Names That Mean Light

A variant of Alyona, which itself originated as a nickname for Yelena, a variation of Helen.

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.

Calls to mind the twinkling strands of bulbs found during the winter holidays and in college dorm rooms.

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

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.

All the femininity of Luciana, with added zing.

Blær is a rare Icelandic name meaning "light gust or breeze" that made headlines due to one family's battle to be allowed to use it for their daughter. Iceland has strict name laws and it is not permitted to use a traditionally male name for a girl. The name was only finally allowed when she was 15 years old. Blær is also a (female) character in a novel by the famous Icelandic writer Halldór Laxness.

Once a truly gender-neutral name in Israel, now used more often for boys. You may also consider Ora, Orli, or Orit.

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

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.

Lucero is a relative or nickname of Luz, meaning light. This intriguing name is swimming just beneath the Top 1000 for girls in the US, but is used for boys too. It is especially popular in Latin America.

It's pronunciation is identical to that of Lucian, but this spelling makes it appear to rhyme with "cushion," so we suggest sticking with the original.

Unisex name in Israel, ideal for a Hanukkah baby.

This is Catalonia's native form of Lucy, but parents today tend to prefer the Spanish version Lúcia.

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

A soft-spoken Indian girl name with a radiant meaning.