Every baby name begins as a small dream, a quiet wish about who your daughter might become. That is why so many parents search for girl names that mean dream: they want a name that carries hope, imagination and a little bit of magic. From the Irish classic Aisling to the Japanese Yume and the Persian Roya, girl names that mean dream exist in almost every language and culture on earth.
This guide brings together more than 400 girl names that mean dream, grouped by style, origin and mood so you can find the right fit quickly. You will find rare picks, modern picks, magical picks, cute nickname-friendly picks and names from Japan, Ireland, the Arab world, South Asia and beyond. Every entry is explained in plain language, so you can choose girl names that mean dream with confidence.
Quick Answer: The most popular girl names that mean dream are Aisling (Irish, “dream” or “vision”), Yume (Japanese, “dream”), Sapna (Hindi, “dream”), Roya (Persian, “dream, vision”), Ahlam (Arabic, “dreams”), Amets (Basque, “dream”), Rüya (Turkish, “dream”) and Reverie (English, “daydream”). Below you will find 400+ girl names that mean dream, plus names that mean imagination, night and magic.
Quick Checklist Before Choosing a Baby Name
Before you fall in love with one of the girl names that mean dream, run it through this short checklist. It takes five minutes and can save you years of second thoughts.
- Say it out loud. Pronounce the full name with your surname. Some of the best girl names that mean dream, like Aisling or Hülya, sound very different from how they look on paper.
- Check the spelling. Decide which spelling you will use (Aisling, Aislinn or Ashlyn) and be ready to spell it often.
- Confirm the meaning. Many baby girl names have several meanings. Pick girl names that mean dream whose meaning is confirmed in the language of origin.
- Test the initials and nicknames. Write out the initials and think about the nicknames classmates might invent.
- Think about culture and respect. If the name comes from a culture that is not yours, learn its pronunciation and history first.
- Imagine it at every age. Picture the name on a baby, a teenager, a doctor and a grandmother. The best girl names that mean dream grow beautifully with a person.
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Unique Girl Names That Mean Dream

If you want something distinctive, start here. These unique girl names that mean dream range from famous Irish and Japanese favorites to rare gems from Basque, Greek and Sanskrit. Each one has a real dream, vision or sleep root, or sits very close to one, so the meaning feels honest rather than forced.
Names That Literally Mean “Dream”
These are the strongest girl names that mean dream, because the word “dream” (or “vision”) sits right at the heart of their meaning.
- Aisling (Irish Gaelic): “dream” or “vision.” Pronounced ASH-ling. In Irish poetry, an aisling is a vision poem in which Ireland appears as a beautiful woman, so the name carries both romance and history.
- Aislinn: A popular spelling variant of Aisling with the same meaning. Pronounced ASH-lin.
- Ashlyn: A modern, easy spelling that many parents use for Aisling. Ashlyn also has English roots linked to the ash tree, so it carries two meanings.
- Yume (Japanese, 夢): “dream.” Short, soft and instantly understood by anyone who knows Japanese.
- Yumeko (Japanese, 夢子): “dream child,” a lovely choice for a long-awaited baby.
- Yumi (Japanese): Depending on the kanji, it can mean “dream beauty” (夢美). It is easy to say in any language.
- Mayu (Japanese, 真夢): With these kanji it means “true dream.” Mayu can also be written with other characters, so check the kanji you want.
- Meng (Chinese, 梦): “dream.” It is often paired with another character, as in Mengyao.
- Mengyao (Chinese, 梦瑶): “dream” plus “precious jade.”
- Sapna (Hindi, Nepali, Punjabi): “dream.” Warm, simple and widely loved across South Asia.
- Swapna (Sanskrit): “dream.” The more formal Sanskrit form of Sapna.
- Roya (Persian): “dream” or “vision.” Elegant and easy to pronounce in English.
- Ahlam (Arabic): “dreams.” The plural of the Arabic word for dream, used as a beautiful girl’s name across the Arab world.
- Rüya (Turkish): “dream.” Also written Ruya in English.
- Hülya (Turkish): “daydream” or “reverie.” A graceful name with a soft, musical sound.
- Hayal (Turkish): “dream,” “fantasy” or “imagination.” Hayal is used for girls and boys in Turkey.
- Reverie (English, from French): “daydream.” A modern vintage-style name that feels poetic.
- Dream (English): The word itself, used rarely as a given name. It is bold, memorable and unmistakable.
- Dreama: A coined name built from “dream.” It has been used in the United States for generations.
- Sueño (Spanish): “dream.” Very rare as a given name, but the sound is soft and beautiful.
Many parents also like Rêve, the French word for “dream.” It is almost unused as a name, which makes it a truly original pick among girl names that mean dream.
Rare and Lesser-Known Dream Names
If you want girl names that mean dream and almost nobody else has them, these ten are worth a closer look.
- Amets (Basque): “dream.” It is a traditional Basque given name used for both girls and boys.
- Oneira (Greek): From oneiros, “dream.” The Oneiroi were the spirits of dreams in Greek myth.
- Somnia (Latin): “dreams.” It comes from the Latin somnium, linked to the god of sleep, Somnus.
- Pasithea (Greek): A goddess of rest and relaxation, the wife of Hypnos (sleep). It is a dreamy, mythic choice.
- Swapnali (Indian): “dreamlike” or “full of dreams.” A rare, melodic Indian name.
- Khwab (Urdu, Persian): “dream.” It is more a word than a name, but it has a gentle, poetic sound.
- Hayal (Turkish): Listed above, and equally worthy of a second look for its beauty.
- Yumeka (Japanese): With kanji such as 夢花 it means “dream flower.”
- Yumemi (Japanese, 夢見): “dream seeing.” It describes someone who sees dreams.
- Sanja (Slavic): Popular in Serbia, Croatia and Bosnia. It is usually a short form of Aleksandra, but many parents hear in it the Slavic word san, “dream.”
Here are 40 more rare and dream-adjacent options. These names either mean dream, wish or vision, or they carry rest, calm and starlit meanings that suit the theme.
Table 1: Rare girl names that mean dream and dream-adjacent picks
| Name | Origin | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Mengqi | Chinese | dream + fine jade (梦琪) |
| Mengjie | Chinese | dream + pure (梦洁) |
| Mengting | Chinese | dream + graceful (梦婷) |
| Mengmeng | Chinese | dream, doubled for sweetness |
| Mộng | Vietnamese | dream |
| Sapana | Nepali | dream |
| Supna | Punjabi | dream |
| Shopna | Bengali | dream |
| Svapna | Sanskrit | dream |
| Khwahish | Urdu | wish, desire |
| Aarzoo | Urdu | longing, wish |
| Tamanna | Urdu, Hindi | desire, wish |
| Uni | Finnish | sleep, dream |
| Basira | Arabic | insightful, perceptive |
| Raha | Persian, Arabic | rest, comfort |
| Sakina | Arabic | tranquility |
| Sukoon | Urdu | calm, peace |
| Menucha | Hebrew | rest |
| Alcyone | Greek | kingfisher; in myth, Morpheus appears to her in a dream |
| Serena | Latin | calm, serene |
| Hope | English | expectation of good things |
| Destiny | English | fate |
| Kismet | Turkish, Arabic | fate |
| Faith | Latin | trust |
| Bliss | English | deep happiness |
| Solace | Latin | comfort |
| Haven | English | safe place |
| Harmony | Greek | agreement, concord |
| Melody | Greek | song |
| Lyric | English | song words |
| Echo | Greek | sound; a mountain nymph |
| Andromeda | Greek | ruler of men; a constellation |
| Cassiopeia | Greek | mythic queen; a constellation |
| Vega | Arabic | falling eagle; a bright star |
| Astra | Latin | star |
| Asteria | Greek | star; a goddess linked to night oracles and dream divination |
| Iris | Greek | rainbow |
| Phoebe | Greek | bright |
| Nephele | Greek | cloud |
| Halcyon | Greek | calm, peaceful |
Pronunciation Guide for Gaelic, Basque and Japanese Names
Many beautiful girl names that mean dream look harder than they sound. This quick guide helps you say them with confidence.
- Aisling: ASH-ling
- Aislinn: ASH-lin
- Amets: AH-mets
- Yume: YOO-meh
- Yumeko: yoo-MEH-koh
- Yumemi: yoo-MEH-mee
- Yumi: YOO-mee
- Mayu: MAH-yoo
- Meng: MUHNG (Mandarin, with a rising tone)
- Rüya: roo-YAH
- Hülya: hoo-L-yah (with a front “u” sound)
Irish names often hide silent letters, Basque names are spelled the way they sound, and Japanese names are pronounced syllable by syllable with even stress. Learn these three rules and most girl names that mean dream from those languages become easy.
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Unique Names That Mean Dream

If you are open to a name that works for any child, or you want a short list before you decide on a gender, these unique names that mean dream are a good starting point. Each one comes with a clear meaning.
- Amets: “dream” in Basque, used for any gender.
- Yume: “dream” in Japanese, used mostly for girls but suitable for anyone.
- Meng: “dream” in Chinese (梦), a short and global choice.
- Hayal: “dream, imagination” in Turkish, used for girls and boys.
- Rüya: “dream” in Turkish, a favorite for girls.
- Uni: “sleep, dream” in Finnish, simple and modern.
- Reverie: “daydream” in English, poetic and gender-neutral in feel.
- Dream: the English word itself, used as a bold given name.
These unique names that mean dream work well as first names, middle names or nicknames.
Names That Mean Dream Boy
Looking for a brother for your dreamy daughter? These names that mean dream boy pair naturally with many girl names that mean dream, and they make lovely sibling sets.
- Swapnil (Sanskrit): “dreamlike, full of dreams.” A well-known Indian boy’s name that pairs beautifully with Sapna or Swapna.
- Álmos (Hungarian): Tied to the Hungarian word for dream. In legend, the founding chief Álmos was named after his mother’s dream of a great bird.
- Amets (Basque): “dream,” shared with girls.
A simple pairing idea: Aisling and Oisín (the Irish hero Oisín spent years in the dreamlike land of Tír na nÓg), or Sapna and Swapnil for two siblings who share a meaning.
Unique Names That Mean Dream Boy
If you want unique names that mean dream boy, many of the strongest options come from myth and scripture, not from modern name lists.
- Morpheus (Greek): the god of dreams. The name is linked to the Greek word for “shape” or “form,” because he shaped dream images.
- Hypnos (Greek): the god of sleep.
- Oneiros (Greek): “dream,” the personification of dreams.
- Somnus (Latin): the Roman god of sleep.
- Joseph (Hebrew): “he will add.” The Bible’s best-known dreamer and dream interpreter.
- Daniel (Hebrew): “God is my judge.” Famous for interpreting dreams in the court of Babylon.
- Jacob (Hebrew): “supplanter.” He dreamed of a ladder reaching to heaven.
Unisex Names That Mean Dream
Unisex names that mean dream are rare, but a few are genuinely gender-neutral. They are useful if you want a name before you know the gender, or if you simply like names that fit anyone.
| Name | Origin | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Amets | Basque | dream |
| Hayal | Turkish | dream, imagination |
| Meng | Chinese | dream (梦) |
| Uni | Finnish | sleep, dream |
| Reverie | English | daydream |
| Dream | English | dream |
| Yume | Japanese | dream |
Choose any of these unisex names that mean dream and you get a name that is short, modern and meaningful.
Biblical Girl Names That Mean Dream

Here is an honest note: no female name in the Bible literally means “dream.” The great dreamers of Scripture, Joseph, Daniel and Jacob, are men. What the Bible does offer is a large set of women’s names that mean rest, comfort, light, delight and hope, which is the spirit behind the best biblical girl names that mean dream. Use this list if you want biblical girl names that mean dream in feeling and meaning.
Table 2: Biblical girl names that mean dream in spirit (rest, light, hope, vision)
| Name | Meaning | Link to the dream theme |
|---|---|---|
| Menucha | rest | a restful, peaceful sleep |
| Shalva | tranquility | quiet, untroubled nights |
| Nechama | comfort | comfort after a hard day |
| Naomi | pleasant | a gentle, sweet name |
| Eden | delight | paradise, a dream place |
| Tirzah | delight, pleasing | a lovely, rare choice |
| Shiloh | place of rest | tranquility and peace |
| Selah | pause | a pause for reflection |
| Hannah | grace | a woman of prayer and hope |
| Anna | grace | a prophetess in Luke’s Gospel |
| Deborah | bee | a prophetess and judge of Israel |
| Ruth | friend, compassion | loyalty and hope |
| Esther | star (Persian) or hidden | a hidden star who changed history |
| Hadassah | myrtle | Esther’s Hebrew name |
| Abigail | father’s joy | a wise woman |
| Hephzibah | my delight is in her | a name of joy |
| Tabitha | gazelle | grace and kindness |
| Eliana | my God has answered | answered prayers |
| Ora | light | a bright beginning |
| Zohar | radiance | shining light |
| Mara | bitter | Naomi’s chosen name in grief |
| Procula | traditional name for Pilate’s wife | she suffered a troubling dream about Jesus (Matthew 27:19) |
| Lailah | night (Hebrew) | the night and its dreams |
| Shulamit | peace | the beloved in the Song of Songs |
| Keren | ray of light | a gleam of hope |
If you love these biblical girl names that mean dream in spirit, Menucha, Shiloh and Eliana are among the most gentle and lesser known.
Girl Names That Mean Imagination

Imagination is dreaming with your eyes open, so girl names that mean imagination are close cousins of girl names that mean dream. Here are five detailed picks, followed by 40 more.
- Fantasia (Greek): From phantasia, “imagination.” Bold, theatrical and unforgettable.
- Kalpana (Sanskrit): “imagination” or “creation.” It is a respected Indian name, famously borne by astronaut Kalpana Chawla.
- Khayal (Arabic, Urdu): “imagination” and “thought.” The Turkish form is Hayal.
- Maya (Sanskrit): “illusion” or “magic.” It also appears in many other languages with different meanings, so check the origin you prefer.
- Saga (Old Norse): “tale” or “story.” Short and strong, and it suits a girl whose life story is waiting to begin.
Table 3: More girl names that mean imagination and creativity
| Name | Origin | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Phantasia | Greek | imagination |
| Fancy | English | whim, imagination |
| Whimsy | English | playful notion |
| Ilusión | Spanish | illusion, hope, excitement |
| Ilham | Arabic | inspiration |
| Ilhama | Azerbaijani, Arabic | inspiration |
| Tasawwur | Arabic | imagination, conception |
| Calliope | Greek | beautiful-voiced; muse of epic poetry |
| Clio | Greek | to celebrate; muse of history |
| Erato | Greek | lovely; muse of love poetry |
| Euterpe | Greek | rejoicing well; muse of music |
| Melpomene | Greek | to sing; muse of tragedy |
| Polyhymnia | Greek | many hymns; muse of sacred song |
| Terpsichore | Greek | delight in dance; muse of dance |
| Thalia | Greek | blooming; muse of comedy |
| Urania | Greek | heavenly; muse of astronomy |
| Fable | English | a tale with a moral |
| Arcadia | Greek | an idealized pastoral land |
| Avalon | Celtic | legendary island of Arthurian myth |
| Elysia | Latin | from Elysium, the blessed afterlife |
| Eden | Hebrew | delight |
| Odyssey | Greek | a long journey |
| Wonder | English | awe, amazement |
| Mirabel | Latin | wonderful |
| Mirabella | Latin | wonderfully beautiful |
| Nova | Latin | new |
| Lyra | Greek | lyre; a constellation |
| Aria | Italian | air, melody |
| Muse | Greek | source of inspiration |
| Genesis | Greek | origin, beginning |
| Utopia | Greek | an ideal place |
| Illyria | Latin | an imagined land in Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night |
| Reverie | French | daydream |
| Fantasy | English | imagination |
| Sage | Latin | wise |
| Lore | English | traditional knowledge, stories |
| Legend | English | a story handed down |
| Story | English | a tale |
| Vision | Latin | the power to see ahead |
| Mirage | French | an illusion on the horizon |
These girl names that mean imagination suit parents who want a name that sounds creative and a little theatrical. If you want your daughter’s name to carry the same warmth as girl names that mean dream, any of these will do.
Girl Names That Mean Nightmare
This section is short on purpose. Most parents searching girl names that mean dream do not want dark meanings, but the topic is a common search, so here are the facts.
The English word nightmare comes from Old English mære, a spirit believed to sit on sleepers’ chests and bring bad dreams. That root is the same in Slavic mora and Germanic mara. Real names connected to this idea include:
| Name | Origin | Link to nightmare or dark dreams |
|---|---|---|
| Mara | Slavic, Germanic folklore | the night spirit behind “nightmare” |
| Marah | Hebrew | “bitter”; a different root, same sound |
| Morrigan | Irish | “great queen”; some scholars link her name to a root meaning “phantom” |
| Lilith | Mesopotamian, Jewish folklore | a night spirit in folklore |
| Lamia | Greek | a child-snatching monster in myth |
| Empusa | Greek | a shape-shifting night demon |
If you like the sound of Mara but not the meaning, remember that the Hebrew meaning, “bitter,” is also a different root from the Slavic night spirit.
Names That Mean Dream or Nightmare
A few names sit on the border between sweet dreams and nightmares. These names that mean dream or nightmare carry both meanings or both moods, which is why they feel so mysterious.
- Mara: “bitter” in Hebrew, and the night spirit of European folklore.
- Phantasia / Fantasia: From the Greek word for imagination, which is related to phantasma, “apparition” or “ghost.”
- Oneira: Greek dream spirits, who in myth could send true dreams or false ones.
- Lilith: a dreamlike, shadowy figure in folklore.
- Lorelei: a river enchantress in German legend whose song lured sailors to danger.
- Aisling: In Irish poetry, a vision that can be hopeful and haunting at once.
Among all names that mean dream or nightmare, Oneira and Aisling are the softest and most beautiful for a baby girl.
Girl Names That Mean Night
Night is where dreams live, so girl names that mean night are a natural companion to girl names that mean dream. They are also one of the most searched variations, so here are 20.
Table 4: Girl names that mean night (and the dreams that come with it)
| Name | Origin | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Layla | Arabic | night |
| Leila | Arabic, Persian | night |
| Laila | Arabic | night |
| Lailah | Hebrew | night |
| Leyla | Turkish, Azerbaijani | night |
| Layali | Arabic | nights |
| Nisha | Sanskrit | night |
| Nishi | Sanskrit | night |
| Nishita | Sanskrit | midnight |
| Rajani | Sanskrit | night |
| Ratri | Sanskrit | night |
| Yamini | Sanskrit | night |
| Shabana | Persian, Urdu | of the night |
| Nyx | Greek | night; the goddess of night |
| Nox | Latin | night |
| Vesper | Latin | evening, evening star |
| Vespera | Latin | evening |
| Tsukiyo | Japanese | moonlit night (月夜) |
| Dusk | English | twilight |
| Twilight | English | the time between day and night |
Layla is by far the most popular of these girl names that mean night, and it pairs beautifully with girl names that mean dream such as Aisling or Roya.
Magical Girl Names That Mean Dream
Some names feel like spells, and these magical girl names that mean dream carry mystery, prophecy and enchantment. They do not always mean “dream” in the dictionary sense, but each has a dreamlike, visionary or mythic quality that fits the theme. Here are five detailed picks, followed by 40 more.
- Rhiannon (Welsh): “great queen.” In Welsh myth, Rhiannon owns magical birds whose song can wake the dead and lull the living to sleep, a perfect dream-world image.
- Morgana (Celtic, Arthurian): Often linked to the sea and to enchantment. A strong, mysterious name.
- Sibyl (Greek): A prophetess who delivered visions. The name stands for sight beyond the ordinary.
- Ariel (Hebrew): “lioness of God.” In Shakespeare’s The Tempest, Ariel is an airy spirit of magic.
- Cerridwen (Welsh): A goddess of the cauldron, inspiration and transformation.
Table 5: More magical girl names that mean dream, vision and enchantment
| Name | Origin | Meaning or link |
|---|---|---|
| Cassandra | Greek | prophetess no one believed |
| Pythia | Greek | the oracle of Delphi |
| Titania | Latin, Shakespeare | queen of the fairies |
| Mab | Celtic | a fairy queen |
| Nimue | Arthurian | the Lady of the Lake |
| Vivian | Latin | alive |
| Melusine | French | a water spirit of legend |
| Lorelei | German | a river enchantress |
| Branwen | Welsh | fair raven |
| Arianrhod | Welsh | silver wheel |
| Runa | Old Norse | rune, secret lore |
| Faye | French | fairy |
| Oriana | Latin | golden, dawn |
| Serafina | Hebrew | the fiery seraphim |
| Celestine | Latin | heavenly |
| Elara | Greek | a nymph; a moon of Jupiter |
| Elowen | Cornish | elm tree |
| Luna | Latin | moon |
| Aurora | Latin | dawn |
| Sorcha | Irish | brightness |
| Fortuna | Latin | luck |
| Raven | English | the bird of omens |
| Sabrina | Latin, Celtic | from the river Severn |
| Willow | English | a graceful tree |
| Ember | English | a glowing coal |
| Isolde | Celtic | the heroine of a love-potion legend |
| Circe | Greek | the sorceress of the Odyssey |
| Medea | Greek | a sorceress of myth |
| Hecate | Greek | goddess of magic and crossroads |
| Calypso | Greek | she who conceals |
| Miracle | English | a wonder |
| Isadora | Greek | gift of Isis |
| Amaryllis | Greek | sparkling |
| Rowan | Irish | little red one; a protective tree |
| Hazel | English | the hazel tree of wisdom in Celtic lore |
| Briar | English | a thorny bush; “Briar Rose” in a fairy tale |
| Maeve | Irish | she who intoxicates; a legendary queen |
| Niamh | Irish | bright; guide to the Otherworld |
| Aine | Irish | radiance; a goddess of summer |
| Morwenna | Cornish | maiden |
If you love magical girl names that mean dream, Rhiannon and Aisling are two of the most meaningful, because both are tied to dream-like stories in Celtic tradition.
Modern Girl Names That Mean Dream
Modern parents want names that feel fresh but still have real meaning. These modern girl names that mean dream and dream-adjacent picks fit today’s naming styles: short, soft and full of light. Here are five detailed picks followed by 40 more.
- Reverie: A modern vintage name with clear dream meaning. Its sound is airy and stylish.
- Aislinn: A modern spelling of an ancient dream name, friendly to English readers.
- Nova: “new” in Latin. It suggests a new star, a new life, a new dream.
- Luna: “moon” in Latin. The moon has guarded dreamers in every culture.
- Aurora: “dawn” in Latin. It is the moment when dreams turn into plans.
Table 6: Modern girl names that mean dream and dream-adjacent picks
| Name | Origin | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Seren | Welsh | star |
| Celeste | Latin | heavenly |
| Estelle | French | star |
| Lux | Latin | light |
| Lucia | Latin | light |
| Eliora | Hebrew | God is my light |
| Soleil | French | sun |
| Solana | Spanish | sunshine |
| Marisol | Spanish | sea and sun |
| Maren | Latin | of the sea |
| Selah | Hebrew | pause |
| Noa | Hebrew | movement |
| Wren | English | a small songbird |
| Oceana | Greek | ocean |
| Clara | Latin | clear, bright |
| Delphine | French | from Delphi |
| Ondine | French | water spirit |
| Odette | French | wealth (diminutive of Oda) |
| Alba | Latin | white, dawn |
| Aurelia | Latin | golden |
| Liora | Hebrew | my light |
| Mireille | Provençal | to admire |
| Amara | Igbo, Sanskrit | grace; eternal |
| Anwen | Welsh | very fair |
| Calla | Greek | beautiful |
| Dahlia | Swedish | valley flower |
| Eira | Welsh | snow |
| Elodie | French | foreign riches |
| Esme | French | esteemed |
| Thea | Greek | goddess |
| Vera | Latin, Slavic | truth; faith |
| Zinnia | Latin | a flower named for Johann Zinn |
| Ophelia | Greek | help |
| Rhea | Greek | a Titaness, mother of gods |
| Talia | Hebrew | dew of God |
| Linnea | Swedish | twinflower |
| Ayla | Turkish | moonlight, halo of the moon |
| Aylin | Turkish | moon halo |
| Hilal | Arabic, Turkish | crescent |
| Mahnoor | Urdu, Persian | moonlight |
For modern girl names that mean dream in feeling, moon and star names such as Ayla, Seren and Mahnoor are especially popular in 2026.
How Popular Is the Name Dream?
The name Dream remains rare. It sits far outside the Top 1,000 in the United States, so a girl named Dream is unlikely to share her name with classmates. It became more widely known after reality-TV personality Rob Kardashian and Blac Chyna named their daughter Dream Renée Kardashian in 2016. Aisling, by contrast, is a familiar and well-loved name in Ireland, and Yume is used in Japan, though far less often than its meaning would suggest. If you want one of the most recognizable girl names that mean dream, Aisling has the strongest track record.
Japanese Girl Names That Mean Dream
Japanese is one of the richest languages for dream names. The kanji 夢 (yume) can be used in many combinations, which gives you a wide choice of Japanese girl names that mean dream. Remember that Japanese names depend on the kanji you choose, so always confirm the characters, not just the sound.
- Yume (夢): “dream.” The simplest and clearest of all Japanese girl names that mean dream.
- Yumeko (夢子): “dream child.”
- Yumi (夢美): With these kanji, “dream beauty.” Yumi can also be written with other characters.
- Yumemi (夢見): “dream viewing,” someone who sees dreams.
- Yumeno (夢乃): “dream” with no, a soft connecting character.
- Yumena (夢奈): “dream” with na, a sound character.
- Yumeka (夢花): “dream flower.”
- Mayu (真夢): “true dream.”
- Yumiko: A classic, widely used name. With 夢美子 it carries a dream meaning, though most Yumiko names use other kanji.
- Nozomi (望): “hope, wish.” Not “dream” exactly, but very close in feeling.
- Kanae (叶): “a wish fulfilled.”
- Mirai (未来): “future,” a dream looking ahead.
- Hikari (光): “light.”
- Tsukiko (月子): “moon child,” a poetic match for night dreams.
- Hoshiko (星子): “star child.”
These Japanese girl names that mean dream are short, soft and easy for English speakers.
Names That Mean Dream Japanese
For quick reference, here is a compact table of names that mean dream Japanese, with the kanji, reading and meaning. It covers direct dream names and the most common wish, moon and star names.
Table 7: Names that mean dream Japanese (kanji, reading, meaning)
| Kanji | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 夢 | Yume | dream |
| 夢子 | Yumeko | dream child |
| 夢美 | Yumi | dream beauty |
| 夢見 | Yumemi | dream viewing |
| 夢乃 | Yumeno | dream (of) |
| 夢奈 | Yumena | dream + na (sound) |
| 夢花 | Yumeka | dream flower |
| 夢香 | Yumeka | dream fragrance |
| 夢愛 | Yumea | dream love |
| 夢月 | Yuzuki | dream moon |
| 真夢 | Mayu | true dream |
| 美夢 | Miyu | beautiful dream |
| 望 | Nozomi | hope, wish |
| 叶 | Kanae | a wish fulfilled |
| 未来 | Mirai | future |
| 光 | Hikari | light |
| 月子 | Tsukiko | moon child |
| 星子 | Hoshiko | star child |
| 星 | Hoshi | star |
| 月 | Tsuki | moon |
| 空 | Sora | sky |
| 虹 | Niji | rainbow |
| 美月 | Mizuki | beautiful moon |
| 結月 | Yuzuki | bound moon |
| 優 | Yu | gentle, superior |
| 心愛 | Kokoa | heart love |
| 愛 | Ai | love |
| 桜 | Sakura | cherry blossom |
| 雫 | Shizuku | drop of water |
| 夢叶 | Yumeka | dream + fulfilled wish |
If you are choosing among names that mean dream Japanese, pick the kanji first and the pronunciation second. The same sound can have very different meanings.
International Girl Names That Mean Dream
Dreams are universal, and so are the words for them. These international girl names that mean dream come from many languages and traditions. Choose a heritage you love, or one that matches your family story.
Irish, Celtic, Basque and Slavic Names
- Aisling (Irish): “dream, vision.” The most famous Irish girl name that means dream.
- Rhiannon (Welsh): “great queen,” famous for birds that bring sleep and wake the dead in the Mabinogion.
- Seren (Welsh): “star.” A modern and dreamy star name.
- Cerridwen (Welsh): a goddess of inspiration and transformation.
- Amets (Basque): “dream.” One of the most direct Basque girl names that mean dream.
- Izar (Basque): “star.” Pairs beautifully with Amets.
- Ilargi (Basque): “moon,” the guardian of night dreams.
- Sanja (Slavic): Popular in the Balkans and linked in many ears to the word for dream.
- Zora (Slavic): “dawn,” the moment dreams end and plans begin.
- Zorya (Slavic): the goddesses of dawn and dusk, who guard the sky.
Arabic, Persian and Other Global Names
Here are about 50 more international girl names that mean dream, vision, wish or night, drawn from across the world.
Table 8: Global girl names that mean dream and related ideas
| Name | Origin | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Ahlam | Arabic | dreams |
| Hulm | Arabic | dream |
| Ru’ya | Arabic | vision, dream |
| Roya | Persian | dream, vision |
| Khayal | Arabic, Urdu | imagination |
| Raha | Persian | rest, comfort |
| Ilham | Arabic | inspiration |
| Sidra | Arabic | lote tree; also linked to stars |
| Noor | Arabic | light |
| Nour | Arabic | light |
| Mahtab | Persian | moonlight |
| Mahnoor | Urdu | moonlight |
| Mehr | Persian | sun, kindness |
| Shabnam | Persian | dew (night + moisture) |
| Shabana | Persian | of the night |
| Leila | Persian, Arabic | night |
| Sapna | Hindi | dream |
| Swapna | Sanskrit | dream |
| Sapana | Nepali | dream |
| Shopna | Bengali | dream |
| Kalpana | Sanskrit | imagination |
| Tamanna | Urdu | wish |
| Aarzoo | Urdu | longing |
| Khwahish | Urdu | wish |
| Nisha | Sanskrit | night |
| Rajani | Sanskrit | night |
| Mengqi | Chinese | dream + jade |
| Meng | Chinese | dream |
| Mộng | Vietnamese | dream |
| Yume | Japanese | dream |
| Rüya | Turkish | dream |
| Hülya | Turkish | daydream |
| Hayal | Turkish | dream, imagination |
| Aylin | Turkish | moon halo |
| Kismet | Turkish | fate |
| Uni | Finnish | sleep, dream |
| Amets | Basque | dream |
| Aisling | Irish | dream, vision |
| Sueño | Spanish | dream |
| Ilusión | Spanish | illusion, hope |
| Estrella | Spanish | star |
| Luz | Spanish | light |
| Esperanza | Spanish | hope |
| Rêve | French | dream |
| Étoile | French | star |
| Lune | French | moon |
| Oneira | Greek | dream |
| Somnia | Latin | dreams |
| Sonia | Greek, Slavic | wisdom |
| Nyx | Greek | night |
Whichever you choose from this list, you will have one of the world’s most beautiful girl names that mean dream.
Last Names That Mean Dream
Here honesty matters. Very few surnames literally mean “dream,” and many online lists invent meanings. This section separates what is verified from what is just an idea. Use last names that mean dream carefully, and always confirm the origin of your own family name.
Surnames with a real dream, sleep or similar root:
| Surname | Origin | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Traum | German, Jewish | dream |
| Yumeno (夢野) | Japanese | dream field |
| Sleeper | English | a nickname for a sleepy person |
| Schläfer | German | sleeper |
A common mistake: Meng as a Chinese surname (孟) is not the same word as meng meaning dream (梦). They are written with different characters.
Middle-name ideas that bring dream meaning to any surname:
| Middle name | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Aisling | dream, vision |
| Yume | dream |
| Roya | dream, vision |
| Sapna | dream |
| Amets | dream |
| Reverie | daydream |
| Oneira | dream (Greek) |
| Somnia | dreams (Latin) |
| Seren | star |
| Hope | expectation |
| Luna | moon |
If you want last names that mean dream for a character or a fictional family, Traum and Yumeno are the safest verified choices.
Cute Girl Names That Mean Dream
Cute does not mean silly. These cute girl names that mean dream are warm, short or easy to nickname, so they work for a baby and an adult alike. The table also gives a sweet nickname for each.
Table 9: Cute girl names that mean dream, with nickname ideas
| Name | Meaning or link | Cute nickname |
|---|---|---|
| Yume | dream | Yu-Yu |
| Yumi | dream beauty | Yums |
| Yumeko | dream child | Meko |
| Aisling | dream, vision | Ash, Ashy |
| Ashlyn | modern Aisling | Lyn, Ashy |
| Dreama | from “dream” | Dree, Dreamy |
| Reverie | daydream | Vee, Rev |
| Fantasia | imagination | Tasia, Tazzy |
| Oneira | Greek dream | Nia, Nera |
| Somnia | Latin dreams | Mia, Nia |
| Sapna | dream | Sapu |
| Swapna | dream | Swapi |
| Roya | dream, vision | Roy-Roy |
| Ahlam | dreams | Lami |
| Hülya | daydream | Hüli |
| Hayal | dream, imagination | Hay |
| Amets | dream | Ami |
| Meng | dream | Mengmeng |
| Mayu | true dream | Mayu-chan |
| Nyx | night | Nyxie |
| Layla | night | Lala, Lay-Lay |
| Luna | moon | Lulu |
| Poppy | a flower linked to sleep | Pops |
| Selene | moon | Lena |
| Celeste | heavenly | Cece |
| Stella | star | Stel |
| Hope | expectation | Hopie |
| Lumi | snow (Finnish) | Lu |
| Mira | peace (Slavic), wonderful (Latin) | Mimi |
| Serena | calm | Rena |
These cute girl names that mean dream give you easy nicknames from day one.
Celebrity-Inspired Girl Names That Mean Dream
Celebrities help names travel. These girl names that mean dream (and close cousins) are tied to well-known women. The facts below are widely documented.
Table 10: Celebrity-inspired girl names that mean dream and related meanings
| Name | Known bearer | Why it fits |
|---|---|---|
| Dream | Dream Renée Kardashian | the name itself means dream |
| Dreama | Dreama Walker, American actress | a coined dream name |
| Aisling | Aisling Bea, Irish comedian and actress | Irish for dream or vision |
| Aisling | Aisling Franciosi, actress (The Nightingale) | Irish for dream or vision |
| Aislinn | Aislinn Derbez, Mexican actress | a spelling of Aisling |
| Aislinn | Aislinn Paul, Canadian actress | a spelling of Aisling |
| Ashlyn | Ashlyn Harris, American soccer goalkeeper | a variant of Aisling |
| Fantasia | Fantasia Barrino, American Idol winner | Greek for imagination |
| Hülya | Hülya Avşar, Turkish singer and actress | Turkish for daydream |
| Hülya | Hülya Koçyiğit, Turkish actress | Turkish for daydream |
| Ahlam | Ahlam, Emirati singer | Arabic for dreams |
| Yumi | Yumi Matsutoya, Japanese singer-songwriter | a dream-linked Japanese name |
| Layla | Layla Moran, British politician | Arabic for night |
| Leïla | Leïla Slimani, French-Moroccan author | night |
| Maya | Maya Angelou, poet and author | Sanskrit for illusion, magic |
| Maya | Maya Rudolph, American actress | Sanskrit for illusion, magic |
| Nozomi | Nozomi Sasaki, Japanese actress and model | hope, wish |
| Mara | Mara Wilson, American actress and writer | linked to the “mare” of nightmare |
| Sanja | Sanja Vučić, Serbian singer | a Slavic name linked to the word for dream |
| Roya | Roya Hakakian, Iranian-American writer | Persian for dream |
| Nisha | Nisha Ganatra, film director | Sanskrit for night |
| Kalpana | Kalpana Chawla, astronaut | Sanskrit for imagination |
Many of these women are famous for creativity and courage, which is exactly the energy parents hope to give with girl names that mean dream.
Literary & Mythical Girl Names That Mean Dream
Stories and myths are full of dreamers. These literary and mythical girl names that mean dream connect your daughter’s name to a classic tale. Here are ten detailed picks, then 25 more.
- Titania: The fairy queen in Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
- Hermia: A young woman in the same play, caught in a night of enchantment.
- Alice: Lewis Carroll’s heroine, whose adventures in Wonderland read like a dream. The name means “noble.”
- Clara: The girl in The Nutcracker, a ballet that unfolds as a dream. The name means “clear, bright.”
- Coraline: A name popularized by Neil Gaiman’s novel about a dreamlike other world.
- Pasithea: The Greek goddess of rest and relaxation.
- Selene: The Greek moon goddess, who loved Endymion, the shepherd who sleeps forever.
- Alcyone: The woman who received a dream from Morpheus in Ovid’s Metamorphoses.
- Lenore: The lost love in Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Raven,” a poem of dreamlike grief.
- Wendy: The girl of Peter Pan, who flies off to Neverland. The name was popularized by J. M. Barrie.
Table 11: More literary and mythical girl names that mean dream, night and imagination
| Name | Origin | Meaning or story |
|---|---|---|
| Hippolyta | Greek | horse unleasher; queen of the Amazons |
| Helena | Greek | often linked to “torch” or “light” |
| Miranda | Latin | worthy of admiration; Shakespeare’s heroine of The Tempest |
| Viola | Latin | violet; heroine of Twelfth Night |
| Perdita | Latin | lost; heroine of The Winter’s Tale |
| Persephone | Greek | queen of the underworld |
| Psyche | Greek | soul |
| Ariadne | Greek | most holy |
| Eurydice | Greek | wide justice |
| Nyx | Greek | night |
| Hemera | Greek | day |
| Eos | Greek | dawn |
| Ligeia | Greek | clear-voiced; a Poe tale |
| Annabel | English | Poe’s dreamlike “Annabel Lee” |
| Guinevere | Welsh | white phantom |
| Odette | French | the swan princess of Swan Lake |
| Giselle | Germanic | pledge; the ballet heroine |
| Undine | Latin | wave; a water spirit |
| Luthien | Tolkien | the elven heroine, also called Tinúviel, “nightingale” |
| Arwen | Tolkien | noble maiden |
| Galadriel | Tolkien | maiden crowned with a radiant garland |
| Ophelia | Greek | help |
| Lethe | Greek | forgetfulness; the river of oblivion |
| Mnemosyne | Greek | memory; mother of the Muses |
| Euphrosyne | Greek | mirth, joy |
Shakespeare’s The Tempest gives one of literature’s most famous dream lines, that we are such stuff as dreams are made on. If you want literary girl names that mean dream, Titania, Selene and Clara are among the strongest.
Seasonal Girl Names That Mean Dream
Seasons shape moods, and moods shape dreams. These seasonal girl names that mean dream belong to spring blossoms, summer evenings, autumn leaves and winter nights. They do not all translate to “dream,” but they carry the quiet feeling of dreaming through the year.
Table 12: Seasonal girl names that mean dream in feeling
| Name | Season or setting | Dream link |
|---|---|---|
| Summer | warm months | long, light evenings |
| Autumn | fall | falling leaves, change |
| Winter | cold months | long nights for dreaming |
| Spring | renewal | new beginnings |
| Dawn | early morning | when dreams end and days begin |
| Vesper | evening | the evening star |
| Haru (春) | spring | Japanese for spring |
| Natsu (夏) | summer | Japanese for summer |
| Aki (秋) | autumn | Japanese for autumn |
| Fuyu (冬) | winter | Japanese for winter |
| Sakura | spring blossoms | short, beautiful blooms |
| Hana | flowers | Japanese for flower |
| Poppy | summer flower | linked to sleep and poppy dreams |
| Lavender | summer herb | a calming plant for sleep |
| Juniper | evergreen | winter green |
| Marigold | autumn bloom | “Mary’s gold” |
| Primrose | early spring | the first rose |
| Ivy | evergreen vine | year-round green |
| Holly | winter evergreen | festive winter |
| Solstice | longest or shortest day | a turning point |
| Noelle | winter holiday | Christmas |
| Meadow | summer fields | open, quiet land |
| Maple | autumn | red-gold leaves |
| Aspen | autumn | trembling golden leaves |
| Eventide | evening | the close of day |
| Camellia | winter bloom | flowers in the cold |
| Wisteria | spring | hanging blossoms |
| Heather | late summer | purple moors |
| Bluebell | spring woods | a woodland flower |
| Magnolia | spring | large, fragrant blooms |
These seasonal girl names that mean dream in spirit suit parents who want a gentle, nature-linked name.
How We Create Girl Names That Mean Dream (Step-by-Step Process)
Every list in this guide follows the same process, so you can trust the names you read and repeat it for your own research.
- Start with the word. We search for the word “dream” and its close relatives (vision, sleep, imagination, night) in many languages to find real girl names that mean dream.
- Check the root. We confirm that the name really comes from a dream or vision root, not just a similar sound.
- Separate direct from related. We label whether a name literally means dream or only matches the mood, so you can tell the difference.
- Test the sound and spelling. We note pronunciation and common spellings so each name is practical in everyday life.
- Group by style. We sort the girl names that mean dream into themes such as magical, modern, Japanese and seasonal, so you can browse by taste.
- Review and refresh. We keep verifiable facts only, and we revisit the lists as language and naming trends change.
Tips for Making Your Baby Girl’s Name Stand Out
A beautiful name still needs a little planning. These six tips help the best girl names that mean dream shine.
- Pair a rare first name with a classic middle name. Yume Elizabeth or Aisling Rose balances unique and familiar.
- Choose a spelling you will not regret. If you pick Aislinn, Aisling or Ashlyn, stick with it everywhere.
- Say it in the places you live. Make sure girl names that mean dream from other languages are easy for teachers, doctors and friends.
- Learn the story. Knowing the meaning gives your daughter something to tell when people ask about her name.
- Avoid over-trendy twists. A name with real roots lasts longer than a made-up spelling.
- Check the full name together. Surname, middle name and initials should flow smoothly with your chosen girl names that mean dream.
Middle Name and Sibling Pairings
Pairing is where girl names that mean dream become a family story.
- Aisling Rose, Roya Claire, Yume Grace: dream first names with soft English middle names.
- Rose Aisling, Hope Roya: an English first name with a dream middle name.
- Sibling sets: Aisling and Oisín, Sapna and Swapnil, Amets and Izar, Yume and Haruto.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some rare girl names that mean dream?
Rare girl names that mean dream include Amets (Basque), Oneira (Greek), Somnia (Latin), Pasithea (Greek), Swapnali (Indian) and Yumemi (Japanese). Each is unusual and meaningful.
Can I use names from different cultures that mean dream?
Yes. Many parents choose girl names that mean dream from other cultures, such as Yume, Sapna or Roya. Learn the correct pronunciation and meaning first, and use the name with respect.
Are there modern girl names that mean dream?
Yes. Reverie, Aislinn, Dreama and Hayal are modern girl names that mean dream. Names like Nova, Luna and Seren are modern picks that match the dream mood.
How do I know if the name fits my child’s personality?
You cannot know in advance, so choose a name that is flexible. The best girl names that mean dream have nicknames and full forms, so your daughter can use whichever feels like her.
Can I combine two names that mean dream?
Yes. A first name and a middle name that both mean dream, such as Aisling Yume, can be a lovely pairing. Just check that the combination is easy to say and not too long.
Are there cute or nickname-friendly dream names?
Yes. Yume, Yumi, Dreama and Reverie all have easy nicknames. Many girl names that mean dream, like Aisling (Ash) and Fantasia (Tasia), shorten naturally.
Which name means dream?
Several names mean dream: Aisling (Irish), Yume (Japanese), Sapna (Hindi), Roya (Persian), Ahlam (Arabic), Amets (Basque) and Rüya (Turkish). Aisling is the most widely used of these girl names that mean dream in English-speaking countries.
What is another name for “dream girl”?
Other names for a dream girl include “vision,” “muse” and “idol.” As names, Roya (vision), Aisling (vision) and Muse all carry the idea of a dream girl.
What is the girl’s name in your dream?
In dream interpretation, a girl’s name that appears in a dream is usually a personal symbol, not a prediction. If a name like Aisling or Roya comes to you in a dream, it may simply be a sign that you like it.
What is a girl’s name that means night?
Layla (Arabic) is the most popular girl’s name that means night. Others include Nisha (Sanskrit), Rajani (Sanskrit), Shabana (Persian) and Nyx (Greek). Many parents pair these with girl names that mean dream.
Conclusion
A name is the first gift you give your daughter, and girl names that mean dream give her a gift with hope, imagination and wonder built in. In this guide you have seen more than 400 girl names that mean dream, from Irish Aisling and Japanese Yume to Persian Roya, Arabic Ahlam and English Reverie, along with names for night, imagination and magic.
Take your time, say your favorites aloud, and read the meaning behind each one. The right choice among all these girl names that mean dream will feel like a promise, simple, warm and true. Whichever name you pick, may your daughter grow into every dream her name holds.


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