What does Luna mean and where does it come from?
The name Luna derives from the Latin word for 'moon', symbolizing femininity and beauty. It has been used since ancient times in Roman culture, where Luna was also the name of the moon goddess. The name has gained significant popularity in many countries, including Spain and Italy. The resurgence of
Cultural significance
Luna has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Latin-speaking communities, where it reflects values of latin.
Peak popularity
Reached #14 in 2020 — currently #10 in the US.
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Related Reading
Latin-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Luna?
Luna works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Luna Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Luna Rose
Floral · soft ending
Luna Claire
French influence · crisp
Luna Jane
Literary · strong
Luna Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Luna right now?
Holding steady — currently #10 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #10 | 7,841 | stable · -13% births |
| 2022 | #10 | 8,967 | ▲ up 1 · +9% births |
| 2021 | #11 | 8,237 | ▲ up 3 · +6% births |
| 2020 | #14 | 7,770 | ▲ up 98 · +177% births |
| 2015 | #112 | 2,802 | ▲ up 230 · +198% births |
| 2010 | #342 | 941 | ▲ up 252 · +97% births |
| 2005 | #594 | 477 | ▲ up 724 · +231% births |
| 2000 | #1318 | 144 | ▲ up 1200 · +188% births |
| 1995 | #2518 | 50 | ▲ up 3325 · +233% births |
| 1990 | #5843 | 15 | ▲ up 1720 · +88% births |
| 1985 | #7563 | 8 | ▼ down 1241 · -20% births |
| 1980 | #6322 | 10 | ▼ down 337 · +11% births |
| 1975 | #5985 | 9 | ▼ down 1223 · -18% births |
| 1970 | #4762 | 11 | ▲ up 934 · +83% births |
| 1960 | #5696 | 6 | — |
The story of Luna
Luna has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. Its peak popularity was #14 in 2020. A total of 49,264 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #444 in 1880 to #10 in 2023. Luna is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Luna in 2020:
Luna by decade
Luna peaked in the 2020s. See all 2020s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 168 | |
| 1890s | 278 | |
| 1900s | 298 | |
| 1910s | 419 | |
| 1920s | 413 | |
| 1930s | 173 | |
| 1940s | 91 | |
| 1950s | 44 | |
| 1960s | 29 | |
| 1970s | 67 | |
| 1980s | 115 | |
| 1990s | 549 | |
| 2000s | 4,729 | |
| 2010s ★ | 34,110 | |
| 2020s | 7,781 | |
What are good nicknames for Luna?
Famous people named Luna
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Luna (Roman goddess)
The divine embodiment of the moon in Roman mythology, giving the name its celestial meaning
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Luna Lovegood
Beloved fictional character from J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series, known for her wisdom and eccentricity
L(
Luna (Chrissy Teigen's daughter)
Daughter of model Chrissy Teigen and musician John Legend, who helped popularize the name
LM
Luna Maya
Indonesian actress, model, and singer with a massive following across Southeast Asia
L(
Luna (musician)
Korean-American singer known for her work with f(x) and her powerful vocal range
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Luna?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Luna also consider these
Common questions about the name Luna
What does the name Luna mean?
Luna means "Latin" — a name rooted in Latin tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Luna?
Luna is currently ranked #10 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Luna?
Luna originates from Latin tradition. Latin names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Luna?
Luna is a two-syllable name pronounced L UW1 N AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Luna more of a girl or boy name?
Luna is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.