Names That Mean Bright

A popular choice for boys in China, Mingze recently ranked at #4 when it was given to 13,175 boys. As with many Chinese names, the meaning varies depending on what characters are used, but some possibilities are "tea tree + benevolence", "bright, light +  radiance", and "clear  + lake".




Mingze

Aubin might be seen as a fresher and more decidedly masculine twist on Aubrey, though the two are not related. This stylish French choice derives from the Roman Albinus or Albus, meaning "white, bright" or sometimes "blonde". Pronounced with a strong O sound and with a barely there 'n', the name ranked just outside the Top 200 in its native France in a recent year. 

 

Aubin

Succinct but playful, the unisex and multicultural Ru fits in with the likes of Tru, Cru, Blu, and Bo. Typically used as a short form of Ruben, Rudy or Ruben, it might also be a form of the word name Rue or the Irish Ruadh meaning "red".
 As a Chinese name, it means "scholar, learner", although it might also be interpreted as "intelligent" or "magnolia" depending on the kanji symbols used.

Clarence as a feminine name represents an interesting gender crossover from what is traditionally a masculine name. Derived from the Latin name Clarentius, itself from 'clarus' meaning 'clear, bright, or famous,' Clarence has a distinguished history primarily as a male name. While uncommon for girls, using Clarence for females follows a modern trend of adopting traditionally masculine names for girls. The feminine usage remains quite rare, giving it a distinctive quality. The name carries connotations of clarity, illumination, and nobility. For a girl, Clarence offers the potential nicknames Clare or Clara, which highlight its feminine potential. This unexpected gender application creates a name with both traditional roots and contemporary sensibility, appealing to parents seeking something both established and unusual.

Clarence

Quaint, quirky, and slightly clunky, Shirleyann is a smoosh name with a 30s feel about it. An unexpected vintage choice, a potential honor name, or perhaps for diehard fans of Anne of Green Gables (though maybe Shirleyanne would be better).

Shirleyann

Adelbert is a masculine name of Germanic origin combining the elements 'adal' meaning noble or aristocratic and 'beraht' meaning bright or famous. It's an antiquated form of Albert.

Popular among medieval European nobility, Adelbert was carried by several saints and rulers throughout history. The name traveled across Europe with variations including Albert, Adalbert, and Ethelbert. 

While its usage declined in the 20th century, Adelbert maintains an aristocratic, refined quality that appeals to parents drawn to vintage names with strong historical roots. It offers distinctive formal options with friendly nicknames like Adel, Del, or Bert.

Adelbert

A playful compound name mixing two vintage nicknames, Nelsie feels at once totally retro but also very contemporary. It could also work as a feminine twist on Nelson, making it a possibility for those wanting to honor a Neil or a Niall too. 

Nelsie

This spelling keeps the appealing meaning of Clara and Belle smooshed together, but without the Disney Cow association some people may have with Clarabelle. Nevertheless, this is the lesser used of the two, given to around 10 babies per year, compared to 30. 

Clarabel

Friendly and bright in feel, Móey is a popular Icelandic name, that can be considered a variation of Móeiður, meaning "bright courage" or a name in its own right, made up of the elements mod meaning "brave, courageous, spirit, wrath" and ey meaning "island" or "good fortune, luck".

Móey

Reminiscent of clunky, old-man style choices like Gilbert, Herbert, and Grover, Gerbert is a name of Germanic origin meaning "spear bright" from the elements ger and beraht. 
 
Used in a number of European countries, it has been historically borne by Gerbert of Aurillac, who later took the papal name, Pope Sylvester II, by the 13th century French poet, Gerbert de Montreuil, and by Soviet film maker, Gerbert Moritsevich Rappaport. There was also an 80s American children's show named Gerbert.

Gerbert

This pleasant modernization of a dated original is still rare but has real modern possibilities. Alternate versions include Merial and Meryl.

Meriel was given to fewer than five baby girls in the US last year, making this a choice that feels at once unique yet familiar, with a fashionable ocean-related meaning. If you still need convincing, root name Muriel is an angel name, for the angel who governs the month of June.

Meriel

Ancient nickname that sounds cuter than its modern alternatives -- but be aware that in the days of the horse and buggy, it was most often used for the horse. 

Dobbin

A gallant and noble feeling choice, Heiðar is a popular Icelandic name that made the Top 30 in a recent year. It is derived from Old Norse and can be interpreted as a combination of the elements heid "bright, clear" and herr "army, warrior", or as a modern form of heiðr which can mean "honor" or "heath, moorland". 
 
A notable bearer is footballer Heiðar Helguson.

Heiðar

The name of medieval French saint, similar to Sally Field's name, Bertrille, on the old The Flying Nun sitcom, leading some to expect the word "Sister" in front of it.

Bertille

Cyane is a mythological Sicilian nymph who lived in a pool and whose name is an intriguing twist on the color name trend. 

Cyane

Less electric and more serene than Electra which comes with a lot of tragic and psychoanalytical baggage, Elettra is the Italian form that ranks in the Top 200 in the Italian charts. Nicknames Etta, Lettie, and Elle make this doubly appealing. 
 
It was chosen by actress Isabella Rossellini for her now grown-up daughter, Elettra Rossellini Wiedemann.

Elettra

Najila

Javiera, pronounced ha-vee-AIR-a, is not as well used as twin brother JAVIER, but makes an attractive Latina choice.

Javiera

Zariza is a unique name sure to appeal to Z lovers.

Zariza

Bardolph is an antiquated German name that was used by Shakespeare for several minor characters. Short form Bardo, a Buddhist term for a Limbo-like state, would be more familiar and more fashionable today.