Emma Girl
EH-muh
“whole, universal” · Germanic
#3
Soleil
GirlFrench· “sun”
- Meaning
- sun
- Origin
- French
- Pronunciation
- soh-LAY
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #758
- US babies 2025
- 358
- Best rank
- #758 (2025)
- Peak year
- 2025
Meaning and origin of Soleil
Soleil is a French name that means “sun”.
Soleil is simply the French word for sun, descended from the Latin sol. As a given name it carries warmth and light without being tied to any single mythological figure, which gives it a clean, modern feel. French culture offers many associations, from Louis XIV, known as the Sun King, to the name of the circus troupe Cirque du Soleil. In English-speaking countries Soleil sounds elegant and a little artistic, and it fits well with other celestial and nature names such as Luna and Stella. The usual pronunciation is soh-LAY, and Sol or Sunny can serve as playful nicknames.
Popularity over time
Soleil first appears in US Social Security records in 1981. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 5 different years, starting in 2021. It is at its all-time high right now: 2025 brought both its best national rank, #758, and its highest count, 358 babies. Use has grown 214% in ten years.
Its national rank moved from #1,897 in 2000, #1,239 in 2010, and #758 in 2025. Of the 5,130 US girls named Soleil since records began, 33% were born in the 2020s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 1,638 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Elina, Ivey, Lettie, Stormi, and Neriah.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Soleil ranked highest in Hawaii, Rhode Island, and Connecticut.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | #164 | 6 |
| Rhode Island | #176 | 6 |
| Connecticut | #348 | 9 |
| Oregon | #475 | 8 |
| Florida | #488 | 38 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 99% of US babies named Soleil over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
Soleil is usually pronounced soh-LAY, with two syllables. It has six letters, starts with S and ends in “-il”.
Middle names for Soleil
A few middle names that flow with Soleil: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Soleil
Similar names
Avril Girl
AV-ril
“April” · French
#1,845
Estelle Girl
eh-STEHL
“star” · French
#573
Parker Unisex
PAHR-kur
“park keeper” · English
#102
Aubrey Girl
AW-bree
“elf ruler” · French
#146
Jocelyn Girl
JAHS-uh-lihn
“from the Gauts tribe” · French
#393
Aubree Girl
AW-bree
“elf ruler” · American (modern coinage)
#489
Brielle Girl
bree-EHL
“short form of Gabrielle” · American (modern coinage)
#143
Elise Girl
uh-LEES
“short for Elisabeth, 'my God is an oath'” · French
#223
Giselle Girl
jih-ZEL
“pledge” · French
#382
Remi Girl
REM-ee
“oarsman” · French
#145
Camille Girl
kuh-MEEL
“ceremonial attendant” · French
#240
Noelle Girl
noh-EHL
“Christmas” · French
#202
Lists that include Soleil
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Soleil mean?
Soleil is a French name that means “sun”.
What is the origin of the name Soleil?
Soleil has French roots. Soleil is simply the French word for sun, descended from the Latin sol.
Is Soleil a popular name?
Yes. Soleil ranked #758 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Soleil a boy or girl name?
Soleil is mainly a girl's name. About 99% of US babies named Soleil over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
How do you pronounce Soleil?
Soleil is usually pronounced soh-LAY. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings