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Soleil

♀ Girl

Pronounced so-LAY /sɔˈlɛj/High

Meaning: Sun; the French word soleil meaning sun, used as a given name for its luminous, radiant imageryHigh

In 30 seconds: Soleil is the French word for sun, worn as a given name with luminous warmth, best known internationally from actress Soleil Moon Frye and beloved for its exotic sound and radiant meaning.
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Origin HighFrench
MeaningSun; the French word soleil meaning sun, used as a given name for its luminous, radiant imagery
U.S. rank (2025)#758 ↗ Rising
2025 U.S. births358 girls (0.02% of U.S. girls)
Peak year2025
Total births (all-time)≈ 5,125

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 202519812025

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

History & Origin

Soleil derives from the Old French soleil, itself from Vulgar Latin soliculus, a diminutive of sol meaning sun. The Latin sol connects to Proto-Indo-European roots shared across European languages. As a given name it celebrates warmth, light, and radiance.

Soleil gained recognition as a given name in the English-speaking world partly through actress Soleil Moon Frye, who starred in the TV series Punky Brewster (1984-1988). The name appeals to parents drawn to French vocabulary words as names, alongside Lumiere, Belle, and Celeste.

Did you know? King Louis XIV of France was called le Roi Soleil, the Sun King, because he made the sun his personal emblem to represent the absolute radiance of his monarchy. The word Soleil thus carries centuries of regal golden symbolism.
Overall data confidence 97%
Behind the Name — Soleil — French etymology and usageU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

SolangeSolSunny

Nicknames

SolSunnyElle

Famous Bearers

  • ★Soleil Moon Frye (1976–present)
    American actress best known for playing Punky Brewster in the 1980s NBC sitcom of the same name, later a producer and author.

If you like Soleil…

Celeste— same radiant French celestial nature name feel
Aurora— fellow luminous nature name meaning sunrise and light
Lumiere
Belle— shares the elegant single-syllable French vocabulary-word style

Frequently Asked

What does the name Soleil mean?

Soleil means sun in French, from the Old French and Vulgar Latin sol.

How do you pronounce Soleil?

It is said so-LAY, two syllables with stress on the second, following French pronunciation.

Is Soleil a French name?

Yes, Soleil is a French vocabulary word meaning sun, used as a given name for its radiant imagery.

Is Soleil a rare name?

Soleil is uncommon in the United States but rises occasionally, with parents drawn to its exotic sound and positive meaning.