Dog Names That Mean Light

A light and lovely short form of Helena, also used in its own right in Latvia and the Netherlands.

Spelling variation of Lior.

A bit blunt.

The viv syllable adds vitality.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

The Icelandic transcription of Elin, closer in sound to Ellen.

Unisex name in Israel, ideal for a Hanukkah baby.

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