Luna: Name Guide
Quick Summary: Luna is a female name of Latin origin, meaning "moon". It gained prominence through Roman mythology and has surged in popularity in the 21st century, particularly after 2000.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Origin | Latin |
| Meaning | Moon |
| Gender | Female |
| Pronunciation | LOO-nə |
Etymology of Luna
Luna derives from Latin luna, the word for "moon". In Roman mythology, Luna was the divine personification of the moon, often depicted driving a chariot across the night sky.
The name entered English through literary and mythological references rather than through continuous vernacular use. Unlike many Latin names that traveled through Christian tradition, Luna remained primarily a mythological reference until its modern revival.
The connection to celestial imagery—light in darkness, cyclical renewal, feminine mystery—has made Luna particularly appealing in contemporary naming culture, where parents may seek names that evoke natural phenomena or mythological resonance.
History of Luna
Origins and Early Use
Luna appears in Roman texts as both the name of the moon goddess and the common noun for the moon itself. However, as a given name, Luna saw minimal use in English-speaking countries until the late 20th century. The name was not traditionally used as a personal name in ancient Rome, where it functioned primarily as a divine title.
Rise to Popularity
Luna's transformation from mythological reference to popular given name occurred gradually, then dramatically. The name appeared sporadically in U.S. birth records in the early 1900s but remained extremely rare for most of the 20th century.
| Era | Event | Impact on Name |
|---|---|---|
| 1990s-2000s | Harry Potter series introduces Luna Lovegood | Introduced the name to a new generation as a character name |
| 2010s | Celebrity usage (Chrissy Teigen, Penélope Cruz) | Normalized Luna as a fashionable choice |
| 2015-2022 | Peak popularity period | Rose from #77 (2015) to #10 (2022) |
Modern Usage
Luna has become one of the fastest-rising names in recent U.S. history. After ranking #1324 in 2000, it surged to #14 by 2020 and peaked at #10 in 2022. The 2024 ranking of #13 suggests stabilization at a very high level rather than decline.
The name's appeal may stem from multiple factors: its celestial imagery, its simplicity and ease of pronunciation across languages, and its association with both nature and mythology. Luna fits contemporary preferences for names that feel meaningful yet concise, and its Latin roots give it an international quality.
Key insight: This name rose because modern parents increasingly value nature-inspired and mythological names with cross-cultural appeal, and it stabilized as a top-tier choice due to its combination of simplicity, beauty, and symbolic depth.
Why people choose this name: People tend to choose Luna when they want to convey connection to nature, mystery, and beauty, especially in contexts involving creativity, spirituality, or a preference for names with mythological resonance.
Variants of Luna
| Language | Form | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| English | Luna | Standard form |
| Spanish | Luna | Identical spelling, common in Spanish-speaking countries |
| Italian | Luna | Identical spelling, also means "moon" in Italian |
| French | Lune | The French word for moon (rarely used as a name) |
| Portuguese | Lua | Portuguese word for moon, occasionally used as a name |
For digital IDs, shorter forms tend to be more practical than full international variants. Consider length, spelling clarity, and memorability.
Nicknames
Common nicknames include:
- Lulu
- Lu
- Lunie
Similar Names
- Stella - Another celestial name meaning "star"
- Selene - Greek moon goddess, etymological parallel
- Aurora - Another mythological name referring to natural phenomena (dawn)
Luna Popularity
US Rankings (SSA Data)
| Decade | Rank | Births |
|---|---|---|
| 1900s | #651 | 30 |
| 1920s | #1095 | 47 |
| 1940s | #3391 | 8 |
| 1960s | #6101 | 6 |
| 1980s | #6578 | 10 |
| 2000s | #1324 | 144 |
| 2020s | #14 | 7,845 |
| 2024 | #13 | 7,135 |
Peak: 2022, ranked #10 (8,967 births)
Current (2024): #13 (7,135 births)
Trend analysis: Luna's dramatic rise from near-obscurity to top-15 status reflects broader trends toward nature names and short, internationally recognizable names. The slight decline from the 2022 peak may suggest the name is stabilizing rather than continuing its meteoric rise.
Note: Popularity rankings reflect birth records and do not necessarily indicate current digital usage or username availability.
Luna as a Username
Availability
"luna" as a username is often taken on major platforms due to its high popularity and short, memorable form. Availability varies by service and region, with most mainstream platforms requiring variations.
Variations for IDs
| Style | Example | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | luna | Professional (if available) |
| With numbers | luna99, luna2024 | Gaming, social media |
| Abbreviated | lu, lulu | Informal platforms, gaming |
| Stylized | xlunax, lunax, lunamoon | Creative accounts, preserves celestial theme |
Digital Impression
Luna as an ID tends to project:
- Mystery and creativity - because of its association with the moon and night imagery
- Gentleness and calm - because celestial names often evoke tranquility and wonder
- Modern sensibility - because it's a contemporary favorite rather than a traditional classic
Best for: Creative platforms, artistic communities, gaming accounts where a mystical or nature-inspired aesthetic is valued.
Avoid if: you prefer highly unique or abstract usernames, as Luna's popularity means you'll likely need variations.
Is Luna good for a username?
Luna works well as a username if you value elegance, simplicity, and celestial imagery. However, due to its high popularity, you may need variations like luna_moon, xlunax, or luna2024 to secure availability on established platforms. The name's international recognizability and ease of spelling make it practical for cross-platform use.
FAQ
What does Luna mean?
Luna means "moon" from Latin. In Roman mythology, Luna was the goddess of the moon.
Is Luna popular?
According to SSA data, Luna ranks #13 in the US (2024). It is currently stable after a dramatic rise from near-obscurity in 2000 to top-15 status by 2020.
What are nicknames for Luna?
Common nicknames include Lulu, Lu, and Lunie.
Is Luna a boy's or girl's name?
Luna is traditionally a female name. It is overwhelmingly used for girls in contemporary English-speaking countries.
How do you pronounce Luna?
Luna is pronounced LOO-nə (rhymes with "tuna"). Pronunciation is consistent across English-speaking regions.
Is Luna good for a username?
Luna works well as a username if you value elegance and celestial imagery, though its high popularity means availability may require variations like luna_moon or xlunax.
Related Names
- Stella - Another celestial name meaning "star"
- Aurora - Mythological name referring to dawn, similar nature-based appeal
- Ivy - Short, nature-inspired name popular in the same era
Sources: SSA Baby Names (ssa.gov), Oxford Dictionary of First Names Last updated: February 2026