Sol

Meaning & origin

Sol is a short, sunny name with layered origins. Unusually, it blends a Latin word for the sun, a Hebrew nickname for Solomon, and a Spanish Marian title into a single short form. The name first appeared in U.S. records in 1880 and reached its peak rank of 1145 in 1913. After a period of decline, it began rising again in 1988 and has continued its upward trajectory through 2025, when roughly 1 in 9,283 babies were named Sol. Its top states include Utah, Colorado, and California, reflecting a preference in the American West. The name's simplicity and cross-cultural resonance make it a distinctive choice without feeling unfamiliar.

Sol has multiple origins. In Latin, it directly means 'sun,' personified as the Roman sun god. As a Hebrew name, it is a diminutive of Solomon, meaning 'peace.' In Spanish, it is a short form of Soledad, a title of the Virgin Mary meaning 'solitude.' The name has been used independently in the English-speaking world since the 19th century, often as a nickname or a standalone given name.