Warm & Vibrant Sun Names for Your Little Ray of Sunshine

Imagine a day without the sun. Impossible, right? From the moment its golden rays peek over the horizon at dawn, to the soft, pastel hues it paints at dusk, the sun is a constant presence in everyone’s life. 

It’s the heartbeat of our solar system, the ultimate life-giver, and an unwavering source of inspiration. 

In that sense, the sun is a lot like every parent I’ve ever known. Just as the sun nurtures life on Earth with warmth, light, and energy, parents play a similar role in the growth and development of their children. 

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With that said, it’s no surprise to find you here – in search of a baby name that shines as bright as the sun. A name that draws inspiration from one of the most powerful and life-affirming forces in our universe.

And that’s exactly what these ‘sun names’ aim to do.

Without the sun, plants wouldn’t grow, seasons wouldn’t change, and life would cease to exist. Similarly, without the guidance, love, and care of parents, children would struggle to find their way in this world.

If that’s what you want your baby’s name to represent, then we’ve got 50 ‘sun names’ for you to consider!

Sun Names With Sunny Meanings: Boy Edition

Sun… Son… I mean, come on – what could be more perfect than that? 

Whether it’s a direct reference like “Sol” or a more nuanced nod like “Elio,” sun names are both unique and memorable – symbolizing enlightenment, growth, warmth, stability, reliability, and new beginnings. 

A son named after the sun can also embody a charismatic presence – someone who lights up a room and leaves a lasting impression, much like the sun’s rays touch everything and everyone on a daily basis.

With that said, here are 15 unique boy-inspired sun names with direct and indirect translations to the sun.  

15. Haru

Origin: Japanese

Derivation: The name Haru comes from the Japanese kanji 晴 (Haru), which means “sunny” or “clear up.” It can also be tied to the kanji 春 (Haru), which means “spring (season).”

Meaning: Sunny, Clear Up, Spring

14. Ravi

Origin: Sanskrit

Derivation: The name Ravi is derived from the Sanskrit word “रवि” (Ravi), which means “sun.” Ravi is also a name for the Hindu sun god.

Meaning: Sun

13. Sonny

Origin: English

Derivation: The name Sonny is derived from the English word “son,” often used as a nickname for a young boy or son. It can also be a standalone name.

Meaning: Son

12. Cyrus

Origin: Persian

Derivation: The name Cyrus is derived from the Persian name “Kūruš,” which is associated with the ancient Persian king, Cyrus the Great.

Meaning: Sun, One Who Bestows Care

11. Elio

Origin: Italian, Spanish, Greek

Derivation: The name Elio is derived from the Greek name “Helios,” the god of the sun in Greek mythology. Elio is a variant used in Italian and Spanish.

Meaning: Sun

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10. Samson

Origin: Hebrew

Derivation: The name Samson is derived from the Hebrew name “Shimshon,” meaning “sun” or “bright.” Samson is a biblical figure known for his immense strength.

Meaning: Sun, Bright

9. Aarush 

Origin: Sanskrit

Derivation: The name Aarush is derived from the Sanskrit word “आरुष” (Aarush), meaning the first ray of sunlight.

Meaning: First Ray of Sunlight, Sunrise

8. Altan

Origin: Turkish, Mongolian

Derivation: The name Altan is derived from the Turkish and Mongolian word “Altan,” which means “golden” or “red dawn.”

Meaning: Golden, Red Dawn

7. Lugh

Origin: Irish

Derivation: The name Lugh is derived from the name of the Celtic god Lugh, associated with the sun and light.

Meaning: Light, Brightness

6. Arun

Origin: Sanskrit

Derivation: The name Arun is derived from the Sanskrit word “अरुण” (Arun), meaning “reddish” or “dawn.” In Hindu mythology, Arun is the charioteer of the sun god.

Meaning: Sun, Dawn, Reddish

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5. Solaro 

Origin: Italian

Derivation: The name Solaro is derived from the Italian word “Sole,” meaning “sun.” Solaro is a variant that suggests a connection to the sun.

Meaning: Of the Sun

4. Taner

Origin: Turkish

Derivation: The name Taner is derived from the Turkish words “Tan” meaning “dawn” and “Er” meaning “man.”

Meaning: Born at Dawn

3. Dimas

Origin: Spanish, Portuguese

Derivation: The name Dimas is derived from the Spanish and Portuguese word “Dimas,” which can be associated with the dying light of day.

Meaning: Sunset, Half-Light

2. Cymbeline

Origin: Celtic, Latin

Derivation: The name Cymbeline is derived from the Celtic name “Cunobelinus,” which means “hound of Belinus,” with Belinus being a sun god in Celtic mythology. 

Meaning: Sun Lord, Sun Hound

1. Ishaan

Origin: Sanskrit

Derivation: The name Ishaan is derived from the Sanskrit word “ईशान” (Ishaan), meaning “the sun” or “the lord.” It is also one of the names of the Hindu god Shiva.

Meaning: Sun, Lord of Wealth

Sun Names With Sunny Meanings: Girl Edition

The sun is a universal symbol of light and beauty. So, naming your daughter after the sun suggests she will shine brightly in her life – celebrating her unique presence and the joy she will bring into this world.

I mean, let’s be honest – there’s no better way to honor your little ray of sunshine. 

It’s just like the song goes – “You are my sunshine / My only sunshine / You make me happy / When skies are gray / You’ll never know, dear / How much I love you / Please don’t take / My sunshine away.” 

If you like the idea of naming your daughter after the sun, here are 15 sun names we think you’ll enjoy!

15. Solana

Origin: Spanish

Derivation: The name Solana is derived from the Spanish word “sol,” meaning “sun,” with the suffix “-ana” indicating a place or condition.

Meaning: Sunlight, Sunshine

14. Soleil

Origin: French

Derivation: The name Soleil is derived directly from the French word “soleil,” meaning “sun.”

Meaning: Sun

13. Sunny

Origin: Enblish

Derivation: The name Sunny is derived from the English word “sunny,” often used as a descriptive name for a cheerful and bright personality.

Meaning: Sunny, Cheerful

12. Sunniva

Origin: Old English, Norwegian

Derivation: The name Sunniva is derived from the Old English words “sunne” (sun) and “gifu” (gift). Sunniva is also a Norwegian saint’s name.

Meaning: Sun Gift

11. Helia

Origin: Greek

Derivation: The name Helia is derived from the Greek word “hēlios,” meaning “sun.” Helia can also be a feminine form of Helios, the Greek sun god.

Meaning: Sun

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10. Elaine

Origin: Greek, Old French

Derivation: The name Elaine is derived from the Greek name “Helene,” meaning “torch” or “bright light.” Elaine is a variant used in Old French and English, also linked to Arthurian legend.

Meaning: Bright, Shining Light

9. Kalinda

Origin: Sanskrit

Derivation: The name Kalinda is derived from the Sanskrit word “कालिन्दी” (Kalindi), meaning “the sun.” It is also the name of a sacred river in Hindu mythology.

Meaning: Sun

8. Aeliana 

Origin: Latin

Derivation: The name Aeliana is derived from the Latin word “aelius,” meaning “sun.” Aeliana is a feminine form.

Meaning: Sun, Sunlight

7. Cyra

Origin: Persian, Greek

Derivation: The name Cyra is derived from the Persian word “سوریا” (Surya), meaning “sun.” In Greek, it is related to “Kyra,” meaning “lady” or “throne.”

Meaning: Sun, Throne

6. Oriana

Origin: Latin

Derivation: The name Oriana is derived from the Latin word “aurum,” meaning “gold,” and “aurora,” meaning “dawn.”

Meaning: Golden, Dawn

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5. Apolline

Origin: French, Greek

Derivation: The name Apolline is derived from the Greek name “Apollonia,” meaning “of Apollo,” who is the Greek god of the sun and light.

Meaning: Of Apollo (Sun God)

4. Mehri

Origin: Persian

Derivation: The name Mehri is derived from the Persian word “mehr,” meaning “sun” or “kindness.”

Meaning: Sunny, Kind

3. Mirri

Origin: Aboriginal Australian

Derivation: The name Mirri is derived from an Aboriginal Australian word meaning “the sun.”

Meaning: The Sun

2. Nanala

Origin: Hawaiian

Derivation: The name Nanala is derived from the Hawaiian words “na” (the) and “nala” (sun), collectively meaning “sunflower.”

Meaning: Sunflower

1. Savita

Origin: Sanskrit

Derivation: The name Savita is derived from the Sanskrit word “सविता” (Savita), meaning “the sun” or “bright.” It is a name often associated with the Hindu sun god Surya.

Meaning: Sun, Bright

Sun Names Inspired by Gods & Goddesses

From ancient civilizations to contemporary cultures, the sun’s influence has been woven into the fabric of our myths, legends, and spiritual beliefs – making it a central figure in mythologies around the world.

The Greeks honored Helios, who wore a radiant crown as he drove his golden chariot across the sky, while the Egyptians revered Ra, the falcon-headed god who sailed his sun barque through the heavens. 

The stories and legends surrounding the sun not only reflect humanity’s reverence for this celestial body, but it also reveals a variety of deep truths about our values, fears, and aspirations as a human race.

With that said, here are some of our favorite sun names inspired by mythological gods and goddesses.

20. Helios

Origin: Greek

Meaning: The name “Helios” is derived from the Ancient Greek word “Ἥλιος” (Hēlios), which means “sun.”

Mythology: Helios is the Greek god of the sun. In mythology, Helios is often depicted driving a chariot across the sky, which represents the daily journey of the sun from east to west. He is the personification of the sun and is considered to be an all-seeing god, overseeing everything that happens during the day. 

19. Apollo 

Origin: Greek

Meaning: The name “Apollo” is derived from the Greek name “Ἀπόλλων” (Apóllōn). The exact meaning of Apollo is unclear, but it is often associated with light, prophecy, and healing.

Mythology: Apollo is one of the most important and complex Olympian deities in Greek and Roman mythology. He is the god of the sun, light, music, poetry, healing, and prophecy. Apollo is the son of Zeus and Leto, and the twin brother of Artemis. He is often depicted with a lyre and is associated with the Delphic Oracle.

18. Ra

Origin: Egyptian

Meaning: The name “Ra” comes from the ancient Egyptian word for “sun.”

Mythology: Ra is the ancient Egyptian sun god and one of the most important deities in Egyptian mythology. He is often depicted with a falcon head and a sun disk on his head. Ra was believed to travel across the sky in his solar boat during the day and through the underworld at night, symbolizing the cycle of life, death, and rebirth.

17. Surya

Origin: Sanskrit

Meaning: The name “Surya” is derived from the Sanskrit word “सूर्य” (Sūrya), which means “sun.”

Mythology: Surya is the Hindu god of the sun and solar deity. He is considered the source of life and energy. Surya is often depicted riding a chariot drawn by seven horses, representing the seven colors of the rainbow and seven days of the week. He is worshiped in various forms across India, and the Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation) in yoga is a series of poses dedicated to him.

16. Sol

Origin: Latin

Meaning: The name “Sol” is derived from the Latin word for “sun.”

Mythology: In Roman mythology, Sol is the personification of the sun. Sol was often associated with the Greek god Helios and later with Apollo. Sol Invictus (“Unconquered Sun”) was a title used for several sun gods worshiped in the later Roman Empire, particularly under Emperor Aurelian.

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15. Inti

Origin: Quechua (Incan)

Meaning: The name “Inti” is derived from the Quechua word for “sun.”

Mythology: Inti is the Incan sun god and one of the most important deities in Incan mythology. Inti was believed to be the ancestor of the Incas and was worshipped as a source of warmth, light, and life. The famous Sun Temple in Cusco, Peru, known as Coricancha, was dedicated to Inti.

14. Tonatiuh 

Origin: Nahuatl (Aztec)

Meaning: The name “Tonatiuh” comes from the Nahuatl language and means “sun.”

Mythology: Tonatiuh is the Aztec sun god. He was considered the leader of Tollan, heaven. According to Aztec mythology, Tonatiuh demanded human sacrifice as payment for his continued journey across the sky. He is depicted in the center of the Aztec calendar stone, representing the fifth sun, which the Aztecs believed was the current era.

13. Shamash 

Origin: Akkadian

Meaning: The name “Shamash” is derived from the Akkadian word for “sun.”

Mythology: Shamash is the Mesopotamian sun god and god of justice in Akkadian, Assyrian, and Babylonian mythology. He was believed to see everything that happened during the day and thus was associated with truth and justice. Shamash is often depicted with rays emanating from his shoulders, representing sunlight.

12. Utu

Origin: Sumerian

Meaning: The name “Utu” is derived from the Sumerian word for “sun.”

Mythology: Utu is the Sumerian sun god, associated with justice, morality, and truth. He was believed to travel across the sky during the day in a chariot and descend into the underworld at night. Utu is the Sumerian counterpart to the Akkadian god Shamash.

11. Nyambe

Origin: Lozi (Zambian)

Meaning: The name “Nyambe” is derived from the Lozi language. The exact meaning of Nyambe is not solely “sun” but can be associated with the supreme god in Lozi mythology, encompassing creation and the sun.

Mythology: Nyambe is the supreme god in Lozi mythology of the Barotse people of Zambia. He is the creator of the universe and is associated with the sun and the sky. Nyambe is considered a distant but powerful deity who created all life and established the laws of nature.

10. Amaterasu 

Origin: Japanese

Meaning:  The name “Amaterasu” is derived from “Amateru” (shining in heaven) and “Ōmikami” (great deity).

Mythology: Amaterasu is the Shinto sun goddess and one of the principal deities in Japanese mythology. She is the ruler of the heavens and the ancestor of the Japanese imperial family. Amaterasu is associated with the creation of the universe and is worshipped at the Ise Grand Shrine, the most important Shinto shrine in Japan.

9. Magec

Origin: Guanche (Canary Islands)

Meaning: The name “Magec” is from the Guanche language, and it means “sun.”

Mythology: Magec is the sun god in Guanche mythology of the Canary Islands. Magec is associated with light and warmth and was revered by the native Guanche people as a powerful deity who brought life and growth to their lands.

8. Arinna 

Origin: Hittite

Meaning: The name “Arinna” is from the ancient Hittite language. The name Arinna does not directly mean “sun” but is the name of the city where the sun goddess was worshipped.

Mythology: The Sun goddess of Arinna was the chief goddess of the Hittites and was associated with the sun, fertility, and the queen of heaven. She was one of the most important deities in the Hittite pantheon and was worshipped in the city of Arinna.

7. Saule 

Origin: Baltic

Meaning: The name “Saule” is derived from the Proto-Baltic word for “sun.”

Mythology: Saule is the Baltic sun goddess, worshipped by the Latvians and Lithuanians. She is associated with life, fertility, warmth, and health. Saule is often depicted riding a chariot across the sky or in a boat. She plays a central role in the Baltic midsummer festival, Jāņi.

6. Xihe 

Origin: Chinese

Meaning: The name “Xihe” is from ancient Chinese mythology, meaning “sun goddess” or “mother of suns.”

Mythology: Xihe is a solar deity in Chinese mythology, often regarded as the mother of ten suns. She is associated with the sun and the light. According to legend, she gave birth to ten suns, which took turns to travel across the sky.

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5. Malina

Origin: Inuit

Meaning: The name “Malina” is from Inuit mythology, and it means “sun.”

Mythology: Malina is the sun goddess in Inuit mythology. She is associated with the day and the sun. In myths, Malina is often contrasted with her brother, the moon god Anningan. The tale of their chase across the sky explains the movement of the sun and moon.

4. Kamui

Origin: Ainu (Japanese indigenous people)

Meaning: The name “Kamui” is from the Ainu language, and it can mean “god” or “spirit.”

Mythology: Kamui is a general term for gods in Ainu mythology. The Ainu sun goddess is sometimes referred to as “Chup Kamui” or “Sun Kamui.” She is responsible for bringing light and warmth to the world and is revered as a vital and life-giving deity.

3. Shapash

Origin: Canaanite

Meaning: The name “Shapash” is from the Ugaritic language, and it means “sun.”

Mythology: Shapash is the sun goddess in Canaanite mythology. She is associated with light, justice, and the power to see everything. Shapash plays a role in several myths, including aiding the god Baal in his battles.

2. Eki

Origin: Hittite

Meaning: The name “Eki” comes from Hittite mythology, and it is associated with the sun goddess.

Mythology: Eki is another name for the sun goddess in Hittite mythology, sometimes referred to as “Sun Goddess of the Earth.” She was worshipped as a life-giving and sustaining deity.

1. Alectrona

Origin: Greek

Meaning: The name “Alectrona” is derived from the Greek word “Ἀλεκτρονη,” which means “bright” or “shining.”

Mythology: Alectrona is a minor Greek goddess associated with the sun and the dawn. She is considered a daughter of Helios, the sun god, and either Rhode or Poseidon. Alectrona was worshipped in Rhodes and believed to bring the light of day.

Are You Thinking of Using Any of These Sun Names?

The sun, our bright celestial neighbor, has always captivated human imagination. As the most prominent feature in our sky, its daily journey from dawn to dusk has been an unending source of wonder and fear. 

It’s more than just a giant star. It’s a mirror of the human spirit – a cornerstone of the natural world. 

So, the next time you bask in the sun’s glow, take a moment to reflect on its profound role. And with the sun names we listed above, it can leave a lasting impression on your child and your family, as a whole.  

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Just as the sun shapes the world we live in, parents shape the lives of their children daily. Both are irreplaceable, both are vital, and both bring a unique warmth and light that makes life truly magnificent.