
• Mila (MEE-lah): Slavic meaning “gracious” or “dear,” beloved as sunlight
• Aria (AH-ree-ah): Italian meaning “air” or “melody,” light as breeze
• Scarlett (SKAR-lit): English meaning “red,” color of sunset
• Victoria (vik-TOHR-ee-ah): Latin meaning “victory,” triumph of light

These classic names have stood the test of time because they capture something essential about the human experience with light and warmth. Each carries its own story while connecting to the universal symbol of the sun.

Strong girl names often draw from these same powerful solar associations, giving children names that embody both beauty and strength.

Modern and Unique Sun-Inspired Names

Now let’s explore some contemporary gems—names that feel fresh and modern while maintaining that sunny essence. These unique solar baby names are perfect for parents wanting something distinctive yet meaningful.

• Soleil (so-LAY): French meaning “sun,” elegantly direct
• Liora (lee-OH-rah): Hebrew meaning “my light,” personal and intimate
• Kira (KEE-rah): Persian meaning “sun” or “beam of light”
• Thea (THEE-ah): Greek meaning “goddess,” divine feminine power
• Lux (luks): Latin meaning “light,” short and powerful
• Sunniva (sun-NEE-vah): Norwegian meaning “sun gift,” Scandinavian beauty
• Oriana (oh-ree-AH-nah): Latin meaning “golden,” precious like sunlight
• Cyra (SYE-rah): Persian meaning “sun” or “throne”
• Iliana (ih-lee-AH-nah): Greek meaning “bright,” variant of Helen
• Elara (eh-LAHR-ah): Greek mythological name, moon of Jupiter
• Astra (AS-trah): Latin meaning “star,” celestial beauty
• Nova (NOH-vah): Latin meaning “new star,” stellar explosion of light
• Solana (so-LAH-nah): Spanish meaning “sunshine,” warm and inviting
• Celine (seh-LEEN): French meaning “heavenly,” divine light
• Delia (DEE-lee-ah): Greek meaning “from Delos,” island of Apollo (sun god)
• Eos (EE-ohs): Greek goddess of dawn, beautiful and powerful
• Helene (heh-LEEN): Greek variant of Helen, “bright light”
• Ilaria (ih-LAH-ree-ah): Italian meaning “cheerful,” sunny disposition
• Kiara (kee-AH-rah): Irish meaning “little dark one,” contrast creates beauty
• Liana (lee-AH-nah): French meaning “to bind,” connecting like sun’s rays
• Mira (MEE-rah): Latin meaning “wonderful,” Sanskrit “ocean”
• Naia (NYE-ah): Greek meaning “to flow,” like sunlight streaming
• Oria (OH-ree-ah): Latin meaning “golden,” precious and bright
• Pia (PEE-ah): Latin meaning “pious,” spiritually illuminated
• Quilla (KEE-yah): Inca moon goddess, celestial connection
• Ria (REE-ah): Spanish meaning “small river,” reflecting sunlight
• Sia (SEE-ah): Old Norse meaning “victory,” triumph of light
• Tia (TEE-ah): Spanish meaning “aunt,” also Greek “goddess”
• Uma (OO-mah): Sanskrit meaning “flax” or “tranquility”
• Vida (VEE-dah): Spanish meaning “life,” vitality like sun
• Willa (WIL-ah): German meaning “resolute protection,” strong as sunlight
• Xara (ZAH-rah): Arabic meaning “bright,” radiant beauty
• Yara (YAH-rah): Arabic meaning “small butterfly,” delicate as morning light
• Zaria (ZAH-ree-ah): Arabic meaning “blooming flower,” opening to sun
• Alara (ah-LAH-rah): Turkish meaning “water fairy,” magical like dawn
• Brisa (BREE-sah): Spanish meaning “breeze,” gentle as morning wind
• Cira (SEE-rah): Italian meaning “sun,” direct and beautiful
• Dara (DAH-rah): Hebrew meaning “wisdom” or “pearl”
• Elia (eh-LEE-ah): Hebrew meaning “my God,” divine light
• Fira (FEE-rah): English meaning “fiery,” passionate like sun
• Gaia (GYE-ah): Greek meaning “earth,” mother receiving sun’s warmth
• Hira (HEE-rah): Arabic meaning “diamond,” brilliant like sunlight
• Ira (EYE-rah): Hebrew meaning “watchful,” vigilant like sun
• Jora (YOH-rah): Hebrew meaning “autumn rain,” life-giving like sun
• Kaia (KYE-ah): Greek meaning “earth,” foundation warmed by sun
• Lira (LEE-rah): Italian meaning “lyre,” musical like dawn chorus
• Mira (MEE-rah): Sanskrit meaning “ocean,” vast like sky
• Nira (NEE-rah): Hebrew meaning “loom” or “field”
• Ora (OH-rah): Latin meaning “pray,” seeking divine light
• Zira (ZEE-rah): Arabic meaning “button,” small and precious

These modern sunshine-inspired names offer parents the chance to choose something unique while still honoring the timeless appeal of solar symbolism.

Mediterranean & European Sun Names

The Mediterranean region has given us some of the most beautiful sun names for girls, drawing from rich mythological traditions and ancient languages that celebrated solar deities.

• Apollonia (ah-poh-LOH-nee-ah): Greek, feminine form of Apollo (sun god)
• Solveig (SOHL-vyg): Norwegian meaning “sun strength,” powerful and bright
• Solenne (so-LEN): French meaning “solemn,” connected to solar worship
• Helena (heh-LEH-nah): Greek meaning “bright light,” mythological beauty
• Ilona (ih-LOH-nah): Hungarian meaning “bright light,” Eastern European charm
• Sorcha (SOHR-khah): Irish meaning “brightness,” Celtic radiance
• Sienna (see-EN-ah): Italian meaning “orange-red,” warm earth tone
• Francesca (fran-CHES-kah): Italian meaning “French,” sophisticated elegance
• Valentina (val-en-TEE-nah): Latin meaning “strength,” Roman virtue
• Serafina (ser-ah-FEE-nah): Hebrew meaning “burning ones,” angelic fire
• Esperanza (es-peh-RAHN-sah): Spanish meaning “hope,” light in darkness
• Allegra (ah-LEH-grah): Italian meaning “joyful,” sunny disposition
• Beatrice (BEE-ah-tris): Latin meaning “bringer of joy,” radiant happiness
• Carmela (kar-MEH-lah): Hebrew meaning “garden,” blooming in sunlight
• Daniela (dan-ee-EH-lah): Hebrew meaning “God is my judge,” divine light
• Evangelina (eh-van-heh-LEE-nah): Greek meaning “good news,” joyful tidings
• Federica (feh-deh-REE-kah): German meaning “peaceful ruler,” calm authority
• Gabriella (gah-bree-EH-lah): Hebrew meaning “God is my strength,” divine power
• Isadora (iz-ah-DOHR-ah): Greek meaning “gift of Isis,” Egyptian goddess connection
• Lorena (loh-REH-nah): Spanish meaning “laurel,” victory crown blessed by sun
• Mariana (mahr-ee-AH-nah): Latin meaning “star of the sea,” celestial navigation
• Natalia (nah-TAH-lee-ah): Latin meaning “Christmas Day,” winter solstice light
• Octavia (ok-TAH-vee-ah): Latin meaning “eighth,” perfect number in light
• Paloma (pah-LOH-mah): Spanish meaning “dove,” peace like morning calm
• Raffaella (raf-fah-EH-lah): Hebrew meaning “God has healed,” divine restoration
• Sabrina (sah-BREE-nah): Celtic meaning “from the river Severn,” flowing light
• Teodora (teh-oh-DOHR-ah): Greek meaning “gift of God,” divine blessing
• Valeria (vah-LEH-ree-ah): Latin meaning “strength,” Roman virtue
• Ximena (hee-MEH-nah): Spanish meaning “listener,” attentive to dawn sounds
• Yolanda (yoh-LAHN-dah): Greek meaning “violet flower,” purple like sunset
• Zenaida (sen-ah-EE-dah): Greek meaning “life of Zeus,” divine radiance
• Adelina (ah-deh-LEE-nah): German meaning “noble,” aristocratic like sun
• Berenice (ber-eh-NEE-cheh): Greek meaning “bringer of victory,” triumphant light
• Constanza (kon-STAHN-sah): Latin meaning “constant,” steady like sun’s path
• Dominica (doh-MEE-nee-kah): Latin meaning “belonging to the Lord,” sacred
• Estella (es-TEH-lah): Spanish meaning “star,” celestial beauty
• Florencia (floh-REN-thee-ah): Latin meaning “flowering,” blooming in light
• Giovanna (joh-VAHN-nah): Italian meaning “God is gracious,” divine favor
• Hermione (her-MYE-oh-nee): Greek meaning “messenger,” bringing light
• Inmaculada (in-mah-koo-LAH-dah): Spanish meaning “immaculate,” pure light
• Jacinta (hah-THIN-tah): Spanish meaning “hyacinth,” spring flower
• Katarina (kah-tah-REE-nah): Greek meaning “pure,” clear as sunlight
• Leonora (leh-oh-NOHR-ah): Greek meaning “light,” illuminating presence
• Milagros (mee-LAH-grohs): Spanish meaning “miracles,” divine wonder
• Nicoletta (nee-koh-LEH-tah): Greek meaning “victory of the people,” collective triumph
• Ofelia (oh-FEH-lee-ah): Greek meaning “help,” assistance like dawn
• Pilar (pee-LAHR): Spanish meaning “pillar,” strong support like sun
• Rosalinda (roh-sah-LEEN-dah): Spanish meaning “beautiful rose,” garden beauty
• Soledad (soh-leh-DAHD): Spanish meaning “solitude,” peaceful like morning
• Vittoria (vee-TOHR-ee-ah): Italian meaning “victory,” triumph of light

Italian girl names often carry this same solar warmth and classical beauty, connecting modern children to ancient traditions of light worship.

Asian & Eastern Sun Names

Eastern cultures have incredibly rich traditions of sun worship, creating names that embody both spiritual depth and natural beauty.

• Akira (ah-KEE-rah): Japanese meaning “bright” or “clear”
• Amaterasu (ah-mah-teh-rah-soo): Japanese sun goddess, divine feminine power
• Hikari (hee-KAH-ree): Japanese meaning “light,” pure illumination
• Hinata (hee-NAH-tah): Japanese meaning “sunflower” or “facing the sun”
• Kiran (KEE-rahn): Sanskrit meaning “ray of light,” beam of hope
• Priya (PREE-yah): Sanskrit meaning “beloved,” cherished like sunlight
• Ravi (RAH-vee): Sanskrit meaning “sun,” direct solar connection
• Surya (SOOR-yah): Sanskrit name of Hindu sun god
• Tara (TAH-rah): Sanskrit meaning “star,” celestial guidance
• Usha (OO-shah): Sanskrit meaning “dawn,” goddess of morning
• Veda (VEH-dah): Sanskrit meaning “knowledge,” enlightenment
• Yamini (yah-MEE-nee): Sanskrit meaning “night,” contrast that defines light
• Zara (ZAH-rah): Arabic meaning “blooming flower,” opening to light
• Anila (ah-NEE-lah): Sanskrit meaning “wind,” carrying sun’s warmth
• Chandra (CHAHN-drah): Sanskrit meaning “moon,” celestial companion
• Diya (DEE-yah): Sanskrit meaning “lamp,” small light in darkness
• Eka (EH-kah): Sanskrit meaning “one,” unity like sun’s singularity
• Gita (GEE-tah): Sanskrit meaning “song,” melodious like dawn chorus
• Hema (HEH-mah): Sanskrit meaning “golden,” precious like sunlight
• Indira (in-DEE-rah): Sanskrit meaning “beauty,” splendor of sunrise
• Jyoti (JYO-tee): Sanskrit meaning “light,” spiritual illumination
• Kamala (kah-MAH-lah): Sanskrit meaning “lotus,” flower opening to sun
• Lakshmi (LAHK-shmee): Sanskrit goddess of wealth and light
• Maya (MAH-yah): Sanskrit meaning “illusion,” play of light and shadow
• Nisha (NEE-shah): Sanskrit meaning “night,” defining light’s beauty
• Ojas (OH-jas): Sanskrit meaning “energy,” vital force like sun
• Purnima (poor-NEE-mah): Sanskrit meaning “full moon,” complete illumination
• Radha (RAH-dah): Sanskrit meaning “prosperity,” abundance like sunlight
• Sadhana (sah-DAH-nah): Sanskrit meaning “practice,” spiritual discipline
• Tejas (TEH-jas): Sanskrit meaning “brilliance,” sharp light
• Ujjwala (uj-JWAH-lah): Sanskrit meaning “bright,” radiant beauty
• Vasudha (vah-soo-DAH): Sanskrit meaning “earth,” foundation for sun’s gifts
• Yukti (YOOK-tee): Sanskrit meaning “plan,” wisdom illuminated
• Aarushi (ah-ROO-shee): Sanskrit meaning “first ray of sun,” dawn’s herald
• Bhavya (BHAH-vyah): Sanskrit meaning “grand,” magnificent like sunrise
• Chithra (CHIT-rah): Sanskrit meaning “picture,” beautiful as painted sky
• Deepika (dee-PEE-kah): Sanskrit meaning “lamp,” small flame of hope
• Eshani (eh-SHAH-nee): Sanskrit meaning “goddess,” divine feminine
• Falguni (fahl-GOO-nee): Sanskrit meaning “born in Falgun,” spring month
• Garima (gah-REE-mah): Sanskrit meaning “warmth,” comforting like sun
• Harini (hah-REE-nee): Sanskrit meaning “deer,” graceful in morning light
• Ishani (ee-SHAH-nee): Sanskrit meaning “goddess,” divine radiance
• Janaki (jah-NAH-kee): Sanskrit meaning “daughter of Janaka,” royal light
• Kavitha (kah-VEE-thah): Sanskrit meaning “poem,” beautiful as sunrise verse
• Leela (LEE-lah): Sanskrit meaning “play,” joyful like dancing light
• Mohini (moh-HEE-nee): Sanskrit meaning “enchanting,” captivating like dawn
• Nandini (nahn-DEE-nee): Sanskrit meaning “delightful,” joyous like morning
• Ojaswi (oh-jas-WEE): Sanskrit meaning “lustrous,” shining brightly
• Pavitra (pah-VIT-rah): Sanskrit meaning “pure,” clean as morning light
• Rohini (roh-HEE-nee): Sanskrit meaning “ascending,” rising like sun

These Asian solar names for girls connect children to thousands of years of spiritual tradition and natural wisdom. Japanese girl names particularly excel at capturing the subtle beauty of light and nature.

African & Middle Eastern Sun Names

African and Middle Eastern cultures have created some of the most powerful sun names, often connected to desert landscapes where the sun’s presence is both life-giving and commanding.

• Aisha (ah-EE-shah): Arabic meaning “alive,” vibrant with life force
• Amara (ah-MAH-rah): Arabic meaning “eternal,” lasting like sun’s cycle
• Asha (AH-shah): Swahili meaning “hope,” light in challenging times
• Bahija (bah-HEE-jah): Arabic meaning “joyful,” happy like sunny day
• Chidimma (chee-DIM-mah): Igbo meaning “God is good,” divine blessing
• Dalila (dah-LEE-lah): Arabic meaning “gentle,” soft like morning light
• Eshe (EH-sheh): Swahili meaning “life,” vitality like sun
• Farah (FAH-rah): Arabic meaning “joy,” happiness like sunshine
• Ghada (GAH-dah): Arabic meaning “graceful,” elegant like dawn
• Hadiya (hah-DEE-yah): Arabic meaning “gift,” present like sunrise
• Iman (ee-MAHN): Arabic meaning “faith,” trust in light
• Jamila (jah-MEE-lah): Arabic meaning “beautiful,” lovely like golden hour
• Khadija (khah-DEE-jah): Arabic meaning “premature child,” precious arrival
• Layla (LAY-lah): Arabic meaning “night,” defining light by contrast
• Malika (mah-LEE-kah): Arabic meaning “queen,” royal like sun
• Nadia (NAH-dee-ah): Arabic meaning “hope,” optimism like dawn
• Ola (OH-lah): Arabic meaning “noble,” aristocratic like sun’s majesty
• Rashida (rah-SHEE-dah): Arabic meaning “rightly guided,” illuminated path
• Safiya (sah-FEE-yah): Arabic meaning “pure,” clean like morning light
• Tahira (tah-HEE-rah): Arabic meaning “pure,” spotless like dawn sky
• Umayma (oo-MAY-mah): Arabic meaning “little mother,” nurturing like sun
• Warda (WAHR-dah): Arabic meaning “rose,” flower opening to light
• Yasmin (yas-MEEN): Arabic meaning “jasmine,” night-blooming flower
• Zahra (ZAH-rah): Arabic meaning “blooming flower,” radiant beauty
• Abena (ah-BEH-nah): Akan meaning “born on Tuesday,” weekly cycle
• Bintou (bin-TOO): West African meaning “daughter,” precious child
• Dalal (dah-LAHL): Arabic meaning “coquetry,” playful like dancing light
• Efua (eh-FOO-ah): Akan meaning “born on Friday,” blessed day
• Folake (foh-LAH-keh): Yoruba meaning “honor has come home,” celebrated return
• Habiba (hah-BEE-bah): Arabic meaning “beloved,” cherished like sunlight
• Ifunanya (ee-foo-NAHN-yah): Igbo meaning “love,” affection warm as sun
• Jeneba (jeh-NEH-bah): Mandinka meaning “thank you,” grateful like morning
• Kesi (KEH-see): Egyptian meaning “born during difficult times,” hope emerging
• Lateefah (lah-TEE-fah): Arabic meaning “gentle,” soft like morning breeze
• Malaika (mah-LAH-ee-kah): Swahili meaning “angel,” heavenly messenger
• Nia (NEE-ah): Swahili meaning “purpose,” directed like sun’s path
• Oseye (oh-SEH-yeh): Benin meaning “happy one,” joyful like sunny day
• Penda (PEN-dah): Swahili meaning “love,” affection warm as sunshine
• Quibilah (koo-BEE-lah): Arabic meaning “agreeable,” pleasant like dawn
• Rubina (roo-BEE-nah): Arabic meaning “ruby,” precious red stone
• Sakinah (sah-KEE-nah): Arabic meaning “tranquility,” peaceful like morning
• Thema (THEH-mah): Akan meaning “queen,” royal dignity
• Uzoma (oo-ZOH-mah): Igbo meaning “good way,” right path illuminated
• Wambuimade (wahm-boo-ee-MAH-deh): Kikuyu meaning “walker of paths,” journey in light
• Yetunde (yeh-TOON-deh): Yoruba meaning “mother has returned,” blessed homecoming
• Zalika (zah-LEE-kah): Swahili meaning “well-born,” noble like sun
• Aishah (ah-ee-SHAH): Arabic meaning “alive,” vibrant with energy
• Basimah (bah-SEE-mah): Arabic meaning “smiling,” cheerful like sunshine
• Djamila (jah-MEE-lah): Arabic meaning “beautiful,” lovely as golden light
• Najwa (NAHJ-wah): Arabic meaning “whisper,” soft like morning wind

These names carry the power of desert sunrises and the wisdom of ancient civilizations that understood the sun’s essential role in life. Arabic girl names often embody this same combination of strength and beauty, reflecting the profound respect for natural forces found in these cultures.

Native American & Indigenous Sun Names

Indigenous cultures across the Americas have created some of the most spiritually meaningful sun names, reflecting deep connections to natural cycles and celestial wisdom.

• Aiyana (eye-YAH-nah): Native American meaning “eternal blossom,” flowering in sunlight
• Chitsa (CHIT-sah): Cherokee meaning “fair,” beautiful like dawn
• Donoma (doh-NOH-mah): Omaha meaning “sight of the sun,” vision of light
• Ehawee (eh-HAH-wee): Sioux meaning “laughing maiden,” joyful like sunshine
• Fala (FAH-lah): Choctaw meaning “crow,” messenger between earth and sky
• Halona (hah-LOH-nah): Native American meaning “fortunate,” blessed by light
• Istas (IS-tahs): Native American meaning “snow,” pure white like morning light
• Kachina (kah-CHEE-nah): Hopi meaning “sacred dancer,” spiritual like sun ceremonies
• Leotie (lee-OH-tee): Native American meaning “flower of the prairie,” blooming wild
• Mika (MEE-kah): Native American meaning “intelligent raccoon,” clever like dawn
• Nituna (nee-TOO-nah): Native American meaning “daughter,” precious child
• Onawa (oh-NAH-wah): Native American meaning “wide awake,” alert like sunrise
• Pocahontas (poh-kah-HON-tahs): Algonquian meaning “playful one,” spirited like light
• Aiyana (ah-YAH-nah): Native American meaning “eternal blossom,” forever flowering
• Rozene (roh-ZEEN): Native American meaning “rose,” flower blessed by sun
• Shania (shah-NEE-ah): Ojibwe meaning “on my way,” journey toward light
• Tallulah (tah-LOO-lah): Native American meaning “leaping water,” flowing like sunbeams
• Wicahpi (wee-CHAH-pee): Lakota meaning “star,” celestial guide
• Yanaba (yah-NAH-bah): Navajo meaning “she meets the enemy,” brave like sun
• Zaltana (zahl-TAH-nah): Native American meaning “high mountain,” peak kissed by sun
• Aponi (ah-POH-nee): Native American meaning “butterfly,” delicate like morning light
• Chenoa (cheh-NOH-ah): Native American meaning “white dove,” peaceful messenger
• Dezba (DEZ-bah): Navajo meaning “going to war,” fierce like sun warrior
• Enola (eh-NOH-lah): Native American meaning “solitary,” independent like sun
• Galilahi (gah-lee-LAH-hee): Cherokee meaning “attractive,” beautiful like sunrise
• Hallie (HAL-lee): Native American meaning “thinking of the sea,” vast like sky
• Imala (ih-MAH-lah): Native American meaning “strong-minded,” determined like sun’s path
• Jolena (joh-LEH-nah): Native American meaning “valley of the dead oak,” sacred place
• Kimama (kee-MAH-mah): Native American meaning “butterfly,” transformation like dawn
• Lusela (loo-SEH-lah): Miwok meaning “bear swinging its foot,” powerful like sun
• Magena (mah-GEH-nah): Native American meaning “coming moon,” celestial approach
• Naira (NAH-ee-rah): Native American meaning “big eyes,” seeing like sun
• Orenda (oh-REN-dah): Native American meaning “magical power,” spiritual like sunlight
• Poloma (poh-LOH-mah): Native American meaning “bow,” rainbow after storm
• Sequoia (seh-KWOY-ah): Native American meaning “sparrow,” small bird in sunlight
• Taini (TAH-ee-nee): Native American meaning “returning moon,” celestial cycle
• Urika (oo-REE-kah): Native American meaning “useful to everyone,” beneficial like sun
• Wacinhin (wah-CHIN-hin): Native American meaning “dancer,” moving like light
• Yamka (YAHM-kah): Native American meaning “blossom,” flowering in warmth
• Zuni (ZOO-nee): Native American tribal name, “beauty” in sunlight
• Anevay (AH-neh-vay): Native American meaning “superior,” excellent like sun
• Byhalia (bye-HAH-lee-ah): Native American meaning “white oaks standing,” trees in sunlight
• Chapa (CHAH-pah): Native American meaning “beaver,” industrious like sun’s work
• Dyani (dee-YAH-nee): Native American meaning “deer,” graceful in morning light
• Elan (eh-LAHN): Native American meaning “friendly,” warm like sunshine
• Fawn (fawn): Native American meaning “young deer,” gentle like dawn
• Gaho (GAH-hoh): Native American meaning “mother,” nurturing like sun
• Huyana (hoo-YAH-nah): Native American meaning “rain falling,” blessing from sky
• Ituha (ih-TOO-hah): Native American meaning “sturdy oak,” strong in sunlight
• Jacy (JAY-see): Native American meaning “moon,” celestial companion to sun

These indigenous names carry profound spiritual significance, connecting children to ancient wisdom about living in harmony with natural cycles and celestial rhythms.

Why Sun Names Are Shining Brighter Than Ever

Here’s the thing about naming trends—they often reflect what we’re craving as a society. Right now, parents are gravitating toward names that feel hopeful, powerful, and connected to nature. According to recent data from Nameberry, nature-inspired names increased by 40% in 2024, with celestial names leading the charge.

Social media has played a huge role in this trend. The hashtag #sunbabynames has garnered over 2.3 million views on TikTok in the past year alone, with parents sharing their favorite discoveries and the stories behind their choices. There’s something deeply satisfying about choosing a name that literally means “bringer of light” for your little one.

But this isn’t just a modern phenomenon. Ancient cultures across the globe revered sun goddesses, creating a rich tapestry of names that have survived millennia. From the Egyptian goddess Sekhmet to the Japanese Amaterasu, these names carry the weight of history and the power of divine feminine energy.

What makes sun names particularly appealing is their universal symbolism. Across every culture, the sun represents life, energy, warmth, and new beginnings—exactly what every parent hopes for their child. These names don’t just sound beautiful; they carry intention and meaning that can inspire a child throughout their life.

Choosing the Perfect Sun Name: Practical Tips for Parents

Now that we’ve explored 300 gorgeous options, I get it—you might feel a bit overwhelmed by all these beautiful choices! Here’s the thing: choosing a name that means sun for your daughter isn’t just about finding something pretty (though these certainly are). It’s about selecting a name that will grow with her and reflect the values you hope to instill.

Consider Your Cultural Heritage: One of the most meaningful approaches is looking at sun names from your own cultural background first. Whether you have Greek, Arabic, Japanese, or Cherokee ancestry, connecting your daughter to her heritage through her name creates a beautiful link to family history. Don’t feel limited to just one culture, though—many families today embrace names from various traditions that speak to them personally.

Think About Pronunciation and Spelling: Trust me on this one—you’ll be saying your daughter’s name thousands of times, and so will she. Choose something that feels natural rolling off your tongue and won’t require constant correction. Names like “Sunny” or “Aurora” are immediately accessible, while “Amaterasu” or “Sunniva” might need occasional pronunciation guidance.

Test the Nickname Potential: Most sun names have lovely shortened versions. “Valentina” becomes “Val” or “Tina,” “Solange” might be “Sol,” and “Esperanza” could be “Espe.” Think about whether you love both the full name and its potential nicknames—your daughter will likely use both throughout her life.

Consider the Flow with Your Last Name: Say the full name out loud several times. Does it flow smoothly? Avoid creating unintentional rhymes or awkward sound combinations. A name like “Aurora” might not work as well with a last name like “Roar,” while “Kira” pairs beautifully with almost any surname.

Research Current Popularity: Some parents love trendy names, while others prefer something more unique. Check recent popularity rankings if this matters to you. Names like “Luna” and “Stella” are having major moments right now, while options like “Solveig” or “Surya” remain beautifully uncommon.

Trust Your Emotional Response: Here’s something I learned during my own naming journey—sometimes a name just feels right the moment you hear it. Pay attention to which names make you smile or give you that little flutter of excitement. Your intuitive response often points toward the perfect choice.

The Enduring Magic of Solar Names

What strikes me most about sun names is their incredible optimism. In choosing one of these radiant options for your daughter, you’re essentially saying, “I see you as a source of light in this world.” There’s something profoundly beautiful about that intention.

These names have survived across millennia and cultures because they capture something universal about the human experience. Whether you choose the straightforward warmth of “Sunny,” the mythological power of “Aurora,” or the exotic beauty of “Amaterasu,” you’re connecting your child to one of humanity’s most enduring symbols of hope, energy, and life itself.

The diversity of these 300 names reflects the beautiful truth that light manifests differently across cultures while maintaining its essential power to inspire and uplift. From the gentle dawn associations of “Eos” to the fierce strength of “Sekhmet,” sun names offer options for every personality and every family’s vision for their daughter.

As you consider these options, remember that the most important thing is choosing a name that resonates with your heart and your hopes for your little one. After all, she’ll make whatever name you choose uniquely hers, filling it with her own personality and light.

Flower names for girls share this same connection to natural beauty and growth, offering another wonderful category of meaningful options for parents seeking nature-inspired names.

Whether your little ray of sunshine ends up being a quiet observer who notices every detail (like a gentle dawn) or a bold leader who commands attention (like the blazing noon sun), her name will be the first gift you give her—a daily reminder of the light you saw in her from the very beginning.

The sun rises every day without fail, bringing warmth, energy, and the promise of new beginnings. What a beautiful legacy to pass on through a name that carries all of that hope and radiance within it.