Luna

♀ Girl

Pronounced LOO-nuh /ˈluː.nə/High

Meaning: Moon; the moon goddessHigh

In 30 seconds: Directly from Latin for 'moon,' Luna is a name of radiant simplicity. A perennial favorite across cultures, it has surged into the U.S. top ten in the 21st century.

💕 Browse more names

Origin HighLatin

MeaningMoon; the moon goddess

Peak year2017

Total births (all-time)≈ 26,720

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Luna is the Latin word for the moon and the name of the Roman goddess of the moon. It was used throughout the Roman world and in medieval Christian Europe as a symbolic name. The moon held profound cultural significance across virtually every ancient civilization.

Luna saw renewed modern use in Spanish- and Italian-speaking communities and gained English-language popularity in the late 20th century. The fictional character Luna Lovegood in J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series (2003 onward) gave it additional global visibility. It entered the U.S. top 100 around 2013 and the top ten by 2020.

Did you know? Luna was the Roman goddess of the moon, depicted driving a silver chariot across the night sky. The month name lunedi (Italian for Monday) and the word 'lunatic' (once believed to be caused by the full moon) both derive from her name.

Variations

LuneLunetteSelene

Nicknames

LuLunie

Famous Bearers

★Luna Lovegood (fictional)
Character in J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series, beloved for her whimsical nature.

If you like Luna…

Aurora— shares the celestial, mythological quality

Stella— equally luminous Latin name meaning star

Nova— another cosmic-themed girls' name with modern appeal

Isla— shares the soft, two-syllable ease

Aria— equally lyrical and international

Frequently Asked

What does the name Luna mean?

Luna is the Latin word for 'moon' and the name of the Roman goddess of the moon, making it one of the most directly meaningful nature names.

How do you pronounce Luna?

Luna is pronounced LOO-nuh /ˈluː.nə/ — two syllables, with stress on the first.

Is Luna a boy or girl name?

Luna is used almost exclusively as a girl's name in English-speaking countries, though in some cultures it may be unisex.

How popular is Luna?

Luna entered the U.S. top ten girls' names around 2020 after a rapid rise through the 2010s, driven by its celestial charm and cultural visibility.