Dog Names That Mean Light

A bit blunt.

Worldly and evocative.

The viv syllable adds vitality.

Liodor is the Leo and Theodore mash-up you didn't know you needed — with authentic Russian roots! It ultimately derives from the Greek name Heliodoros.

A little-known Hebrew name which ranks in the Top 100 in Israel.

A Top 100 name in Israel, where it is overwhelmingly feminine. Zohar is currently used equally between girls and boys in the US but is rising far more quickly for boys.

Latona is the Roman equivalent of Leto, the Greek goddess of light. These days Leto feels more modern for a baby girl, but Latona retains its appeal.

KAzakh and Bengali form of Roshan, also coinciding with the Kazakh word for "rose".

A soft and sweet unisex Arabic name with an international sound. British broadcaster Mishal Husain is a notable bearer.

Arpi is a rising ethereal name in Armenia, where it is a poetic word for "sun".

Gender-neutral choice ideal for a child born during Hanukkah.

A feminine form of Ashwin, linked to the twin Hindu gods of the sunrise and sunset, the Ashwini. Ashvini is also the name of the first star that appears in the evening sky in Hindu astronomy.

The slightly complex spelling of this Sanskrit name belies its sweet and simple sound.

An old surname with an intriguing sound an uncertain origin, although it may derive from a French word for "lantern" – perhaps referring originally to one who made or lit lanterns.

Unisex name in Israel, ideal for a Hanukkah baby.

The slightly complex spelling of this Sanskrit name belies its sweet and simple sound.

The Faroese term for "ray of light", seen as a feminine name on the Faroe Islands.

This gender-neutral Indonesian name feels familiar but unique.