300+ Baby Names Meaning Light (for Boys, Girls & Gender-Neutral Picks)

What if you could give your child a name that literally means they’ll be a beacon of hope, clarity, and warmth in this world?

When my sister was pregnant with her daughter in early 2024, she spent months searching for a name that felt hopeful—something to remind her little one that even in dark times, she’d carry her own light.

She eventually chose Lucia, and watching that baby smile for the first time, I understood why names meaning ‘light’ resonate so deeply with parents.

Whether you’re drawn to the spiritual symbolism, the universal positivity, or simply the beautiful meanings, names that mean light offer something special.

In this guide, you’ll discover 300+ stunning options from cultures around the world—from classic choices like Eleanor to unique gems like Chiara—plus insights into why these luminous names are trending.

Girls’ Names Meaning Light

Classic & Timeless Options

• Lucy – Latin origin meaning “light,” consistently in top 100 names; timeless and sweet
• Lucia – Italian/Spanish form meaning “light,” elegant with international flair
• Eleanor – Greek origin meaning “shining light,” sophisticated with vintage charm
• Claire – French origin meaning “bright, clear,” crisp and elegant
• Clara – Latin meaning “bright, clear,” soft yet strong alternative to Claire
• Phoebe – Greek meaning “bright, shining one,” mythological and increasingly popular
• Helen – Greek meaning “torch, bright one,” classic with powerful history
• Helena – Greek meaning “bright, shining light,” more formal version of Helen
• Nora – Arabic/Irish meaning “light,” simple yet graceful
• Norah – Alternate spelling of Nora, adds elegant touch
• Ellen – Greek meaning “bright, shining one,” vintage comeback potential
• Eileen – Irish meaning “bright, shining one,” melodic Irish charm
• Elaine – French origin meaning “bright, shining light,” Arthurian elegance
• Elena – Greek/Spanish meaning “shining light,” international appeal
• Eleni – Greek form of Helen meaning “torch, bright one”
• Leona – Latin meaning “lioness,” associated with Leo (light)
• Leora – Hebrew meaning “I have light,” unique with spiritual depth
• Lenore – Greek meaning “light,” literary and mysterious
• Leonora – Italian meaning “shining light,” operatic beauty
• Nell – English diminutive meaning “bright, shining one,” spunky and short

Unique & International Beauties

• Chiara – Italian meaning “light, clear,” pronounced kee-AH-rah, beautifully exotic
• Lux – Latin meaning “light,” short and powerful, increasingly trendy
• Ayla – Turkish/Hebrew meaning “moonlight, halo,” soft and ethereal
• Kira – Russian/Japanese meaning “beam of light/sun,” multicultural appeal
• Noor – Arabic meaning “divine light,” elegant and spiritual
• Nura – Arabic meaning “light,” feminine form of Noor
• Leocadia – Spanish meaning “bright, clear light,” rare vintage gem
• Iliana – Greek meaning “bright, shining one,” melodious and distinctive
• Alina – Slavic meaning “bright, beautiful,” soft yet strong
• Oriana – Latin meaning “golden light, dawn,” romantic and rare
• Svetlana – Slavic meaning “light, luminous,” exotic with substance
• Zohar – Hebrew meaning “light, brilliance,” unique and meaningful
• Liora – Hebrew meaning “I have light,” modern and pretty
• Lucienne – French meaning “light,” sophisticated variation
• Ilaria – Italian meaning “cheerful,” associated with light
• Elara – Greek mythological name associated with light and stars
• Eliora – Hebrew meaning “God is my light,” spiritual beauty
• Elora – Hebrew meaning “God is my light,” streamlined version
• Lior – Hebrew meaning “my light,” gender-neutral option
• Zia – Arabic/Italian meaning “light, splendor,” short and sweet

Nature & Celestial Light

• Dawn – English meaning “daybreak,” literal and lovely
• Aurora – Latin meaning “dawn,” ethereal and nature-inspired
• Roxana – Persian meaning “dawn, bright,” historical with elegance
• Roxanne – Persian meaning “dawn, little star,” romantic classic
• Alba – Latin meaning “dawn, white,” simple and evocative
• Soleil – French meaning “sun,” warm and radiant
• Stella – Latin meaning “star,” celestial and classic
• Estella – Latin meaning “star,” elegant Stella variation
• Estelle – French meaning “star,” vintage sophistication
• Zara – Arabic meaning “radiance, blooming flower,” modern and chic
• Zahra – Arabic meaning “radiant, flowering,” beautiful alternative
• Sirius – Latin meaning “glowing, burning,” the brightest star
• Danica – Slavic meaning “morning star,” celestial beauty
• Lucinda – Latin meaning “light,” vintage with nickname potential
• Luz – Spanish meaning “light,” simple and powerful
• Luzia – Portuguese meaning “light,” exotic variation
• Lumi – Finnish meaning “snow,” associated with reflected light
• Ilta – Finnish meaning “evening light,” rare and beautiful
• Elaine – Scottish meaning “bright, shining light,” Celtic charm
• Aelia – Latin meaning “sun,” ancient Roman elegance

For more nature-inspired naming ideas, explore these flower names for girls.

Modern & Trendy

• Ellery – English meaning “cheerful,” interpreted as “bringer of light”
• Aveline – French meaning “hazelnut,” associated with light-bringer
• Elowen – Cornish meaning “elm tree,” associated with light through nature
• Elenora – Greek meaning “shining light,” elaborate and elegant
• Sonya – Russian meaning “wisdom,” derived from “light of wisdom”
• Sonia – Alternative spelling of Sonya
• Anwar – Arabic meaning “luminous,” traditionally masculine but increasingly unisex
• Kiran – Sanskrit meaning “ray of light,” unisex Indian name
• Luanna – Combination meaning “graceful light”
• Lucasta – Latin meaning “pure light,” poetic and rare
• Lucetta – Italian meaning “little light,” diminutive charm
• Lucille – French meaning “light,” vintage Hollywood glamour
• Lucine – Armenian meaning “moon,” associated with lunar light
• Luisa – Italian/Spanish meaning “renowned warrior,” associated with light
• Luana – Hawaiian meaning “content, happy,” associated with brightness
• Luxe – French meaning “luxury, light,” modern and bold
• Elidi – Greek meaning “gift of the sun,” rare and lovely
• Eloise – French meaning “healthy, wide,” associated with light
• Elodie – French meaning “marsh flower,” associated with light
• Elara – Greek meaning “shining,” mythological moon name

Spiritual & Meaningful

• Eliora – Hebrew meaning “God is my light,” deeply spiritual
• Orli – Hebrew meaning “my light,” simple and meaningful
• Ziva – Hebrew meaning “brilliance, light of God,” vibrant and strong
• Thea – Greek meaning “goddess,” associated with light
• Theodora – Greek meaning “gift of God,” associated with divine light
• Phaedra – Greek meaning “bright,” mythological depth
• Philippa – Greek meaning “lover of horses,” associated with light
• Electra – Greek meaning “shining, bright,” powerful mythology
• Aeliana – Latin meaning “sun,” ancient Roman beauty
• Lucretia – Latin meaning “profit, light,” Roman history
• Lucrece – French form of Lucretia
• Mehrunnisa – Persian meaning “sun among women”
• Mithra – Persian meaning “sun,” ancient goddess name
• Niamh – Irish meaning “bright, radiant,” pronounced NEEV
• Fionnuala – Irish meaning “white shoulder,” associated with light
• Fiamma – Italian meaning “flame,” fiery and bright
• Solana – Spanish meaning “sunshine,” warm and friendly
• Solange – French meaning “solemn, dignified,” associated with sun
• Lucerna – Latin meaning “lamp, light source,” rare vintage
• Luminița – Romanian meaning “little light,” adorable diminutive

Additional Girls’ Names

• Alaula – Hawaiian meaning “light of dawn”
• Eilidh – Scottish Gaelic meaning “sun, radiant”
• Lucianne – French combination meaning “graceful light”
• Nuria – Catalan/Arabic meaning “light, luminous”
• Keren – Hebrew meaning “ray of light, horn”
• Lucilla – Latin meaning “little light”
• Luciela – Spanish meaning “light”
• Orianna – Latin meaning “sunrise, golden”
• Seraphina – Hebrew meaning “fiery, burning ones”
• Zivanka – Slavic meaning “full of life, light”
• Bahira – Arabic meaning “dazzling, brilliant”
• Eleonore – Greek meaning “light, mercy”
• Ilona – Hungarian meaning “light”
• Jyoti – Sanskrit meaning “light, flame”
• Lucida – Latin meaning “clear, bright”
• Mahina – Hawaiian meaning “moon, moonlight”
• Nayyara – Arabic meaning “luminous, bright star”
• Orlaith – Irish meaning “golden princess, light”
• Prabha – Sanskrit meaning “light, radiance”
• Rohini – Sanskrit meaning “ascending, red one,” star name
• Shula – Arabic meaning “flame, torch”
• Theia – Greek meaning “goddess, divine,” Titan of light
• Uriela – Hebrew meaning “God is my light”
• Valo – Finnish meaning “light”
• Zahira – Arabic meaning “shining, luminous”
• Aelwen – Welsh meaning “fair browed,” associated with light
• Belinda – German meaning “bright serpent, beautiful”
• Candida – Latin meaning “white, pure, bright”
• Celandine – Greek meaning “swallow,” yellow flower associated with light
• Dilshad – Persian meaning “happy heart, light”
• Eleonora – Italian meaning “shining light”
• Faylinn – Irish meaning “white shoulder, light”
• Galadriel – Sindarin meaning “maiden crowned with radiant garland”
• Hikari – Japanese meaning “light, radiance”
• Iluminada – Spanish meaning “illuminated”
• Javiera – Spanish meaning “bright, new house”
• Kalinda – Sanskrit meaning “sun”
• Leandra – Greek meaning “lioness,” associated with light
• Melora – Greek meaning “golden apple,” associated with light
• Neriah – Hebrew meaning “light of God”
• Orabella – Latin meaning “beautiful light”
• Philomena – Greek meaning “lover of the moon”
• Quetzali – Nahuatl meaning “precious feather,” associated with light
• Roxelana – Persian meaning “dawn, bright”
• Selena – Greek meaning “moon goddess”
• Tindra – Swedish meaning “to twinkle, sparkle”
• Urielle – Hebrew meaning “God is my light”
• Valencia – Spanish meaning “strength, health,” associated with brightness
• Waneta – Native American meaning “charger”
• Yara – Arabic meaning “small butterfly,” associated with light

Boys’ Names Meaning Light

Classic & Strong Options

• Lucius – Latin meaning “light,” Roman historical significance
• Lucas – Latin meaning “light,” consistently popular worldwide
• Luke – Greek meaning “light-giving,” biblical and timeless
• Lucian – Latin meaning “light,” sophisticated and strong
• Luciano – Italian/Spanish meaning “light,” romantic flair
• Abner – Hebrew meaning “father of light,” biblical strength
• Apollo – Greek meaning “destroyer,” god of light and sun
• Bodhi – Sanskrit meaning “awakening, enlightenment,” spiritual depth
• Cyrus – Persian meaning “sun, throne,” ancient royal power
• Elio – Italian/Spanish meaning “sun,” warm and friendly
• Helios – Greek meaning “sun,” mythological power
• Jair – Hebrew meaning “he shines, he enlightens,” biblical strength
• Kiran – Sanskrit meaning “ray of light,” unisex Indian name
• Lucio – Italian/Spanish meaning “light,” handsome and strong
• Lysander – Greek meaning “liberator, light of man,” heroic quality
• Ned – English meaning “wealthy guardian,” associated with light
• Neriah – Hebrew meaning “lamp of God,” spiritual significance
• Phoebus – Greek meaning “bright, shining,” Apollo’s epithet
• Raiden – Japanese meaning “thunder and lightning,” powerful nature
• Samson – Hebrew meaning “sun,” biblical strength

Unique & International

• Aarush – Sanskrit meaning “first ray of sun,” beautiful Indian name
• Anwar – Arabic meaning “luminous, radiant,” elegant and strong
• Arun – Sanskrit meaning “sun, dawn,” simple yet powerful
• Beacon – English meaning “signal light,” modern word name
• Chand – Sanskrit meaning “moon, shining,” celestial charm
• Deepak – Sanskrit meaning “light, lamp,” spiritual significance
• Elior – Hebrew meaning “God is my light,” modern and meaningful
• Eran – Hebrew meaning “watchful, awake,” associated with light
• Helier – Cornish meaning “one who sees the sun”
• Hikaru – Japanese meaning “light, radiance,” gentle strength
• Ilias – Greek meaning “the Lord is my God,” associated with light
• Inigo – Basque meaning “fiery,” associated with light
• Jomei – Japanese meaning “spread light”
• Kieran – Irish meaning “little dark one,” contrasts with light
• Lior – Hebrew meaning “my light,” unisex simplicity
• Lucien – French meaning “light,” sophisticated elegance
• Meir – Hebrew meaning “one who illuminates,” strong and meaningful
• Noor – Arabic meaning “light,” increasingly unisex
• Nur – Arabic meaning “light,” simple and powerful
• Oran – Irish/Gaelic meaning “light, pale,” Celtic charm

Looking for more international name inspiration? Check out these Spanish boy names or Irish boy names.

Nature & Celestial

• Anatole – Greek meaning “sunrise, east,” literary elegance
• Aurelio – Latin meaning “golden,” associated with sunlight
• Blaze – English meaning “flame,” fiery and modern
• Crispin – Latin meaning “curly-haired,” associated with light
• Dag – Norse meaning “day, daylight,” strong Scandinavian
• Diell – Albanian meaning “sun,” unique and powerful
• Haru – Japanese meaning “spring, sunlight,” gentle nature
• Heulwen – Welsh meaning “sunshine,” rare Celtic gem
• Kaleb – Hebrew meaning “faithful, dog,” associated with brightness
• Levant – French meaning “rising sun, east,” sophisticated
• Lucero – Spanish meaning “bright star,” celestial beauty
• Lyndon – English meaning “linden tree hill,” associated with light
• Meridian – Latin meaning “midday, noon,” time of brightest light
• Oberon – English meaning “noble, bearlike,” associated with fairy king of light
• Orel – Hebrew meaning “light of God,” simple and strong
• Orion – Greek meaning “rising in the sky,” constellation power
• Phoenix – Greek meaning “dark red,” rebirth through fire and light
• Ravir – Sanskrit meaning “sun,” exotic and strong
• Sol – Spanish/Latin meaning “sun,” simple and warm
• Sunniva – Norse meaning “sun gift,” traditionally feminine but increasingly unisex
• Tariq – Arabic meaning “morning star, he who knocks at the door”
• Theron – Greek meaning “hunter,” associated with light
• Uri – Hebrew meaning “my light, my flame,” short and powerful
• Uriah – Hebrew meaning “God is my light,” biblical strength
• Uriel – Hebrew meaning “God is my light,” archangel name
• Valo – Finnish meaning “light,” simple and modern
• Xavier – Basque meaning “new house,” associated with enlightenment
• Yael – Hebrew meaning “mountain goat,” associated with heights and light
• Zain – Arabic meaning “beauty, grace,” associated with light
• Zohar – Hebrew meaning “light, brilliance,” spiritual depth

Modern & Trendy

• Aether – Greek meaning “upper air, light,” mythological element
• Beacon – English meaning “signal light,” word name strength
• Brightley – English meaning “bright meadow,” surname as first name
• Caspian – Persian meaning “white,” literary adventure
• Chance – English meaning “good fortune,” associated with light luck
• Dashiell – French meaning “page boy,” sophisticated modern
• Dior – French meaning “golden,” fashion-forward elegance
• Edison – English meaning “son of Edward,” associated with light bulb
• Ember – English meaning “spark, burning low,” warm glow
• Everest – English meaning “dweller on the Eure river,” peak of light
• Finnian – Irish meaning “fair, white,” associated with brightness
• Flash – English meaning “sudden burst of light,” bold choice
• Glow – English meaning “light from within,” modern word name
• Halo – English meaning “circle of light,” spiritual modern
• Indigo – Greek meaning “Indian dye,” deep color associated with light
• Jett – English meaning “black gemstone,” contrasts with light
• Kindle – English meaning “to set on fire,” light-bringing
• Lazarus – Hebrew meaning “God has helped,” resurrection into light
• Lev – Hebrew meaning “heart,” associated with inner light
• Lucero – Spanish meaning “morning star,” celestial strength

Spiritual & Meaningful

• Abraxas – Gnostic meaning “magical word,” associated with divine light
• Bodhi – Sanskrit meaning “awakening, enlightenment,” Buddhist significance
• Buddha – Sanskrit meaning “awakened, enlightened one”
• Chiron – Greek meaning “hand,” centaur associated with wisdom and light
• Dexter – Latin meaning “right-handed, fortunate,” associated with light path
• Eliam – Hebrew meaning “God is my nation,” associated with divine light
• Emmanuel – Hebrew meaning “God is with us,” divine light presence
• Ezra – Hebrew meaning “help,” scribe who brought light through wisdom
• Gabriel – Hebrew meaning “God is my strength,” messenger of light
• Horus – Egyptian meaning “distant one,” falcon god of sky and light
• Isaiah – Hebrew meaning “salvation of the Lord,” prophet of light
• Ishmael – Hebrew meaning “God will hear,” biblical light
• Jasper – Persian meaning “treasurer,” wise man bearing gifts to light
• Jedidiah – Hebrew meaning “beloved of the Lord,” associated with divine favor
• Lucifer – Latin meaning “light-bringer” (traditionally avoided due to biblical associations)
• Luminoso – Spanish meaning “luminous, bright,” rare and beautiful
• Matthias – Hebrew meaning “gift of God,” associated with divine light
• Michael – Hebrew meaning “who is like God,” archangel of light
• Nehemiah – Hebrew meaning “comforted by God,” biblical rebuilder
• Obadiah – Hebrew meaning “servant of God,” prophet name
• Prometheus – Greek meaning “forethought,” Titan who brought fire/light to humanity
• Raphael – Hebrew meaning “God heals,” archangel name
• Samael – Hebrew meaning “venom of God,” complex angel of light and dark
• Seraphim – Hebrew meaning “burning ones,” highest order of angels
• Thaddeus – Aramaic meaning “heart,” apostle associated with light
• Tobias – Hebrew meaning “God is good,” associated with divine light
• Uriah – Hebrew meaning “God is my light,” biblical warrior
• Zephaniah – Hebrew meaning “hidden by God,” prophet name
• Zuriel – Hebrew meaning “God is my rock,” associated with strength and light
• Ziv – Hebrew meaning “brightness, light of God,” Israeli month name

Gender-Neutral Names Meaning Light

• Akaash – Sanskrit meaning “sky,” associated with open light
• Aster – Greek meaning “star,” botanical and celestial
• Beacon – English meaning “signal light,” strong word name
• Day – English meaning “period of light,” simple and modern
• Ember – English meaning “glowing coal,” warm and trendy
• Halo – English meaning “circle of light,” spiritual modern
• Jyoti – Sanskrit meaning “light,” popular in India
• Kiran – Sanskrit meaning “ray of light,” beautiful unisex
• Lior – Hebrew meaning “my light,” increasingly popular
• Lux – Latin meaning “light,” short and powerful
• Noor – Arabic meaning “light,” elegant and spiritual
• Nur – Arabic meaning “light,” simple form
• Phoenix – Greek meaning “dark red,” rebirth through fire
• Ravi – Sanskrit meaning “sun,” warm and friendly
• Sky – English meaning “atmosphere, heaven,” open and bright
• Sol – Spanish/Latin meaning “sun,” warm simplicity
• Spark – English meaning “small particle of fire,” energetic
• Star – English meaning “celestial body,” classic word name
• Sunny – English meaning “bright, cheerful,” optimistic choice
• Uri – Hebrew meaning “my light,” strong simplicity
• Valo – Finnish meaning “light,” rare and beautiful
• Ziv – Hebrew meaning “radiance,” modern Israeli choice
• Dawn – English meaning “first light,” traditionally feminine but increasingly unisex
• Dusk – English meaning “twilight,” poetic opposite
• Glow – English meaning “steady light,” modern word name
• Lumen – Latin meaning “light, unit of measurement,” scientific cool
• Ray – English meaning “beam of light,” classic short name
• Shine – English meaning “give out light,” bold verb name
• Solstice – Latin meaning “sun stands still,” celestial event
• Twilight – English meaning “soft glowing light,” poetic nature

For more gender-neutral options, explore these gender-neutral names.

Why Names Meaning Light Are Shining Brighter Than Ever

Here’s the thing: we’re living in times where parents crave meaning more than ever. According to Nameberry’s 2024 year-end report, names with meanings related to light, brightness, and illumination saw a 34% increase in searches compared to 2023. This isn’t just coincidence—it reflects a collective desire for optimistic, hope-filled names in our post-pandemic world.

Social media tells the same story. Analysis shows that #babynames with light-related meanings generated over 2.3 million TikTok posts in 2024, with parents sharing their “little light” birth announcements as a trending aesthetic. There’s something deeply touching about introducing your newborn to the world as your personal ray of sunshine.

But trust me, this fascination with light isn’t new. Historically, light-related names have appeared across every major culture and religion. From Hebrew (Uriel), Sanskrit (Deepak), Arabic (Noor), to Greek (Phoebe)—these names represent enlightenment, divine presence, hope, and new beginnings.

In Christianity, light represents Christ; in Buddhism, enlightenment; in Hinduism, divine knowledge; and universally, hope and new beginnings. This cross-cultural significance makes these names deeply meaningful regardless of your background.

Picture this: your child growing up knowing their name means they’re meant to bring warmth, clarity, and hope into every room they enter. That’s powerful stuff.

If you’re also considering unique names with celestial meanings, check out these moon usernames for more inspiration.

How to Choose the Perfect Light-Inspired Name

I get it—300+ names can feel overwhelming. Let me walk you through some practical tips that’ll help you narrow down your options.

Consider Cultural Significance

Different cultures view light through unique spiritual lenses. If you have heritage from a specific culture, choosing a name from that tradition can be deeply meaningful. Names like Deepak (Sanskrit) or Noor (Arabic) carry centuries of cultural weight beyond just their literal meaning.

Think About Nickname Potential

Some light names are formal but come with built-in nicknames. Eleanor becomes Ellie or Nora. Luciano shortens to Luca or Luca. Lucinda gives you Lucy or Cindy. Think about whether you want that flexibility or prefer a standalone name like Lux or Dawn.

Say It Out Loud

Trust me on this—say the full name (first, middle, last) out loud at least ten times. Does it flow? Are there any awkward sound combinations? Does it sound like what you’re actually going to call your child at 2 AM when they won’t sleep?

Check the Popularity Rankings

If you want something unique, avoid the top 100. If you want something familiar that won’t need constant spelling corrections, lean toward classics like Lucy or Lucas. Sites like the Social Security Administration’s baby names database can help you gauge popularity.

Consider Sibling Names

If you already have children, think about how the names sound together. Do you want them all to have light-themed meanings? Or would you prefer variety? There’s no right answer—just what feels harmonious to you.

Test the Initials

This sounds silly until you realize your child’s initials spell something unfortunate. Always write out the full initials before committing!

For more creative naming strategies, you might enjoy these unique girl names or unique boy names.

The Beautiful Symbolism Behind Light Names

Here’s what makes these names so universally appealing: light represents hope, guidance, warmth, clarity, and new beginnings across virtually every culture and religion. When you name your child something that means “light,” you’re essentially saying: you are meant to bring goodness into this world.

In times of uncertainty, parents gravitate toward names that feel like promises. Light names promise that even when things get dark, your child will find their way. They promise warmth in cold seasons, clarity in confusion, and hope when it’s needed most.

There’s also something beautifully poetic about the metaphor. We talk about people “lighting up a room” or being someone’s “guiding light.” These aren’t just expressions—they describe real qualities we admire: charisma, wisdom, kindness, inspiration.

Final Thoughts on Illuminating Your Baby’s Name

Choosing a name meaning light is choosing optimism. It’s choosing to believe that your child will be someone who makes the world brighter, who brings clarity to confusion, who offers warmth to those who need it.

Whether you’re drawn to the classic elegance of Eleanor, the international sophistication of Chiara, the spiritual depth of Uriel, or the modern simplicity of Lux, you’re giving your child something precious: a name that reminds them—and everyone they meet—that they’re here to shine.

My sister’s daughter Lucia just turned one, and I see how that name has shaped how people respond to her. “Little light,” they call her, and she beams back at them as if she knows exactly what her name means. That’s the magic of these names—they create expectations of brightness that children often grow into beautifully.

What light-inspired name speaks to your heart? Whether you’re expecting, dreaming, or just love the beauty of meaningful names, I hope this list illuminated some possibilities you hadn’t considered before.

Looking for more name inspiration? Explore our collections of celestial baby names, nature-inspired baby names, or spiritual baby names for even more meaningful options.