Discover 100 beautiful baby names meaning light. Explore names that embody Bright and shining from diverse cultures and traditions.
This name means “bright fame, shining glory.” The name derives from the Old High German name “Hrōdebert,” composed of two elements: “*hrōþiz” (praise, fame, glory, renown, honor) plus “*berhtaz” (light, bright, clear, shining one). Robert the Magnificent (le Magnifique) was the Duke of Normandy from 1027 until his death. Owing to uncertainty over the numbering of the Dukes of Normandy, he is usually called Robert I, but sometimes Robert II with his ancestor Rollo as Robert I. Robert I (866–923), King of Western France (922–923). Before succeeding his brother Odo as King, he was the Count of Poitiers, Marquis of Neustria and Orléans, and Count of Paris. After becoming widely used in Continental Europe, it entered England in its Old French form Robert, where an Old English cognate form (Hrēodbēorht, Hrodberht, Hrēodbēorð, Hrœdbœrð, Hrœdberð) had existed before the Norman Conquest.
Origin: germanic
This name derives from the Old English surname from the byname “Cola and Charcoal,” from the Old English “col,” from the Proto-Germanic “*kulą,” meaning “coal.” Charcoal is a light, black residue consisting of carbon and any remaining ash, obtained by removing water and other volatile constituents from animal and vegetation substances. In turn, the name means “a person with dark features.”
Origin: old english (anglo-saxon)
This name derives from the Old English surname from the byname “Cola and Charcoal,” from the Old English “col,” from the Proto-Germanic “*kulą,” meaning “coal.” Charcoal is a light, black residue consisting of carbon and any remaining ash, obtained by removing water and other volatile constituents from animal and vegetation substances. In turn, the name means “a person with dark features.”
Origin: old english (anglo-saxon)
This name derives from the Ancient Greek: “Helenē (‘Ελενη) / Helénē (Ἑλένη),” meaning “torch, flambeau, brilliant, shining light, the bright one.” The name could be related to “Hḗlios (Ἥλιος),” the personification of the Sun in Greek mythology. In Greek mythology, Helen of Troy was the daughter of Zeus and wife of Menelaus, King of Sparta, and considered the most beautiful woman in the world. Early Christians widely used the name through Saint Helen, the mother of Emperor Constantine I, who, according to legend, found a piece of the cross of Jesus Christ during his pilgrimage to Jerusalem. Hermione was the only child of King Menelaus of Sparta and his wife, Helen of Troy.
Origin: greek
This name derives from Latin “margarīta” (perla) via Ancient Greek “margarī́tēs (μαργᾰρῑ́της),” meaning “pearl,” from the name of a legendary third-century Saint. The word is related to “marg” from “marq” or “marka,” meaning “chicken,” probably because pearls looked like small bird eggs. It became less popular between the 16th-century and 18th-century but became more common again after this period, becoming the second most popular name in the United States in 1903. It may be related to the Sanskrit word “mañjarī” (cluster of flowers, pearl), or it may be associated with the Persian “marvârid” (a pearl or daughter of light). 1) Blessed Margaret of Castello (1287–1320) is an Italian Roman Catholic Church patron of the poor, crippled, and the unwanted. 2) Saint Margaret of Scotland (~1045–1093), also known as Margaret of Wessex and Queen Margaret of Scotland, was an English princess of the House of Wessex. Margaret was sometimes called “The Pearl of Scotland.”
Origin: greek
This name derives from the Old French “tan > tanneur,” from “tan“(Gaulish: *tanno-; Latin tannum), meaning “tanbark, tanner (job).” A tanner is a person whose occupation is to tan hides or convert them into the leather by the use of tan. The word tan represents: 1) Yellowish-brown color. 2) Darkening of the skin resulting from exposure to sunlight or similar light sources. 3) The bark of an oak or other tree from which tannic acid is obtained.
Origin: old english (anglo-saxon)
This name derives from the Middle Irish “albbu,” which in turn derives from the Proto-Celtic “Alb-i̯en,” shared with the Latin root “albus > albinus,” which means “white, bright.” Saint Ailbe was a sixth-century Irish bishop. The vita, or “life,” of Ailbe is included in the “Vitae Sanctorum Hiberniae (VSH),” a collection of medieval Irish saints’ lives in Latin compiled in the fourteenth century.
Origin: irish (gaelic)
This name derives from the Ancient Greek: “Helenē (‘Ελενη) / Helénē (Ἑλένη),” meaning “torch, flambeau, brilliant, shining light, the bright one.” The name could be related to “Hḗlios (Ἥλιος),” the personification of the Sun in Greek mythology. In Greek mythology, Helen of Troy was the daughter of Zeus and wife of Menelaus, King of Sparta, and considered the most beautiful woman in the world. Early Christians widely used the name through Saint Helen, the mother of Emperor Constantine I, who, according to legend, found a piece of the cross of Jesus Christ during his pilgrimage to Jerusalem. Hermione was the only child of King Menelaus of Sparta and his wife, Helen of Troy.
Origin: greek
This name comes from the ancient Greek “Aikaterī́nē (Αἰκατερῑ́νη),” which comes from “katharós (καθαρός),” meaning “clean, clear, pure.” In turn, the name means “pure, clear of dirt, clean of shame or guilt, purified.” The name is linked to “Hekátē (Ἑκάτη),” an ancient goddess who is most often shown with two torches or a key and in later periods depicted in triple form. Hekate is associated with crossroads, entrance-ways, fire, light, the moon, magic, witchcraft, knowledge of herbs and poisonous plants, necromancy, and sorcery. All the names related to this root are popular in historically Christian countries; in fact, Catherine was the name of one of the first Christian saints. According to tradition, Saint Catherine of Alexandria is a Christian saint and virgin who was martyred in the early 4th-century at the pagan emperor Maxentius’s hands.
Origin: greek
This name derives from the Old High German “Ekkebert,” composed of two elements: “*agi,ō” (edge, corner, sharpness ‘of a weapon’, sword), and “*berhtaz” (light, bright, clear, shining one). The name means “shining blade, bright as a blade.” Egbert (also spelled Ecgberht) was King of Wessex from 802 until his death in 839. His father was Ealhmund of Kent. In the 780s, Egbert was forced into exile by Offa of Mercia and Beorhtric of Wessex, but on Beorhtric’s death in 802, Egbert returned and took the throne. Saint Ecgberht (or Egbert) († 729) was an Anglo-Saxon monk of Northumbria and Bishop of Lindisfarne.
Origin: germanic
This name comes from the ancient Greek “Aikaterī́nē (Αἰκατερῑ́νη),” which comes from “katharós (καθαρός),” meaning “clean, clear, pure.” In turn, the name means “pure, clear of dirt, clean of shame or guilt, purified.” The name is linked to “Hekátē (Ἑκάτη),” an ancient goddess who is most often shown with two torches or a key and in later periods depicted in triple form. Hekate is associated with crossroads, entrance-ways, fire, light, the moon, magic, witchcraft, knowledge of herbs and poisonous plants, necromancy, and sorcery. All the names related to this root are popular in historically Christian countries; in fact, Catherine was the name of one of the first Christian saints. According to tradition, Saint Catherine of Alexandria is a Christian saint and virgin who was martyred in the early 4th-century at the pagan emperor Maxentius’s hands.
Origin: greek
This name derives from the Arabic and Persian (fārsi) “záhara > zahraḧ,” meaning “brilliance, light, brightness, splendor, beauty, flower, blossom.” The Ottoman and Persian empires have expanded the use of these names to Slavic countries and the Indian subcontinent, respectively. This name, not having a unique transliteration, is transcribed in several ways, including Zehra and Zohra(h), and many others, by the way, Zahra is also used as a surname, particularly in Malta. Saint Zaira was a martyr of the Catholic Church and is cited in Spain during the Moorish occupation and commemorated on October 21.
Origin: arabic
This name derives from Latin “margarīta” (perla) via Ancient Greek “margarī́tēs (μαργᾰρῑ́της),” meaning “pearl,” from the name of a legendary third-century Saint. The word is related to “marg” from “marq” or “marka,” meaning “chicken,” probably because pearls looked like small bird eggs. It became less popular between the 16th-century and 18th-century but became more common again after this period, becoming the second most popular name in the United States in 1903. It may be related to the Sanskrit word “mañjarī” (cluster of flowers, pearl), or it may be associated with the Persian “marvârid” (a pearl or daughter of light). 1) Blessed Margaret of Castello (1287–1320) is an Italian Roman Catholic Church patron of the poor, crippled, and the unwanted. 2) Saint Margaret of Scotland (~1045–1093), also known as Margaret of Wessex and Queen Margaret of Scotland, was an English princess of the House of Wessex. Margaret was sometimes called “The Pearl of Scotland.”
Origin: greek
This name derives from the Ancient Greek: “Helenē (‘Ελενη) / Helénē (Ἑλένη),” meaning “torch, flambeau, brilliant, shining light, the bright one.” The name could be related to “Hḗlios (Ἥλιος),” the personification of the Sun in Greek mythology. In Greek mythology, Helen of Troy was the daughter of Zeus and wife of Menelaus, King of Sparta, and considered the most beautiful woman in the world. Early Christians widely used the name through Saint Helen, the mother of Emperor Constantine I, who, according to legend, found a piece of the cross of Jesus Christ during his pilgrimage to Jerusalem. Hermione was the only child of King Menelaus of Sparta and his wife, Helen of Troy.
Origin: greek
This name means “bright fame, shining glory.” The name derives from the Old High German name “Hrōdebert,” composed of two elements: “*hrōþiz” (praise, fame, glory, renown, honor) plus “*berhtaz” (light, bright, clear, shining one). Robert the Magnificent (le Magnifique) was the Duke of Normandy from 1027 until his death. Owing to uncertainty over the numbering of the Dukes of Normandy, he is usually called Robert I, but sometimes Robert II with his ancestor Rollo as Robert I. Robert I (866–923), King of Western France (922–923). Before succeeding his brother Odo as King, he was the Count of Poitiers, Marquis of Neustria and Orléans, and Count of Paris. After becoming widely used in Continental Europe, it entered England in its Old French form Robert, where an Old English cognate form (Hrēodbēorht, Hrodberht, Hrēodbēorð, Hrœdbœrð, Hrœdberð) had existed before the Norman Conquest.
Origin: germanic
This name derives from the Ancient Greek “ēléktōr (ἠλέκτωρ) ḗlektron (ἤλεκτρον) Ēléktrā (Ἠλέκτρᾱ),” meaning “amber, shining,” “incandescent.” In Greek mythology, Electra was the daughter of King Agamemnon and Queen Clytemnestra, and thus a princess of Argos. She and her brother Orestes plotted revenge against their mother Clytemnestra and stepfather Aegisthus for the murder of their father, Agamemnon. Electra is the main character in two Greek tragedies, Electra by Sophocles and Electra by Euripides, and has inspired other works. In psychology, the Electra complex is also named after her. Electra’s parents were King Agamemnon and Queen Clytemnestra. Her sisters were Iphigeneia and Chrysothemis, and her brother was Orestes. In the Iliad, Homer is understood to be referring to Electra in mentioning “Laodice” as a daughter of Agamemnon.
Origin: greek
This name derives from the Old French name “Humbert,” composed of two Old High German elements: “hūn” (child, cub, puppy) plus “*berhtaz” (light, bright, clear, shining one). In turn, the name means “the brightness of the puppy, famous warrior, powerful illustrious.” Humbert is the French form used by immigrants of the “Hunbert” area. The second element may be derived from the name element “hun” derived from the Late Latin “hūn,” from the Turkic Ottoman “Hun-yü,” the name of a Mongolian Uralic tribe “Hiung-nu” (Chinese: Xiōngnú). Humbert (1793), Umberche (1170), Unguebert (1214) is a commune in the Pas-de-Calais department in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region of France. Umberto I or Humbert I (1844–1900), nicknamed the Good (Italian: Il Buono), was the King of Italy from January 9, 1878, until his death. Umberto III, dubbed the Blessed (Italian: il Benedetto), was Count of Savoy from 1148 to 1189. His parents were Amadeus III of Savoy and Mahaut (or Mafalda, or Matilda) of Albon, the sister of Guy IV of Dauphinois. His memorial day is on March 4. Humbert († 842) was the bishop of Würzburg from 833 until his death.
Origin: germanic
This name derives from the Ancient Greek “Loukâs (Λουκᾶς),” which in turn derives from the Ancient Greek leukós (Λευκός), meaning “bright, shining, gleaming, light in color, white, pale-skinned, weakly.” Finally, the name derives from the proto-Indo-European root “*leuk-,” which means “light, brightness.” Another theory is from the Latin “Lucas,” an abbreviation of “Lucanus,” from the Ancient Greek “Loukanós (Λουκανός),” meaning “the man from Lucania.” Luke the Evangelist is one of the four evangelists or authors of canonical Gospels of Jesus Christ. He was a native of the Hellenistic city of Antioch in Syria. According to Luke and the book of Acts of the Apostles, the early church fathers ascribed to him the authorship of both the Gospel, which originally formed a single literary work.
Origin: greek
This name derives from the Hebrew “ḥawwah,” which is based on the Hebrew word “chavvâh,” meaning “to breathe or live, living.” The name has religious significance in the Judeo, Christian, Muslim tradition, after Eve’s use as the Biblical Adam’s female companion. Its use as a first name in England began in the 12th-Century. “Eva,” popular in many European countries, “Eve” used as an anglicized form of Gaelic Aoife “radiant, beautiful” in Scotland and Ireland and “Evie,” usually a familiar form, now also a given name.
Origin: hebrew
This name derives from Old High German “Frithuric,” composed of two elements “*friþuz” (peace, tranquility, friendship) and “*rīkijaz” (kingly, royal, noble, mighty, distinguished, powerful, rich). The name means “peaceful ruler, peace-keeper.” Frederick II (German: Friedrich II 1712–1786) was a King in Prussia (1740–1772) from the Hohenzollern dynasty. He is best known as a brilliant military campaigner and organizer of Prussian armies. He became known as Frederick the Great (Friedrich der Große) and was dubbed Der Alte Fritz (Old Fritz). Frederick, I was Bishop of Utrecht between 815/816 and 834/838 and is a saint of the Roman Catholic Church.
Origin: germanic
This name comes from the ancient Greek “Aikaterī́nē (Αἰκατερῑ́νη),” which comes from “katharós (καθαρός),” meaning “clean, clear, pure.” In turn, the name means “pure, clear of dirt, clean of shame or guilt, purified.” The name is linked to “Hekátē (Ἑκάτη),” an ancient goddess who is most often shown with two torches or a key and in later periods depicted in triple form. Hekate is associated with crossroads, entrance-ways, fire, light, the moon, magic, witchcraft, knowledge of herbs and poisonous plants, necromancy, and sorcery. All the names related to this root are popular in historically Christian countries; in fact, Catherine was the name of one of the first Christian saints. According to tradition, Saint Catherine of Alexandria is a Christian saint and virgin who was martyred in the early 4th-century at the pagan emperor Maxentius’s hands.
Origin: greek
This name is of Old English (Anglo-Saxon) origin, composed of two elements: “twī-” (twin, twice, two, double) plus “lēoht” (light, daylight). In turn, the name means “the half sun waning.” As a given name, it has been in occasional use from the early 20th-century onwards. 1) Twilight on Earth is the illumination of the lower atmosphere when the Sun is not directly visible because it is below the horizon. 2) The Twilight Saga is a series of four vampire-themed fantasy romance novels by American author Stephenie Meyer, as well as three companion novels.
Origin: old english (anglo-saxon)
The origin and meaning are debated, and several possible etymologies have been proposed. The name derives from the Provençal name "Aliénor," which became "Eléanor" or "Eleonore." Another suggested source may be the Germanic name "Aldenor," from "aenor," meaning "old north." The name may also be ultimately connected with the Arabic name "Nurah" (Arabic root: n-w-r > nur), meaning "light, luminous, radiant, brilliant." For several centuries, Provençal speakers lived in proximity to the Iberian Arabic-speaking "al-ʼAndalus," now Andalucía, and there is considerable evidence of cultural influences. 1) Eleanor of Aquitaine was one of the wealthiest and most powerful women in Western Europe during the high middle ages, a member of the Ramnufid dynasty of rulers in south-western France. 2) Eleanor of Provence (~1223–1291) was Queen consort of England as King Henry III of England's spouse, from 1236 until he died in 1272. She was considered a saint, although the Catholic Church has never officially announced his cult. 3) Eleanor of Castile († 1244) was the daughter of Alfonso VIII of Castile and Eleanor of England.
Origin: french (provençal)
This name means “heavenly, divine, bright, shining one” (the lady of wild animals and goddess of hunting). In Latin (Roman Mythology), Diana was the goddess of the hunt and moon and birthing, being associated with wild animals and woodland, and having the power to talk to and control animals. She was equated with the Greek goddess “Artemis,” though she had an independent Italy origin. 1) Blessed Diana degli Andalò (1201–1236), sometimes d’Andalo, was a Dominican nun who founded a convent for her order dedicated to Saint Agnes in Italy. 2) Diane de Poitiers (1499–1566) was a French noblewoman and a prominent courtier at the courts of King Francis I and his son, Henry II of France. She became notorious as the latter’s favorite.
Origin: latin
This name derives from the Middle Egyptian “SŠN” and then after from the Persian root “Sousan, Susan.” However, the Hebrew root for the name of the lily (from Lilium family) derives from “Šōšannā > Shôshan > Shôshannâh,” which means “lotus, lily, to be joyful, bright, or cheerful.” It was first reported on an 11th Dynasty sarcophagus dating from approximately 2000 B.C. The Persian name for lily is “Soussan.” The name of Susa, an ancient city of Persia, may be derived from the lilies which abounded in the plain in which it was situated. It is the name of at least two women in the Bible.
Origin: hebrew
This name derives from the Ancient Greek: “Helenē (‘Ελενη) / Helénē (Ἑλένη),” meaning “torch, flambeau, brilliant, shining light, the bright one.” The name could be related to “Hḗlios (Ἥλιος),” the personification of the Sun in Greek mythology. In Greek mythology, Helen of Troy was the daughter of Zeus and wife of Menelaus, King of Sparta, and considered the most beautiful woman in the world. Early Christians widely used the name through Saint Helen, the mother of Emperor Constantine I, who, according to legend, found a piece of the cross of Jesus Christ during his pilgrimage to Jerusalem. Hermione was the only child of King Menelaus of Sparta and his wife, Helen of Troy.
Origin: greek
This name has several possible derivations, including: 1) name Invented by linguist Yrjö Karilas for his daughter in 1917 from the Finnish “seijas,” meaning “tranquil, serene.” 2) Finnish form of “Zeia,” Old High German diminutive form of “Luzei” which in turn derives from the Latin “lūx > lūcis > lucere (lūcĕo) > lūcĭus,” meaning “light, shine, clear, bright, shining, full of light.” 3) from the Roman goddess Seia that protects the seed once sown in the earth.
Origin: latin
This name derives from the French “Hugues,” which in turn derives from an Old Low Franconian given name based on the Ancient Germanic element “*hugiz,” meaning “mind, bright in mind and spirit, heart, mind, thought, sense, understanding.” The name became widespread in England after the conquest by the Normans. Hugues Capet (Hugh the Great) was the first “King of the Franks” from the eponymous Capetian dynasty, from his election to succeed the Carolingian Louis V in 987 until his death. Hugh of Lincoln (St. Hugh of Avalon), was, at the time of the Reformation, the best-known English saint after Thomas Becket.
Origin: germanic
This name derives from the French “Hugues,” which in turn derives from an Old Low Franconian given name based on the Ancient Germanic element “*hugiz,” meaning “mind, bright in mind and spirit, heart, mind, thought, sense, understanding.” The name became widespread in England after the conquest by the Normans. Hugues Capet (Hugh the Great) was the first “King of the Franks” from the eponymous Capetian dynasty, from his election to succeed the Carolingian Louis V in 987 until his death. Hugh of Lincoln (St. Hugh of Avalon), was, at the time of the Reformation, the best-known English saint after Thomas Becket.
Origin: germanic
This name derives from Old High German “Frithuric,” composed of two elements “*friþuz” (peace, tranquility, friendship) and “*rīkijaz” (kingly, royal, noble, mighty, distinguished, powerful, rich). The name means “peaceful ruler, peace-keeper.” Frederick II (German: Friedrich II 1712–1786) was a King in Prussia (1740–1772) from the Hohenzollern dynasty. He is best known as a brilliant military campaigner and organizer of Prussian armies. He became known as Frederick the Great (Friedrich der Große) and was dubbed Der Alte Fritz (Old Fritz). Frederick, I was Bishop of Utrecht between 815/816 and 834/838 and is a saint of the Roman Catholic Church.
Origin: germanic
This name comes from the ancient Greek “Aikaterī́nē (Αἰκατερῑ́νη),” which comes from “katharós (καθαρός),” meaning “clean, clear, pure.” In turn, the name means “pure, clear of dirt, clean of shame or guilt, purified.” The name is linked to “Hekátē (Ἑκάτη),” an ancient goddess who is most often shown with two torches or a key and in later periods depicted in triple form. Hekate is associated with crossroads, entrance-ways, fire, light, the moon, magic, witchcraft, knowledge of herbs and poisonous plants, necromancy, and sorcery. All the names related to this root are popular in historically Christian countries; in fact, Catherine was the name of one of the first Christian saints. According to tradition, Saint Catherine of Alexandria is a Christian saint and virgin who was martyred in the early 4th-century at the pagan emperor Maxentius’s hands.
Origin: greek
This name derives from the Persian (Fārsi) “Jamshēd or Jamshīd,” meaning “shining Jam,” from the Proto-Iranian “*Yamah Xšaitah,” meaning “twin, pair.” Jamshid is a mythological figure of Greater Iranian culture and tradition. In tradition and folklore, Jamshid is described as the fourth and greatest king of the epigraphically unattested Pishdadian Dynasty (before the Kayanian dynasty).
This name derives from the Old English “blāw”, which in turn derives from the Proto-Germanic “*blēwaz” meaning “blue, blue-coloured, yellowish-gray, to shine, flash, light-colored”. The name comes from the color blue, but it is often referred to births of children who have blue eyes.
Origin: pie (proto indo-european)
This name derives from Latin “aurōra,” which in turn derives from Pie (Proto Indo-European) “*aus- / *aues,” meaning “down, shine, shed light, east, the eastern peoples (used to wish the beauty and brightness of dawn).” In Roman mythology, Aurora, goddess of the dawn, renews herself every morning and flies across the sky, announcing the arrival of the sun. Her parentage was flexible: for Ovid, she could equally be Pallantis, signifying the daughter of Pallas, or the daughter of Hyperion. She has two siblings, a brother (Sol, the sun) and a sister (Luna, the moon). Rarely, Roman writers imitated Hesiod and later Greek poets and named Aurora as the mother of the Anemoi (the Winds), who were the offspring of Astraeus, the father of the stars.
Origin: latin
This name derives from the Middle Egyptian “SŠN” and then after from the Persian root “Sousan, Susan.” However, the Hebrew root for the name of the lily (from Lilium family) derives from “Šōšannā > Shôshan > Shôshannâh,” which means “lotus, lily, to be joyful, bright, or cheerful.” It was first reported on an 11th Dynasty sarcophagus dating from approximately 2000 B.C. The Persian name for lily is “Soussan.” The name of Susa, an ancient city of Persia, may be derived from the lilies which abounded in the plain in which it was situated. It is the name of at least two women in the Bible.
Origin: hebrew
This name derives from the Hebrew “ḥawwah,” which is based on the Hebrew word “chavvâh,” meaning “to breathe or live, living.” The name has religious significance in the Judeo, Christian, Muslim tradition, after Eve’s use as the Biblical Adam’s female companion. Its use as a first name in England began in the 12th-Century. “Eva,” popular in many European countries, “Eve” used as an anglicized form of Gaelic Aoife “radiant, beautiful” in Scotland and Ireland and “Evie,” usually a familiar form, now also a given name.
Origin: hebrew
This name derives from the Hebrew “ḥawwah,” which is based on the Hebrew word “chavvâh,” meaning “to breathe or live, living.” The name has religious significance in the Judeo, Christian, Muslim tradition, after Eve’s use as the Biblical Adam’s female companion. Its use as a first name in England began in the 12th-Century. “Eva,” popular in many European countries, “Eve” used as an anglicized form of Gaelic Aoife “radiant, beautiful” in Scotland and Ireland and “Evie,” usually a familiar form, now also a given name.
Origin: hebrew
This name derives from the Hebrew “ḥawwah,” which is based on the Hebrew word “chavvâh,” meaning “to breathe or live, living.” The name has religious significance in the Judeo, Christian, Muslim tradition, after Eve’s use as the Biblical Adam’s female companion. Its use as a first name in England began in the 12th-Century. “Eva,” popular in many European countries, “Eve” used as an anglicized form of Gaelic Aoife “radiant, beautiful” in Scotland and Ireland and “Evie,” usually a familiar form, now also a given name.
Origin: hebrew
This name derives from the Arabic “ḍiyāʾ,” meaning “splendour, light, glow.” This was the name of a 14th-century Islamic Indian historian.
Origin: arabic
This name derives from Latin “margarīta” (perla) via Ancient Greek “margarī́tēs (μαργᾰρῑ́της),” meaning “pearl,” from the name of a legendary third-century Saint. The word is related to “marg” from “marq” or “marka,” meaning “chicken,” probably because pearls looked like small bird eggs. It became less popular between the 16th-century and 18th-century but became more common again after this period, becoming the second most popular name in the United States in 1903. It may be related to the Sanskrit word “mañjarī” (cluster of flowers, pearl), or it may be associated with the Persian “marvârid” (a pearl or daughter of light). 1) Blessed Margaret of Castello (1287–1320) is an Italian Roman Catholic Church patron of the poor, crippled, and the unwanted. 2) Saint Margaret of Scotland (~1045–1093), also known as Margaret of Wessex and Queen Margaret of Scotland, was an English princess of the House of Wessex. Margaret was sometimes called “The Pearl of Scotland.”
Origin: greek
This name derives from the French “Hugues,” which in turn derives from an Old Low Franconian given name based on the Ancient Germanic element “*hugiz,” meaning “mind, bright in mind and spirit, heart, mind, thought, sense, understanding.” The name became widespread in England after the conquest by the Normans. Hugues Capet (Hugh the Great) was the first “King of the Franks” from the eponymous Capetian dynasty, from his election to succeed the Carolingian Louis V in 987 until his death. Hugh of Lincoln (St. Hugh of Avalon), was, at the time of the Reformation, the best-known English saint after Thomas Becket.
Origin: germanic
This name derives from the French “Hugues,” which in turn derives from an Old Low Franconian given name based on the Ancient Germanic element “*hugiz,” meaning “mind, bright in mind and spirit, heart, mind, thought, sense, understanding.” The name became widespread in England after the conquest by the Normans. Hugues Capet (Hugh the Great) was the first “King of the Franks” from the eponymous Capetian dynasty, from his election to succeed the Carolingian Louis V in 987 until his death. Hugh of Lincoln (St. Hugh of Avalon), was, at the time of the Reformation, the best-known English saint after Thomas Becket.
Origin: germanic
This name derives from the Etruscan, later from the Latin, “ignis > egnātĭus,” meaning “fiery one, fire, light, glow, radiance, rays of the sun.” 1) Ignatius of Loyola was a Spanish knight from a local noble family, hermit, priest since 1537, and theologian, who founded the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) and was its first Superior General. 2) Ignatius of Antioch was among the Apostolic Fathers, was the third Bishop of Antioch, and was a student of John the Apostle.
Origin: etruscan
This name derives from the Ancient Greek “órthros (ὄρθρος),” meaning “morning light, early dawn, early morning, day-break.” In Greek mythology, Orthrus was, according to the mythographer Apollodorus, a two-headed dog who guarded Geryon’s cattle and was killed by Heracles. According to Hesiod, Orthrus was the Sphinx father and the Nemean Lion, though who Hesiod meant as the mother, whether Echidna, the Chimera, or Ceto, is unclear. In the Byzantine Rite of the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Eastern Catholic Churches, Orthros is the last of the four-night offices, including vespers, compline, and midnight office.
Origin: greek
This name derives from the Ancient Greek “Theopháneia (Θεοφάνεια) epipháneia (ἐπιφάνεια),” composed of two elements: “epí (ἐπῐ́)” (on, upon) plus “phaínō (φαίνω)” (to appear, bring to light, show, uncover, reveal, make known). In turn, the name means “Epiphany, revelation, manifestation, striking appearance, a vision of God.” Theophany, which traditionally falls on January 6, is a Christian feast day that celebrates God’s revelation as a human being in Jesus Christ. Eastern Churches following the Julian calendar observe the Theophany feast on what for most countries is January 19 because of the 13-day difference today between that calendar and the generally used Gregorian calendar. Epiphanius of Constantinople († 535) was the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople from February 25, 520 to June 5, 535, succeeding John II Cappadocia. 2) Epiphanius the Wise († 1420) was a monk from Rostov, hagiographer, and disciple of Saint Sergius of Radonezh. 3) Saint Epiphanius of Pavia was Bishop of Pavia from 466 until he died in 496. Epiphanius additionally held the offices of lector, subdeacon, and deacon.
Origin: greek
This name comes from the ancient Greek “Aikaterī́nē (Αἰκατερῑ́νη),” which comes from “katharós (καθαρός),” meaning “clean, clear, pure.” In turn, the name means “pure, clear of dirt, clean of shame or guilt, purified.” The name is linked to “Hekátē (Ἑκάτη),” an ancient goddess who is most often shown with two torches or a key and in later periods depicted in triple form. Hekate is associated with crossroads, entrance-ways, fire, light, the moon, magic, witchcraft, knowledge of herbs and poisonous plants, necromancy, and sorcery. All the names related to this root are popular in historically Christian countries; in fact, Catherine was the name of one of the first Christian saints. According to tradition, Saint Catherine of Alexandria is a Christian saint and virgin who was martyred in the early 4th-century at the pagan emperor Maxentius’s hands.
Origin: greek
This name derives from the French “Hugues,” which in turn derives from an Old Low Franconian given name based on the Ancient Germanic element “*hugiz,” meaning “mind, bright in mind and spirit, heart, mind, thought, sense, understanding.” The name became widespread in England after the conquest by the Normans. Hugues Capet (Hugh the Great) was the first “King of the Franks” from the eponymous Capetian dynasty, from his election to succeed the Carolingian Louis V in 987 until his death. Hugh of Lincoln (St. Hugh of Avalon), was, at the time of the Reformation, the best-known English saint after Thomas Becket.
Origin: germanic
This name derives from the French “Hugues,” which in turn derives from an Old Low Franconian given name based on the Ancient Germanic element “*hugiz,” meaning “mind, bright in mind and spirit, heart, mind, thought, sense, understanding.” The name became widespread in England after the conquest by the Normans. Hugues Capet (Hugh the Great) was the first “King of the Franks” from the eponymous Capetian dynasty, from his election to succeed the Carolingian Louis V in 987 until his death. Hugh of Lincoln (St. Hugh of Avalon), was, at the time of the Reformation, the best-known English saint after Thomas Becket.
Origin: germanic
This name derives from the Ancient Greek “phôs (φῶς) pháos (φάος) phōtós (φωτός) phōteinós (Φωτεινός),” meaning “enlightened one, light one, a brilliant one.” The holy and glorious Great-martyr Photine of Samaria (also Photini or Svetlana), Equal-to-the-Apostles, encountered Christ at Jacob’s well. Tradition relates that the Apostles baptized her with the name “Photine,” meaning “enlightened one.” Her feast days are celebrated on February 26 with those who suffered with her (Greek tradition), March 20 (Slavic culture), and the Sunday of the Samaritan Woman.
Origin: greek
This name derives from Latin “margarīta” (perla) via Ancient Greek “margarī́tēs (μαργᾰρῑ́της),” meaning “pearl,” from the name of a legendary third-century Saint. The word is related to “marg” from “marq” or “marka,” meaning “chicken,” probably because pearls looked like small bird eggs. It became less popular between the 16th-century and 18th-century but became more common again after this period, becoming the second most popular name in the United States in 1903. It may be related to the Sanskrit word “mañjarī” (cluster of flowers, pearl), or it may be associated with the Persian “marvârid” (a pearl or daughter of light). 1) Blessed Margaret of Castello (1287–1320) is an Italian Roman Catholic Church patron of the poor, crippled, and the unwanted. 2) Saint Margaret of Scotland (~1045–1093), also known as Margaret of Wessex and Queen Margaret of Scotland, was an English princess of the House of Wessex. Margaret was sometimes called “The Pearl of Scotland.”
Origin: greek
(a) sparkle, bright, autumn - (ki) hope
Origin: japanese
This name derives from the Old Irish “Niaṁ,” meaning “bright, radiant.” In Irish mythology, Niamh was a goddess, the daughter of the god of the sea, and one of the queens of Tír na nÓg, the land of eternal youth. She was the lover of the poet-hero Oisín.
Origin: irish (gaelic)
This name derives from the Ancient Greek “Loukâs (Λουκᾶς),” which in turn derives from the Ancient Greek leukós (Λευκός), meaning “bright, shining, gleaming, light in color, white, pale-skinned, weakly.” Finally, the name derives from the proto-Indo-European root “*leuk-,” which means “light, brightness.” Another theory is from the Latin “Lucas,” an abbreviation of “Lucanus,” from the Ancient Greek “Loukanós (Λουκανός),” meaning “the man from Lucania.” Luke the Evangelist is one of the four evangelists or authors of canonical Gospels of Jesus Christ. He was a native of the Hellenistic city of Antioch in Syria. According to Luke and the book of Acts of the Apostles, the early church fathers ascribed to him the authorship of both the Gospel, which originally formed a single literary work.
Origin: greek
This name means “bright fame, shining glory.” The name derives from the Old High German name “Hrōdebert,” composed of two elements: “*hrōþiz” (praise, fame, glory, renown, honor) plus “*berhtaz” (light, bright, clear, shining one). Robert the Magnificent (le Magnifique) was the Duke of Normandy from 1027 until his death. Owing to uncertainty over the numbering of the Dukes of Normandy, he is usually called Robert I, but sometimes Robert II with his ancestor Rollo as Robert I. Robert I (866–923), King of Western France (922–923). Before succeeding his brother Odo as King, he was the Count of Poitiers, Marquis of Neustria and Orléans, and Count of Paris. After becoming widely used in Continental Europe, it entered England in its Old French form Robert, where an Old English cognate form (Hrēodbēorht, Hrodberht, Hrēodbēorð, Hrœdbœrð, Hrœdberð) had existed before the Norman Conquest.
Origin: germanic
This name derives from the French “Hugues,” which in turn derives from an Old Low Franconian given name based on the Ancient Germanic element “*hugiz,” meaning “mind, bright in mind and spirit, heart, mind, thought, sense, understanding.” The name became widespread in England after the conquest by the Normans. Hugues Capet (Hugh the Great) was the first “King of the Franks” from the eponymous Capetian dynasty, from his election to succeed the Carolingian Louis V in 987 until his death. Hugh of Lincoln (St. Hugh of Avalon), was, at the time of the Reformation, the best-known English saint after Thomas Becket.
Origin: germanic
This name means “bright fame, shining glory.” The name derives from the Old High German name “Hrōdebert,” composed of two elements: “*hrōþiz” (praise, fame, glory, renown, honor) plus “*berhtaz” (light, bright, clear, shining one). Robert the Magnificent (le Magnifique) was the Duke of Normandy from 1027 until his death. Owing to uncertainty over the numbering of the Dukes of Normandy, he is usually called Robert I, but sometimes Robert II with his ancestor Rollo as Robert I. Robert I (866–923), King of Western France (922–923). Before succeeding his brother Odo as King, he was the Count of Poitiers, Marquis of Neustria and Orléans, and Count of Paris. After becoming widely used in Continental Europe, it entered England in its Old French form Robert, where an Old English cognate form (Hrēodbēorht, Hrodberht, Hrēodbēorð, Hrœdbœrð, Hrœdberð) had existed before the Norman Conquest.
Origin: germanic
diffusing light, radiance, beauty
Origin: sanskrit
flax, tranquility (Uma (goddess) is the name of a Hindu goddess (Parvati) and also means "Mother" or "Lady of the Mountains". The name also means "tranquility" in Sanskrit and "bright" in Hindi/Sanskrit).
Origin: sanskrit
This name derives from the Hebrew “ḥawwah,” which is based on the Hebrew word “chavvâh,” meaning “to breathe or live, living.” The name has religious significance in the Judeo, Christian, Muslim tradition, after Eve’s use as the Biblical Adam’s female companion. Its use as a first name in England began in the 12th-Century. “Eva,” popular in many European countries, “Eve” used as an anglicized form of Gaelic Aoife “radiant, beautiful” in Scotland and Ireland and “Evie,” usually a familiar form, now also a given name.
Origin: hebrew
This name comes from the ancient Greek “Aikaterī́nē (Αἰκατερῑ́νη),” which comes from “katharós (καθαρός),” meaning “clean, clear, pure.” In turn, the name means “pure, clear of dirt, clean of shame or guilt, purified.” The name is linked to “Hekátē (Ἑκάτη),” an ancient goddess who is most often shown with two torches or a key and in later periods depicted in triple form. Hekate is associated with crossroads, entrance-ways, fire, light, the moon, magic, witchcraft, knowledge of herbs and poisonous plants, necromancy, and sorcery. All the names related to this root are popular in historically Christian countries; in fact, Catherine was the name of one of the first Christian saints. According to tradition, Saint Catherine of Alexandria is a Christian saint and virgin who was martyred in the early 4th-century at the pagan emperor Maxentius’s hands.
Origin: greek
This name derives from the British, Norman-French, which in turn derives from the Old High German name “Gisilberht,” composed of two elements: “*gīslaz” (pledge, hostage) plus “*berhtaz” (light, bright, clear, shining one). In turn, the name means “bright pledge.” Saint Gilbert, the founder of the Gilbertine Order, was the only Englishman to found a conventual order, mainly because the Abbot of Cîteaux declined his request to assist him in organizing a group of women who wanted to live like nuns, living with lay brothers and sisters, in 1148. In the end, he founded a double monastery of canons regular and nuns.
Origin: germanic
This name derives from the Old High German name “Hugiberht,” composed of “*hugiz” (mind, bright in mind and spirit, heart, mind, thought, sense, understanding) and “*berhtaz” (light, brilliant, clear, shining one). In turn, the name means “a big heart, bright spirit, shining spirit.” Saint Hubertus or Hubert was the first Bishop of Liège. He was a Christian saint who was the patron saint of hunters, mathematicians, opticians, and metalworkers. Saint Hubertus was widely venerated during the Middle Ages. The iconography of his legend is entangled with the legend of Saint Eustace.
Origin: germanic
This name derives from the Ancient Greek “Άrgos (Ἄργος) Argeía (Ἀργεία) Argeîos (Ᾰ̓ργεῖος),” meaning “glistening, shining, shiny.” In Greek mythology, Argus was the king and eponym of Argos. He was a son of Zeus and Niobe, daughter of Phoroneus, and is possibly the brother of Pelasgus. Argus Panoptes, a guardian of the heifer-nymph Io and son of Arestor, was a primordial giant whose epithet, “Panoptes,” “all-seeing,” led to his being described with multiple, often one hundred, eyes. In Greek mythology, Argea (Argia, Argeia) was a daughter of King Adrastus of Argos, and Amphithea, daughter of Pronax. Argos is a city and a former municipality in Argolis, Peloponnese, Greece. Since the 2011 local government reform, it is part of the municipality Argos-Mykines, of which it is a municipal unit.
Origin: greek
This name derives from the French “Hugues,” which in turn derives from an Old Low Franconian given name based on the Ancient Germanic element “*hugiz,” meaning “mind, bright in mind and spirit, heart, mind, thought, sense, understanding.” The name became widespread in England after the conquest by the Normans. Hugues Capet (Hugh the Great) was the first “King of the Franks” from the eponymous Capetian dynasty, from his election to succeed the Carolingian Louis V in 987 until his death. Hugh of Lincoln (St. Hugh of Avalon), was, at the time of the Reformation, the best-known English saint after Thomas Becket.
Origin: germanic
It is the anglicized form of both Coinneach and Cináed. This name was borne by the Scottish king Kenneth (Cináed) Mac Alpin. 1) Coinneach means “fair or handsome,” more creative translations could be “child of the fair or handsome one, child of the wise ruler, child of the bright one, born of fire, fire-born, finely made, favored one, comely, or good looking.” 2) Cináed means son of Cionaodh (born of fire). Cion is an old Irish word for respect and affection, plus “Aodh,” a Gaelic personal name, initially the Celtic god of fire. The personal name probably means “beloved of Aodh.”
Origin: irish (gaelic)
This name derives from the Ancient Greek “ēléktōr (ἠλέκτωρ) ḗlektron (ἤλεκτρον) Ēléktrā (Ἠλέκτρᾱ),” meaning “amber, shining,” “incandescent.” In Greek mythology, Electra was the daughter of King Agamemnon and Queen Clytemnestra, and thus a princess of Argos. She and her brother Orestes plotted revenge against their mother Clytemnestra and stepfather Aegisthus for the murder of their father, Agamemnon. Electra is the main character in two Greek tragedies, Electra by Sophocles and Electra by Euripides, and has inspired other works. In psychology, the Electra complex is also named after her. Electra’s parents were King Agamemnon and Queen Clytemnestra. Her sisters were Iphigeneia and Chrysothemis, and her brother was Orestes. In the Iliad, Homer is understood to be referring to Electra in mentioning “Laodice” as a daughter of Agamemnon.
Origin: greek
This name derives from the Proto-Celtic “*bhel-,” meaning “light.” In Celtic mythology, Bel was a deity worshipped in Gaul, Cisalpine Gaul, and Celtic areas of Austria, Britain, and Spain. He is mainly associated with Cornwall, West Cornwall being anciently called Belerion, the place of Bel. He was the Celtic sun god and had shrines from Aquileia on the Adriatic to Kirkby Lonsdale in England. The name is interpreted as “shining one, the bright one.”
Origin: celtic
This name derives from the Hebrew “ḥawwah,” which is based on the Hebrew word “chavvâh,” meaning “to breathe or live, living.” The name has religious significance in the Judeo, Christian, Muslim tradition, after Eve’s use as the Biblical Adam’s female companion. Its use as a first name in England began in the 12th-Century. “Eva,” popular in many European countries, “Eve” used as an anglicized form of Gaelic Aoife “radiant, beautiful” in Scotland and Ireland and “Evie,” usually a familiar form, now also a given name.
Origin: hebrew
This name derives from the Etruscan, later from the Latin, “ignis > egnātĭus,” meaning “fiery one, fire, light, glow, radiance, rays of the sun.” 1) Ignatius of Loyola was a Spanish knight from a local noble family, hermit, priest since 1537, and theologian, who founded the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) and was its first Superior General. 2) Ignatius of Antioch was among the Apostolic Fathers, was the third Bishop of Antioch, and was a student of John the Apostle.
Origin: etruscan
This name derives from the Etruscan, later from the Latin, “ignis > egnātĭus,” meaning “fiery one, fire, light, glow, radiance, rays of the sun.” 1) Ignatius of Loyola was a Spanish knight from a local noble family, hermit, priest since 1537, and theologian, who founded the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) and was its first Superior General. 2) Ignatius of Antioch was among the Apostolic Fathers, was the third Bishop of Antioch, and was a student of John the Apostle.
Origin: etruscan
This name derives from Latin “margarīta” (perla) via Ancient Greek “margarī́tēs (μαργᾰρῑ́της),” meaning “pearl,” from the name of a legendary third-century Saint. The word is related to “marg” from “marq” or “marka,” meaning “chicken,” probably because pearls looked like small bird eggs. It became less popular between the 16th-century and 18th-century but became more common again after this period, becoming the second most popular name in the United States in 1903. It may be related to the Sanskrit word “mañjarī” (cluster of flowers, pearl), or it may be associated with the Persian “marvârid” (a pearl or daughter of light). 1) Blessed Margaret of Castello (1287–1320) is an Italian Roman Catholic Church patron of the poor, crippled, and the unwanted. 2) Saint Margaret of Scotland (~1045–1093), also known as Margaret of Wessex and Queen Margaret of Scotland, was an English princess of the House of Wessex. Margaret was sometimes called “The Pearl of Scotland.”
Origin: greek
This name means “heavenly, divine, bright, shining one” (the lady of wild animals and goddess of hunting). In Latin (Roman Mythology), Diana was the goddess of the hunt and moon and birthing, being associated with wild animals and woodland, and having the power to talk to and control animals. She was equated with the Greek goddess “Artemis,” though she had an independent Italy origin. 1) Blessed Diana degli Andalò (1201–1236), sometimes d’Andalo, was a Dominican nun who founded a convent for her order dedicated to Saint Agnes in Italy. 2) Diane de Poitiers (1499–1566) was a French noblewoman and a prominent courtier at the courts of King Francis I and his son, Henry II of France. She became notorious as the latter’s favorite.
Origin: latin
This name comes from the ancient Greek “Aikaterī́nē (Αἰκατερῑ́νη),” which comes from “katharós (καθαρός),” meaning “clean, clear, pure.” In turn, the name means “pure, clear of dirt, clean of shame or guilt, purified.” The name is linked to “Hekátē (Ἑκάτη),” an ancient goddess who is most often shown with two torches or a key and in later periods depicted in triple form. Hekate is associated with crossroads, entrance-ways, fire, light, the moon, magic, witchcraft, knowledge of herbs and poisonous plants, necromancy, and sorcery. All the names related to this root are popular in historically Christian countries; in fact, Catherine was the name of one of the first Christian saints. According to tradition, Saint Catherine of Alexandria is a Christian saint and virgin who was martyred in the early 4th-century at the pagan emperor Maxentius’s hands.
Origin: greek
This name derives from the Middle Egyptian “SŠN” and then after from the Persian root “Sousan, Susan.” However, the Hebrew root for the name of the lily (from Lilium family) derives from “Šōšannā > Shôshan > Shôshannâh,” which means “lotus, lily, to be joyful, bright, or cheerful.” It was first reported on an 11th Dynasty sarcophagus dating from approximately 2000 B.C. The Persian name for lily is “Soussan.” The name of Susa, an ancient city of Persia, may be derived from the lilies which abounded in the plain in which it was situated. It is the name of at least two women in the Bible.
Origin: hebrew
This name derives from the Ancient Greek “Loukâs (Λουκᾶς),” which in turn derives from the Ancient Greek leukós (Λευκός), meaning “bright, shining, gleaming, light in color, white, pale-skinned, weakly.” Finally, the name derives from the proto-Indo-European root “*leuk-,” which means “light, brightness.” Another theory is from the Latin “Lucas,” an abbreviation of “Lucanus,” from the Ancient Greek “Loukanós (Λουκανός),” meaning “the man from Lucania.” Luke the Evangelist is one of the four evangelists or authors of canonical Gospels of Jesus Christ. He was a native of the Hellenistic city of Antioch in Syria. According to Luke and the book of Acts of the Apostles, the early church fathers ascribed to him the authorship of both the Gospel, which originally formed a single literary work.
Origin: greek
This name derives from the Hebrew “‘ôrâh,” meaning “fiery, ardent, my fire, my light.” There are several characters in the bible: 1) A prince of Judah, a son of Hur, who was used by God to prepare the tabernacle. 2) An officer (or the father of an officer) of Solomon in Gilead. 3) A porter or gatekeeper in time of Ezra who took a foreign woman as a wife.
Origin: hebrew
This name derives from the French “Hugues,” which in turn derives from an Old Low Franconian given name based on the Ancient Germanic element “*hugiz,” meaning “mind, bright in mind and spirit, heart, mind, thought, sense, understanding.” The name became widespread in England after the conquest by the Normans. Hugues Capet (Hugh the Great) was the first “King of the Franks” from the eponymous Capetian dynasty, from his election to succeed the Carolingian Louis V in 987 until his death. Hugh of Lincoln (St. Hugh of Avalon), was, at the time of the Reformation, the best-known English saint after Thomas Becket.
Origin: germanic
This name derives from the Arabic root “N-W-R > Nūr,” meaning “my fire, light, luminous, radiant, brilliant.” An-Nur, meaning “the light” in Arabic, is the 24th Sura of the Qur’an. Nuriyah and its variants is an indirect Quranic feminine name.
Origin: arabic
This name derives from the Hebrew “ḥawwah,” which is based on the Hebrew word “chavvâh,” meaning “to breathe or live, living.” The name has religious significance in the Judeo, Christian, Muslim tradition, after Eve’s use as the Biblical Adam’s female companion. Its use as a first name in England began in the 12th-Century. “Eva,” popular in many European countries, “Eve” used as an anglicized form of Gaelic Aoife “radiant, beautiful” in Scotland and Ireland and “Evie,” usually a familiar form, now also a given name.
Origin: hebrew
This name derives from the Hebrew “ḥawwah,” which is based on the Hebrew word “chavvâh,” meaning “to breathe or live, living.” The name has religious significance in the Judeo, Christian, Muslim tradition, after Eve’s use as the Biblical Adam’s female companion. Its use as a first name in England began in the 12th-Century. “Eva,” popular in many European countries, “Eve” used as an anglicized form of Gaelic Aoife “radiant, beautiful” in Scotland and Ireland and “Evie,” usually a familiar form, now also a given name.
Origin: hebrew
This name means “bright fame, shining glory.” The name derives from the Old High German name “Hrōdebert,” composed of two elements: “*hrōþiz” (praise, fame, glory, renown, honor) plus “*berhtaz” (light, bright, clear, shining one). Robert the Magnificent (le Magnifique) was the Duke of Normandy from 1027 until his death. Owing to uncertainty over the numbering of the Dukes of Normandy, he is usually called Robert I, but sometimes Robert II with his ancestor Rollo as Robert I. Robert I (866–923), King of Western France (922–923). Before succeeding his brother Odo as King, he was the Count of Poitiers, Marquis of Neustria and Orléans, and Count of Paris. After becoming widely used in Continental Europe, it entered England in its Old French form Robert, where an Old English cognate form (Hrēodbēorht, Hrodberht, Hrēodbēorð, Hrœdbœrð, Hrœdberð) had existed before the Norman Conquest.
Origin: germanic
This name derives from the Old Church Slavonic “ogónʹ (огоìнь) ogǎn (огън), meaning “fire, fiery (also figurative), light, weapons fire.” The feast day is traditionally celebrated on February 6. The name is directly related to the Latin “ignis” with the same meaning.
Origin: slavic
This name derives from the Old High German name “Hugiberht,” composed of “*hugiz” (mind, bright in mind and spirit, heart, mind, thought, sense, understanding) and “*berhtaz” (light, brilliant, clear, shining one). In turn, the name means “a big heart, bright spirit, shining spirit.” Saint Hubertus or Hubert was the first Bishop of Liège. He was a Christian saint who was the patron saint of hunters, mathematicians, opticians, and metalworkers. Saint Hubertus was widely venerated during the Middle Ages. The iconography of his legend is entangled with the legend of Saint Eustace.
Origin: germanic
This name derives from the Ancient Greek: “Helenē (‘Ελενη) / Helénē (Ἑλένη),” meaning “torch, flambeau, brilliant, shining light, the bright one.” The name could be related to “Hḗlios (Ἥλιος),” the personification of the Sun in Greek mythology. In Greek mythology, Helen of Troy was the daughter of Zeus and wife of Menelaus, King of Sparta, and considered the most beautiful woman in the world. Early Christians widely used the name through Saint Helen, the mother of Emperor Constantine I, who, according to legend, found a piece of the cross of Jesus Christ during his pilgrimage to Jerusalem. Hermione was the only child of King Menelaus of Sparta and his wife, Helen of Troy.
Origin: greek
This name derives from the Ancient Greek “órthros (ὄρθρος),” meaning “morning light, early dawn, early morning, day-break.” In Greek mythology, Orthrus was, according to the mythographer Apollodorus, a two-headed dog who guarded Geryon’s cattle and was killed by Heracles. According to Hesiod, Orthrus was the Sphinx father and the Nemean Lion, though who Hesiod meant as the mother, whether Echidna, the Chimera, or Ceto, is unclear. In the Byzantine Rite of the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Eastern Catholic Churches, Orthros is the last of the four-night offices, including vespers, compline, and midnight office.
Origin: greek
This name derives from the French “Hugues,” which in turn derives from an Old Low Franconian given name based on the Ancient Germanic element “*hugiz,” meaning “mind, bright in mind and spirit, heart, mind, thought, sense, understanding.” The name became widespread in England after the conquest by the Normans. Hugues Capet (Hugh the Great) was the first “King of the Franks” from the eponymous Capetian dynasty, from his election to succeed the Carolingian Louis V in 987 until his death. Hugh of Lincoln (St. Hugh of Avalon), was, at the time of the Reformation, the best-known English saint after Thomas Becket.
Origin: germanic
This name derives from the Etruscan, later from the Latin, “ignis > egnātĭus,” meaning “fiery one, fire, light, glow, radiance, rays of the sun.” 1) Ignatius of Loyola was a Spanish knight from a local noble family, hermit, priest since 1537, and theologian, who founded the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) and was its first Superior General. 2) Ignatius of Antioch was among the Apostolic Fathers, was the third Bishop of Antioch, and was a student of John the Apostle.
Origin: etruscan
This name derives from the Middle Egyptian “SŠN” and then after from the Persian root “Sousan, Susan.” However, the Hebrew root for the name of the lily (from Lilium family) derives from “Šōšannā > Shôshan > Shôshannâh,” which means “lotus, lily, to be joyful, bright, or cheerful.” It was first reported on an 11th Dynasty sarcophagus dating from approximately 2000 B.C. The Persian name for lily is “Soussan.” The name of Susa, an ancient city of Persia, may be derived from the lilies which abounded in the plain in which it was situated. It is the name of at least two women in the Bible.
Origin: hebrew
This name derives from Latin “margarīta” (perla) via Ancient Greek “margarī́tēs (μαργᾰρῑ́της),” meaning “pearl,” from the name of a legendary third-century Saint. The word is related to “marg” from “marq” or “marka,” meaning “chicken,” probably because pearls looked like small bird eggs. It became less popular between the 16th-century and 18th-century but became more common again after this period, becoming the second most popular name in the United States in 1903. It may be related to the Sanskrit word “mañjarī” (cluster of flowers, pearl), or it may be associated with the Persian “marvârid” (a pearl or daughter of light). 1) Blessed Margaret of Castello (1287–1320) is an Italian Roman Catholic Church patron of the poor, crippled, and the unwanted. 2) Saint Margaret of Scotland (~1045–1093), also known as Margaret of Wessex and Queen Margaret of Scotland, was an English princess of the House of Wessex. Margaret was sometimes called “The Pearl of Scotland.”
Origin: greek
This name means “bright fame, shining glory.” The name derives from the Old High German name “Hrōdebert,” composed of two elements: “*hrōþiz” (praise, fame, glory, renown, honor) plus “*berhtaz” (light, bright, clear, shining one). Robert the Magnificent (le Magnifique) was the Duke of Normandy from 1027 until his death. Owing to uncertainty over the numbering of the Dukes of Normandy, he is usually called Robert I, but sometimes Robert II with his ancestor Rollo as Robert I. Robert I (866–923), King of Western France (922–923). Before succeeding his brother Odo as King, he was the Count of Poitiers, Marquis of Neustria and Orléans, and Count of Paris. After becoming widely used in Continental Europe, it entered England in its Old French form Robert, where an Old English cognate form (Hrēodbēorht, Hrodberht, Hrēodbēorð, Hrœdbœrð, Hrœdberð) had existed before the Norman Conquest.
Origin: germanic
This name derives from the Hebrew “‘ôrâh > ‘ûrı̂y,” meaning “fiery, ardent, my fire, my light.” There are several characters in the Bible: 1) A prince of Judah, a son of Hur, who was used by God to prepare the tabernacle. 2) An officer (or the father of an officer) of Solomon in Gilead. 3) A porter or gatekeeper in time of Ezra who took a foreign woman as a wife.
Origin: hebrew
This name derives from the Latin “lūx > lūcis > lucere (lūcĕo) > lūcĭus,” meaning “light, shine, clear, bright, shining, full of light,” which in turn derives from the Proto-Italic “*louks,” meaning “white, light, bright,” compared to the Ancient Greek “leukós (λευκός).” Throughout Roman history, Lucius was the most common praenomen, used slightly more than Gaius, and somewhat more than Marcus. The name survived the collapse of the Western Empire in the 5th-century and had continued into modern times. Saint Lucian of Antioch, known as Lucian, the martyr, was a Christian presbyter, theologian, and martyr. He was noted for both his scholarship and ascetic piety. 1) Lucius Licinius Lucullus (118–57/56 BC) was an optimate politician of the late Roman Republic, closely connected with Lucius Cornelius Sulla. 2) Lucia Visconti (1372–1424) was the daughter of Bernabò Visconti, Lord of Milan, and Beatrice Regina della Scala. She was one of seventeen legitimate children. 3) Lúcia de Jesus dos Santos (1907–2005), also known as Lúcia of Fátima and by her religious name Sister Maria Lúcia of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart, was a Portuguese Catholic Carmelite nun and one of the three children to witness the 1917 Marian apparitions in Fátima.
Origin: latin
This name derives from the Hebrew “ḥawwah,” which is based on the Hebrew word “chavvâh,” meaning “to breathe or live, living.” The name has religious significance in the Judeo, Christian, Muslim tradition, after Eve’s use as the Biblical Adam’s female companion. Its use as a first name in England began in the 12th-Century. “Eva,” popular in many European countries, “Eve” used as an anglicized form of Gaelic Aoife “radiant, beautiful” in Scotland and Ireland and “Evie,” usually a familiar form, now also a given name.
Origin: hebrew
This name derives from the Old French “esmeraude,” from the Latin “esmaraldus, smaragdus,” meaning “bright green precious stone,” which in turn derives from the Greek “máragdos (μᾰìραγδος) smáragdos (σμᾰìραγδος),” meaning “green gem, emerald.” Emerald is a gemstone, and a variety of the mineral beryl colored green by trace amounts of chromium and sometimes vanadium. Emerald is regarded as the traditional birthstone for May, as well as the traditional gemstone for the astrological signs of Taurus, Gemini, and sometimes Cancer. One of the quainter anecdotes on emeralds was by the 16th-century historian Brantôme, who referred to the many impressive emeralds the Spanish under Cortez had brought back to Europe from Latin America.
Origin: greek
This name derives from the Etruscan, later from the Latin, “ignis > egnātĭus,” meaning “fiery one, fire, light, glow, radiance, rays of the sun.” 1) Ignatius of Loyola was a Spanish knight from a local noble family, hermit, priest since 1537, and theologian, who founded the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) and was its first Superior General. 2) Ignatius of Antioch was among the Apostolic Fathers, was the third Bishop of Antioch, and was a student of John the Apostle.
Origin: etruscan
This name derives from the Ancient Greek “Άrgos (Ἄργος) Argeía (Ἀργεία) Argeîos (Ᾰ̓ργεῖος),” meaning “glistening, shining, shiny.” In Greek mythology, Argus was the king and eponym of Argos. He was a son of Zeus and Niobe, daughter of Phoroneus, and is possibly the brother of Pelasgus. Argus Panoptes, a guardian of the heifer-nymph Io and son of Arestor, was a primordial giant whose epithet, “Panoptes,” “all-seeing,” led to his being described with multiple, often one hundred, eyes. In Greek mythology, Argea (Argia, Argeia) was a daughter of King Adrastus of Argos, and Amphithea, daughter of Pronax. Argos is a city and a former municipality in Argolis, Peloponnese, Greece. Since the 2011 local government reform, it is part of the municipality Argos-Mykines, of which it is a municipal unit.
Origin: greek
This name means “bright fame, shining glory.” The name derives from the Old High German name “Hrōdebert,” composed of two elements: “*hrōþiz” (praise, fame, glory, renown, honor) plus “*berhtaz” (light, bright, clear, shining one). Robert the Magnificent (le Magnifique) was the Duke of Normandy from 1027 until his death. Owing to uncertainty over the numbering of the Dukes of Normandy, he is usually called Robert I, but sometimes Robert II with his ancestor Rollo as Robert I. Robert I (866–923), King of Western France (922–923). Before succeeding his brother Odo as King, he was the Count of Poitiers, Marquis of Neustria and Orléans, and Count of Paris. After becoming widely used in Continental Europe, it entered England in its Old French form Robert, where an Old English cognate form (Hrēodbēorht, Hrodberht, Hrēodbēorð, Hrœdbœrð, Hrœdberð) had existed before the Norman Conquest.
Origin: germanic
This name derives from the Ancient Greek: “Helenē (‘Ελενη) / Helénē (Ἑλένη),” meaning “torch, flambeau, brilliant, shining light, the bright one.” The name could be related to “Hḗlios (Ἥλιος),” the personification of the Sun in Greek mythology. In Greek mythology, Helen of Troy was the daughter of Zeus and wife of Menelaus, King of Sparta, and considered the most beautiful woman in the world. Early Christians widely used the name through Saint Helen, the mother of Emperor Constantine I, who, according to legend, found a piece of the cross of Jesus Christ during his pilgrimage to Jerusalem. Hermione was the only child of King Menelaus of Sparta and his wife, Helen of Troy.
Origin: greek
This name has several possible derivations, including: 1) name Invented by linguist Yrjö Karilas for his daughter in 1917 from the Finnish “seijas,” meaning “tranquil, serene.” 2) Finnish form of “Zeia,” Old High German diminutive form of “Luzei” which in turn derives from the Latin “lūx > lūcis > lucere (lūcĕo) > lūcĭus,” meaning “light, shine, clear, bright, shining, full of light.” 3) from the Roman goddess Seia that protects the seed once sown in the earth.
Origin: latin
This name derives from the Middle Egyptian “SŠN” and then after from the Persian root “Sousan, Susan.” However, the Hebrew root for the name of the lily (from Lilium family) derives from “Šōšannā > Shôshan > Shôshannâh,” which means “lotus, lily, to be joyful, bright, or cheerful.” It was first reported on an 11th Dynasty sarcophagus dating from approximately 2000 B.C. The Persian name for lily is “Soussan.” The name of Susa, an ancient city of Persia, may be derived from the lilies which abounded in the plain in which it was situated. It is the name of at least two women in the Bible.
Origin: hebrew
Names that mean light carry special significance across many cultures. These names are often chosen by parents who wish to instill qualities of Bright and shining in their children. Whether you're looking for a traditional name with deep historical roots or a modern name with contemporary appeal, this collection offers diverse options for your baby.
Each name in this collection has been carefully researched to ensure authentic meanings and origins. Browse by gender to find the perfect light name for your baby boy or girl, or explore all names to discover unique options that transcend traditional gender categories.