Lovely Luna: A guide to the celestial baby name that’s capturing hearts
Choosing a name for your little one isn’t just something to call them– it’s a lifelong gift that carries meaning, history, and a sense of identity.
One name that’s been catching the attention of parents and making waves in baby name charts is Luna. With roots in Latin, where it means “moon,” other languages derived from Latin still use this word today — for instance, luna is the word for moon in both Italian and Spanish.
Luna is a name often associated with celestial beauty and the mysteries of the night sky.
Pronunciation and rhyming guide
Pronouncing Luna is typically straightforward: It’s Loo-nah. If you’re looking for a word that it rhymes with, think of “tuna.” (That might be a little preview of the wisecracks kindergarteners will come up with.)
Popularity and trends
Luna has been rising in popularity over recent years, both in the United States and globally. According to the Social Security Administration, Luna was the 10th most popular name for girls in the US in 2022.
It’s a name that’s caught the fancy of not just everyday folks, but celebrities as well — Chrissy Teigen and John Legend, as well as Penelope Cruz and Javier Barden, named their daughters Luna.
Luna in pop culture
This name has a certain star quality, appearing in various facets of popular culture. For instance, Luna Lovegood is a well-known character from the “Harry Potter” series. In the realm of TV, Luna is also a character on the children’s show “The Loud House.” Its frequent appearance in media has only added to its allure.
Variations and nicknames
While Luna is beautiful in its simplicity, you might also consider some variations to suit your taste or cultural background.
Feminine variations
- Lunette
- Lunella
- Lunaria
Masculine variations
- Lunis
- Lunar
Nicknames
- Lulu
- Lu
- Nana
Foreign adaptations
- Louna (French)
- Runa (Japanese, though the meaning differs)
- Lunna (Scandinavian spelling)
A name for all seasons
Luna is a name that transcends seasons, fitting for a baby born under any moon phase or zodiac sign. It’s a name that conveys a sense of wonder and natural beauty, much like the celestial body it represents.
Combining Luna with middle names
When pairing Luna with a middle name, you might try to balance the short, sweet nature of Luna with something a bit longer. Consider names like:
- Luna Isabelle
- Luna Madeline
- Luna Seraphine
Thematic sibling names
If you’re planning for more than one child and like the idea of themed names, you might think about other celestial or nature-inspired names to complement Luna:
- Orion
- Nova
- Stella
- Celeste
- Arcturus
Love that name Luna?
As you continue your journey to find the perfect name, Luna offers a blend of simplicity, beauty, and celestial wonder. Its rising popularity speaks to its modern appeal, while its historical and cultural roots add depth and richness.
