User-created list
Luminous Names
Across 19 pages
of 19
Mishal
Arabic
"source of light, beacon, torch"
A soft and sweet unisex Arabic name with an international sound, Mishal can also be spelled as Mishaal. British broadcaster Mishal Husain is a notable bearer.
Moonglade
English
"the bright reflection of moonlight on water"
Morningstar
English from German
"morning star"
As a name, Morningstar is the English translation of Morgenstern, a German-Jewish surname. The planet Venus is called Morningstar when it is visible before sunrise. Several brands are associated with…
Naava
Hebrew
"delightful, beautiful"
Sultry name given added interest by that double 'a'.
Nahara
Aramaic and Hebrew
"light"
Beguiling cousin of Sahara.
Nanala
Hawaiian
"sunflower"
The Hawaiian word for sunflower is also used figuratively for people who gaze toward the sun, and has a nice resonance with Lion King name Nala.
Nell
English, diminutive of Helen, Eleanor, et al
"bright, shining one"
Nell, once a nickname for Helen, Ellen, or Eleanor, is a sweet old-fashioned charmer that is fashionably used today in its own right. While Nell is perfectly in tune with contemporary vintage name…
Nelly
Variation of Nellie and Nell
"light"
Nelly or Nellie is an adorable nickname name that can be short for a wide range of more formal appellations or that can stand on its own, and is typical of the vintage nickname genre that is growing…
Neoma
Greek or Hebrew
"new moon; pleasantness"
An obscure yet on-trend name with two wonderful meanings associated with it. Neoma is one of the freshest celestial girl names with moon-related meanings, rarer than Luna or Phoebe but with the same…
Neorah
Hebrew
"light"
One step removed from Nora, if you're looking for something similar with stronger cultural ties.
Neri
Hebrew or Greek
"my candle; ocean spirit"
A simple but unusual name with roots in disparate cultures, Neri appears in the Bible as a male name and is still sometimes used for boys as well as girls. The appeal of Neri are its deep roots…
Nevena
Bulgarian; Macedonian; Croatian; Serbian
"marigold"
If you're looking for a creative way to get to Neve, Nevena is a lovely option with a sweet floral meaning.
Nolwenn
Welsh
"shining, holy"
Nolwenn is popular in Wales but would be a very adventurous choice in the US. Though with the increased visibility of names like Arwen, thanks to Lord of the Rings , it may not feel as odd going…
Norabel
Combination of Nora and Belle
"beautiful light"
Blended name sometimes heard in the early decades of the twentieth century.
Norrie
English
"light"
Old-fashioned nickname for Nora, Honora, Eleanor, Noreen... or any name with that "nor" sound.
Nuha
Arabic or Semitic
"goddess of the sun"
Nuha is an Arabic name meaning wise, and also a name from Semitic mythology of unknown origin, belonging to an ancient sun goddess.
Olena
Ukrainian, Hawaiian
"torch, shining light; turmeric, yellow, ginger"
This chic Ukrainian form of Helen is relatively unknown outside of its native country, but it definitely has international appeal. Olia or Olenka are the usual Ukrainian diminutives, but tomboyish…
Ophira
Hebrew
"gold"
Feminine form of Ophir, a Biblical place name famed for its riches.
Or
Hebrew
"light"
Once a truly gender-neutral name in Israel, now used more often for boys. You may also consider Ora, Orli, or Orit.
Oriel
Latin
"golden"
Pretty Victorian-feeling cousin of Ariel; also, more prosaically, a kind of bay window.