300+ Names Meaning Sleep (Inspired by Rest, Dreams & Tranquility)

Names meaning sleep have this magical quality that just makes you picture a peaceful little one drifting off to dreamland, doesn’t it?

I remember being eight months pregnant with my daughter, lying awake at 3 AM (again!) scrolling through baby name websites. That’s when I stumbled into this whole world of sleep-inspired names, and honestly? It felt like the universe was giving me a hint about what kind of baby I needed – one who actually sleeps!

Trust me, there’s something incredibly soothing about names that mean rest, dreams, and tranquility. Maybe it’s wishful thinking, but I like to believe these peaceful names carry a little extra sleepy magic with them.

Whether you’re drawn to mythological sleep gods, gentle names meaning “rest,” or dreamy options from around the world, this collection of 300+ sleep-inspired names has something for every parent hoping for sweet dreams.

Mythological Sleep Names That Pack Ancient Power

These legendary names come from gods and goddesses of sleep and dreams across different cultures. They’re perfect if you love the idea of your child carrying the power of ancient mythology.

Greek & Roman Sleep Deities:

• Morpheus: Greek god of dreams and sleep – strong, distinctive, and surprisingly modern-sounding
• Hypnos: Greek god of sleep – unique without being too out there
• Somnus: Roman god of sleep – has that cool Latin feel
• Oneiros: Greek spirit of dreams – mystical and beautiful
• Nyx: Greek goddess of night – short, powerful, and easy to spell
• Iris: Greek goddess who delivered dreams – familiar but meaningful
• Phantasos: Greek god of inanimate dream objects – definitely unique!

International Mythological Options:

• Baku: Japanese dream-eater spirit (protects from nightmares)
• Caer: Celtic goddess of sleep and dreams
• Icel: Turkish goddess of sleep
• Baldr: Norse god associated with peaceful sleep
• Nidra: Hindu goddess of sleep

Beautiful International Names Meaning Sleep

The world is full of gorgeous names that translate to sleep, rest, or dreams. These options give you that peaceful meaning while staying culturally rich and beautiful.

Asian Sleep Names:

• Yuki: Japanese – “peaceful sleep” or “happiness”
• Nemuri: Japanese – “sleep” (gorgeous for a girl)
• Sova: Slavic – “sleep” or “dream”
• Suimin: Japanese – “sleep” (works for any gender)
• Nidra: Sanskrit – “sleep” (Hindu goddess name)
• Ravi: Sanskrit – “rest” (also means “sun”)
• Shanti: Sanskrit – “peace” and “rest”
• Ananda: Sanskrit – “bliss” and “peaceful rest”

European Sleepy Selections:

• Somn: Romanian – “sleep”
• Sueño: Spanish – “dream” (beautiful for any gender)
• Sogno: Italian – “dream”
• Rêve: French – “dream”
• Schlaf: German – “sleep” (probably better as a middle name!)
• Sov: Scandinavian – “sleep”
• Repos: French – “rest”

Names Meaning Dream and Visions

Dreams and sleep go hand in hand, and these dreamy names capture that magical quality of nighttime visions.

Classic Dream Names:

• Luna: Latin – “moon” (connected to sleep and dreams)
• Stella: Latin – “star” (nighttime connection)
• Aurora: Latin – “dawn” (the peaceful time between sleep and wake)
• Celeste: Latin – “heavenly” (like peaceful sleep)
• Serenity: Latin – “peaceful” and “calm”
• Harmony: Greek – “peaceful unity”
• Amara: Sanskrit – “peaceful” and “eternal”
• Shiloh: Hebrew – “peaceful”

International Dream Names:

• Roya: Persian – “dream” or “vision”
• Aisling: Irish – “dream” or “vision”
• Sogni: Italian – “dreams”
• Traum: German – “dream”
• Chimu: Quechua – “dream”
• Marama: Maori – “moon” (dream bringer)
• Insomnio: Spanish – “sleeplessness” (ironic but beautiful!)

Find more unique group names for different occasions

Names Meaning Rest and Tranquility

Sometimes you want something that captures the peaceful feeling of rest without being too obvious about the sleep connection.

Peaceful Rest Names:

• Serena: Latin – “serene” and “peaceful”
• Paloma: Spanish – “dove” (symbol of peace)
• Irene: Greek – “peace”
• Shalom: Hebrew – “peace”
• Salaam: Arabic – “peace”
• Concordia: Latin – “harmony” and “peace”
• Placida: Latin – “calm” and “peaceful”
• Quieta: Latin – “quiet” and “still”

Nature-Inspired Calm Names:

• River: English – flowing water (peaceful sound)
• Brook: English – gentle stream
• Vale: English – peaceful valley
• Grove: English – quiet forest space
• Meadow: English – peaceful field
• Haven: English – safe, restful place
• Harbor: English – place of rest and safety
• Sage: Latin – “wise” and “calm”

Night and Twilight Names

These names capture the magic of nighttime – that special time when the world settles into sleep.

Nighttime Beauties:

• Vesper: Latin – “evening star”
• Crepuscule: Latin – “twilight” (definitely unique!)
• Estelle: French – “star”
• Nocturne: Latin – “night”
• Twilight: English – that magical between time
• Dusk: English – peaceful evening time
• Evening: English – time of rest
• Midnight: English – heart of the night

Moon and Star Names:

• Selene: Greek – goddess of the moon
• Diana: Roman – moon goddess
• Artemis: Greek – moon goddess
• Cynthia: Greek – another name for the moon goddess
• Phoebe: Greek – “bright moon”
• Crescent: English – moon shape
• Nova: Latin – “new star”
• Vega: Arabic – “falling star”

Gentle and Soft Sleep Names

Picture this – names that just sound peaceful when you say them out loud. These have that gentle, sleepy quality built right in.

Soft-Sounding Sleep Names:

• Lila: Arabic – “night”
• Zara: Hebrew – “blooming flower” (peaceful image)
• Maya: Sanskrit – “illusion” (like dreams)
• Kira: Persian – “sun ray” (gentle light)
• Naia: Greek – “water nymph” (flowing and peaceful)
• Aria: Italian – “air” or “melody” (like a lullaby)
• Cora: Greek – “maiden” (gentle and soft)
• Nora: Latin – “light” (soft nightlight)

Whisper-Soft Options:

• Willa: German – “resolute protection” (safe sleep)
• Ella: German – “all” or “fairy maiden”
• Bella: Latin – “beautiful” (like peaceful sleep)
• Stella: Latin – “star” (night guide)
• Cleo: Greek – “glory” (peaceful pride)
• Zoe: Greek – “life” (peaceful existence)
• Hope: English – peaceful expectation
• Faith: Latin – peaceful trust

Explore more beautiful team names for your groups

Unisex Sleep Names for Any Little Dreamer

These gorgeous options work beautifully for any baby, giving you flexibility while keeping that peaceful meaning.

Gender-Neutral Sleep Names:

• River: English – flowing water (peaceful sound)
• Sky: English – endless peaceful space
• Ocean: English – vast and calming
• Rain: English – gentle, soothing sound
• Storm: English – powerful but peaceful after
• Vale: English – peaceful valley
• Reed: English – gentle plant that sways
• Bay: English – calm water
• Gray: English – peaceful color
• Blue: English – calming color
• Sage: Latin – wise and calm
• Phoenix: Greek – renewal and rebirth
• Robin: English – peaceful bird
• Wren: English – small, gentle bird
• Lane: English – peaceful path
• Brook: English – gentle stream
• Dale: English – valley (peaceful place)
• Glen: Scottish – valley
• Drew: English – wise (peaceful wisdom)
• Blair: Scottish – field (open peaceful space)
• Reed: English – gentle marsh plant
• Shay: Irish – admirable (peaceful quality)
• Quinn: Irish – wisdom (peaceful knowledge)
• Sage: Latin – wise herb (peaceful wisdom)
• River: English – flowing water (endless peace)

Rare and Unique Sleep Names

Ready for something really special? These uncommon gems carry beautiful sleep meanings but you probably won’t find them on the top 100 lists.

Ultra-Unique Sleep Names:

• Somnolence: Latin – “sleepiness” (definitely conversation-starting!)
• Dormancy: Latin – “state of rest”
• Repose: French – “rest” and “peace”
• Slumber: English – “peaceful sleep”
• Quiescence: Latin – “state of quiet”
• Tranquility: Latin – “peaceful calm”
• Serenity: Latin – “peaceful calm”
• Lethargy: Greek – “forgetfulness” (peaceful forgetting)

Botanical Sleep Names:

• Poppy: English – flower associated with sleep
• Lavender: Latin – calming herb
• Chamomile: Greek – peaceful tea herb
• Valerian: Latin – sleep-inducing herb
• Passionflower: English – calming flower
• Jasmine: Persian – peaceful night-blooming flower
• Magnolia: Latin – peaceful tree
• Willow: English – gentle, swaying tree

Cultural Sleep Names from Around the World

Every culture has beautiful ways to express sleep and rest. These names bring that global perspective to your baby’s peaceful identity.

African Sleep Names:

• Tumaini: Swahili – “hope” (peaceful expectation)
• Amani: Swahili – “peace”
• Salama: Swahili – “safety” and “peace”
• Kesi: Swahili – “born during troubled times” (finding peace)
• Jengo: Swahili – “building” (peaceful creation)

Native American Sleep Names:

• Aiyana: Cherokee – “eternal blossom” (peaceful growth)
• Onawa: Algonquin – “wide awake” (ironic but beautiful!)
• Takoda: Sioux – “friend to everyone” (peaceful relationships)
• Kaya: Hopi – “my elder sister” (peaceful family)
• Nayeli: Navajo – “I love you” (peaceful love)

Celtic Sleep Names:

• Aisling: Irish – “dream” or “vision”
• Seren: Welsh – “star”
• Rhiannon: Welsh – mythical peaceful queen
• Niamh: Irish – “bright” (peaceful light)
• Caoimhe: Irish – “gentle” and “beautiful”

Check out more cultural team names from different traditions

Ancient Names with Sleep Connections

These historic names carry the weight of centuries while maintaining their peaceful sleep associations.

Ancient Egyptian Sleep Names:

• Isis: Egyptian goddess associated with protection during sleep
• Nephthys: Egyptian goddess of night and sleep
• Nut: Egyptian sky goddess who swallowed the sun each night
• Khonsu: Egyptian moon god associated with sleep

Ancient Greek Peaceful Names:

• Eirene: Greek goddess of peace
• Hesperus: Greek evening star
• Endymion: Greek youth blessed with eternal sleep
• Lethe: Greek river of forgetfulness (peaceful forgetting)

Biblical Peaceful Names:

• Shiloh: Hebrew – “peaceful”
• Salem: Hebrew – “peace”
• Noah: Hebrew – “rest” and “comfort”
• Bethany: Aramaic – “house of figs” (peaceful place)
• Eden: Hebrew – “paradise” (ultimate peaceful place)

Names That Sound Like Lullabies

Some names just have that musical, sleepy quality that sounds like they could be sung as a lullaby. These melodic options are perfect for parents who love the sound as much as the meaning.

Lullaby-Like Names:

• Melody: Greek – “song”
• Harmony: Greek – “peaceful unity”
• Cadence: Latin – “rhythm” (like a peaceful heartbeat)
• Lyric: Greek – “song words”
• Aria: Italian – “air” or “melody”
• Allegra: Italian – “joyful” (peaceful happiness)
• Viola: Latin – “violet” (gentle instrument)
• Celeste: Latin – “heavenly” (peaceful music)

Rhythmic Sleep Names:

• Rhythm: Greek – “measured flow”
• Tempo: Italian – “time” (peaceful timing)
• Symphony: Greek – “harmony” (peaceful music)
• Sonata: Italian – “sounded” (gentle music form)
• Prelude: Latin – “before the play” (peaceful beginning)

Modern Invented Sleep Names

Sometimes the most beautiful names are the ones we create ourselves. These modern inventions capture that sleepy feeling in fresh, contemporary ways.

Contemporary Sleep Creations:

• Sleepara: Combination of “sleep” and “Sara”
• Dreamlyn: “Dream” + “Lynn”
• Restina: “Rest” + “Tina”
• Peacelyn: “Peace” + “Lynn”
• Calmara: “Calm” + “Sara”
• Serenella: “Serene” + “Ella”
• Quieta: Latin-inspired “quiet”
• Stillara: “Still” + “Sara”

Creative Combinations:

• Moonbeam: English – peaceful night light
• Starlight: English – gentle night illumination
• Dreamscape: English – landscape of dreams
• Nightfall: English – peaceful evening arrival
• Daybreak: English – gentle morning arrival
• Sunrise: English – peaceful dawn
• Sunset: English – calm evening

Fun Sleep Name Trivia to Share

Here’s something cool – the longest recorded time without sleep is 264 hours (that’s 11 days!), but babies typically sleep 14-17 hours per day. Ancient cultures believed naming a child after sleep deities would ensure peaceful nights, and honestly, it’s worth a try, right?

The word “lullaby” actually comes from “lulla” meaning sleep and “by” meaning goodbye – so it literally means “goodbye to sleep” or “go to sleep.” Pretty neat how language works!

Discover more fun team naming ideas

Why Sleep-Meaning Names Are Having a Moment

Here’s the thing – we’re living in an age where parents are more mindful than ever about the meanings behind their choices. Recent naming surveys show that parents are increasingly choosing names with peaceful meanings, with “calming” names up 23% since 2020. It makes total sense when you think about it.

The sleep and wellness industry has exploded into a $15 billion market, and this cultural shift toward prioritizing rest and mental health is showing up everywhere – including in our baby naming choices. Parents today want names that embody the tranquility and peace they’re seeking in their own lives.

Plus, let’s be real – what parent doesn’t secretly hope that naming their baby after a sleep deity might result in better nights? Ancient cultures certainly believed that naming children after sleep gods would ensure peaceful slumber. While we can’t guarantee your little Morpheus will sleep through the night, at least they’ll have a beautiful name with a calming story behind it!

Discover more peaceful team and group names here

Practical Tips for Choosing Your Perfect Sleep Name

Choosing the right sleepy name for your little one is more than just loving the meaning. Here are some real-world considerations I wish someone had shared with me:

Test the 3 AM Factor: Can you pronounce it clearly when you’re exhausted? Trust me, you’ll be saying your child’s name a lot during those middle-of-the-night wake-ups.

Consider Nickname Potential: Does the name shorten well? “Morpheus” might become “Morph” or “Mo,” which could work, but think it through.

Think About Sibling Names: If you have other children, do the names work well together? A house full of kids named after sleep gods might be a bit much (or absolutely perfect, depending on your style!).

Cultural Significance: Research any cultural meanings you might not be aware of. You want to honor the name’s origins respectfully.

Middle Name Magic: Sometimes a sleep-meaning middle name gives you that peaceful connection without it being the main focus. “Emma Serenity” or “James River” could be perfect compromises.

Sound with Surname: Say the full name out loud multiple times. Does it flow well? Any unfortunate rhymes or combinations?

Sweet Dreams and Perfect Names

Choosing a name meaning sleep, rest, or dreams for your little one is like wrapping them in a peaceful blessing from day one. Whether you go with the powerful mythology of Morpheus, the gentle beauty of Luna, the international flair of Yuki, or create your own modern combination, you’re giving your child a name that carries tranquility and calm.

Remember, the most important thing is that the name feels right to you and your family. Some parents swear their little Luna sleeps like her namesake moon, while others have a Morpheus who’s wide awake at all hours – and that’s perfectly okay too! The beauty is in the intention and the love behind the choice.

What sleep-inspired names are calling to you? I’d love to hear about your favorites or if you’ve discovered any beautiful sleep names from your own family’s cultural background. Sweet dreams and happy naming!