American Girl Names That Mean Light
If you're hunting for American girl names that mean light, this page gathers real, currently-used names where brightness is baked into the meaning, not just the vibe.
Names300
OriginAmerican
MeaningLight
GenderGirl
American baby-naming has a habit of taking old light-words — Latin, Slavic, Hebrew, Hawaiian — and resewing them into new shapes. That's how you land on a page like this one, where Zaryah and Zyah sit next to each other, both echoing older words for dawn and radiance, but built for a 2020s birth certificate.
What ties these twelve names together isn't a shared origin — it's a shared instinct to name a daughter after something that glows. Some lean on suffixes like -lyn and -lani to do the shining; others inherit it straight from a root like Nova or Elaine.
How American girl names that mean light get built
Look closely and you'll see a pattern: take a light-root, then add a popular modern ending. Raylyn and Raylen both start from 'ray' and finish with a soft, trendy suffix. Novalyn does the same with Nova, the 'new star,' and Jaylani reaches for Hawaiian -lani, 'heavenly,' to get its glow. It's less about one language than a naming style that keeps grafting brightness onto new stems.
Familiar roots, unfamiliar spellings
A few names here are old friends in new clothes. Elea shortens Eleanor and Helen, both tied to light and brightness; Alinna doubles Alina's soft 'noble or light' meaning; Ciana can clip from Italian Luciana, 'light.' Meanwhile Emberly takes a different route, pulling its glow from fire and nature rather than an ancient word for sun or dawn.
Names List
Jaylani#471 in the U.S.Modern American name, possibly influenced by Arabic 'jala' (clarity, brightness) and '-ani' (a common sufPronounced jay-LAH-nee▶Emberly#688 in the U.S.Modern American compound of ember (glowing coal or smoldering fire remains, from Old Norse eimyrja) and tPronounced EM-ber-lee▶Amiya#1413 in the U.S.Boundless joy, delight, nectarPronounced ah-MEE-yah▶Dollicia#3213 in the U.S.Dollicia reads as an invented American name, apparently stretching Delicia ('delight,' from Latin deliciaPronounced duh-LEE-shuh▶Ciana#3395 in the U.S.Modern name most often read as a clipped Luciana — 'light' — or an Italian-styled coinagePronounced see-AH-nə▶Soliana#3433 in the U.S.Modern name popular in Eritrean and Ethiopian (Tigrinya- and Amharic-speaking) communities; widely associPronounced soh-lee-AH-nə▶Novalyn#3617 in the U.S.Modern blend of Nova — Latin 'new', the astronomical brightening star — with -lyn, 'lake'Pronounced NOH-və-lin▶Alinna#3633 in the U.S.Double-n spelling of Alina — a short form of Adelina ('noble') or a Slavic name linked to light and beautPronounced ə-LEE-nə▶Kamaiyah#3666 in the U.S.Modern coinage joining the Kama- sound (echoing Kamaria 'moonlight', Kamila) to the melodic -iyah endingPronounced kə-MY-ə▶Nyellie#3728 in the U.S.Rare modern coinage, most readably a Ny- styled form of Nellie (pet form of Eleanor/Helen, 'bright, shiniPronounced ny-EH-lee▶Renesmae#3794 in the U.S.Spelling of Renesmee — Stephenie Meyer's Twilight coinage blending Renée ('reborn') and Esme ('beloved/esPronounced ruh-NEZ-may▶Twila#3942 in the U.S.American name likely from 'twilight' — or from French étoile, 'star', or 'twill', woven double-thread; roPronounced TWY-lah▶Twyla#3943 in the U.S.Y-spelling of Twila — likely from 'twilight' (or étoile/'twill'; debated) — famous via choreographer TwylPronounced TWY-lah▶Elanie#3979 in the U.S.Modern name blending Hebrew Ilana/Elana, 'tree, oak', with the Elaine ('bright, shining') sound; routes lPronounced eh-LAH-nee▶Raylyn#4007 in the U.S.Modern coinage joining Ray (beam of light, or a Ray- name) to the -lyn ending; no single fixed rootPronounced RAY-lin▶Eyla#4052 in the U.S.Spelling linked to Turkish Ayla, 'moonlight, halo around the moon' — also a modern -yla name; routes layePronounced AY-lah▶Raylen#4089 in the U.S.Modern coinage joining Ray (beam of light) to the -len ending; no single fixed rootPronounced RAY-len▶Zaryah#4102 in the U.S.Linked to Slavic Zarya, 'dawn, sunrise' (a dawn goddess), in a modern -iyah/-yah styling; routes layeredPronounced zə-RY-ah▶Zyah#4104 in the U.S.Modern coinage echoing Zia ('light, splendor') and the Zy-/-iah sound family; routes informalPronounced ZY-ah▶Elea#4124 in the U.S.Short form linked to Eleanor/Helen — from Greek roots associated with 'light, bright, shining'; routes laPronounced eh-LEE-ah▶Aylla#4192 in the U.S.Double-l spelling of Ayla — Turkish 'moonlight, halo around the moon'Pronounced AY-lah▶Aylanni#4288 in the U.S.Modern coinage echoing Ayla ('moonlight') and the -lani ending ('heaven'); double-n styling; no single fiPronounced ay-LAH-nee▶Khamari#4322 in the U.S.Modern coinage in the -mari family (echoing Kamari/Amari; Swahili 'moonlight/beauty' lines); no single fiPronounced kə-MAR-ee▶Aylana#4381 in the U.S.Modern coinage joining Ayla ('oak tree' in Hebrew, 'moonlight' in Turkish) to a -ana ending; routes layerPronounced ay-LAH-nah▶Raylan#4435 in the U.S.Modern coinage joining Ray-/Raylan (a Western surname; 'beam of light' or 'counsel') to the -lan ending; Pronounced RAY-lən▶Ailynn#4546 in the U.S.Modern coinage echoing Aylin ('moonlight', Turkish) and the -lynn ending; no single fixed rootPronounced AY-lin▶Evanora#4579 in the U.S.Modern coinage joining Eva ('life') to Nora/Eleanor ('light/honor'); also a film witch's name; routes layPronounced ev-ə-NOR-ah▶Kaleigha#4698 in the U.S.Modern coinage echoing Kalea/Kaleah ('bright, beautiful', Hawaiian) and Kaylee; no single fixed rootPronounced kə-LEE-ah▶Kamorah#4700 in the U.S.Modern coinage echoing Kamaria ('moonlight', Swahili) and Amora ('love'); no single fixed rootPronounced kə-MOR-ah▶Rayelle#4736 in the U.S.Modern coinage joining Ray ('a beam of light') to the French -elle ending; no single fixed rootPronounced ray-EL▶Zianna#4756 in the U.S.Modern coinage joining a Zi-/Zion sound to Anna ('grace'); also echoes 'light' (Italian zia, Arabic ziya)Pronounced zee-AH-nah▶Zoriah#4757 in the U.S.Modern coinage echoing Zoria/Zorya ('dawn, daybreak', Slavic) with the -iah ending; routes layeredPronounced ZOR-ee-ah▶Calaya#4780 in the U.S.Modern coinage echoing Kalea ('bright, beautiful', Hawaiian) and Calla (the lily); no single fixed rootPronounced kə-LY-ah▶Eilyn#4791 in the U.S.Modern Latina coinage echoing Eileen/Aileen ('bright, shining', a form of Helen) and Ailyn; routes layerePronounced AY-lin▶Emberley#4793 in the U.S.Modern coinage joining Ember ('a glowing coal/spark', Old English) to the -ley ending ('meadow'); no singPronounced EM-bər-lee▶Rayanna#4848 in the U.S.Modern coinage joining Ray ('a beam of light') to Anna ('grace'); no single fixed rootPronounced ray-AN-ah▶Yahaira#4868 in the U.S.Modern Latina coinage, possibly echoing Jair ('he shines', Hebrew) and Yara; construction informalPronounced yah-EYE-rah▶Alynna#4881 in the U.S.Modern coinage echoing Alina ('bright, beautiful', Slavic) and the -lynn ending; no single fixed rootPronounced ə-LIN-ah▶Ellarie#4912 in the U.S.Modern coinage joining Ella (from Eleanor/Ellie, 'light' echo) to a -rie ending (echoing Ellery, 'elder-tPronounced EL-ə-ree▶Kamyra#4939 in the U.S.Modern coinage echoing Kamaria ('moonlight', Swahili) and Myra ('myrrh/fragrance'); no single fixed rootPronounced kə-MEER-ah▶Kyari#4947 in the U.S.Modern coinage echoing Kiara/Chiara ('bright, clear', Italian) and the -ari names; here for girls; no sinPronounced kee-AR-ee▶Maleena#4964 in the U.S.Spelling of Malena/Malina — a pet form of Magdalena ('of Magdala') or Helena ('light'); routes layeredPronounced mə-LEE-nah▶Rayleen#4979 in the U.S.Modern coinage joining Ray ('a beam of light') to the -leen ending (echoing Raylene/Kathleen); no single Pronounced RAY-leen▶Zaiya#5002 in the U.S.Modern coinage echoing Zaya/Zaia and the -aiya names; sometimes linked to 'light/radiance'; no single fixPronounced ZY-ah▶Kemora#5072 in the U.S.Modern coinage with a Ke- opening and -mora ending (echoing Kamora/Kamaria, 'moonlight'); no single fixedPronounced kə-MOR-ah▶Camora#5163 in the U.S.Modern coinage with a Ca- opening and -mora ending (echoing Kamora/Kamaria, 'moonlight'); no single fixedPronounced kə-MOR-ah▶Khamyri#5207 in the U.S.Modern coinage echoing Kamari ('moonlight') and Amir/Amari ('prince'/'strength'); no single fixed rootPronounced kə-MEER-ee▶Maylene#5230 in the U.S.Modern blend of May (the month, and a Mary/Margaret pet form) with a -lene ending (echoing Marlene, 'of MPronounced MAY-leen▶Xariah#5269 in the U.S.X-spelling of Zariah — a modern name echoing Sarah ('princess'), Zara ('blooming; brightness'), and the -Pronounced zə-RY-ah▶Xya#5270 in the U.S.X-spelling of Zya/Zia — a modern name echoing Zia ('light, splendor', Arabic) and Mia; no single fixed roPronounced ZY-ah▶Zahari#5275 in the U.S.From Arabic zahra, 'a flower, a blossom; radiant, shining' (a Zahra-rooted name); also a modern -ari namePronounced zə-HAH-ree▶Zarielle#5278 in the U.S.Modern blend of Zara ('blooming; brightness', Arabic) with an -ielle ending (echoing Arielle, 'lioness ofPronounced zar-ee-EL▶Dayali#5322 in the U.S.A modern Latina name, variously glossed (echoing Dayana, and linked to 'compassion', daya, or 'dawn'); thPronounced dah-YAH-lee▶Renezmae#5391 in the U.S.Modern coinage joining Renesmee (a Twilight blend of Renée, 'reborn', and Esmé, 'esteemed') with Mae; no Pronounced rə-NEZ-may▶Ailey#5427 in the U.S.From the Irish Aily (a form of Eileen/Helen, 'light'); also echoes Bailey ('a steward'); routes layeredPronounced AY-lee▶Daleysa#5468 in the U.S.A modern Latina coinage (echoing Dalia, the dahlia flower, and 'delicia/delight'); no single fixed rootPronounced dah-LAY-sah▶Kamori#5503 in the U.S.Modern coinage with a Ka- opening and -mori ending (echoing Japanese mori, 'forest', and Kamari, 'moonligPronounced kə-MOR-ee▶Elner#5528 in the U.S.Elner reads as a shortened respelling of Elnora or Eleanor; those names trace to the medieval AliENor, ofPronounced EL-nur▶Renesme#5553 in the U.S.A literary coinage (Twilight) blending Renée ('reborn', French) and Esmé ('esteemed; beloved', French); nPronounced rə-NEZ-may▶Sveya#5570 in the U.S.A modern name with a Slavic flavour — echoing svet/sv;a, 'light; one's own; sacred'; no single fixed rootPronounced SVAY-ah▶Amaura#5610 in the U.S.A modern blend echoing Amara ('eternal; grace'), Aurora ('dawn'), and amour ('love'); no single fixed rooPronounced ə-MOR-ah▶Khalea#5693 in the U.S.A modern name echoing Khalida/Khaleesi ('eternal; immortal', Arabic) and Kalea ('bright; joy', Hawaiian);Pronounced kə-LEE-ah▶Neeva#5722 in the U.S.A modern name echoing Niamh ('bright, radiant', Irish) and Neva ('snow', Spanish; a river); no single fixPronounced NEE-vah▶Raela#5733 in the U.S.A modern name joining Rae (a pet of Rachel, 'ewe', or Ray, 'a beam of light') with a -la ending; no singlPronounced RAY-lah▶Zenayla#5772 in the U.S.A modern name joining a Zen- opening with -ayla (echoing Layla, 'night', and Ayla, 'halo of light/oak'); Pronounced zə-NAY-lah▶Ziana#5773 in the U.S.A modern name joining Zia ('light, splendour', Arabic/Persian) with the -ana ending; no single fixed rootPronounced zee-AH-nah▶Avaylah#5800 in the U.S.A modern name joining Ava ('life; a bird', or a Latin form) with the -ylah ending (echoing Ayla, 'halo ofPronounced ə-VAY-lah▶Aylee#5802 in the U.S.A modern name with an Ay- opening (echoing Ayla, 'halo of light') and a -lee ending ('a meadow'); no singPronounced AY-lee▶Nelta#5880 in the U.S.Nelta is a small, poorly documented American name. It reads most plausibly as a coinage on the Nell- and Pronounced NEL-tuh▶Zaraya#5935 in the U.S.A modern name echoing Zara ('blooming; princess') and the Slavic Zarya ('dawn; the dawn goddess'); no sinPronounced zə-RY-ah▶Darlis#5949 in the U.S.Darlis is a mid-century American coinage built from the Dar- element found in Darla and Darlene, which trPronounced DAR-liss▶Dailynn#5974 in the U.S.A modern name joining a Day- opening ('daylight') with the -lynn ending ('a lake'); no single fixed root;Pronounced DAY-lin▶Elorah#5989 in the U.S.An -h spelling of Elora — variously linked to 'God is my light' (Hebrew Eli, 'my God', plus 'light') and Pronounced eh-LOR-ah▶Kanari#6025 in the U.S.A modern name echoing 'canary' (a bright songbird, from the Canary Islands; Latin canaria) and the trendyPronounced kə-NAR-ee▶Nevayla#6075 in the U.S.A modern name joining Neva ('snow', Spanish; or 'new') with Ayla ('a halo of moonlight', Turkish/Hebrew);Pronounced nə-VAY-lah▶Tanyla#6113 in the U.S.A modern coined name echoing Tanya (a pet of Tatiana) and Ayla ('a halo of light'); no single fixed root;Pronounced tə-NY-lah▶Zavia#6135 in the U.S.A feminine of Xavier/Zavier — from the Basque Etxaberri, 'the new house', popularly linked to 'bright'; rPronounced ZAY-vee-ah▶Zaylynn#6136 in the U.S.A modern name with a Zay- opening (echoing Zayla/Ayla, 'a halo of light') and the -lynn ending ('a lake')Pronounced ZAY-lin▶Alylah#6158 in the U.S.A modern coined name echoing Ayla ('a halo of moonlight', Turkish/Hebrew) and Layla ('night', Arabic); noPronounced ə-LY-lah▶Anayla#6165 in the U.S.A modern name joining Anaya (variously 'a caring guardian', and 'God answered') with an -ayla/-la ending Pronounced ə-NAY-lah▶Kaleyah#6252 in the U.S.A modern name echoing Kayla and Kaleah/Kalea ('bright; joy', Hawaiian); also brushing 'laurel/crown' via Pronounced kə-LAY-ah▶Lamiyah#6267 in the U.S.A modern name echoing the Arabic Lamya/Lamia, 'of dark, beautiful lips; brilliant, shining' (and the -iyaPronounced lə-MEE-ah▶Myasia#6302 in the U.S.A modern name joining a My- opening with Asia (the continent name, variously 'east; sunrise'); no single Pronounced my-AY-zhah▶Zarai#6363 in the U.S.A modern name, variously echoing Sarai ('my princess', Hebrew) and Zara ('radiance; blooming flower'); thPronounced zah-RYE▶Delana#6432 in the U.S.A modern name joining a De- opening with Lana (variously 'a rock; bright; calm'); no single fixed root; rPronounced də-LAH-nah▶Eylin#6447 in the U.S.A spelling of Aylin — from Turkish, 'moonlight; a halo of light around the moon' (ay, 'moon'); routes layPronounced AY-lin▶Kaleiah#6487 in the U.S.A spelling echoing Kalea/Kaleah — from Hawaiian, 'bright; joy, happiness'; also brushing the -leiah/-leahPronounced kə-LAY-ah▶Raylene#6562 in the U.S.A modern name joining Ray (a pet of Rachel, 'a ewe', or 'a ray of light') with the -lene ending; no singlPronounced RAY-leen▶Keisi#6576 in the U.S.A spelling of Kacey/Casey, from the Irish Cathasaigh, 'vigilant; watchful.' A bright, breezy short name.Pronounced KAY-see▶Zariana#6606 in the U.S.A modern blend name joining Zaria (variously 'dawn; a princess') with Ana ('grace'); no single fixed rootPronounced zah-ree-AH-nah▶Kellyn#6775 in the U.S.A modern blend joining Kelly (Irish, 'bright-headed; a warrior') with the -lyn ending; routes layeredPronounced KEL-in▶Malana#6808 in the U.S.Variously the Hawaiian malana, 'buoyant; light; floating', and a modern Mala- + -ana blend; routes layerePronounced mah-LAH-nah▶Nialani#6828 in the U.S.A modern coined name, joining Nia (variously 'purpose'; 'bright') with the -lani ending (Hawaiian, 'heavePronounced nee-ah-LAH-nee▶Ayliana#6951 in the U.S.A modern blend joining Aylin (Turkish, 'a halo of the moon; moonlight') with Eliana ('my God has answeredPronounced ay-lee-AH-nah▶Sanari#7175 in the U.S.A modern coined name, echoing Sana/Sanaa ('radiance; brilliance', Arabic) with the -ari ending; no singlePronounced sah-NAH-ree▶Zareth#7215 in the U.S.A modern coined name, variously echoing Zara ('blooming; radiance') and biblical place/names like Zareth-Pronounced ZAH-reth▶Akirah#7236 in the U.S.A spelling of Akira — from Japanese, 'bright; clear; intelligent' (the sense depends on the characters); Pronounced ah-KEER-ah▶Delayna#7305 in the U.S.A modern name, variously echoing Delaney ('descendant of the challenger') and Elaine ('bright; shining liPronounced deh-LAY-nah▶Eilee#7313 in the U.S.A modern name, variously echoing Eilidh and Eileen (forms of Helen, 'bright; shining light'); routes uncePronounced EYE-lee▶Kailana#7383 in the U.S.A modern name, joining Kai (Hawaiian 'the sea') with Lana ('calm; afloat; light'); routes uncertainPronounced ky-LAH-nah▶Noriah#7477 in the U.S.A modern name, variously linked to Nuria/Nur ('light', Arabic) and an echo of Moriah; routes uncertainPronounced NOR-ee-ah▶Akyra#7576 in the U.S.A spelling of Akira — from Japanese, 'bright; clear; intelligent' (the sense depends on the characters); Pronounced ah-KEER-ah▶Deleiza#7664 in the U.S.A modern Latin-American coined name, variously echoing Delicia ('delight') and Eliza; no single fixed rooPronounced deh-LAY-zah▶Naomika#7827 in the U.S.A modern name, an elaboration of Naomi (from Hebrew No'omi, 'pleasantness; my delight') with a -ka endingPronounced nay-oh-MEE-kah▶Aleanna#7959 in the U.S.A modern name, variously a blend of Aleena/Alina ('noble; light') and Anna ('grace; favor', Hebrew); routPronounced ah-lee-AN-ah▶Jazarah#8128 in the U.S.A modern name, joining a Jaz- element with -arah (echoing Zahra, 'flower; radiant', Arabic); no single fiPronounced juh-ZAH-rah▶Tiwanda#8173 in the U.S.Tiwanda is a modern coinage that attaches the light Ti- prefix to Wanda, a Polish and Slavic name of uncePronounced tih-WAHN-duh▶Marynell#8212 in the U.S.Marynell is a run-together double name joining Mary - the enduring biblical name variously read as 'belovPronounced MEHR-ee-nel▶Nelliel#8270 in the U.S.A modern name, elaborating Nellie/Nell (a pet form of Helen/Eleanor, 'light/bright') with an -el ending; Pronounced NEL-ee-el▶Oraya#8278 in the U.S.A modern name, variously linked to the Hebrew or, 'light', and the Latin aurum, 'gold', via an Or-+-aya sPronounced oh-RY-ah▶Inetta#8350 in the U.S.Inetta reads as an early-twentieth-century elaboration, pairing a light I- opening with the -netta endingPronounced ih-NET-uh▶Xora#8382 in the U.S.A modern name, variously a stylized spelling of Zora ('dawn', Slavic) and a fresh X- coinage; no single fPronounced ZOR-ah▶Zarianna#8397 in the U.S.A modern name, joining Zaria (variously 'rose/dawn', Arabic/Slavic) with Anna ('grace', Hebrew); no singlPronounced zah-ree-AN-ah▶Zaryiah#8398 in the U.S.A modern name, a spelling of Zariah/Zaria (variously linked to the Arabic 'rose/blooming' and the Slavic Pronounced zah-RY-ah▶Zharia#8404 in the U.S.A modern name, a stylized spelling of Zaria/Zahara (variously 'rose/blooming; flower', Arabic, and 'dawn'Pronounced zhah-REE-ah▶Ziani#8405 in the U.S.A modern name, joining a Zia- element ('light; splendour', Arabic) with a -ani ending (echoing Imani); noPronounced zee-AH-nee▶Aileny#8423 in the U.S.A modern Dominican-style name, echoing Aileen/Eileen ('a shining light', from Helen); no single fixed rooPronounced eye-LEH-nee▶Aleni#8437 in the U.S.A modern name, variously echoing Eleni ('a torch; light', Greek, from Helen) and Aleena; no single fixed Pronounced ah-LEH-nee▶Aloria#8449 in the U.S.A modern name, variously echoing Gloria ('glory', Latin) and Aurora ('dawn', Latin) via an Al-+-oria shapPronounced ah-LOR-ee-ah▶Azorah#8497 in the U.S.A modern name, joining an A- prefix with Zora ('dawn', Slavic; echoing Azure); no single fixed root; routPronounced ah-ZOR-ah▶Iliani#8617 in the U.S.A modern name, joining an Ili- element (echoing Iliana, a form of Helen/Eliana, 'light; God has answered'Pronounced ee-lee-AH-nee▶Shakea#8627 in the U.S.Shakea is a modern African American coinage that pairs the popular Sha- prefix with a light -kea ending iPronounced shuh-KEE-uh▶Kiyari#8688 in the U.S.A modern name, joining a Ki- element with a -yari ending (echoing Kiara, 'bright/clear', Italian, and YarPronounced kee-AR-ee▶Laneya#8699 in the U.S.A modern name, joining a Lan-/Lana element (variously 'light; rock; wool', layered) with a -eya ending; nPronounced lah-NAY-ah▶Neah#8780 in the U.S.A modern name, a spelling echoing Nea/Nia (variously 'purpose; brightness', Swahili/Welsh, and a Linnea sPronounced NEE-ah▶Novalei#8789 in the U.S.A modern name, joining Nova ('new', Latin; also a bright star) with a -lei ending; no single fixed root; Pronounced NOH-vah-lay▶Raylinn#8815 in the U.S.A modern name, joining a Ray- element (a short of Rachel/Raymond, 'a beam of light') with a -linn ending Pronounced RAY-lin▶Viaana#8891 in the U.S.A modern name, a spelling echoing Viana and the Sanskrit Vihana ('the morning; dawn'); no single fixed roPronounced vee-AH-nah▶Yalina#8903 in the U.S.A modern name, variously echoing Yelena ('light; the bright one', a Slavic Helen) and a Ya-+-lina blend; Pronounced yah-LEE-nah▶Aiana#8932 in the U.S.Variously the Kazakh Aiana, 'moonlight; the reflection of the moon', and a modern echo of Ayana/Aiyana; rPronounced ah-YAH-nah▶Allorah#8946 in the U.S.A modern name, joining an Al- element with a -lorah ending (echoing Aurora, 'dawn', Latin, and Lora); no Pronounced uh-LOR-ah▶Aveena#8989 in the U.S.A modern name, variously echoing the Irish Aoibhinn/Aveen, 'radiant; pleasant/fair', and Avina; routes unPronounced uh-VEE-nah▶Eastlyn#9061 in the U.S.A modern name, joining East ('the direction of sunrise', echoing Easton, 'the east town') with a -lyn endPronounced EEST-lin▶Elanna#9066 in the U.S.A modern name, variously echoing Elena ('a shining light', from Helen) and Alanna ('little rock; fair'); Pronounced eh-LAN-ah▶Heylen#9132 in the U.S.A modern Latina name, variously echoing Helen ('a bright light') and Ailen (a Mapuche name, 'an ember'); Pronounced AY-len▶Heylin#9133 in the U.S.A modern Latina name, variously echoing Helen ('a bright light') and Ailen (a Mapuche name, 'an ember'); Pronounced AY-lin▶Janora#9164 in the U.S.A modern name, variously joining a Ja- element with -nora (echoing Lenora/Nora, 'light; honor'); no singlPronounced jah-NOR-ah▶Lynora#9288 in the U.S.A modern spelling of Lenora — a form of Eleanora/Eleanor, variously 'light; a bright torch' and 'compassiPronounced lih-NOR-ah▶Nalea#9344 in the U.S.A modern name, variously echoing Kalea ('clear; bright', Hawaiian) and Nadia/Nalani; no single fixed rootPronounced nah-LAY-ah▶Namiyah#9346 in the U.S.A modern name, variously echoing Amiyah and Nia ('purpose; brightness'); no single fixed root; routes uncPronounced nah-MY-ah▶Nelda#9352 in the U.S.A modern name, variously read as 'from/by the elder tree' and as an extension of Nell (from Eleanor/HelenPronounced NEL-dah▶Norea#9365 in the U.S.A modern name, variously extending Nora ('light; honor') and echoing a figure of Gnostic texts; no singlePronounced nor-AY-ah▶Shreeva#9434 in the U.S.A modern name, joining the Sanskrit Shri ('radiance; prosperity; the goddess Lakshmi') with a -va ending;Pronounced SHREE-vah▶Talina#9460 in the U.S.A modern name, variously joining a Tal- element (Talia, 'dew') with Lina ('tender/light') and echoing CatPronounced tah-LEE-nah▶Zaviah#9508 in the U.S.A modern name, echoing Zavia/Xavia (feminines of Xavier, variously 'the new house; bright'); no single fiPronounced zah-VY-ah▶Ketina#9525 in the U.S.Ketina is an invented name that leans on the familiar Katrina and its short form Tina. It joins a light KPronounced kuh-TEE-nuh▶Aileth#9541 in the U.S.A modern Hispanic name, joining an Ai- element (echoing Aileen, 'light') with a -leth ending; no single fPronounced AH-ee-let▶Azira#9622 in the U.S.A modern name, echoing Zaira ('blooming') and Azhar ('flowers; radiant', Arabic); no single fixed root; rPronounced uh-ZEER-ah▶Delena#9691 in the U.S.A modern name, variously a short form of Magdalena ('of Magdala') and a form of Helena ('light; a bright Pronounced duh-LEE-nah▶Eleany#9713 in the U.S.A modern Hispanic name, echoing Eliany/Eleanor (variously 'light; God has answered'); no single fixed rooPronounced eh-leh-AH-nee▶Emberlie#9728 in the U.S.A modern name, joining Ember (a glowing coal, from the English word) with a -lie ending; no single fixed Pronounced EM-ber-lee▶Eylen#9748 in the U.S.A modern name, echoing Eileen ('light/bright', Irish) and Aylin ('a halo around the moon', Turkish); no sPronounced AY-len▶Hailo#9776 in the U.S.A modern name, echoing Hailey ('a hay meadow', English) and Halo (a ring of light, Greek); no single fixePronounced HAY-loh▶Heilyn#9788 in the U.S.A modern Hispanic name, echoing Aylin ('a halo around the moon', Turkish) and Eileen ('light'); no singlePronounced AY-lin▶Izora#9808 in the U.S.A vintage American name, variously linked to Zora ('dawn', Slavic) and Aurora ('dawn', Latin) with an Iz-Pronounced ih-ZOR-ah▶Jalena#9810 in the U.S.A modern name, variously a Slavic form of Jelena/Helena ('a shining light') and a Ja- + Lena blend; routePronounced jah-LEE-nah▶Jayelle#9820 in the U.S.A modern name, variously an initial-name from J.L. and a Jay + Elle blend ('a jaybird' + 'she/a bright onPronounced jay-EL▶Kairah#9847 in the U.S.A spelling of Kaira/Kyra — variously from the Sanskrit ('unique; a ray of light') and the Greek/Persian KPronounced KY-rah▶Laraya#9916 in the U.S.A modern name, joining a La- prefix with Raya (variously 'a friend', Arabic, and 'a beam of light'); routPronounced lah-RY-ah▶Larayah#9917 in the U.S.A spelling of Laraya — a modern name, joining a La- prefix with Raya (variously 'a friend'; 'a beam of liPronounced lah-RY-ah▶Charmon#9991 in the U.S.Charmon reads as a mid-century respelled cousin of Charmaine and Charmian, names tied to the Greek 'charmPronounced shar-MOHN▶Noriyah#10034 in the U.S.A modern name, variously echoing Nora/Noor ('light') with the -iyah suffix, or the Japanese Nori ('law; cPronounced nor-EE-ah▶Luziana#10034 in the U.S.A modern coinage echoing Louisiana (the U.S. state) and the Spanish Luz ('light'), with a flowing -iana ePronounced loo-zee-AH-nah▶Orya#10049 in the U.S.Variously from the Hebrew or ('light', hence 'my light') and a modern -ya coinage; routes layeredPronounced OR-yah▶Ramaya#10069 in the U.S.A modern name, variously echoing the Sanskrit ramya ('pleasing; delightful; beautiful') or a Rama + Maya Pronounced rah-MY-ah▶Janelli#10588 in the U.S.A Spanish/Latina -i respelling of Janelle (a diminutive of Jane, 'God is gracious'). Bright and current; Pronounced hah-NEH-lee▶Janovah#10591 in the U.S.A modern American coinage, echoing the sound of Jehovah and Nova ('new; a star that brightens'). No singlPronounced juh-NOH-vah▶Jenova#10602 in the U.S.A modern coinage echoing Nova ('new; a star that flares bright') with a Jen- opening; also familiar as a Pronounced juh-NOH-vah▶Kaylane#10644 in the U.S.A modern coinage joining a Kay- prefix with -lane/-laine (a lane, or the -laine of Elaine, 'bright light'Pronounced kay-LAYN▶Kayora#10647 in the U.S.A modern coinage joining a Kay- prefix with the -ora ending of Aurora/Nora (linked to 'dawn; light; honorPronounced kay-OR-ah▶Lamyla#10686 in the U.S.A modern coinage weaving Lamya (Arabic, 'radiant') with Layla and Mila. No single fixed meaning; routes uPronounced luh-MY-luh▶Lanya#10687 in the U.S.A modern name read as a spin on Lana ('light; rock') or Tanya (a Russian short for Tatiana, 'fairy queen'Pronounced LAHN-yuh▶Ramiya#10874 in the U.S.Read near the Sanskrit Ramya, 'pleasing; beautiful; delightful; enjoyable,' with a soft -iya ending; alsoPronounced rah-MEE-yah▶Miasia#10875 in the U.S.A modern coinage blending Mia (a form of Maria/Amelia) with Asia (a place name from Greek/Akkadian roots Pronounced my-AY-zhuh▶Renesmay#10878 in the U.S.A spelling of Renesmee, the coined name from the Twilight novels blending Renee ('reborn') and Esme ('estPronounced ruh-NEZ-may▶Alyena#10923 in the U.S.A modern name echoing Alaina and Elena (both from Helen, 'bright; shining light') in a fresh spelling; noPronounced ahl-YEH-nah▶Tashea#10946 in the U.S.Tashea is a 1970s African American coinage pairing the productive Ta- opening with a light -shea ending, Pronounced tuh-SHAY▶Pharrah#10951 in the U.S.Pharrah is a respelling of Farah or Farrah, from the Arabic farah, 'joy, happiness, delight.' The Ph- spePronounced FAIR-uh▶Tinlee#10988 in the U.S.A modern American coinage pairing a bright Tin- opening with the fashionable -lee ending seen in Finley aPronounced TIN-lee▶Zarae#11054 in the U.S.A modern coinage echoing Zara (Arabic 'blooming; radiant') with a -rae ending. No fixed traditional meaniPronounced zuh-RAY▶Zolana#11064 in the U.S.A modern coinage echoing Zola (an African/literary name, 'calm; tranquil' in Zulu) and Solana (Spanish 'sPronounced zoh-LAH-nuh▶Aomi#11164 in the U.S.A short modern name read variously as a respin of Naomi ('pleasantness; my delight') or an echo of the JaPronounced ah-OH-mee▶Aelina#11190 in the U.S.A modern spelling echoing Elina (a form of Helen, 'light; torch') and Aline (from Adeline, 'noble'); no sPronounced ay-LEE-nah▶Aureya#11193 in the U.S.A modern name near the Latin aureus/Aurelia, 'golden,' and the airy Aura; by those routes it reads 'goldePronounced aw-REY-ah▶Azhyra#11219 in the U.S.A modern coinage near Azira and Zahra (Arabic 'radiant; flower'), with a stylized -zhyra spelling. No sinPronounced ah-ZEE-rah▶Ranyiah#11235 in the U.S.A modern coinage, echoing the Arabic Rania ('gazing; delighted') and the fashionable -iyah sound; no singPronounced rah-NY-ah▶Tishara#11263 in the U.S.Tishara joins a light Ti- opening to Shara, a short name variously linked to Hebrew and Arabic roots. ThePronounced tih-SHAR-uh▶Makaylie#11264 in the U.S.Makaylie is a respelling of Makayla (Mikayla) with an -ie ending, a feminine form of Michael from the HebPronounced muh-KAY-lee▶Canari#11274 in the U.S.A modern coinage drawn from canary ('a small bright-yellow songbird; a warm yellow color'), respelled as Pronounced kuh-NAR-ee▶Britley#11303 in the U.S.Britley joins Britt or Brittany with the -ley suffix seen in names like Ashley and Kinsley, a modern AmerPronounced BRIT-lee▶Delizah#11318 in the U.S.Delizah reads as a modern coinage, built from a Del- opening that echoes 'delight' or 'Delilah' and an -iPronounced duh-LY-zuh▶Elladee#11348 in the U.S.A modern American coinage, joining the popular Ella (from names like Eleanor, 'other; light') with a brigPronounced EL-uh-dee▶Ellidy#11349 in the U.S.A modern coinage echoing Ella and the lilt of Melody, with a bright -idy ending. No single fixed meaning;Pronounced EL-ih-dee▶Esmerai#11378 in the U.S.A modern coinage echoing Esmeralda ('emerald') and Esme, with a bright -ai ending. It carries the emeraldPronounced ez-muh-RYE▶Mikhala#11382 in the U.S.Mikhala is a phonetic respelling of Michaela, the feminine of Michael, from the Hebrew Mikhael, a rhetoriPronounced mih-KAY-luh▶Rayetta#11392 in the U.S.Rayetta is a coined American name that dresses Ray in the diminutive-feminine suffix -etta, on the model Pronounced ray-ET-ah▶Jahara#11483 in the U.S.A modern coinage echoing the sound of Sahara and the Arabic Zahra ('flower; radiance'), with a J- openingPronounced juh-HAH-ruh▶Jala#11492 in the U.S.A short modern name often read as a coinage or a spin on Jayla; it is also linked to the Arabic Jala ('clPronounced JAH-luh▶Elinah#11546 in the U.S.A modern name echoing Elena (Greek, 'shining light') and Aylin (Turkish, 'moon halo'); no single fixed roPronounced eh-LEE-nuh▶Shekia#11610 in the U.S.Shekia is a coined American name that joins a She- prefix with the -kia ending shared by names like NakiaPronounced shuh-KEE-uh▶Matika#11621 in the U.S.Matika belongs to a family of coined -ika names, alongside Danika, Tanika, and Monika; it is a modern coiPronounced muh-TEE-kuh▶Lanaiya#11657 in the U.S.A modern American coinage, layering Lana ('light; rock') with the -aiya sound of Anaya and Amaya. No singPronounced lah-NY-ah▶Lanova#11658 in the U.S.A modern American coinage joining a La- prefix to nova ('new; a star that suddenly brightens,' from LatinPronounced lah-NOH-vah▶Lenaya#11670 in the U.S.A modern coinage, layering Lena ('light; torch') with the -aya sound of Anaya and Amaya. No single fixed Pronounced luh-NY-ah▶Luseh#11694 in the U.S.A modern phonetic spelling that reads near Lucy/Lucia ('light,' Latin lux) or a coined -eh name. No singlPronounced LOO-suh▶Maiella#11710 in the U.S.A modern coinage joining a Mai-/Maya sound with Ella ('light; fairy maiden'); also echoes the Maiella (MaPronounced my-EL-ah▶Miayla#11759 in the U.S.A modern American coinage blending Mia ('mine; beloved') with Kayla or Ayla ('moonlight; halo'). No singlPronounced mee-AY-lah▶Noralyn#11835 in the U.S.A modern blend of Nora (linked to 'light; honor') with the popular -lyn ending. It reads as a fresh, famiPronounced NOR-uh-lin▶Nurvi#11839 in the U.S.Nurvi is read a few ways — sometimes tied to the Arabic nur ('light') plus a -vi ending, and sometimes asPronounced NUR-vee▶Rayden#11884 in the U.S.Rayden is a modern respelling of Raiden, tied to the Japanese thunder-and-lightning god (raijin/raiden). Pronounced RAY-den▶Rayella#11885 in the U.S.A modern American coinage, joining the bright Ray- opening (a nod to 'ray of light') with the graceful -ePronounced ray-EL-uh▶Raylynne#11886 in the U.S.A modern American blend, joining the bright Ray- opening with the -lynne/-lyn ending, in the Raelynn famiPronounced RAY-lin▶Reyla#11900 in the U.S.A modern American coinage, pairing a bright Rey- opening with the soft -la ending, echoing Layla/Kayla. NPronounced RAY-luh▶Sanaia#11936 in the U.S.A modern name read as a spin on Sanaa/Sania, from Arabic sana ('radiance; brilliance; splendor'), with anPronounced sah-NY-ah▶Shiara#11960 in the U.S.A modern name read as a spin on Chiara/Ciara (Italian/Irish, from Latin clarus, 'bright; clear; famous'),Pronounced shee-AH-rah▶Shayli#12024 in the U.S.Shayli is a trimmed spelling of Shaylee, built on Shay (from the Irish Seaghdha, 'admirable, hawk-like') Pronounced SHAY-lee▶Yuriah#12086 in the U.S.A modern coinage layering a Yur-/Yuri- opening with the fashionable -iah ending seen in Mariah and ZariahPronounced yoo-RY-uh▶Crystale#12115 in the U.S.Crystale is a dressed-up spelling of Crystal, the gemstone and jewelry word that comes from Greek krystalPronounced kris-TAL▶Ahzara#12160 in the U.S.Ahzara is a modern American coinage layering the popular Zara/Azara sound with an airy Ah- opening. It maPronounced ah-ZAH-rah▶Airy#12164 in the U.S.Airy reads as an English word name — 'light, breezy, of the air' — and can also serve as a short, sweet fPronounced AIR-ee▶Akia#12172 in the U.S.Akia reads mostly as a modern, vowel-bright short name; some families connect it to Akan (Ghanaian) day/oPronounced ah-KEE-ah▶Akiah#12173 in the U.S.Akiah is a modern respelling of Akia, adding an -ah ending for a softer look. Like Akia, it may be linkedPronounced ah-KEE-ah▶Akiya#12174 in the U.S.Akiya sits in the Akia family, sometimes connected to the Japanese aki ('bright; autumn') plus -ya, and oPronounced ah-KEE-yah▶Alainey#12178 in the U.S.Alainey is a modern respelling in the Alaina/Elaine family — names tied to 'bright, shining light' (via HPronounced ah-LAY-nee▶Aalina#12181 in the U.S.A modern spelling that sits in the Alina and Aleena family — names variously traced to Slavic and GermaniPronounced ah-LEE-nuh▶Alenia#12188 in the U.S.Alenia is a modern coinage echoing the Elena/Alina family — names tied to 'light' or 'bright' — with a flPronounced ah-LEE-nee-ah▶Alinea#12190 in the U.S.Alinea reads as a modern name in the Alina/Lina family (tied to 'light; tender'), and coincidentally matcPronounced ah-LIN-ee-ah▶Amoi#12212 in the U.S.Amoi is a modern name found in Caribbean (notably Jamaican) communities, with a bright, distinctive -oi sPronounced ah-MOY▶Auraya#12320 in the U.S.Auraya is a new coinage with no documented etymology. Most readers hear the word 'aura' (from Latin/GreekPronounced aw-RY-uh▶Dnyla#12470 in the U.S.A modern coinage, read as a vowel-light spelling near Danyla or Nyla. No single fixed meaning; routes uncPronounced duh-NY-lah▶Renessmae#12497 in the U.S.A modern coinage blending Renesmee (the invented Twilight name, itself Renee + Esme) with Mae ('pearl' / Pronounced ruh-NES-may▶Halana#12588 in the U.S.A modern name, read variously as a blend of Helena ('bright; shining') and Alana ('little rock; harmony')Pronounced huh-LAH-nuh▶Halayna#12589 in the U.S.A modern respelling in the family of Helena and Elaina, both linked to 'bright; shining light.' No singlePronounced huh-LAY-nuh▶Katesha#12602 in the U.S.Katesha joins a light Ka- opening to the -tesha ending that shaped many American girls' names of the latePronounced kuh-TEE-shuh▶Jalah#12649 in the U.S.From the Arabic Jala, 'clarity; brightness; the lifting of what obscures'; also read as a modern spin on Pronounced JAH-lah▶Jaylena#12701 in the U.S.A modern blend of Jayla (a coinage) and Lena (a short form of Helena/Magdalena, 'light'; 'from Magdala').Pronounced jay-LEE-nah▶Rindy#12723 in the U.S.Rindy is an affectionate short form drawn from names ending in -rinda, like Clarinda ('bright, clear') anPronounced RIN-dee▶Maquita#12724 in the U.S.Maquita is a modern American coinage that pairs the Ma- opening with the -quita ending found in Marquita Pronounced muh-KEE-tah▶Jakyrah#12732 in the U.S.Jakyrah pairs the very popular Ja- prefix with Kyra, finished with a decorative -ah. Kyra may derive fromPronounced juh-KY-ruh▶Kaileena#12749 in the U.S.A modern blend of Kaila (a Kayla form) and Lena (from Helena/Selena, 'light'; 'moon'). No single fixed soPronounced ky-LEE-nah▶Neorah#13042 in the U.S.Neorah reads as a modern build on the Hebrew or ('light'), close to Neora and Nora. It is not a documentePronounced nee-OR-uh▶Novaleen#13059 in the U.S.Novaleen extends Nova — from the Latin novus, 'new', and the astronomical nova, a star that flares suddenPronounced NOH-vuh-leen▶Rayona#13156 in the U.S.Rayona is an American girl's name most likely built from a Ray- start, from Ray, a beam of light, with thPronounced ray-OH-nah▶Siany#13236 in the U.S.Siany appears to be a modern coinage — the Welsh name Sian or the Italian-flavored Sienna given a soft -yPronounced SY-uh-nee▶Camesha#13269 in the U.S.Camesha is an invented name from the nineteen-seventies Ca-/Ka- girl-name trend. It pairs a light openingPronounced kuh-MEE-shuh▶Chelise#13307 in the U.S.Chelise reads as a modern name most plausibly blending Chelsea with a Lise or -ise ending, or standing asPronounced shuh-LEES▶Xahari#13351 in the U.S.A modern American coinage that swaps X for Z in the Zahari / Zahara family — names ultimately linked to APronounced zuh-HAR-ee▶Zahriyah#13392 in the U.S.A modern elaborated spelling built on Arabic zahra, 'flower; blossom; radiance' — the family behind ZahraPronounced zah-REE-uh▶Zamorah#13399 in the U.S.A modern coinage with no settled meaning. It stands close to Zamora — a historic city and province in SpaPronounced zuh-MOR-uh▶Dalicia#13407 in the U.S.Dalicia is best read as a coined name pairing a Da- opening with -licia, the ending of Alicia and DeliciaPronounced duh-LEE-shuh▶Zorianna#13419 in the U.S.An elaborated form built on Zoria/Zorya — a Slavic word for the dawn, and the name of dawn figures in SlaPronounced zor-ee-AN-uh▶Aleny#13507 in the U.S.Aleny is a modern coinage used chiefly by Spanish-speaking families in the U.S., standing near Aleni, AlePronounced ah-LEH-nee▶Azana#13663 in the U.S.Azana is a rare modern name; it echoes Azania (an old name for lands of the East African coast, later a pPronounced uh-ZAH-nuh▶Bebe#13683 in the U.S.Bebe began as an affectionate word name and pet form — from the French bebe, 'baby' — and as a nickname fPronounced BEE-bee▶Caely#13740 in the U.S.A modern respelling in the Kaylee/Kayleigh family — sometimes traced to the Irish Caoilfhionn ('slender aPronounced KAY-lee▶Dawnetta#13810 in the U.S.Dawnetta pairs Dawn, the English word for daybreak used as a girl's name, with the ornamental suffix -ettPronounced daw-NET-uh▶Dareli#13843 in the U.S.Dareli is a modern Latino coinage, built from a Dari- element (as in Daniela or Dariana) with the bright Pronounced dah-REH-lee▶Dariely#13846 in the U.S.Dariely is a modern Latino coinage on the same base as Darielis — a Dari- element plus the -iel ending — Pronounced dah-ree-EH-lee▶Cheralyn#13870 in the U.S.Cheralyn weds Cheryl to the popular -lyn ending, producing a smooth three-beat name. Cheryl itself is a tPronounced SHER-uh-lin▶Dmya#13880 in the U.S.Dmya is a modern American coinage, usually read as D'Mya - a contracted, apostrophe-style respelling in tPronounced duh-MY-uh▶Deziya#13887 in the U.S.Deziya reads as a modern American coinage: a De- opening, a z for brightness, and the -iya ending that haPronounced duh-ZEE-uh▶Elania#14057 in the U.S.A modern name that sits between Elena (from Helen, 'bright; shining light') and Alana ('little rock; beauPronounced eh-LAH-nee-ah▶Ellanoir#14071 in the U.S.A modern coinage blending Eleanor ('bright, shining light') with the French noir ('black'); as spelled itPronounced el-uh-NWAR▶Shakeia#14117 in the U.S.Shakeia is an invented name that joins the Sha- prefix to a bright -keia ending in the family of Shakia aPronounced shuh-KEE-uh▶Jemia#14162 in the U.S.Jemia reads either as a modern blend joining a Je- opening to Mia, the popular short name, or as a trimmePronounced juh-MEE-uh▶Jnai#14209 in the U.S.Jnai is a tightly compressed modern American spelling of Janae or Jenai — a coined name built from a J- oPronounced juh-NAY▶Nykira#14238 in the U.S.Nykira joins the fashionable Ny- prefix to Kira, a short name read variously as light, from the Persian aPronounced nih-KEER-uh▶Jazma#14355 in the U.S.Jazma is an invented name that clips and reshapes the Jasmine and Jazmin family, keeping the bright Jaz- Pronounced JAZ-muh▶Latica#14375 in the U.S.Latica is a modern invented name joining the popular La- prefix to a -tica element, echoing Leticia. It hPronounced luh-TEE-kuh▶Tenae#14392 in the U.S.Tenae is a modern coinage pairing a Te- opening with the -nae ending of names like Renae and Janae. It rePronounced tuh-NAY▶Nekeisha#14490 in the U.S.Nekeisha is a 1970s coinage that fronts the popular Keisha with a light Ne- syllable. Keisha, a modern AmPronounced nuh-KEE-shuh▶Gaylyn#14499 in the U.S.Gaylyn pairs Gay, once a given name carrying its plain sense of 'merry, lighthearted', with Lynn, the trePronounced GAY-lin▶Lanell#14551 in the U.S.Lanell joins the popular La- prefix to Nell, the old pet form of Ellen, Eleanor, and Helen (from Greek hePronounced luh-NEL▶Luxtyn#14611 in the U.S.A modern coinage joining Lux (Latin, 'light') with a fashionable -tyn ending (as in Paxton/Braxton). No sPronounced LUKS-tin▶Roben#14634 in the U.S.Roben is a respelling of Robin or Robyn, which began as a medieval pet form of Robert, from Germanic elemPronounced ROB-in▶Milanee#14648 in the U.S.A modern respelling that sits between Milan — the Italian city, used as a name — and Melanie (Greek melasPronounced mih-LAH-nee▶Takya#14685 in the U.S.Takya is a coined girls' name that pairs the popular Ta- opening with a -kya ending close to Kia and MakaPronounced TAH-kee-uh▶Novalise#14686 in the U.S.A modern coinage joining Nova ('new'; a star that suddenly brightens) with the -lise ending of Annalise/EPronounced NOH-vah-leez▶Megon#14693 in the U.S.Megon is a spelling variant of Megan, the Welsh diminutive of Margaret, which traces through Latin and GrPronounced MEG-un▶Ronnee#14705 in the U.S.Ronnee is a respelling of Ronnie, a pet form that can shorten Veronica - from the Latin vera icon, 'true Pronounced RON-ee▶Khaniya#14789 in the U.S.A modern coinage joining a Khan- opening to a soft -iya ending; it also echoes the Zulu/Xhosa Khanya ('liPronounced kah-NEE-yah▶Diesha#14803 in the U.S.Diesha joins a light Di- opening to the -esha ending that colored many American girls' names of the late Pronounced dee-EE-shuh▶Sujey#15004 in the U.S.A Latin-American coinage, sometimes linked to Sujei/Suhey and read as a short, bright name; no documentedPronounced soo-HAY▶Veeha#15078 in the U.S.A modern name seen in Indian use, sometimes linked to Sanskrit roots but without a single documented sourPronounced VEE-hah▶Zaraiya#15206 in the U.S.A modern American coinage near Zaria and Zara (Arabic-style 'radiance; flower'), built on the airy -aiya Pronounced zah-RY-ah▶Shemica#15224 in the U.S.Shemica is a spelling variant of Shameka, one of the productive coined names of its generation. It joins Pronounced shuh-MEE-kuh▶Zyia#15240 in the U.S.A modern coinage echoing Zia (a name linked in Arabic/Persian to 'light; splendor'), in a Zy- spelling. APronounced ZY-ah▶Ailina#15243 in the U.S.A name echoing Alina ('noble; bright') and Aileen ('light'); by those routes it touches 'noble; bright; lPronounced eye-LEE-nah▶Alaja#15272 in the U.S.Alaja is a recent invented name without a settled root. It reads most plausibly as a reworking of Alaia, Pronounced uh-LAH-zhuh▶Alenny#15279 in the U.S.A modern coinage echoing Alena (from Helena, 'bright light') with a friendly -y ending; no single fixed sPronounced uh-LEN-ee▶Alynah#15374 in the U.S.A modern respelling of Alina, a name found across Slavic, Germanic and Arabic traditions and variously rePronounced uh-LEE-nuh▶Arleta#15439 in the U.S.Arleta is a variant of Arletta and a cousin of Arlene, names of uncertain but French-flavoured backgroundPronounced ar-LEE-tuh▶Makira#15511 in the U.S.Makira is a modern American name that joins the Ma- prefix to Kira, a name variously traced to a Russian Pronounced muh-KEER-uh▶Ayelin#15574 in the U.S.A modern name that echoes Aylin (Turkish, 'halo of the moon; moonlight') and Ayelen (Mapuche, 'joy'). As Pronounced AY-uh-lin▶Bryla#15598 in the U.S.A modern coinage, crisp and bright, echoing names like Bryn and Lyla. No documented traditional root; rouPronounced BRY-lah▶Tyshae#15771 in the U.S.Tyshae is a coined girls' name joining the popular Ty- prefix with a soft -shae ending (a spelling of ShaPronounced ty-SHAY▶Ellaia#15851 in the U.S.A modern coinage in the Ella family (Ella, 'light; fairy maiden'), with an airy -aia ending; no single fiPronounced eh-LY-ah▶Elaynah#15907 in the U.S.A modern respelling sitting between Elaine and Elena. Elaine came into English through Old French as a foPronounced ee-LAY-nuh▶Ellany#15915 in the U.S.A modern coinage joining an Ella- opening ('light; fairy maiden') with the -any sound of Delaney and BethPronounced EL-uh-nee▶Ellenie#15918 in the U.S.A modern spelling echoing the Greek Eleni, a form of Helen, 'bright; shining light'; as spelled it reads Pronounced eh-LEH-nee▶
More American Meaning Guides
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Frequently Asked
What's an American girl name that means light but sounds unexpected?
Nyellie is a good example — it restyles the vintage nickname Nellie, which most plausibly carries a 'bright, shining' meaning, into a fresher-looking spelling.
Are any of these names tied to dawn specifically, not just light in general?
Yes. Zaryah echoes the Slavic Zarya, a dawn goddess whose name means 'sunrise,' making it one of the more specifically dawn-flavored picks here.
Is Emberly really about light, or is it more about fire?
Emberly comes from 'ember' plus 'meadow,' so it's warm and glowing rather than a classic light-root name — it belongs to the fire-and-nature naming trend.