Choosing a name for your baby is one of the most exciting decisions you’ll make as a parent. If you love celestial themes, baby names that mean eclipse offer something special and meaningful. These names carry the mystery of the moon covering the sun, creating rare moments of cosmic wonder.
In this article, I’ll share over 51 eclipse-inspired names from different cultures and languages. You’ll find options for boys, girls, and gender-neutral choices.
I’ll also cover Japanese names tied to shadows and darkness, plus creative ways to honor eclipse events through your baby’s name.
These names blend astronomical beauty with deep cultural roots, giving your child a name that tells a story every time someone asks about its meaning.
Why Choose an Eclipse-Inspired Name?
Eclipse names connect your child to powerful natural events that have fascinated humans for thousands of years. These names often mean “shadow,” “darkness,” “moon,” or “sun,” capturing the moment when day briefly turns to night.
Parents who pick eclipse names appreciate the symbolism. An eclipse represents change, renewal, and rare beauty. It’s a perfect balance between light and dark, just like raising a child means experiencing both bright and challenging moments.
These names also come from rich cultural traditions. Greek mythology gave us Luna and Helios. Japanese culture offers names like Kage and Yami. Sanskrit provides Ravi for sun-lovers. Each name carries history and meaning beyond just sounding nice.
Eclipse names work well because they’re not overly common but still easy to pronounce. Your child won’t be one of five kids with the same name in their class. At the same time, names like Leo, Nova, or Luna feel familiar enough that people won’t struggle with spelling or pronunciation.
51+ Baby Names That Mean Eclipse
Here are 53 carefully selected names inspired by eclipses, celestial bodies, and cosmic phenomena from cultures around the world.
- Apollo: Greek god of the sun who brings light and healing to the world.
- Helios: Greek personification of the sun who drives his chariot across the sky each day.
- Sol: Latin and Spanish name meaning “sun,” simple yet powerful.
- Ravi: Sanskrit name meaning “sun,” popular in Indian culture.
- Elio: Italian name meaning “sun,” warm and melodic.
- Sunny: English nickname that directly references the bright sun.
- Atlas: Greek titan who bears the heavens on his shoulders.
- Cosmo: Greek name meaning “universe,” perfect for space lovers.
- Orion: Greek constellation named after a legendary hunter in mythology.
- Titan: Greek name meaning “defender,” powerful and strong.
- Leo: Latin constellation and zodiac sign representing the lion.
- Sirius: Greek name meaning “glowing star,” the brightest star in the night sky.
- Zephyr: Greek name meaning “west wind,” gentle yet strong.
- Jett: English name meaning black, like the darkness during an eclipse.
- Umbra: Latin name meaning shadow, the darkest part of an eclipse.
- Blake: English name meaning “dark” or “pale,” versatile and timeless.
- Luna: Latin name meaning “moon,” classic and widely loved.
- Lunette: French variation of Luna, meaning little moon.
- Selene: Greek moon goddess who drives her chariot across the night sky.
- Selena: Variation of Selene, popularized in modern times.
- Tsukiyo: Japanese name meaning “moonlit night,” poetic and serene.
- Yoru: Japanese name meaning “night,” short and memorable.
- Mahina: Hawaiian and Tongan name meaning “moon,” tropical and sweet.
- Aurora: Latin name meaning “dawn,” the goddess of morning light.
- Soleil: French name meaning “sun,” bright and cheerful.
- Aelia: Latin name meaning “sun,” ancient Roman origin.
- Nova: Latin name meaning “new” or “exploding star,” modern and fresh.
- Oriana: Latin name meaning “dawn,” when light returns after darkness.
- Orianne: French variation meaning “sunrise” or “dawn,” graceful and flowing.
- Zara: Arabic name meaning “blooming flower,” popular worldwide.
- Celeste: Latin name meaning “heavenly,” connected to the sky above.
- Celestia: Variation of Celeste with extra celestial flair.
- Stella: Latin name meaning “star,” timeless and classic.
- Lyra: Greek constellation named after the musical lyre instrument.
- Vega: Arabic name meaning “swooping eagle,” one of the brightest stars.
- Estelle: French name meaning “star,” sophisticated and charming.
- Hoshi: Japanese name meaning “star,” simple and sweet.
- Estrella: Spanish name meaning “star,” melodic and warm.
- Yami: Japanese name meaning darkness, mysterious and deep.
- Kage: Japanese name meaning shadow, the dark silhouette during an eclipse.
- Touka: Japanese name meaning eclipse, directly referencing the phenomenon.
- Kurayami: Japanese name meaning darkness or eclipse, powerful and intense.
- Ankoku: Japanese name meaning darkness or eclipse, dramatic and bold.
- Gesshoku: Japanese name meaning lunar eclipse specifically.
- Taiyou no Kage: Japanese phrase meaning shadow of the sun.
- Shoku: Japanese name meaning eclipse, short and impactful.
- Hikarizumu: Japanese name meaning dancing light during an eclipse.
- Kurabito: Japanese name meaning dark person, connected to eclipse symbolism.
- Ankou: Japanese name meaning dark fragrance, poetic and mysterious.
- Kurai: Japanese name meaning dark, simple and evocative.
- Yoru no Hikari: Japanese phrase meaning night light during an eclipse.
- Shadanki: Japanese name meaning annular eclipse, when a ring of light remains.
- Chikazuki: Japanese name meaning approach, as celestial bodies come together.
Boys’ Names
Girls’ Names
Japanese Names Meaning Eclipse & Shadow
Fun Ways to Commemorate an Eclipse
Creative parents find clever ways to honor eclipse events through naming. Using initials “S” and “E” gives a subtle nod to “solar eclipse” without being too obvious. You could pick Sarah Elizabeth or Samuel Elliot, and only those who know will catch the connection.
Some families name babies after the date an eclipse occurred. If your child was born during the 2024 total solar eclipse, you might choose April as a middle name. Or use the location where you watched it, like naming your daughter Austin or Dakota after the viewing spot.
Celestial events create natural naming opportunities. Parents who met during an eclipse might honor that moment. Others simply love astronomy and want their child’s name to reflect that passion.
The key is making it personal and meaningful to your family story.
Conclusion
Finding the right baby name that means eclipse connects your child to centuries of cosmic wonder and cultural tradition. These names offer depth and meaning while staying accessible and easy to pronounce.
From Greek sun gods to Japanese shadow concepts, you have dozens of options that feel both timeless and fresh.
I personally love how eclipse names balance opposites: light and dark, day and night, common and rare. Take your time exploring these options. Say them out loud. Imagine calling your child by that name for years to come. Which one makes you smile?
Drop a comment below with your favorite eclipse-inspired name, or share this post with expecting parents in your life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does an eclipse symbolize in a name?
An eclipse represents change, balance, and rare natural beauty. These names symbolize the meeting of light and darkness, perfect for parents who love cosmic events.
Are eclipse names suitable for both boys and girls?
Yes, many eclipse names work for any gender. Luna, Sol, Nova, and Orion are used across genders, giving you flexibility.
Which culture has the most eclipse-related names?
Japanese culture offers numerous eclipse and shadow names like Kage, Yami, and Gesshoku. Greek and Latin traditions also provide many celestial options.
Can I use an eclipse name as a middle name?
Absolutely. Eclipse names work great as middle names if you prefer a traditional first name. This gives your child options later.
Do eclipse names have negative meanings?
Most eclipse names focus on natural events rather than negative ideas. Darkness and shadow references are viewed as balanced and mysterious, not ominous.
