Luminous Names

Pronounced LOOSE, this name that refers to the Virgin Mary—"Our Lady of Light"—is one of the most widely used Spanish name for girls. Its sleekness and stylish final z gives it a modern appeal, like sister name Lux. Nicknames and variations include Chitta, Lucecita, Lucelida, Lucelita, Lucha, Lucida, Lucila, Lusa, and Luzana.

A Portuguese and German variant of Lucia which was particularly popular in Brazil during the 20th century.

All the femininity of Luciana, with added zing.

A handsome and gentle sounding moon name which would work well across cultures.

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

The name of a male lunar deity in Maori mythology, Marama is nevertheless now used as a female name in New Zealand – no doubt because its warm sound lends itself to contemporary feminine trends. In Tahitian, it means "bright, clear".

Variant of Maricela

Marigold, once found almost exclusively in English novels and aristocratic nurseries, is beginning to be talked about and considered here. It has a sweet, sunny, quirky feel. The marigold was the symbol of the Virgin Mary.

Marilla is a names that's familiar via its resemblance to Mary and variations, but also distinctive: It hasn't been on the Top 1000 since the 1800s and was given to only 27 baby girls last year.

Maristella is used as a "smoosh" name in Greek, typically with Maria Stella or Maria Styliane on the official birth certificate. Maristella can also stem from the Latin words Maris and Stella, meaning sea and star. Maristela is the equally evocative Spanish and Portuguese equivalent.

A gentle old-fashioned compound name that has never been epidemically popular, but is now almost unused.

The original form of the Hebrew Meyer.

The least used of the Three Wise Men's names, but a strong option for bold namers to consider.

Euphonic hybrid of the sounds of Melissa and Laura. Melora Hardin is an actress who was featured on The Office.

A beautiful and evocative Greek mythology name which was also borne by a 4th century saint. A unique alternative to Theodora.

Metrophanes is derived from the elements meter, meaning "mother," and phanes, "appearing" or "shine." It was borne by several important bishops, most notably Metrophanes of Byzantium, who was later sanctified.

In Aztec mythology, Metztli, also called Meztli and Metzi, was the goddess of the moon, the night, and farmers. Some other interpretations of Metztli view her as a demon.

Very popular in its native Turkey (Top 20 since 2014), this beautiful, celestial name has international appeal. The meaning of Miray is occasionally debated, with "shining like the moon" as one interpretation and "commander of the moonlight" being another.

This cute as a button name stems from the Goonayandi word for the sun and can be used as a unisex name.