Vivid baby names that mean light are perfect for your little one who brings light and warmth into your life. Babies are the hope of every parent. In the toughest of times, when your life is filled with darkness, parents find solace in their children and remain hopeful about the future.
They make you believe that there is light at the end of the tunnel, and even the darkest night will end, and the sun will rise. In this post, we bring you an extensive list of baby names meaning light that you can select for your little bundle of joy.
Cultural Significance Of Baby Names Meaning Light
Baby names that mean light are present in cultures and languages worldwide, each with its unique interpretation. Light often symbolizes brightness, enlightenment, wisdom, and knowledge that dispels ignorance.
Light also connotes divinity, representing the blessings from higher powers. It is referenced in many religions and belief systems. For example, in Islam, An-Nur refers to God’s guidance and knowledge. In Christianity, Inner Light or Light of God denotes Jesus Christ’s light shining on his followers, and Tabor Light is the uncreated light that shined on the Apostles during Christ’s Transfiguration. In Judaism, Ohr Ein Sof, or Infinite Light, signifies the flow of creation. Furthermore, Jyoti or Jyot is a Sanskrit word meaning a holy flame and divine light; it is also another name of the supreme Hindu Goddess, Durga. Light takes a philosophical turn in Buddhism, where the Sanskrit term Prakasa symbolizes one’s consciousness.
With such deep cultural and spiritual meaning, it is no surprise that baby names meaning light hold significance across many traditions.
37 Amazing Baby Boy Names That Mean Light
From Aalok to Zohar, baby boy names that mean light are spread all across the alphabet. Choose one of the following names to fill your little one’s life with radiance and good fortune.
1. Aalok
A popular name in India, Aalok means ‘light of divinity’. It is originally a Sanskrit name and has many variations, like Alok.
2. Abner
A Hebrew name, Abner means ‘father of light’. It finds a mention in the Bible and was made popular by Abner Doubleday, the inventor of baseball. This name has not been on the top 1000 list for more than 70 years, so there is a high possibility that there won’t be any other Abner in your child’s school.
3. Ambert
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Your boy is the light of your life, and that is why Ambert will fit him perfectly. It is a German name and means ‘a bright, shining light’.
4. Anwar
A popular Arabic name, Anwar is a name made popular by many celebrities. It means ‘light’.
5. Arell
Another Hebrew name on the list that means light, Arell will be the perfect name for your little prince.
6. Bhaskar
A name that has been topping baby name charts in India for decades now, Bhaskar means ‘provider of light’ in Sanskrit.
7. Chand
Derived from Hindi, the name Chand means ‘moon.’ The name is quite popular among Indians and Nepalese.
8. Chirag
This is one of the best Sanskrit baby boy names meaning light on the list! Chirag means ‘light’, and is a very common baby boy name in India.
9. Dritan
A beautiful name, all the way from Albania! Dritan means ‘light’ and it sounds beautiful and elegant.
10. Elior
Elior means ‘God is light’. It is a popular Hebrew name. But it has slowly found a place in popular baby names lists too.
11. Epifanio
The name Epifanio has English and Greek origins. It means ‘bringing light.’ The captivating name also has origins in Italian, where it means ‘manifestation.’
12. Jayvyn
African names haven’t found many takers. Africa is a treasure trove of beautiful names. Take Jayvyn, for example. It means ‘light spirit’.
13. Jomei
Jomei means ‘one who spreads light’ in Japanese. It is an uncommon baby boy name, but worth having a dekko.
14. Kiran
This name denoting ‘light’ can be used for both boys and girls. Kiran is a traditional Hindu name, meaning ‘ray of light’ in Hindi. The most notable namesake is undoubtedly Kiran Desai, the Booker Prize-winning author who happens to be a female. Even actress Kelli Williams picked this name for her son.
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15. Leor
Here’s a name full of confidence and pizzazz! Leor is a Hebrew name and means ‘I have light’.
16. Lesedi
Another African name, Lesedi also means light. It’s one name that is unique, classy, and meaningful, all in one.
17. Lucian
The original Lucius, the stylish Lucas or the exotic Lucien, it would be very difficult to single out one variation of this name. But if you’re a lover of science fiction, you can pick the name Lucian to pay homage to the Greek satirist Lucian of Samosata, the father of science fiction! And when it could be cool enough for Steve Buscemi, the Indie actor, it would be great for your child too. Lucian means ‘light’.
18. Luken
A beautiful Basque name, Luken simply means ‘light’. It is a great option if you are looking for a name that is unique yet not too exotic.
19. Manar
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Arabic names have class and depth. Here’s a great example. Manar means ‘beacon of light’ and is a popular baby boy name.
20. Mandeep
A popular Punjabi name, Mandeep means ‘light of the mind’. It can be used for both girls and boys. If the name feels too grand for you, you can tone it down with nicknames such as Manny or Manu.
21. Menyhert
‘Royal light’ – isn’t that the perfect name for the one person who rules the roost in your home? That’s what Menyhert means in Hungarian.
22. Misbah
Here’s a name from Africa that means ‘lamp light’. It is also commonly used by Muslim families.
23. Navtej
A Hindi name, Navtej means ‘new light’. It is a traditional name and is still popular in India.
24. Neirin
It’s time to try a Celtic name! Neirin means ‘surrounded by light’. You can also try the other derivatives of this name including Neeren, Neerin, Neeryn, Neiren, and Neiryn.
25. Omeet
Omeet means ‘my light’ in Hebrew. It hasn’t found a footing in top baby boy name lists but does make a unique choice.
26. Oran
A Gaelic name, Orna means ‘light’ too, and has a nice ring to it.
27. Probert
An American name, Probert is one of the stylish boy names. It’s pretty uncommon and means ‘ray of light’.
28. Raiden
Originally a Japanese name, Raiden means ‘God of thunder and lightning’. Today, it has taken the West by storm and is considered one the trendiest and most badass names of all time, all thanks to the Japanese video game. You can also attribute its popularity to its similarity with the mega-popular names Jayden and Aiden. Currently, Raiden is at the 535th spot.
29. Roshaun
A name popular amongst African Americans, Roshaun means ‘brilliant light’.
30. Sheridan
The Gaelic language is known for its richness. Sheridan is a Gaelic name and means ‘bright light’.
31. Siraj
Siraj means ‘guiding light’ in Arabic. It is commonly used in the Middle Eastern countries as well as in Bangladesh.
32. Udup
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Udup means ‘moonlight’. It is an Indian name that is both uncommon and beautiful.
33. Uriel
Traditional yet trendy, Uriel traces its origin to the beautiful Hebrew language and means ‘God is my light’. Over the last few years, Uriel has grown from a relatively obscure name to one of the most modern and popular baby boy names from the Bible. You’ll find its references in many hidden, literary books, making it an appealing pick for non-conformist parents.
34. Usra
Usra means ‘first light’ and is an uncommon Indian name.
35. Xhaiden
A unique name from America that means ‘beam of cleansing light’. This name also fits well with the trendy ‘X’ beginning like Xavier and Xander.
36. Zain
Zain sounds like such a trendy name! It has its origins in Hindi and means ‘godly light’.
37. Zohar
A Hebrew name, Zohar means ‘light’. It is one of the most popular names in Israel for boys, even though it can be used for girls as well. In the Jewish community, Zohar is a book of the Kabballah, which is a branch of Jewish mysticism, also practiced by Madonna. We feel that Zohar has a macho feel to it.
40 Amazing Baby Girl Names Meaning Light
Baby girl names that mean light come from various cultures and languages, showcasing the universal significance of brightness and warmth. Explore the following names to find the perfect name for your radiant princess.
38. Aileen
If you like the name Helen, but wish you could find a more stylish and better variation of it, you can go with Aileen, which is the Irish variation of Helen and means ‘bright and shining light”. Both Aileen and its Scottish variation Eileen have gained popularity in the last few years and why not, considering it’s so stylish and pleasing to the ears. The nickname options for Aileen include Lee, Isla, and Lina.
Did you know?39. Alina
Alina is scoring quite well as a global variation of the classic name Helen. It isn’t just used well in Russia, the US, and Poland, but is also heard in German and Celtic cultures. For the nicknames, you can consider Lina or Lena. Alina means ‘bright or light’.
40. Aonani
The popular name Aonani of Hawaiian origin means ‘light.’
41. Aurora
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Aurora, the name of the Goddess of Dawn is currently at its highest point. This classic, poetic, and lovely name, also shared by one of the Disney princesses and the Northern Lights, will give your daughter plenty of romantic references to boast of. The meaning of Aurora is ‘dawn’.
42. Ayla
Are you tired of conventional Isla and Ava? How about picking the offbeat Ayla, a Turkish name, meaning ‘moonlight’? The literary reference of this name would be the feisty lead of “The Clan of the Cave Bear”.
43. Beacon
Beacon is an adorable gender-neutral name of English origin. It means ‘illuminating.’
44. Brighid
Brighid, an Irish name, meaning ‘bearer of light’ is the Gaelic form of the name of the goddess of poetry, fire, and wisdom. It’s known in different guises and meanings in various parts of the world.
45. Chiara
Chiara is one of the beautiful, romantic Italian girl names that means ‘light/clear’, which isn’t widely used in the US, making it a real winner. It currently holds the 8th rank in Italy and is quite well used in Austria, Germany, and Switzerland as well.
Trivia46. Ciana
Ciana, the diminutive of Lucia, is gaining traction as a given name in many parts of Europe. This Italian name meaning ‘light’ sounds robust and feisty rather than girlish and frilly.
47. Dawn
Dawn is a name of English origin. It is a refreshing female name as it means ‘daybreak.’
48. Eileen
This Scottish variation of Helen, meaning ‘light’, has been a surprise riser on the baby name list. After being last popular in the 10th century, Eileen witnessed resurgence in 2012 and climbed hundreds of spots in the year 2015. Eileen also comes with several nickname options such as Lina, Isla, and Lee.
49. Eleanor
Eleanor is supposed to be a variation of Helen, derived from the name Ellen and means ‘light’. This sophisticated and elegant name boasts of three very famous and endearing nicknames – Nell, Nellie and Ellie. The most notable namesake of this name is Eleanor Roosevelt, the first lady. Plus, two English queens also shared this name – wives of Edward I and Henry III.
50. Eliora
This Hebrew name, meaning ‘the Lord is my light’, sounds stylish, lovable, and unusual even after years of usage. It will appeal to parents who are looking for a name with vowel sounds. Another variation of Eliora is Liora.
51. Ellen
Ellen, which is basically a variation of the name Helen, keeps swinging in and out of style, often alternating with the original name. This moniker was highly popular in medieval England, but was soon overtaken by Helen again. Who could be a better namesake than Ellen DeGeneres, the comedian host of the “Ellen DeGeneres Show” and the winner of the Presidential Medal of Freedom? And honestly, the name fits her well, considering she spreads the light by entertaining the audiences with her show.
52. Faven
The soft and feminine African name, meaning ‘light’ has returned to favor in a big way after being out of sight for long. And we feel that it will reach even greater heights in the near future.
53. Helena
Helena, in all its variations is one of the ultimate female names meaning light. This Greek name, meaning ‘shining one and bright’, has been unable to shake off its grandmotherly image, unlike Lillian and Florence. But the positive point is that it has been used consistently in the US by traditional parents. A beautiful inspiration of this name is Helen of Troy.
54. Ilene
The name Ilene has many origins. The Irish version of the name Evelyn means ‘beautiful bird.’ This name also has English origins meaning ‘pleasant.’
55. Iliana
This Spanish moniker is borrowed from the Romanian name Ileana and means ‘ray of light’. It hit the American baby name charts in 1986 with the growth of Hispanic names popular in the country. We feel it’s a hit as it’s one of the least common four syllable names derived from five letters. What’s more, it has lilting Spanish inflection to it as well.
56. Ilona
Ilona, the Hungarian version of Helen, meaning ‘light’, has not been used much in the US, but we have a feeling that it’s a likely candidate for success.
57. Laney
Laney, the short form of Elaine, may sound modern and unique, but it actually dates back to the late 19th century. It went out of radar soon after and then resurfaced in the late 20th century, all thanks to the movie “She’s All That”.
58. Leora
Leora, a stately name, meaning ‘light’, has been in and out of fashion for decades, but has never been out of sight entirely. The feminine and straightforward image of the name, combined with royalty hit the perfect note with parents looking for a name that combines style with substance. Its alternate spelling is Liora, so pick the one you think will suit your daughter more.
59. Lita
Lita is a vivacious and lightweight name, meaning ‘light’. It even sounds a lot like light, doesn’t it? So if you want a name that directly refers to light, pick Lita without a second thought.
60. Lucia
If Lucia sounds too informal to you, you can go with Luciana, a beautiful Latin name which was originally given to children born as the daylight was breaking. Santa Lucia, the revered martyr in the Middle Ages is one of the most notable bearers of this name. Currently, Lucia is at the number one spot in Spain and was chosen by Sasha Alexander, Mel Gibson, Mira Sorvino, and James Joyce for their daughters.
61. Lucinda
This female name, meaning ‘light’, had its heyday in the late 19th century, but declined by the 20th century. It experienced a reversal of fortune in the 1950s and has never looked back since then. The vintage name is loaded with antique charm, making it perfect for parents looking for an eternally beautiful name.
62. Lucy
Lucy, which is still one of the top 30 names in Wales and England, and has begun to catch up in the US as well, primarily because it looks and sounds attractive on so many levels. This saucy, yet substantial name, meaning ‘light’, has been borne by a number of characters in both films and sitcoms. Lucy Stone, the American activist lends a new strength to this name.
63. Lux
Lux, also the name of the character played by Kirsten Dunst in “Virgin Suicides”, has been gaining a lot of attention these days. A part of its popularity can also be attributed to Lux, the Lady of Luminosity in “League of Legends”.
64. Luz
This is one of the most unconventional baby girl names meaning light. This Spanish name refers to the Virgin Mary, Our Lady of the Light. This moniker is used extensively in the Hispanic communities of names. Or you can use it as a nickname for Lucia, Lucida, Ludelita, or Luzana.
65. Mahina
If the lunar power captivates this, Mahina could be an excellent name for your daughter. The name means ‘moon’ or ‘moon-light’ and is of Finnish origin.
66. Nahara
The Aramaic name Nahara, meaning ‘light’, sounds endearing, exotic, and favorable, all at the same time. We feel that Nahara has absolute confidence and strength in its simplicity.
67. Nera
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This Hebrew name, meaning ‘light or candle’, is usually given to girls born during Hanukkah, which is fondly called the “Festival of Lights”. This short and straightforward name, pronounced as NEE-rah, is very familiar in modern Israel and is slowly being embraced by European parents as well. Besides, it’s also the name of a character in the game Dragon Quest.
68. Noor
This exotic Arabic name, meaning ‘light’, is associated with none other than the super elegant and sophisticated Queen Noor of Jordan. This moniker is popular among Muslim parents all across the world and has also begun to cross over, possibly because of its beauty, simplicity, and resemblance to Nora. This name appeared in the US Top 1000 list for the first time in 2015.
69. Orli
This short, cute, and slightly nickname-y Hebrew name, meaning ‘light’, would make a perfect pick for a Hanukkah baby. Its proud and strong namesake is Orli Wald, the Holocaust survivor and the German Resistance member. And since the name is so short, you don’t need to shorten it for the nickname either.
70. Roxana
Roxana, the name of Alexander the Great’s wife, sounds way better than the commonplace Roxanne. This moniker made its first appearance in the English-speaking world in the 1600s, but it was popularized by Daniel Defoe in his novel Roxana. And it’s underused as well, which makes it an even more attractive option. Roxana means ‘dawn, the first appearance of light’.
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71. Saskia
Saskia, which first featured in the portrait of Rembrandt’s wife, has not attracted many takers in the US, despite being utterly charming. It’s one of those names that has been in use in Europe since the Middle Ages, but couldn’t cross the ocean. A contemporary bearer of this name is Saskia Reeves, the Dutch artist. Saskia means ‘valley of the light’.
72. Thea
Thea, which is the anglicized spelling of the name Theia, is the name of the Greek goddess of light, the consort of Hyperion, and the mother of Selene, Eos and Helios. This moniker, with a sensitive, serene, and artistic image, is also used as a short form of Theodora, Althea, and Dorothea by some parents. Another thing to note is that Thea is one of the fastest rising names in the US. In fact, it jumped 300 points in the year 2015 itself.
73. Twinkle
It’s quite surprising that a name as beautiful and playful as Twinkle does not feature in the US Top 1000 list. This moniker is a hidden charm for folks who appreciate the value of classic names. It means ‘shine with an unsteady light’.
74. Uriela
Parents who are not much into typical, feminine names can pick Uriela, a Hebrew name, meaning ‘light of God’. Uriela has qualities that make it timeless and contemporary at the same time. And it sounds highly distinctive too, so no more name sharing for your little one.
75. Yetta
Yetta is another uncommon Hebrew name, meaning ‘light’. It’s not overtly flowery and frilly like typical feminine names. It’s upbeat, pretty, and approachable, making it a solid choice for a baby girl.
76. Zia
Zia, a short and zippy name, meaning ‘light’ in Arabic, is sure to stand out amongst the names Tia, Mia, and Gia. It has a unique and irresistible charm, which makes it a true winner. But in Italian, Zia means ‘aunt’. Now it’s upon you to decide.
77. Zora
Here’s another name meaning ‘dawn’, which in a way means light. Also spelled as Zorah, Zora is a biblical place name, which was used extensively from the 1880s to 1940. Its literary bearers are Zora Lancaster from the lead of “Sonny with a Chance”, and a character in operetta Ruddigore. Or you can use this name to honor the leader of the Harle Renaissance, Zora Neale Hurston.
Discover More Names
When you have to choose a name for your baby, a few hundreds of names may not be just enough. Keep digging our mine of baby names until you find that one precious gem.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What cultures commonly use names that mean ‘light?’
The names meaning light are not restricted to any specific culture and can be used by people from any culture.
2. What are the benefits of choosing a name that means ‘light?’
Names that mean light reflect many positive traits. Also, these inspirational names for babies are unique and have lovely meanings and interesting backgrounds. Parents can choose these names if they want their children to stand out from the crowd.
3. What are some unique names that mean light?
Besides familiar names like Lucy and Kiran, many unique names from different cultures carry the meaning of ‘light.’ Among girl names, the Hebrew Yetta, the Turkish Ayla, and the Irish Brighid are quite distinctive. Some uncommon boy names include the Celtic Neirin, the Japanese Jomei, and the Hindi Dritan.
Your baby is the light of your life. Thus, if you want to give your baby a name that resonates with the meaning of light, this list of names is for you. We have curated this list of names that mean light and have also backed it with meaning to help you choose the right one. Naming your little bundle of joy with unique names such as Abner or Chiara will make them stand different from the crowd and also help them develop a personality that helps bring positivity and hope wherever they go. So, scroll through the list and choose the one you like the most.
Infographic: Baby Girl And Boy Names Meaning Light
When a baby is born, they bring light and brightness to the lives of their parents and family. So, if you want to name your baby inspired by the brightness they brought into your life, check out the infographic below. We have put together lovely names that signify light. Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
Key Pointers
- Baby names meaning light symbolize the hope and brightness children bring, offering ease and optimism for the future.
- Aalok, Chand, and Chirag are a few baby boy names meaning ‘light’ that are popular in India.
- Some names have historical or literary significance, such as Abner from the Bible or Lucian, a reference to the Greek satirist.
- Beacon and Kiran are gender-neutral, providing options for parents looking for such names.
Illustration: Shiny & Vivid Baby Girl And Boy Names Meaning Light
Image: Dall·E/MomJunction Design Team
Discover our curated collection of 21 exquisite baby girl names that embody the radiant essence of light. Get inspired and find the perfect name for your little one!
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