Solstice

Meaning & origin

Solstice entered U.S. naming records in 2005 and has been steadily rising in popularity since 2008. By 2025, it ranked 9,457 with an incidence of 1 in 160,727 births, reaching its peak rank the previous year. The name belongs to a trend of celestial and nature-inspired names gaining traction in recent decades. Its appeal likely lies in its direct connection to the solar cycle, evoking warmth, light, and seasonal change. Though still rare, Solstice's upward trajectory suggests a growing appreciation for distinctive, meaningful names.

Solstice is a modern English coinage directly derived from the Latin word 'solstitium', meaning 'the Sun standing still', from 'sol' (sun) and 'sistere' (to stand still). It entered English in the 13th century to describe the astronomical event. As a given name, it began appearing in the United States in the early 21st century, likely influenced by the popularity of nature-inspired and celestial names.