Cat Names That Mean Light

Luminara Unduli is a character from the Star Wars universe. The name is based on the Latin lumen "light".

Ethereal name with a moony halo.

Finnish variation of Helena

One of those cute Yiddish nicknames that feel charmingly vintage when borne by young Jewish girls today. These names, such as Gitty and Malkie and Faigy, are typically reserved for the most religious Jewish communities.

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.

Rare Russian name borne by an enemy of Rasputin.

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.

A Turkish compound of the Arabic names Nisa and Nur. It also appears on the Turkish Top 100 as a double-barreled first name, Nisa Nur.

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.