Luminous Names

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

A soft and sweet unisex Arabic name with an international sound.

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

Traditionally, this name is written with kanji that give it lovely meanings of "full moon," "moonlight," or similar. The character Mitsuki in Naruto uses kanji that denote the meaning "snake vessel," appropriate given he can summon magical snakes.

This shimmery lunar name is rising in popularity as a middle name for both sexes.

As a name, Morningstar is the English translation of Morgenstern, a German-Jewish surname. The planet Venus is called Morningstar when it is visible before sunrise.

Sultry name given added interest by that double 'a'.

Beguiling cousin of Sahara.

Fanciful image distinguishes this Native-American name.

The Hawaiian word for sunflower is also used figuratively for people who gaze toward the sun, and has a nice resonance with Lion King name Nala.

Certainly qualities desired for our sons.

Nell, once a nickname for Helen, Ellen, or Eleanor, is a sweet old-fashioned charmer that is fashionably used today in its own right. While Nell is perfectly in tune with contemporary vintage name style, it hasn't taken off the way some of its sisters have and so maintains an air of distinction. Use Nell or Nellie as a short for any name from Eleanor to Penelope or just name her Nell.

Nelly or Nellie is an adorable nickname name that can be short for a wide range of more formal appellations or that can stand on its own, and is typical of the vintage nickname genre that is growing in popularity. While Nelly can be used for several different names, from Helen to Eleanor to Cornelia, it has stood on its own for more than a century. It was one of the most popular names – spelled as Nellie – in the U.S. at the end of the 1800s.

An obscure yet on-trend name with two wonderful meanings associated with it. Neoma is one of the freshest celestial girl names with moon-related meanings, rarer than Luna or Phoebe but with the same fluid sound.

One step removed from Nora, if you're looking for something similar with stronger cultural ties.

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

A simple but unusual name with roots in disparate cultures, Neri appears in the Bible as a male name and is still sometimes used for boys as well as girls. The appeal of Neri are its deep roots combined with its simple, upbeat, modern feel, ala Peri and Rory.

If you're looking for a creative way to get to Neve, Nevena is a lovely option.

Unusual yet accessible Hawaiian choice. The Noel beginning makes it a possible name for baby girls born at Christmas.