Best American Names for Boys That Mean Moon

Published On: 24/04/2025

The moon has captivated human imagination for centuries—symbolizing calmness, guidance, mystery, and a touch of magic. In recent years, parents seeking meaningful names for their children have turned toward celestial inspiration, and moon-themed names for boys have gained popularity across the United States. Whether rooted in Native American heritage, mythology, or global cultures, these names reflect the power and beauty of the moon while offering something unique for a baby boy.

In this article, we explore the best American names for boys that mean moon, uncover the meanings behind them, and highlight how custom wooden name puzzles featuring these names can become cherished gifts that are educational, personal, and deeply symbolic.

Why Moon Names Matter

The moon carries significance across various cultures. It represents illumination in the darkness, emotional balance, and transformation. For many parents, choosing a name with this kind of symbolism brings a sense of peace and connection to the natural world. In Native American traditions, the moon often represents a grandmother spirit or a guardian, while in mythology, it's tied to gods and magical beings.

Giving your child a name that connects to the moon is more than poetic—it’s a wish for a grounded, thoughtful, and emotionally intelligent life.

1. Artemas

Origin: Greek
Meaning: “Follower of Artemis,” the goddess of the moon

Artemas is a strong yet gentle name with mythological significance. Though Artemis is traditionally a female name, Artemas offers a masculine twist that retains the celestial charm.

🌙 Why it’s special on a name puzzle:

A wooden puzzle featuring the name Artemas encourages letter recognition, while the meaning can be engraved on the back: “May your child follow the light of the moon and stand strong in grace.”

2. Qamar

Origin: Arabic
Meaning: Moon

Qamar is a stunning and direct name that literally means “moon.” While not traditionally “American,” the U.S. is a melting pot of global names, and Qamar fits beautifully into this trend of global-meaning, celestial names.

🌙 Why it’s special on a name puzzle:

A name puzzle with Qamar introduces cultural beauty and celestial wonder. Include a moon design carved into the wood, and write: “You are the moonlight in our night sky.”

3. Chand

Origin: Hindi/Sanskrit
Meaning: Moon

Simple yet elegant, Chand is pronounced like "ch-und" and holds deep spiritual roots. In Indian culture, the moon is seen as a symbol of calm wisdom and reflective beauty.

🌙 Why it’s special on a name puzzle:

Engraving Chand on a puzzle creates a connection to both language and spirituality. Add a short phrase like “As calm as the night sky.”

4. Tsukasa

Origin: Japanese
Meaning: Moon ruler / Director under the moon

For parents looking for unique and rare names in the U.S., Tsukasa offers a beautiful connection to Japanese lunar tradition. It stands for leadership under the moon’s glow.

🌙 Why it’s special on a name puzzle:

The puzzle becomes a way to celebrate both identity and aspiration. On the back, you might write: “Guided by the moon, destined to lead.”

5. Badar

Origin: Arabic
Meaning: Full moon

Badar is a bright, bold name that symbolizes completeness and maturity, evoking the image of the full moon at its most powerful.

🌙 Why it’s special on a name puzzle:

The name Badar can be paired with imagery of a full moon and a quote like: “You shine at your brightest when the world needs light.”

6. Koray

Origin: Turkish
Meaning: Ember moon or Moonlight

Koray combines light and fire, representing a moon that burns softly in the sky. It’s exotic, phonetic, and has an undeniably beautiful sound.

🌙 Why it’s special on a name puzzle:

Koray’s puzzle could include flame and moon symbols to match its meaning. Add the message: “Burn bright, even in the quietest nights.”

7. Rakesh

Origin: Sanskrit
Meaning: Lord of the full moon

This name brings royal and divine energy. While it’s more popular in Indian communities, Rakesh is gaining traction with American parents looking for deeper meaning.

🌙 Why it’s special on a name puzzle:

With its rhythmic tone, Rakesh is beautiful on a wooden name puzzle. Add the engraving: “May your wisdom shine like the full moon.”

8. Jericho

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: City of the moon

Although not directly the name of the moon, Jericho has ancient ties to lunar worship. It feels modern yet ancient—mystical and strong.

🌙 Why it’s special on a name puzzle:

Jericho is bold and unique. You could inscribe: “From the city of moonlight, comes a heart of gold.”

9. Neil

Origin: Gaelic/Scottish
Associated With: Neil Armstrong, the first man to walk on the moon

Although Neil doesn’t mean moon in origin, it has a strong association with the moon due to Neil Armstrong. For American families, it’s a patriotic and space-inspired name.

🌙 Why it’s special on a name puzzle:

Pair it with an astronaut and moon icon. Add the quote: “Shoot for the moon—just like Neil.”

10. Elidi

Origin: Greek
Meaning: Gift of the sun and moon

This rare name is mystical and musical, combining the celestial bodies into one. While it’s gender-neutral, it can easily work for boys as a poetic option.

🌙 Why it’s special on a name puzzle:

A puzzle for Elidi is a celebration of duality—day and night. Add an inscription: “Your name is a gift of balance and beauty.”

Why Name Puzzles Are the Perfect Gift

🎁 They Make Learning Fun

Custom name puzzles are tactile and interactive. Babies and toddlers love puzzles that help them learn letters, sounds, and eventually, how to spell their own names. It supports early cognitive development and fine motor skills.

🎁 They Celebrate Identity

Giving a child a puzzle with their own name reinforces their sense of self and importance. When the name also carries a rich meaning—like a moon-themed one—it becomes even more special.

🎁 They’re Keepsakes

Unlike toys that break or fade, a high-quality wooden name puzzle lasts for years. Parents often keep them as memory pieces, and older children treasure them as symbolic reminders of their beginnings.

🎁 You Can Add Meaningful Messages

Most puzzles can be personalized on the back. Whether it’s the meaning of the name or a special blessing, your message turns the puzzle into a timeless piece.

Choosing the Right Puzzle

When buying a name puzzle, consider these tips:

Choose sustainable wood for safety and durability.
Opt for engraved meanings or birth dates on the back.
Pick puzzle letters large enough for tiny hands—ideal for babies and toddlers.
Add moon-themed designs like stars, constellations, or lunar phases for extra meaning.

Final Thoughts

American parents today crave names that are unique, meaningful, and soulful—and moon-inspired names deliver just that. Whether you’re drawn to Qamar’s poetic simplicity, Koray’s fire-meets-luna energy, or the legendary Neil, each name brings a touch of wonder.

Paired with custom wooden name puzzles, these names aren’t just labels—they become a part of a child’s learning journey, cultural identity, and emotional connection with their name.

In a world filled with fleeting trends, both celestial names and thoughtfully crafted toys like name puzzles offer timeless value. A name that means moon isn’t just beautiful—it’s powerful. And when carved into wood and played with daily, it becomes a gift that keeps giving—both for the heart and the mind.