Names That Mean Sun

Derived from the Albanian word for "sun", Diell is a bright and approachable name for boys. In Albanian myths, legends, pagan customs and traditional festivals, the Sun is worshipped as the god of light, sky, weather, and the giver of life. Diella, Dielli, and Diellza are feminine forms.

The Hawaiian word for sunflower is also used figuratively for people who gaze toward the sun, and has a nice resonance with Lion King name Nala.

The Swedish spelling of the Icelandic Álfsól, this name combines the elements alfr meaning "elf" and sol meaning "sun" to create a name reminiscent of folktales and epic poetry. It's a rare choice that has nonetheless been given to a tiny handful of girls in Sweden.

There's no shortage of quirky ways to get to hip nickname Oz -- Ozias, Osborne, Ozymandias -- but this one may appeal to parents looking for a full name with some religious significance. It was originally a name for Palm Sunday, which came from the Latin word for "hosanna."

An epithet of the sun and the Hindu god Shiva, also borne by a 12th century Indian astronomer. Bhaskar, a common Indian surname, is related.

This bright, spirited, and summery name derives from the Serbian and Croatian word sunce meaning "sun".

This modern Icelandic name combines the elements alfr meaning "elf" and sol meaning "sun" to create something reminiscent of folktales and epic poetry. It's a rare choice, but has been approved as a given name in Iceland, meaning there is at least one person out there with Álfsól as a first or middle name. The Swedish form is Alfsol.

Solana has been trending up the Nameberry popularity charts, perhaps thanks to a legion of SZA fans. And it's poised to enter the US Top 1000 too, given to over 225 baby girls last year.

An intriguing French word and surname, Solaire has a hint of aristocratic ruggedness and plenty of flair. Translating to "solar", it is unlikely to be used within France itself, however, it has seen usage with the Francophone Democratic Republic of Congo, and in the US where it was given to 9 boys and 6 girls in a recent year. It was also used for a character in the video game Dark Souls.

Strong and rhythmic Italian form of Samson

A sunny and gentle sounding name used throughout India, Rashmi is a unisex option, though it is used more often as a feminine choice. Notable bearers include actress Rashmi Gautam and model, dancer and actress Rashami Desai. The name can also be used as a short form of Rajalakshmi, a compound name blending Raja and Lakshmi giving it the meaning "ruler's sign" or "sign of royalty".

A traditional possibility for a Japanese or Japanese-American child born in April or May.

An intriguing French word and surname, Solaire has a hint of aristocratic ruggedness and plenty of flair. Translating to "solar", it is unlikely to be used within France itself, however, it has seen usage with the Francophone Democratic Republic of Congo, and in the US where it was given to 9 boys and 6 girls in a recent year. It was also used for a character in the video game Dark Souls.

A vibrant name of Armenian origin, Hayarpi is a nature-inspired choice that could be a meaningful option for anyone wanting to honor Armenian heritage.

Has a nice fresh, early morning meaning, but not the most mellifluous of sounds. Also spelled Arpineh.

A rare Georgian name with a poetic meaning, Mzistvala combines mze meaning "sun" and tvali meaning "eye". The 'M' at the beginning is softly pronounced.

A bright, rare, and melodic option, derived from the Albanian word for "sun", Dielli may appeal to those who like Elodie, Delilah, or Amelie but want something more unique. Only very occasionally used as a given name, Dielli, or the Sun, is celebrated as the god of light, sky, weather, and as the giver of life in Albanian pagan traditions and legends.

Popular in China, Muyang appeared in the Top 10 in its native country in a recent year and features the stylish "Mu-" element, also heard in another contemporary favorite, Muchen. While it is a unisex name, it is predominantly used for boys.