"sun"
Origin: French
Language: French
Soleil
Pronunciation: [ s-ohl-AYL ]
Does Soleil flow with your last name?
The French sun — radiant, elegant, one of a kind
French
American
Quebec
Elegant
Unique
Earthy
Sophisticated
Whimsical
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Nicknames
Nicknames for Soleil
2 shorthand options for every setting
Meaning & Origin
"sunlight, warmth"
Origin: Latin via French
Language: Latin
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The Story of Soleil
Soleil is the French word for sun, derived from the Latin sol. In French, the word carries a warmth and elegance that reflects the language itself. As a given name, Soleil was rare until American actress Soleil Moon Frye (best known as Punky Brewster) brought it into public consciousness in the 1980s.
Soleil gained recognition primarily through actress Soleil Moon Frye, who starred in the popular 1980s TV show Punky Brewster. Since then, it has appealed to francophile parents seeking a distinctive sun name with French flair.
In French culture, soleil appears in countless expressions of joy and warmth. The famous Sun King Louis XIV chose the sun as his royal symbol and was known as Le Roi Soleil. The name carries that regal, luminous quality.
Historical Record
Soleil first appeared in US Social Security records in 1981.
Over 4,767 babies have been named Soleil in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Soleil is rising quickly in popularity , currently ranked #824 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Louis XIV of France was known as Le Roi Soleil (The Sun King)
- Soleil Moon Frye, who played Punky Brewster, named her daughter Poet Sienna
Soleil in Other Languages
Latin
Sol
French
Soleil
Italian
Sole
Spanish
Sol
Portuguese
Sol
Popularity Over Time
#824
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Rising Fast
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Soleil
S
Soleil Moon Frye
Actor
1976
American actress best known for playing Punky Brewster in the 1980s NBC sitcom
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Compare Soleil with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #824
- Total SSA Count
- 332
- Cultural Origins
- French American Quebec
- Pronunciation
- Moderate
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Sol
Soli
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, French heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Soleil
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Soleil is also used as a boy name, ranked #9263.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Soleil
What does the name Soleil mean?
"sun" (from French). "sunlight, warmth" (from Latin via French). Soleil is the French word for sun, derived from the Latin sol. In French, the word carries a warmth and elegance that reflects the language itself. As a given name, Soleil was rare until American actress Soleil Moon Frye (best known as Punky Brewster) brought it into public consciousness in the 1980s.
What is the origin of the name Soleil?
Soleil has French, Latin via French, American, and Quebec origins. In French, it means "sun". In Latin via French, it means "sunlight, warmth".
Is Soleil a boy or girl name?
Soleil is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #824. As a boy name, it is ranked #9263. Soleil is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Soleil?
Soleil is pronounced s-ohl-AYL.
How popular is the name Soleil?
Soleil is currently ranked #824 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Soleil?
Common nicknames for Soleil include Sol and Soli.
What are good middle names for Soleil?
Popular middle name pairings include Soleil Marie, Soleil Rose, Soleil Claire, Soleil Isabelle, Soleil Vivienne, and Soleil Elise.
What are good sibling names for Soleil?
Names that pair well with Soleil as siblings include Lumiere, Luna, Ciel, Celeste, Lune, and Aurora.
How many syllables does Soleil have?
Soleil has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Soleil a common or rare name?
Soleil is moderately common, ranked #824 for girls in the US. You will encounter it, but it stands out.
What girl names are similar to Soleil?
About the Name Soleil
Soleil is a girl name with French, American, and Quebec origins . The name means "sun" in French .
Is Soleil a boy or girl name? Soleil is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #824 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #9,263. Soleil is more commonly used as a girl name.
Soleil is currently ranked #824 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Soleil has 2 syllables and is pronounced s-ohl-AYL, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Soleil include Sol and Soli. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Soleil include Solene, Solei, Soleia, Soledad, Solenne . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis