Moon names for girls inspired by mythology draw from the goddesses, spirits, and personifications of the moon across world cultures, from Greek Selene to Japanese Tsukuyomi. These names carry deep symbolic weight—lunar cycles have been tied to fertility, timekeeping, and the feminine divine for millennia—making them meaningful choices for a child. Below is a guide to the most prominent mythological moon figures, their origins, and how to choose a name that fits your family’s heritage or personal taste.
Why the Moon Is Central to World Mythology
Before the advent of artificial lighting, the moon was the most reliable source of nighttime illumination, and its phases provided a natural calendar for planting, harvesting, and festivals. Many cultures personified the moon as a deity, often female, though notable male exceptions exist (like the Japanese Tsukuyomi and the Norse Máni). The moon’s association with women stems from the roughly 29.5-day lunar cycle mirroring the human menstrual cycle—a connection observed in ancient texts and still referenced in modern language. This link made lunar goddesses natural patrons of childbirth, fertility, and protection of women.
In Greek mythology, the moon had three distinct goddesses: Selene (the Titan who drove the moon chariot), Artemis (the virgin huntress associated with the crescent moon), and Hecate (the dark moon, goddess of magic and crossroads). Roman mythology merged these into Luna and Diana. Meanwhile, in Egyptian tradition, the moon god Khonsu was male, but the goddess Isis was sometimes linked to the moon’s cycles. In Hindu mythology, Chandra is a male deity, yet the moon is also personified as the goddess Anumati in some Vedic texts. These variations show that lunar mythology is not monolithic—it adapts to each culture’s values and cosmology.
Greek and Roman Moon Goddesses
The most famous moon names for girls come from Greco-Roman tradition, where the moon was almost always female. Selene is the Titan goddess of the full moon, daughter of Hyperion and Theia, and sister to Helios (sun) and Eos (dawn). In Homeric Hymn 32, Selene is described as driving a silver chariot across the sky. Her Roman equivalent is Luna, a straightforward name that has remained in use since antiquity. Artemis (Roman: Diana) is the goddess of the hunt, wild animals, and the crescent moon, often depicted with a bow and arrows. Hecate, sometimes called the “moon goddess of the dark,” rules the new moon and is associated with magic, ghosts, and crossroads—a more intense choice for parents drawn to mystery.
Other related names include Phoebe, a Titaness often identified with the moon’s bright aspect (and grandmother of Apollo and Artemis), and Cynthia, an epithet of Artemis derived from Mount Cynthus on Delos, her birthplace. In Roman poetry, “Cynthia” became a common poetic name for the moon. These names have been used in English-speaking countries for centuries, with Selene and Luna currently ranking in the top 500 for girls in the US.
Moon Deities from Asia and the Middle East
Beyond Greece and Rome, many cultures have rich lunar mythology that offers less common but equally beautiful names. In Japanese Shinto, Tsukuyomi-no-Mikoto is the moon god, but his sister Amaterasu is the sun goddess. The name Tsukuyomi is rarely used for girls due to its masculine association, but “Tsuki” (meaning moon) appears in feminine names like Tsukiko. In Chinese mythology, Chang’e is the moon goddess who lives on the moon with a jade rabbit—she is celebrated during the Mid-Autumn Festival. Chang’e is a popular name in Chinese-speaking communities, symbolizing grace and immortality.
In Hindu mythology, the moon god Chandra is male, but the name “Chandra” is used for both genders in modern India (e.g., Chandra Wilson, the actress). More explicitly feminine is “Anumati,” a Vedic goddess of the moon’s waning phase, and “Rohini,” the wife of Chandra and a lunar asterism (nakshatra) in Vedic astrology. In the Middle East, the pre-Islamic Arabian goddess Al-Lat was sometimes associated with the moon, though her worship was largely supplanted by Islam. The name “Layla” (meaning night) is often poetically linked to the moon in Arabic literature, though it is not a goddess name per se.
Northern European and Slavic Lunar Figures
Norse mythology gives us Máni, a male moon god who is chased by the wolf Hati across the sky. While Máni is masculine, the name “Mani” is used for girls in some modern contexts, though it is not a traditional feminine name. More directly feminine is “Nott,” the personification of night, who is the mother of Dagr (day) in the Prose Edda. In Slavic folklore, the moon is often personified as a male figure, but the name “Luna” is used across Slavic languages as a direct loanword. The Baltic goddess “Mēness” is male in Latvian mythology, but the name “Mėnulis” (diminutive) is sometimes used for girls in Lithuania.
In Celtic tradition, the moon is not prominently personified as a goddess, but the name “Arianrhod” from Welsh mythology is often associated with the moon and stars. Arianrhod appears in the Mabinogion as a goddess of the sky, and her name means “silver wheel,” which some scholars interpret as a lunar symbol. This name has gained popularity in modern pagan communities as a moon-inspired choice.
How to Choose a Mythological Moon Name
Selecting a moon name involves balancing mythological accuracy, cultural respect, and practical considerations like pronunciation and popularity. Here are key factors to weigh:
- Cultural origin: If you have a specific heritage, consider names from that tradition (e.g., Chang’e for Chinese heritage, Selene for Greek). This honors your ancestry and avoids cultural appropriation concerns.
- Gender association: Some moon deities are male (Tsukuyomi, Chandra, Máni), but their names are sometimes used for girls in modern contexts. Be aware of the traditional gender to avoid confusion.
- Pronunciation ease: Names like Selene and Luna are easy for English speakers, while Tsukuyomi or Arianrhod may require explanation. Consider how the name will be pronounced in your community.
- Meaning and symbolism: Each goddess has a distinct domain—Selene (full moon, romance), Artemis (hunt, independence), Hecate (magic, mystery). Choose a name whose symbolism resonates with your hopes for your child.
- Popularity: Luna has been in the top 50 for US girls since 2015, while Selene is less common. If you prefer a unique name, consider Phoebe, Cynthia, or Rohini.
Common Misconceptions About Moon Names
A frequent misconception is that all moon goddesses are interchangeable—that any name meaning “moon” carries the same weight. In reality, each deity has a specific mythology, and using a name without understanding its context can lead to awkward associations. For example, Hecate is not a benign moon goddess; she is also a goddess of witchcraft and the underworld. Naming a child Hecate may invite assumptions about occult interests. Similarly, Chang’e is a tragic figure who was banished to the moon after drinking an immortality potion—her story is not purely joyful.
Another misconception is that “Luna” is a modern invention. In fact, Luna was an ancient Roman goddess whose worship predates Christianity. The name has been used in English since the Renaissance, and it appears in Shakespeare’s “The Tempest” (as a character). Also, some assume that all moon names are feminine, but as noted, many cultures have male moon gods. If you are set on a feminine name, avoid using a male deity’s name directly unless it has become unisex (like Chandra).
Modern Usage and Popularity Trends
Lunar names have seen a resurgence in recent decades, driven by a broader interest in nature-inspired and mythological names. According to US Social Security Administration data, Luna entered the top 100 in 2015 and has since climbed to the top 50. Selene has remained steady in the 400-500 range, while Phoebe and Cynthia are less common but still used. In the UK, Luna has been in the top 20 since 2018, reflecting a global trend. This popularity is partly due to celebrity influence (e.g., Chrissy Teigen and John Legend named their daughter Luna in 2016) and partly to a cultural shift toward names with spiritual or natural meanings.
International variations also matter. In Spanish-speaking countries, “Luna” is a common given name, while “Selene” is used in Greece and Italy. In Japan, “Tsukiko” (moon child) is a traditional feminine name, and “Mizuki” (beautiful moon) is another option. In India, “Chandra” is used for both genders, but “Rohini” is exclusively feminine and tied to Hindu astrology. These regional differences mean that a name’s perception varies widely—what is unique in one country may be common in another.
Alternatives to Direct Goddess Names
If you want a moon-inspired name without using a specific deity, consider names that mean “moon” in various languages or are associated with lunar phenomena. Examples include:
- Luna (Latin) – the most direct and popular choice.
- Mona (Old English) – means “moon” and is also a short form of Monique.
- Chandra (Sanskrit) – means “moon” and is used for both genders.
- Yue (Chinese) – means “moon” and is a common feminine name.
- Ziva (Slavic) – means “bright” and is sometimes linked to the moon’s light.
- Neoma (Greek) – means “new moon.”
These alternatives allow you to honor the moon without the cultural baggage of a specific deity. Additionally, you can combine a moon name with a middle name that grounds it—for example, Selene Grace or Luna Mae—to create a balanced full name.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most popular mythological moon name for girls?
Luna is the most popular, ranking in the top 50 for girls in the US and UK. Its Latin origin and simple spelling make it widely accessible. Selene is also well-known but less common, while Phoebe and Cynthia are older-fashioned choices.
Are there any male moon gods whose names could work for a girl?
Yes, but with caution. Chandra (Hindu) is used for both genders in modern India, and Tsukuyomi (Japanese) is rarely used for girls. Máni (Norse) is masculine, but “Mani” is occasionally used as a feminine name in Western countries, though it is not traditional.
Is it disrespectful to use a moon goddess name from a culture I don’t belong to?
It depends on the culture. For living traditions like Hinduism or Shinto, using a deity’s name without understanding its religious significance can be seen as disrespectful. However, many names like Luna and Selene are from ancient, no longer practiced religions, so they are in the public domain. If you choose a name from a living tradition, research its meaning and use it respectfully.
What are some unique moon names that are not goddesses?
Consider names that mean “moon” in other languages: “Yue” (Chinese), “Mona” (Old English), “Neoma” (Greek), or “Ziva” (Slavic, meaning bright). Also, “Crescent” is a modern word name, and “Tara” (Sanskrit) means “star” but is sometimes associated with the moon.
Do moon names have any negative connotations?
Some do. Hecate is linked to witchcraft and the underworld, which may be undesirable for some. Chang’e’s story involves exile and separation from her husband. However, most moon names like Selene, Luna, and Phoebe have positive associations with light, beauty, and femininity.
Related
- Greek Mythology Moon: Selene, Artemis & More
- God of the Moon in Greek Mythology: Selene & More
- Goddess of the Moon in Greek Mythology: Selene & Artemis
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