Names That Mean Sun

If you like Annika but want a rarer alternative, Lonneke has a lot to offer. Originating as a diminutive of Apollonia, it is a subtle and stylish Greek mythology-inspired choice. Namesakes include the model Lonneke Engel, volleyball player Lonneka Slöetjes, and racing cyclist Lonneka Uneken.

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.

Midcentury macramé-maker.

This name is very wearable in English-speaking countries and has a lovely meaning.

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 12 boys and 5 girls in 2023. It was also used for a character in the video game Dark Souls.

A spiky and vivid sounding name, Sonnika could be an elaboration of Sonya, itself a form of Sophia, or derived from the German word sonne "sun". Alternatively, it could be a variation on the Hindi names Soniya and Sonika meaning "golden, lovely, beloved".

Like Mia but with a zippy Z in the middle, Mzia is a mini-name from Georgia with a sunny meaning.

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".

The Akan people of Ghana and the Ivory Coast frequently name their children after the day of the week they were born and the order in which they were born. Most Ghanaians have a name using this system (think Kofi Annan, whose name means born on a Friday). Kwasi is the name for boys born on a Sunday. (The name for girls born on a Sunday is Akosua).

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.

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

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.

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.