150 Bright and Beautiful Names That Mean 'Light' for the Shining Light in Your Life

Stephanie Osmanski

April 20, 2023 at 10:41 PM·20 min read

Find the perfect name for the little one who will be the light of your life.

Do you want to give your child a meaningful name? If your little one is already your sun, your moon and your stars, the love and the light of your life, then choosing from our list of baby names that mean "light" might grant you the meaning you're looking for.

Names that mean light aren't just a reminder of the bright presence your child represents in your life. In general, "light" symbolizes so many inspiring things. From life, change and understanding to prosperity and saving someone from the dark, light often means that good things are coming. Light always prevails—even in the darkness. So, too, will your resilient, bright and beautiful child.

Keep reading for 150+ names that mean light, from gender-neutral options to names for boys and names for girls (you could even use them for pets!).

150 Names That Mean 'Light'

1. Anwar

An Arabic name meaning "light," "radiance," "luminous" and "light," this gender-neutral name is also associated with the concept of becoming more enlightened.

2. Cahya

This name is Indonesian for "one who is light in the darkness."

3. Dowan

From English descent, this name means "daybreak," or the moment the sun lights up the sky.

4. Elon

Greek for "shining light" or "sun ray," other translations of the name Elon point to "tree." Both are good!

5. Flash

While it may seem cheesy or like a fictional superhero's name, Flash is actually an American name meaning a bright flash of light.

6. Fynn

A variation of the popular name Finn, this alternate spelling means "bright and fair."

7. Gae

From Old French origin, Gae means "lighthearted" or in some translations, "glad."

8. Kenzie

A Scottish name, Kenzie means "fair" or "bright."

9. Kiran

Derived from the Sanskrit word kirana, the unisex name Kiran means "ray of light" or "beam of light."

10. Lior

A Jewish name, Lior means "my light" in Hebrew. Other spelling variations include Leeor, Leor, Leora and Lyor.

11. Lux

Gaining more popularity in the last few years, Lux is a Greek name that means "light." Some translate it to also mean "white, blank, bright and clear." The Spanish variation of Lux is Luz, from "la luz," the word for "light."

12. Mahina

From Polynesian origin, Mahina is either unisex or feminine as it means "moon" or "moonlight." In Hawaiian culture, Mahina is the goddess of the moon.

13. Merri

Merri is an English name that means "lighthearted" or "joyful."

14. Meyer

From Hebrew origin, Meyer means "bringer of light."

15. Nahara

Popular in either Aramaic or Hebrew cultures, Nahara means "light," but it also has broader interpretations like "nice," "amused," "honest" and "agreeable."

16. Nimai

This Sanskrit name references a person "filled with inner light."

17. Ori

A Hebrew name, Ori means "my light," but also connotes someone who is friendly and/or substantial.

18. Robin

From the male English name Robert, Robin means "bright fame," "shining" or "famous."

19. Roshan

Persian, with Hindu and Sanskrit roots, the name Roshan means "bright," "splendid light" or "daylight."

20. Shashi

Shashi is a Japanese name that means "moonlight," but it is also popular in India where it also translates to "moon." It can also mean "having a hare," which alludes to the moon's dark markings—thought to resemble a rabbit.

21. Uri

From Hebrew descent, Uri means "my flame" or "my light." It's a common name in Israel, where it can often serve as a nickname for Uriah or Uriel.

22. Uriah

From Hebrew origins, the biblical name Uriah means translates to "flame of God" or "my light is Yahweh," (Yahweh meaning God).

23. Valo

You'll sometimes see Valo as a gender-bending name for both boys and girls, but it is most often a Finnish name for girls. Coming from the feminine Valerie or Valeria and/or the masculine Valeri, Valene, Valentine, Valen or Valens, Valo simply means "light."

24. Ziv

"Radiance," "brilliance" or "light of "God." That's the meaning behind the Hebrew name Ziv. In Slavic, Ziva (spelled ?iva or Siva) represents the goddess of love, life and fertility.

Girl Names That Mean 'Light'

26. Aileen

The Irish version of Helen, Aileen means "bright, shining light." Popular nicknames for Aileen include Isla, Ayla, Lee and Lena.

27. Aine

Of Irish origin, the name Aine means "brightness," "splendor," "brilliant," or "happiness." It was the name of the Irish goddess of wealth and summer and has a bright, sunny connotation.

28. Alina

Slavic, the name Alina means "bright" and "beautiful." It also appears in the Torah as a Hebrew name that means "fair," "noble" and "light."

29. Alora

The name Alora may be interpreted as "the Lord is my light" a la Hebrew. A variation of the name Eliora, it may also be inspired by the Italian allora, meaning "so, then, therefore, well." Some also interpret it as "my beautiful dream" or "dreamer."

30. Asterope

In literal translations, the name Astertope means "starry-faced," eliciting reach-for-the-star-esque imagery for your little one. But it also translates as a Greek idiom: "lightning."

31. Auretta

An Italian word meaning "light wind," other like-minded girl names include Audrey and Aurora. The prefix aur is also often associated with "gold."

32. Avira

Avira is a Hindu name that means "bright."

33. Ayla

Depending on the translation, the name Ayla could mean a few different things: "oak tree," "halo," "deer," "gazelle" or "moonlight."

34. Azenor

Of Breton origin, Azenor is a form of Elinor or Helen that means "light."

35. Cassandra

Cassandra is a Greek girls' name that, ironically, means "excelling man" or "shining man." In Greek mythology, Cassandra was a Trojan princess with the ability to prophesize the future but cursed in the way that no one would ever believe her prophecies. It's also considered the Latin word for "bright."

36. Chiara

Considered a Greek and Italian name, Chiara means "bright" and "luminous."

37. Claire

From the French name Clara, Claire means "bright" and "clear." This name also appears in the Bible.

38. Clara

Similar to Claire, this Latin name also means "bright," "clear" and depending on the translation, even "famous."

39. Clarence

Latin for "bright," nicknames for Clarence include Clare and Clair.

40. Clarissa

Also meaning "bright," "clear" and "famous," the name Clarissa is usually reserved for all-knowing, whip-smart characters.

41. Dawn

The term "dawn" literally means "the first appearance of light in the sky before the sunrise." As a first name, its meaning is the same. Connotations of the word also include feelings of illumination, hope and new beginnings.

42. Deva

A Hindi name, Deva means "divine" or "shining one." Deva was a Hindu moon goddess and the name alludes to celestial beings that rule the cosmos and influence creation.

43. Edna

Edna is a Hebrew name that means "rejuvenation," "delight" or "pleasure." In Celtic culture, it means "fire," a natural light.

44. Eileen

A Scottish name, Eileen appears in the Bible and means "beauty" and "radiance." It can also mean "desired" or "water."

45. Elaine

Elaine is a Biblical name that means "shining light" or "torch."

46. Eleanor

Eleanor comes from the Hebrew concept el, which means "God" or "light." In totality, it means "God is my light" or "God is my candle."

47. Electra

The Greek name Electra means "shining" or "bright one." In Greek mythology, the daughter of both Agamemnon and Clytemnestra became her family's bright one in shining armor when she saved her brother, Orestes.

48. Elena

The Greek variation of the name Helen, Elena represents "bright, shining light." It comes from the Greek word helene, meaning "torch."

49. Elettra

The Italian variation of the Latin Electra, Elettra means "shining" and "bright."

50. Ellen

This is a Greek name that means "sunray" or "ray of shining light."

51. Elin

The Swedish variation of Ellen, the name Elin means "bright one" or "shining one." It's most popular in England, Wales and Scandinavia.

52. Eliora

Deriving from the names Eleanor and Ellen, Eliora is a Hebrew name that means "bright, shining one" or "God is my light."

53. Ellie

Other variations include Ellen or Eleanor, but Ellie is of Hebrew origin that also comes from the concept el, meaning "God is my light" or "God is my candle."

54. Faven

Faven is an African name that means "light."

55. Helen

Meaning "torch" or "shining light," the name Helen harkens back to Helen of Troy, the mythological woman who was so beautiful, she spurned a 10-year war.

56. Iliana

Iliana is a Hebrew girl's name that means "ray of light." It's derived from the biblical name Elijah.

57. Ilka

Another variation of Helen, the Hungarian name Ilka can mean "bright, shining one."

58. Ilona

Another Finnish girl's name, Ilona means "joy" and "light." It stems from the Finnish word for "joy," ilo. In its essence, the name Ilona represents being someone else's delight.

59. Inara

An Arabic name that means "shining light," Inara was also the name of a powerful goddess from Hittite mythology.

60. Kamaria

Kamaria is the Swahili word for "moonlight." It's a common name in Arabic culture.

61. Kiara

Another variation of the Italian Chiara, the name Kiara means "light," "clear" or "first ray of sun." Ironically, it also comes from the male name Ciar, which comes from the Irish name cíar—the word for dark.

62. Lainie

From the name Elaine, Lainie is a nickname that means "bright, shining one."

63. Laoise

An Irish name that means "light," Laoise derives from the mythological Lugh and Lugus from Irish folklore.

64. Lucille

While it may evoke Lucille Ball vibes, this once-popular name means "light" and derives from the name Lucia—the patron saint of the blind.

65. Leocadia

This Spanish name means "splendid" and "bright."

66. Leora

From the name Eleanor, Leora is a Greek name that means "compassion" and "light."

67. Lucia

The feminine form of Lucius, Lucia is an Italian name that means "light." It's derived from the Latin word lux and since the name is associated with light, babies born as daylight was breaking were oftentimes given the name Lucia.

68. Lumen

This Latin name means "light" and is often associated with the actual act of measuring light output. It's also extremely similar to the French name Lumière, which also means "light" (hence the candlestick of the same name from Disney's Beauty and the Beast).

69. Luz

Spanish for "light," the name Luz evokes images of the Virgin Mary, also known as "Our Lady of Light."

70. Luciana

The Italian, feminine variation of the Latin name Lucius, the name Luciana celebrates a baby's glowing soul and represents hope.

71. Lucienne

The French, feminine variation of the word Lucian, Lucienne also means "light" and is very popular in Gallic culture. It's also associated with general beauty and vitality.

72. Lucinda

A variation of the name Lucia, Lucinda comes from Spanish origin.

73. Lucy

Another variation of the name Lucia, Lucy is also derived from the Latin word lux. It, too, was historically given to female babies born at dawn due to its connection to "light."

74. Mahina

The name Mahina comes from Hawaiian origin and means "moonlight." Traditionally in Hawaiian mythology, Mahina (also interpreted as Masina) was the goddess of the moon. To this day, Mahina is still a very high-ranking baby name in Hawa'ii and many people will obviously draw a connection to the Polynesian Disney movie character, Moana.

75. Meira

Meira is a Hebrew name that means "giving light" or "shining."

76. Nella

Of English descent, the name Nela is a diminutive of the names Helen or Eleanor. It means "bright, shining one" Possible nicknames include Nell or Nellie while longer forms of the name include Eleanor or Penelope.

77. Nera

This Hebrew name meaning "candlelight" is usually given to female babies born around Hanukkah due to the holiday's association with the menorah and the symbolic, celebratory lighting of candles for nine days.

78. Nira

Another Hebrew name, Nira means "light," "furrow" or "plowed field." Because of its many meanings, it is usually given to female babies born on TuB'Shevat, the Jewish New Year of the Trees.

79. Nomi

While it can also be a nickname for or a shortened version of Naomi, the Hebrew name Nomi means "beautiful," "pleasant" and "delightful." It's also popular in Japanese culture. With such sweet, positive meanings, it's not hard to see how the name Nomi could represent a child who is a great light in their parents' lives.

80. Noor

Of Arabic and Dutch origins, the name Noor means "light." It's very popular in Muslim communities, but has also appeared in the U.S. Top 1000 names in recent years.

81. Norabel

A variation or abbreviation of the name Elenora, which means "light," and Honora, which means "honor," the name Norabel combines "Nora" and "Belle."

82. Orli

The name Orli is Hebrew and means "my light."

83. Phaedra

The Greek name Phaedra means "bright" and is derived from the Greek word phaidros, drawing inspiration from the daughter of King Minos in Greek mythology. She was known for romance and dramatic relationships.

84. Phoebe

Phoebe is a Greek name that means "radiant, shining one." In mythology, Phoebe was the nickname for Artemis, the goddess of the moon.

85. Roxana

The name Roxana is Persian for "dawn" or "the first break of light in the morning."

86. Sanaa

Of Swahili and Arabic origins, the name Sanaa refers to "work of art" or "shining light." An alternative spelling of the name—Sana'a—is also the capital of Yemen.

87. Senara

The girl's name Senara comes from Cornish and Breton origin and means "light." Some religious folklore alludes to a mermaid princess (named Senara) who turns Christian. The name is also associated with the Cornish saint of the same name, who was the patron of the village Zennor, or also the alternate name of the Breton princess, Azenor.

88. Senna

Considered a botanical name of Arabic descent, the name Senna means "brightness." In its botanical etymology, Senna is a flowering bush with yellow flowers. It's also the main ingredient in an herbal medicine tea that's used as a laxative.

89. Sheridan

The name Sheridan is Gaelic for "bright light" or Irish for "searcher." While it's most commonly a girl's name, it could technically go either way.

90. Siria

The name Siria means "sun-bright" and "glowing."

Related: Celestial Baby Names

91. Solana

Solana is a Spanish name that translates to "sunshine."

92. Sorcha

The Irish name Sorcha means "bright" and "shining." It's similar-sounding to other Gaelic names like Siobhan or Saorise.

93. Thea

Thea is a name of Greek origin that means "goddess" or "godly." It's also diminutive of similar-sounding names like Dorothea, Althea, and Anthea. There's also the alternative Anglicized spelling of Theia, which was also the name of the Titan of sight, goddess of light and mother of the moon.

94. Toula

You may recognize this name from the main character of the movie My Big Fat Greek Wedding and yes—it is certainly Greek. It's the feminized version of the Greek names Fotis or Fotios, a diminutive of the name Fortula, which means "light of God."

95. Yelena

Yelena is a Russian name for "sunray," "shining light" or "bright, shining one" depending on the translation.

96. Yetta

Of Yiddish origin, the name Yetta means "light." Its Old English origin also means "ruler of the house."

97. Zariya

The name Zariya is Arabic for "beauty and light."

98. Zariza

Zariza is a Hebrew name for "gold" and "brilliantly bright."

99. Zia

If chosen for a girl rather than a boy, Zia is an Arabic name of Latin origin that means everything from "grain" and "splendor" to "light" and "aunt."

100. Ziva

Ziva is a Hebrew name that means "life," which means it can easily be interpreted as "light." The Slavic version of Ziva, spelled ?iva or Siva refers to the goddess of love, life and fertility.

Related: Best Baby Gift Sets

101. Zohara

In Hebrew, Zohara means "light" or "splendor." Another adaptation of this name is Zahara, which has famously made its mark in celebrity pop culture.

Boy Names That Mean 'Light'

102. Aaron

The name Aaron means "high mountain," "exalted" and "enlightened." It has been linked to Hebrew, Arab, and biblical origins.

103. Abner

Abner is a Hebrew name for "father of light." It is also a biblical name as Abner was the commander of Saul's army in the New Testament.

104. Albert

The name Albert has German origins and means "noble" and "bright."

105. Albus

Harry Potter fans will immediately understand why Albus Dumbledore was named Albus. Latin for "white" or "bright," the HP character was most well-known for the quote: "Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light."

106. Ambert

Ambert—very similar to the aforementioned Albert—is a German name that means "bright."

107. Anwar

Of Arabic origins, Anwar means "brighter" or "clearer." It's also most associated with the Egyptian president Anwar el-Sadat, who is famous for promoting peace.

108. Apollo

Apollo was the Greek god of light, but weirdly, his name literally translates to "destroyer." In addition to being the god of light, Apollo was also the god of nearly everything else, too, including music, poetry, art, truth and prophecy. Most commonly, he is associated with the sun.

109. Arjun

In Hindi, the name Arjun means "bright, shining and white." It's also the name of a hero in the Hidi epic movie of the same name.

110. Barak

Barak is an African, Hebrew and Arabic name for "lightning," "thunderbolt" and "blessing." In Hebrew origins, it comes from the name Baruch while in Swahili, it derives from the word baraka, meaning "blessing."

111. Beacon

Beacon is an English name that refers to a beacon of light. It can also be associated with the phrase "beacon of hope."

112. Bodhi

The name Bodhi has Sanskrit origins and means "enlightenment" or "awakening." The name is also synonymous with the Buddhist idea of being freed from one's ego.

113. Callahan

Callahan is an Irish name that means "bright-headed." It can also be spelled Callaghan.

114. Cassander

Of Greek origins, the name Cassander means "light of man." It's also the masculine form of the girl's name Cassandra.

115. Chandler

Chandler is English for "candle maker," which can easily be pointed back to symbolism for light.

116. Dag

Scandinavian, Dag also appears in the variation Dagget. Both mean "daylight."

117. Elouan

Both Breton and French, Eloun is a very popular name in France that simply means "light." Other connotations it evokes are "strong" and "powerful."

118. Epifan

Epifan is a Spanish and Greek name that means "bringing light."

119. Epiphany

Most of us know what an epiphany is: "a moment of sudden realization or insight." Associated with the idea of enlightenment, Epiphany is a Spanish name for "bringing light." It also refers to the biblical reference of the manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles (Matthew 2:1-12).

120. Faro

Faro is Italian for "lighthouse."

Related: 125 Middle Names for Girls

121. Gilbert

A German name that means "shining pledge" or "bright promise," it derives from the word gīsil—"pledge"—and behrt—"bright."

122. Guang

Guang is a Chinese name that means a lot of different things like "tree" or "lower part of a leaf," but it also has some connotations of light as it's associated with strong traits like grace and inspiration.

123. Harbin

Of German origin, Harbin means "little bright warrior."

124. Haruto

The Japanese name Haruto can mean "sun" and "sunlight" or "one born in the spring" during sunnier, warmer times.

125. Herbert

A German name meaning "bright army," the name Herbert is often shortened to the nickname Bertie.

126. Horus

An Egyptian name for "god of light," Horus can also mean "sun god." In mythology, the god Horus had the head of a hawk and the body of a human man.

127. Jaivyn

The name Jaivyn is African for "light spirit."

128. Jomei

Jomei is a Japanese name that means "to spread light."

129. Kiran

The name Kiran is of Sanskrit origin and means "ray of light."

130. Lito

From Latin origins, Lito—meaning "light"—is also used in Cuba as a shortening for "buelito, which means "grandfather." It can also be short for names like Carlito and Ippolito.

131. Lucasta

An English name, Lucasta means "pure light" or "chaste light" and it can easily be shortened to Lucas.

132. Luce

Luce is Latin for "light."

133. Lucian

A Latin name that also means "light," it also has the alternative spelling of Lucien (below).

134. Luciano

Luciano is an Italian name that means "light" or "shining." This name also has Portugese and Spanish roots and is also derived from the Latin word for "light."

135. Lucien

Lucien is the French form of the aforementioned name Lucian. It often spurns the nicknames Luc, Lucas and Luke.

136. Lucifer

Latin, Lucifer means "light bearer," and most notably, is the name of the archangel that God casts into Hell during the War of Heaven.

137. Lucio

Lucio is another version of the Latin word for "light."

138. Lucius

Lucius, too, is a Latin name that means "illustrious" or "light."

139. Lior

The name Lio is Hebrew for "I have a light." It's a very common name in Israel.

140. Meir

Meir has Hebrew origins and means "bright one" or "bringer of light."

141. Mitsu

A Japanese name that means "light," Mitsu is a popular surname, too, that can also mean "to shine" or "to reflect."

Related: Best Middle Names for Boys

142. Neriah

The name Neriah has Hebrew origins and means "light of Jehovah." It is also the name of the biblical figure from the Book of Jeremiah and is largely associated with Hannukah, the festival of lights.

143. Ori

Ori is a Hebrew name that means "my light."

144. Oran

The name Oran is an Irish name that means "light," "song" and "little green one." In Hebrew, the name is a combo of or, meaning "light," and ran meaning "singing."

145. Oron

In Hebrew, the name Oron is a combo of or, meaning "light," and ran meaning "singing."

146. Orren

Orren is another Irish name—also with Aramaic and Gaelic origins—that can mean "light," "pale" and "pine tree."

147. Pradeep

A Hindi name, Pradeep means "light," "lantern," "lamp" and "shine."

148. Reyansh

The name Reynah is Hindi for "ray of light." It's extremely popular in India, but it has also been making its mark on the US charts in recent years where it's often shortened to the nickname Rey.

149. Siraj

The name Siraj is Arabic for "light" or "lamp."

150. Zia

Zia has Arabic and Italian origins and means "light" and "splendor."

Next up, we asked ChatGPT to give us a list of Taylor Swift-inspired baby names.

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