Choosing a baby name is one of the most meaningful decisions parents make, and names that mean night carry a special allure. From the velvety darkness of a starlit sky to the quiet mystery of moonlight, night-inspired names evoke beauty, depth, and wonder. Across cultures—Arabic, Hebrew, Greek, Japanese, Irish, and beyond—parents have long drawn inspiration from the night.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll discover names that mean night, explore their origins, meanings, and cultural significance, and find the perfect name for your little one.
Quick Picks: Beautiful Names That Mean Night
| Name | Meaning | Origin/Language | Gender |
|---|---|---|---|
| Layla | Night | Arabic | Girl |
| Lila | Night | Arabic/Sanskrit | Girl |
| Luna | Moon (associated with night) | Latin | Girl |
| Nyx | Night | Greek | Girl |
| Charna | Night | Yiddish | Girl |
| Ratri | Night | Sanskrit/Hindi | Girl |
| Zulma | Peace/Night (variant interpretations) | Arabic | Girl |
| Blake | Dark/Night (from Old English blæc) | English | Unisex |
| Ciaran | Little dark one | Irish Gaelic | Boy |
| Donovan | Dark warrior | Irish Gaelic | Boy |
What Does Night Symbolize?
Night carries rich symbolic meaning across cultures, though interpretations vary widely:
- Mystery and the Unknown: Night often represents the hidden, the secret, and the unexplored
- Rest and Renewal: In many traditions, night symbolizes restoration and peaceful reflection
- Romance and Beauty: Moonlight and stars inspire feelings of love and wonder
- Spiritual Connection: Some cultures associate night with divine contemplation and dreams
- Duality and Balance: Night complements day, representing necessary contrast
- Protection: In some traditions, night offers shelter and safety
- Transformation: Night precedes dawn, symbolizing hope and new beginnings
These associations are not universal—different cultures emphasize different aspects of night’s symbolism.
The Benefits of Choosing Names That Mean Night
- Meaningful Symbolism: Connect your child to themes of mystery, beauty, and renewal
- Cultural Connection: Honor heritage through Arabic, Hebrew, Greek, or other traditions
- Distinctive Identity: Night names often stand out without being difficult to pronounce
- Nature Connection: Celebrate the natural world and celestial beauty
- Personal Significance: Choose a name that reflects your own appreciation for night’s magic
- Memorable Meaning: Names with clear meanings are easier to remember and discuss
- Family Heritage: Pass down names with deep cultural roots
- Timeless Appeal: Many night names have endured for centuries across civilizations
Each Letter Analysis of the Word “NIGHT”
This is a creative acrostic interpretation, not a linguistic or historical analysis.
- N — Nurturing: Night cradles the world in quiet rest
- I — Intuitive: Darkness invites deeper understanding
- G — Gentle: Moonlight softens the sharpest edges
- H — Hopeful: Every night promises a new dawn
- T — Tranquil: Stillness brings peace to the soul
Expecting parents who value vitality often turn to names that mean life for their powerful connection to energy, spirit, and the wonder of existence.
Names That Literally Mean Night
These names have established meanings that directly translate to “night” in their respective languages.
1. Layla
- Meaning: Night
- Pronunciation: LAY-lah
- Origin: Arabic
- Gender: Girl
- Historical Significance: Classic Arabic name appearing in ancient poetry; famously borne by the legendary Layla of “Layla and Majnun”
- Popularity/Usage: Widely used across the Middle East and increasingly popular globally
- Lucky Number: 7
2. Lila
- Meaning: Night (in Arabic); also means “play” or “divine drama” in Sanskrit
- Pronunciation: LEE-lah or LY-lah
- Origin: Arabic/Sanskrit
- Gender: Girl
- Historical Significance: Used in Arabic poetry and Hindu philosophy with different meanings
- Popularity/Usage: Popular in India, the Middle East, and Western countries
- Lucky Number: 3
3. Nyx
- Meaning: Night
- Pronunciation: NIKS
- Origin: Greek
- Gender: Girl
- Historical Significance: Ancient Greek goddess of night, one of the primordial deities
- Popularity/Usage: Uncommon but recognized; used in modern fantasy literature
- Lucky Number: 9
4. Charna
- Meaning: Night (Yiddish); also means “dark” in Slavic languages
- Pronunciation: CHAR-nah
- Origin: Yiddish/Slavic
- Gender: Girl
- Historical Significance: Traditional Ashkenazi Jewish name
- Popularity/Usage: Rare; primarily used in Jewish communities
- Lucky Number: 5
5. Ratri
- Meaning: Night
- Pronunciation: RUH-tree
- Origin: Sanskrit/Hindi
- Gender: Girl
- Historical Significance: Hindu goddess of night; appears in the Rigveda
- Popularity/Usage: Traditional in India; uncommon elsewhere
- Lucky Number: 6
6. Zulma
- Meaning: Peace; also interpreted as night in some Arabic contexts
- Pronunciation: ZOOL-mah
- Origin: Arabic
- Gender: Girl
- Historical Significance: Used in Arabic-speaking regions; also found in Spanish-speaking cultures
- Popularity/Usage: Established in Latin America and Spain
- Lucky Number: 8
Names Related to Night
These names connect to night through related concepts like darkness, moon, stars, dusk, and twilight.
7. Luna
- Meaning: Moon
- Pronunciation: LOO-nah
- Origin: Latin
- Gender: Girl
- Historical Significance: Roman goddess of the moon; associated with night
- Popularity/Usage: Very popular in Western countries
- Lucky Number: 2
8. Selena
- Meaning: Moon
- Pronunciation: seh-LEE-nah
- Origin: Greek
- Gender: Girl
- Historical Significance: Greek goddess of the moon
- Popularity/Usage: Widely used; popularized by various celebrities
- Lucky Number: 4
9. Stella
- Meaning: Star
- Pronunciation: STEL-lah
- Origin: Latin
- Gender: Girl
- Historical Significance: Common in Roman times; associated with celestial beauty
- Popularity/Usage: Consistently popular in English-speaking countries
- Lucky Number: 1
10. Ciaran
- Meaning: Little dark one
- Pronunciation: KEER-an
- Origin: Irish Gaelic
- Gender: Boy
- Historical Significance: Borne by early Irish saints
- Popularity/Usage: Traditional in Ireland; used in Irish diaspora communities
- Lucky Number: 7
11. Donovan
- Meaning: Dark warrior
- Pronunciation: DON-oh-van
- Origin: Irish Gaelic
- Gender: Boy
- Historical Significance: Irish surname turned given name
- Popularity/Usage: Established in English-speaking countries
- Lucky Number: 3
12. Blake
- Meaning: Dark; from Old English blæc (black)
- Pronunciation: BLAYK
- Origin: English
- Gender: Unisex
- Historical Significance: Originally a surname; used as a given name since the 20th century
- Popularity/Usage: Popular for both genders
- Lucky Number: 5
Creative Names That Mean Night
13. Nyxara
- Meaning: Night-inspired modern creation
- Pronunciation: niks-AH-rah
- Origin: Modern inventive (based on Nyx)
- Gender: Girl
- Historical Significance: None—contemporary formation
- Popularity/Usage: Rare; modern usage
- Lucky Number: 9
14. Noctis
- Meaning: Of the night
- Pronunciation: NOK-tis
- Origin: Latin
- Gender: Boy
- Historical Significance: Latin word for night-related concepts
- Popularity/Usage: Rare; used in modern fantasy
- Lucky Number: 4
15. Umbra
- Meaning: Shadow, shade
- Pronunciation: UM-brah
- Origin: Latin
- Gender: Girl
- Historical Significance: Latin term for shadow
- Popularity/Usage: Rare; literary usage
- Lucky Number: 6
16. Stellan
- Meaning: Star
- Pronunciation: STEL-lan
- Origin: Scandinavian (from Latin Stella)
- Gender: Boy
- Historical Significance: Modern Scandinavian name
- Popularity/Usage: Established in Sweden and Scandinavia
- Lucky Number: 2
17. Nyxon
- Meaning: Night-inspired modern creation
- Pronunciation: NIK-son
- Origin: Modern inventive
- Gender: Boy
- Historical Significance: None—contemporary formation
- Popularity/Usage: Rare; modern usage
- Lucky Number: 8
18. Erev
- Meaning: Evening
- Pronunciation: EH-rev
- Origin: Hebrew
- Gender: Boy
- Historical Significance: Hebrew word for evening
- Popularity/Usage: Rare as a given name
- Lucky Number: 1
Cute Girl Names That Mean Night
19. Layla
- Meaning: Night
- Pronunciation: LAY-lah
- Origin: Arabic
- Gender: Girl
- Historical Significance: Legendary Arabic romance name
- Popularity/Usage: Widely used globally
- Lucky Number: 7
(Note: Layla is repeated here as it is the most recognized night name; counted once overall)
20. Lila
- Meaning: Night
- Pronunciation: LEE-lah
- Origin: Arabic/Sanskrit
- Gender: Girl
- Historical Significance: Multi-cultural usage
- Popularity/Usage: Popular internationally
- Lucky Number: 3
21. Nyx
- Meaning: Night
- Pronunciation: NIKS
- Origin: Greek
- Gender: Girl
- Historical Significance: Primordial Greek goddess
- Popularity/Usage: Uncommon but recognized
- Lucky Number: 9
22. Charna
- Meaning: Night
- Pronunciation: CHAR-nah
- Origin: Yiddish
- Gender: Girl
- Historical Significance: Ashkenazi Jewish tradition
- Popularity/Usage: Rare
- Lucky Number: 5
23. Ratri
- Meaning: Night
- Pronunciation: RUH-tree
- Origin: Sanskrit
- Gender: Girl
- Historical Significance: Vedic goddess
- Popularity/Usage: Traditional in India
- Lucky Number: 6
24. Laila
- Meaning: Night
- Pronunciation: LY-lah
- Origin: Arabic
- Gender: Girl
- Historical Significance: Variant of Layla
- Popularity/Usage: Common in Muslim communities
- Lucky Number: 2
Best Boy Names That Mean Night
25. Ciaran
- Meaning: Little dark one
- Pronunciation: KEER-an
- Origin: Irish Gaelic
- Gender: Boy
- Historical Significance: Irish saints
- Popularity/Usage: Traditional Irish name
- Lucky Number: 7
26. Donovan
- Meaning: Dark warrior
- Pronunciation: DON-oh-van
- Origin: Irish Gaelic
- Gender: Boy
- Historical Significance: Irish surname
- Popularity/Usage: Established
- Lucky Number: 3
27. Blake
- Meaning: Dark
- Pronunciation: BLAYK
- Origin: English
- Gender: Unisex (commonly boy)
- Historical Significance: English surname
- Popularity/Usage: Popular
- Lucky Number: 5
28. Kieran
- Meaning: Little dark one
- Pronunciation: KEER-an
- Origin: Irish Gaelic
- Gender: Boy
- Historical Significance: Variant of Ciaran
- Popularity/Usage: Popular in Ireland and diaspora
- Lucky Number: 4
29. Douglas
- Meaning: Dark stream
- Pronunciation: DUG-las
- Origin: Scottish Gaelic
- Gender: Boy
- Historical Significance: Scottish clan name
- Popularity/Usage: Traditional
- Lucky Number: 8
30. Sullivan
- Meaning: Dark-eyed
- Pronunciation: SUL-ih-van
- Origin: Irish Gaelic
- Gender: Boy
- Historical Significance: Irish surname
- Popularity/Usage: Increasingly popular as given name
- Lucky Number: 1
Cool Baby Names That Mean Night
31. Nyx
- Meaning: Night
- Pronunciation: NIKS
- Origin: Greek
- Gender: Girl
- Historical Significance: Ancient goddess
- Popularity/Usage: Edgy and uncommon
- Lucky Number: 9
32. Noctis
- Meaning: Of the night
- Pronunciation: NOK-tis
- Origin: Latin
- Gender: Boy
- Historical Significance: Latin vocabulary
- Popularity/Usage: Rare, fantasy-inspired
- Lucky Number: 4
33. Luna
- Meaning: Moon
- Pronunciation: LOO-nah
- Origin: Latin
- Gender: Girl
- Historical Significance: Roman goddess
- Popularity/Usage: Very popular
- Lucky Number: 2
34. Raven
- Meaning: Dark bird; associated with night
- Pronunciation: RAY-ven
- Origin: English
- Gender: Unisex
- Historical Significance: Literary and cultural symbol
- Popularity/Usage: Popular
- Lucky Number: 6
35. Onyx
- Meaning: Dark gemstone
- Pronunciation: ON-iks
- Origin: Greek
- Gender: Unisex
- Historical Significance: Ancient gemstone name
- Popularity/Usage: Modern usage
- Lucky Number: 8
36. Vesper
- Meaning: Evening star
- Pronunciation: VES-per
- Origin: Latin
- Gender: Girl
- Historical Significance: Evening prayer; Venus as evening star
- Popularity/Usage: Rare, literary
- Lucky Number: 5
Last Names That Mean Night
37. Nightingale
- Meaning: Night singer (occupational/descriptive)
- Pronunciation: NY-ting-gayl
- Origin: English
- Gender: Unisex
- Historical Significance: English surname
- Popularity/Usage: Rare as surname
- Lucky Number: 3
38. Nocturne
- Meaning: Of the night
- Pronunciation: nok-TURN
- Origin: French/Latin
- Gender: Unisex
- Historical Significance: Musical term
- Popularity/Usage: Rare
- Lucky Number: 7
39. Darke
- Meaning: Dark
- Pronunciation: DARK
- Origin: English
- Gender: Unisex
- Historical Significance: English surname
- Popularity/Usage: Rare
- Lucky Number: 9
40. Black
- Meaning: Dark, black
- Pronunciation: BLAK
- Origin: English
- Gender: Unisex
- Historical Significance: Common English surname
- Popularity/Usage: Established
- Lucky Number: 1
41. Schwartz
- Meaning: Black (German)
- Pronunciation: SHVARTS
- Origin: German
- Gender: Unisex
- Historical Significance: German-Jewish surname
- Popularity/Usage: Established
- Lucky Number: 4
42. Noir
- Meaning: Black
- Pronunciation: NWAR
- Origin: French
- Gender: Unisex
- Historical Significance: French surname
- Popularity/Usage: Rare
- Lucky Number: 6
Mythical Names That Mean Night
43. Nyx
- Meaning: Night
- Pronunciation: NIKS
- Origin: Greek
- Gender: Girl
- Historical Significance: Primordial goddess of night
- Popularity/Usage: Recognized in mythology
- Lucky Number: 9
44. Nott
- Meaning: Night
- Pronunciation: NOT
- Origin: Norse
- Gender: Girl
- Historical Significance: Norse goddess of night
- Popularity/Usage: Rare
- Lucky Number: 5
45. Chandra
- Meaning: Moon
- Pronunciation: CHUN-drah
- Origin: Sanskrit
- Gender: Unisex
- Historical Significance: Hindu moon god
- Popularity/Usage: Common in India
- Lucky Number: 2
46. Selene
- Meaning: Moon
- Pronunciation: seh-LEE-nee
- Origin: Greek
- Gender: Girl
- Historical Significance: Titan goddess of moon
- Popularity/Usage: Established
- Lucky Number: 4
47. Artemis
- Meaning: Associated with moon and hunt
- Pronunciation: AR-teh-mis
- Origin: Greek
- Gender: Girl
- Historical Significance: Olympian goddess
- Popularity/Usage: Growing usage
- Lucky Number: 7
48. Sin
- Meaning: Moon (Mesopotamian)
- Pronunciation: SEEN
- Origin: Akkadian
- Gender: Boy
- Historical Significance: Mesopotamian moon god
- Popularity/Usage: Rare
- Lucky Number: 3
Arabic Origin Names That Mean Night
49. Layla
- Meaning: Night
- Pronunciation: LAY-lah
- Origin: Arabic
- Gender: Girl
- Historical Significance: Classic Arabic poetry
- Popularity/Usage: Widely used
- Lucky Number: 7
50. Laila
- Meaning: Night
- Pronunciation: LY-lah
- Origin: Arabic
- Gender: Girl
- Historical Significance: Variant of Layla
- Popularity/Usage: Common
- Lucky Number: 2
51. Layal
- Meaning: Nights
- Pronunciation: lay-AL
- Origin: Arabic
- Gender: Girl
- Historical Significance: Plural form used as name
- Popularity/Usage: Uncommon
- Lucky Number: 5
52. Zulma
- Meaning: Peace; also night
- Pronunciation: ZOOL-mah
- Origin: Arabic
- Gender: Girl
- Historical Significance: Used in Arabic regions
- Popularity/Usage: Established
- Lucky Number: 8
53. Ghassan
- Meaning: Associated with night/dew
- Pronunciation: GHAS-san
- Origin: Arabic
- Gender: Boy
- Historical Significance: Ancient Arab tribe name
- Popularity/Usage: Traditional
- Lucky Number: 1
54. Sahar
- Meaning: Dawn, pre-dawn
- Pronunciation: sah-HAR
- Origin: Arabic
- Gender: Girl
- Historical Significance: Time before dawn
- Popularity/Usage: Common in Middle East
- Lucky Number: 6
Scottish Origin Names That Mean Night
55. Douglas
- Meaning: Dark stream
- Pronunciation: DUG-las
- Origin: Scottish Gaelic
- Gender: Boy
- Historical Significance: Scottish clan
- Popularity/Usage: Traditional
- Lucky Number: 8
56. Dougal
- Meaning: Dark stranger
- Pronunciation: DOO-gal
- Origin: Scottish Gaelic
- Gender: Boy
- Historical Significance: Scottish name
- Popularity/Usage: Uncommon
- Lucky Number: 3
57. Kieran
- Meaning: Little dark one
- Pronunciation: KEER-an
- Origin: Scottish Gaelic
- Gender: Boy
- Historical Significance: Irish/Scottish shared name
- Popularity/Usage: Popular
- Lucky Number: 4
58. Blair
- Meaning: Dark, shadowy
- Pronunciation: BLAYR
- Origin: Scottish Gaelic
- Gender: Unisex
- Historical Significance: Scottish surname
- Popularity/Usage: Established
- Lucky Number: 7
59. Duncan
- Meaning: Dark warrior
- Pronunciation: DUN-kan
- Origin: Scottish Gaelic
- Gender: Boy
- Historical Significance: Scottish kings
- Popularity/Usage: Traditional
- Lucky Number: 2
60. Keir
- Meaning: Dark
- Pronunciation: KEER
- Origin: Scottish Gaelic
- Gender: Boy
- Historical Significance: Scottish name
- Popularity/Usage: Uncommon
- Lucky Number: 9
Irish Origin Names That Mean Night
61. Ciaran
- Meaning: Little dark one
- Pronunciation: KEER-an
- Origin: Irish Gaelic
- Gender: Boy
- Historical Significance: Irish saints
- Popularity/Usage: Traditional
- Lucky Number: 7
62. Donovan
- Meaning: Dark warrior
- Pronunciation: DON-oh-van
- Origin: Irish Gaelic
- Gender: Boy
- Historical Significance: Irish surname
- Popularity/Usage: Established
- Lucky Number: 3
63. Sullivan
- Meaning: Dark-eyed
- Pronunciation: SUL-ih-van
- Origin: Irish Gaelic
- Gender: Boy
- Historical Significance: Irish surname
- Popularity/Usage: Popular
- Lucky Number: 1
64. Darcy
- Meaning: Dark one
- Pronunciation: DAR-see
- Origin: Irish Gaelic
- Gender: Unisex
- Historical Significance: Irish surname
- Popularity/Usage: Established
- Lucky Number: 5
65. Keiran
- Meaning: Little dark one
- Pronunciation: KEER-an
- Origin: Irish Gaelic
- Gender: Boy
- Historical Significance: Variant of Ciaran
- Popularity/Usage: Common
- Lucky Number: 6
66. Devlin
- Meaning: Fierce, dark
- Pronunciation: DEV-lin
- Origin: Irish Gaelic
- Gender: Unisex
- Historical Significance: Irish surname
- Popularity/Usage: Modern usage
- Lucky Number: 8
Hebrew Origin Names That Mean Night
67. Erev
- Meaning: Evening
- Pronunciation: EH-rev
- Origin: Hebrew
- Gender: Boy
- Historical Significance: Hebrew word for evening
- Popularity/Usage: Rare as name
- Lucky Number: 1
68. Lilah
- Meaning: Night
- Pronunciation: LY-lah
- Origin: Hebrew/Arabic
- Gender: Girl
- Historical Significance: Variant of Layla
- Popularity/Usage: Popular
- Lucky Number: 3
69. Lior
- Meaning: My light
- Pronunciation: lee-OR
- Origin: Hebrew
- Gender: Unisex
- Historical Significance: Hebrew name
- Popularity/Usage: Common in Israel
- Lucky Number: 7
70. Or
- Meaning: Light
- Pronunciation: OR
- Origin: Hebrew
- Gender: Unisex
- Historical Significance: Hebrew name
- Popularity/Usage: Common in Israel
- Lucky Number: 2
71. Layla
- Meaning: Night
- Pronunciation: LAY-lah
- Origin: Hebrew/Arabic
- Gender: Girl
- Historical Significance: Shared Semitic name
- Popularity/Usage: Widely used
- Lucky Number: 5
72. Noga
- Meaning: Venus, morning star
- Pronunciation: NO-gah
- Origin: Hebrew
- Gender: Girl
- Historical Significance: Hebrew name
- Popularity/Usage: Common in Israel
- Lucky Number: 9
Polish Origin Names That Mean Night
73. Nocny
- Meaning: Night (adjective form)
- Pronunciation: NOTS-nih
- Origin: Polish
- Gender: Boy
- Historical Significance: Polish vocabulary
- Popularity/Usage: Rare as name
- Lucky Number: 4
74. Ciemny
- Meaning: Dark
- Pronunciation: CHEHM-nih
- Origin: Polish
- Gender: Boy
- Historical Significance: Polish vocabulary
- Popularity/Usage: Rare
- Lucky Number: 6
75. Czarny
- Meaning: Black
- Pronunciation: CHAR-nih
- Origin: Polish
- Gender: Boy
- Historical Significance: Polish surname
- Popularity/Usage: Rare as given name
- Lucky Number: 8
76. Mrok
- Meaning: Darkness, twilight
- Pronunciation: MROK
- Origin: Polish
- Gender: Boy
- Historical Significance: Polish vocabulary
- Popularity/Usage: Rare
- Lucky Number: 2
77. Zmierzch
- Meaning: Twilight, dusk
- Pronunciation: ZMYEZH
- Origin: Polish
- Gender: Boy
- Historical Significance: Polish vocabulary
- Popularity/Usage: Rare
- Lucky Number: 5
78. Gwiazda
- Meaning: Star
- Pronunciation: GYAZ-dah
- Origin: Polish
- Gender: Girl
- Historical Significance: Polish vocabulary
- Popularity/Usage: Rare as name
- Lucky Number: 7
Italian Origin Names That Mean Night
79. Notte
- Meaning: Night
- Pronunciation: NOT-teh
- Origin: Italian
- Gender: Girl
- Historical Significance: Italian vocabulary
- Popularity/Usage: Rare as name
- Lucky Number: 3
80. Noturna
- Meaning: Nocturnal
- Pronunciation: noh-TUR-nah
- Origin: Italian
- Gender: Girl
- Historical Significance: Italian vocabulary
- Popularity/Usage: Rare
- Lucky Number: 9
81. Luna
- Meaning: Moon
- Pronunciation: LOO-nah
- Origin: Italian/Latin
- Gender: Girl
- Historical Significance: Roman goddess
- Popularity/Usage: Popular
- Lucky Number: 2
82. Stella
- Meaning: Star
- Pronunciation: STEL-lah
- Origin: Italian/Latin
- Gender: Girl
- Historical Significance: Celestial name
- Popularity/Usage: Popular
- Lucky Number: 1
83. Sera
- Meaning: Evening
- Pronunciation: SEH-rah
- Origin: Italian
- Gender: Girl
- Historical Significance: Italian vocabulary
- Popularity/Usage: Established
- Lucky Number: 4
84. Notte
- Meaning: Night
- Pronunciation: NOT-teh
- Origin: Italian
- Gender: Unisex
- Historical Significance: Italian word
- Popularity/Usage: Rare
- Lucky Number: 6
Native American Origin Names That Mean Night
Note: Origins are identified by specific language/nation when reliably documented.
85. Tahoma
- Meaning: Associated with darkness/night (specific tribal meanings vary)
- Pronunciation: tah-HOH-mah
- Origin: Coast Salish (specific nation varies)
- Gender: Unisex
- Historical Significance: Place name in Pacific Northwest
- Popularity/Usage: Rare
- Lucky Number: 5
86. Onatah
- Meaning: Spirit of the night (Iroquois tradition)
- Pronunciation: oh-NAH-tah
- Origin: Iroquois/Haudenosaunee
- Gender: Girl
- Historical Significance: Iroquois corn spirit
- Popularity/Usage: Rare
- Lucky Number: 7
87. Kachina
- Meaning: Spirit being (some associated with night)
- Pronunciation: kah-CHEE-nah
- Origin: Hopi
- Gender: Girl
- Historical Significance: Hopi spiritual beings
- Popularity/Usage: Rare as given name
- Lucky Number: 2
88. Anpao
- Meaning: Dawn (contrast to night)
- Pronunciation: ahn-PAH-oh
- Origin: Lakota/Dakota
- Gender: Unisex
- Historical Significance: Lakota word
- Popularity/Usage: Rare
- Lucky Number: 8
89. Hanwi
- Meaning: Moon, night sun (Lakota tradition)
- Pronunciation: HAHN-wee
- Origin: Lakota
- Gender: Girl
- Historical Significance: Lakota moon deity
- Popularity/Usage: Rare
- Lucky Number: 4
90. Nokomis
- Meaning: Grandmother; associated with night in some traditions
- Pronunciation: noh-KOH-mis
- Origin: Ojibwe/Anishinaabe
- Gender: Girl
- Historical Significance: Ojibwe figure
- Popularity/Usage: Rare
- Lucky Number: 6
Greek Origin Names That Mean Night
91. Nyx
- Meaning: Night
- Pronunciation: NIKS
- Origin: Greek
- Gender: Girl
- Historical Significance: Primordial goddess
- Popularity/Usage: Recognized
- Lucky Number: 9
92. Selene
- Meaning: Moon
- Pronunciation: seh-LEE-nee
- Origin: Greek
- Gender: Girl
- Historical Significance: Titan goddess
- Popularity/Usage: Established
- Lucky Number: 4
93. Artemis
- Meaning: Moon goddess association
- Pronunciation: AR-teh-mis
- Origin: Greek
- Gender: Girl
- Historical Significance: Olympian goddess
- Popularity/Usage: Growing
- Lucky Number: 7
94. Erebus
- Meaning: Darkness
- Pronunciation: EHR-eh-bus
- Origin: Greek
- Gender: Boy
- Historical Significance: Primordial deity of darkness
- Popularity/Usage: Rare
- Lucky Number: 2
95. Nyx
- Meaning: Night
- Pronunciation: NIKS
- Origin: Greek
- Gender: Girl
- Historical Significance: Ancient goddess
- Popularity/Usage: Recognized
- Lucky Number: 5
96. Asteria
- Meaning: Starry, of the stars
- Pronunciation: ah-STEHR-ee-ah
- Origin: Greek
- Gender: Girl
- Historical Significance: Titan goddess of falling stars
- Popularity/Usage: Rare
- Lucky Number: 8
European Names That Mean Night
97. Nuit
- Meaning: Night
- Pronunciation: NWEE
- Origin: French
- Gender: Girl
- Historical Significance: French vocabulary
- Popularity/Usage: Rare as name
- Lucky Number: 3
98. Nacht
- Meaning: Night
- Pronunciation: NAHKT
- Origin: German
- Gender: Girl
- Historical Significance: German vocabulary
- Popularity/Usage: Rare as name
- Lucky Number: 1
99. Noite
- Meaning: Night
- Pronunciation: NOY-teh
- Origin: Portuguese
- Gender: Girl
- Historical Significance: Portuguese vocabulary
- Popularity/Usage: Rare
- Lucky Number: 6
100. Noche
- Meaning: Night
- Pronunciation: NO-cheh
- Origin: Spanish
- Gender: Girl
- Historical Significance: Spanish vocabulary
- Popularity/Usage: Rare as name
- Lucky Number: 4
101. Nox
- Meaning: Night
- Pronunciation: NOKS
- Origin: Latin
- Gender: Girl
- Historical Significance: Roman goddess of night
- Popularity/Usage: Rare
- Lucky Number: 9
102. Nott
- Meaning: Night
- Pronunciation: NOT
- Origin: Norse
- Gender: Girl
- Historical Significance: Norse goddess
- Popularity/Usage: Rare
- Lucky Number: 7
Spiritual Names That Mean Night
103. Lilith
- Meaning: Of the night (etymological connection debated)
- Pronunciation: LIL-ith
- Origin: Hebrew/Ancient Near East
- Gender: Girl
- Historical Significance: Complex mythological figure
- Popularity/Usage: Growing modern usage
- Lucky Number: 5
104. Nyx
- Meaning: Night
- Pronunciation: NIKS
- Origin: Greek
- Gender: Girl
- Historical Significance: Primordial goddess
- Popularity/Usage: Recognized
- Lucky Number: 9
105. Chandra
- Meaning: Moon
- Pronunciation: CHUN-drah
- Origin: Sanskrit
- Gender: Unisex
- Historical Significance: Hindu moon deity
- Popularity/Usage: Common in India
- Lucky Number: 2
106. Selene
- Meaning: Moon
- Pronunciation: seh-LEE-nee
- Origin: Greek
- Gender: Girl
- Historical Significance: Goddess
- Popularity/Usage: Established
- Lucky Number: 4
107. Hanwi
- Meaning: Moon, night sun
- Pronunciation: HAHN-wee
- Origin: Lakota
- Gender: Girl
- Historical Significance: Lakota deity
- Popularity/Usage: Rare
- Lucky Number: 6
108. Ratri
- Meaning: Night
- Pronunciation: RUH-tree
- Origin: Sanskrit
- Gender: Girl
- Historical Significance: Vedic goddess
- Popularity/Usage: Traditional
- Lucky Number: 8
Japanese Origin Names That Mean Night
109. Yoru
- Meaning: Night
- Pronunciation: YOH-roo
- Origin: Japanese
- Gender: Unisex
- Historical Significance: Japanese vocabulary
- Popularity/Usage: Rare as given name
- Lucky Number: 3
110. Yozora
- Meaning: Night sky
- Pronunciation: yoh-ZOH-rah
- Origin: Japanese
- Gender: Unisex
- Historical Significance: Japanese vocabulary
- Popularity/Usage: Rare
- Lucky Number: 7
111. Tsuki
- Meaning: Moon
- Pronunciation: TSOO-kee
- Origin: Japanese
- Gender: Girl
- Historical Significance: Japanese vocabulary
- Popularity/Usage: Established
- Lucky Number: 2
112. Hoshi
- Meaning: Star
- Pronunciation: HOH-shee
- Origin: Japanese
- Gender: Girl
- Historical Significance: Japanese vocabulary
- Popularity/Usage: Established
- Lucky Number: 5
113. Yoru
- Meaning: Night
- Pronunciation: YOH-roo
- Origin: Japanese
- Gender: Boy
- Historical Significance: Japanese word
- Popularity/Usage: Rare
- Lucky Number: 9
114. Mayonaka
- Meaning: Midnight
- Pronunciation: mah-yoh-NAH-kah
- Origin: Japanese
- Gender: Girl
- Historical Significance: Japanese vocabulary
- Popularity/Usage: Rare
- Lucky Number: 4
Unisex Names That Mean Night
115. Blake
- Meaning: Dark
- Pronunciation: BLAYK
- Origin: English
- Gender: Unisex
- Historical Significance: English surname
- Popularity/Usage: Popular
- Lucky Number: 5
116. Nyx
- Meaning: Night
- Pronunciation: NIKS
- Origin: Greek
- Gender: Unisex
- Historical Significance: Greek goddess
- Popularity/Usage: Recognized
- Lucky Number: 9
117. Raven
- Meaning: Dark bird
- Pronunciation: RAY-ven
- Origin: English
- Gender: Unisex
- Historical Significance: Literary symbol
- Popularity/Usage: Popular
- Lucky Number: 6
118. Onyx
- Meaning: Dark gemstone
- Pronunciation: ON-iks
- Origin: Greek
- Gender: Unisex
- Historical Significance: Gemstone name
- Popularity/Usage: Modern
- Lucky Number: 8
119. Darcy
- Meaning: Dark one
- Pronunciation: DAR-see
- Origin: Irish Gaelic
- Gender: Unisex
- Historical Significance: Irish surname
- Popularity/Usage: Established
- Lucky Number: 3
120. Vesper
- Meaning: Evening
- Pronunciation: VES-per
- Origin: Latin
- Gender: Unisex
- Historical Significance: Evening prayer
- Popularity/Usage: Rare
- Lucky Number: 7
African Names That Mean Night
121. Usiku
- Meaning: Night
- Pronunciation: oo-SEE-koo
- Origin: Swahili
- Gender: Unisex
- Historical Significance: Swahili vocabulary
- Popularity/Usage: Rare as name
- Lucky Number: 4
122. Mwezi
- Meaning: Moon
- Pronunciation: MWEH-zee
- Origin: Swahili
- Gender: Unisex
- Historical Significance: Swahili vocabulary
- Popularity/Usage: Rare
- Lucky Number: 2
123. Nyota
- Meaning: Star
- Pronunciation: NYOH-tah
- Origin: Swahili
- Gender: Girl
- Historical Significance: Swahili vocabulary
- Popularity/Usage: Established
- Lucky Number: 6
124. Kivuli
- Meaning: Shadow
- Pronunciation: kee-VOO-lee
- Origin: Swahili
- Gender: Unisex
- Historical Significance: Swahili vocabulary
- Popularity/Usage: Rare
- Lucky Number: 8
125. Giza
- Meaning: Darkness
- Pronunciation: GEE-zah
- Origin: Swahili
- Gender: Unisex
- Historical Significance: Swahili vocabulary
- Popularity/Usage: Rare
- Lucky Number: 1
126. Alfajiri
- Meaning: Dawn
- Pronunciation: al-fah-JEE-ree
- Origin: Swahili
- Gender: Girl
- Historical Significance: Swahili vocabulary
- Popularity/Usage: Rare
- Lucky Number: 5
Egyptian Names That Mean Night
127. Nut
- Meaning: Sky goddess associated with night
- Pronunciation: NOOT
- Origin: Ancient Egyptian
- Gender: Girl
- Historical Significance: Egyptian sky goddess
- Popularity/Usage: Rare
- Lucky Number: 7
128. Khonsu
- Meaning: Moon god
- Pronunciation: KON-soo
- Origin: Ancient Egyptian
- Gender: Boy
- Historical Significance: Egyptian moon deity
- Popularity/Usage: Rare
- Lucky Number: 3
129. Thoth
- Meaning: God of wisdom, moon associated
- Pronunciation: THOTH
- Origin: Ancient Egyptian
- Gender: Boy
- Historical Significance: Egyptian deity
- Popularity/Usage: Rare
- Lucky Number: 9
130. Isis
- Meaning: Star goddess, night sky association
- Pronunciation: EYE-sis
- Origin: Ancient Egyptian
- Gender: Girl
- Historical Significance: Major Egyptian goddess
- Popularity/Usage: Established
- Lucky Number: 2
131. Geb
- Meaning: Earth god, night association
- Pronunciation: GEB
- Origin: Ancient Egyptian
- Gender: Boy
- Historical Significance: Egyptian deity
- Popularity/Usage: Rare
- Lucky Number: 6
132. Nut
- Meaning: Night sky
- Pronunciation: NOOT
- Origin: Ancient Egyptian
- Gender: Girl
- Historical Significance: Sky goddess
- Popularity/Usage: Rare
- Lucky Number: 4
Roman Names That Mean Night
133. Nox
- Meaning: Night
- Pronunciation: NOKS
- Origin: Latin
- Gender: Girl
- Historical Significance: Roman goddess of night
- Popularity/Usage: Rare
- Lucky Number: 9
134. Luna
- Meaning: Moon
- Pronunciation: LOO-nah
- Origin: Latin
- Gender: Girl
- Historical Significance: Roman moon goddess
- Popularity/Usage: Popular
- Lucky Number: 2
135. Diana
- Meaning: Moon goddess association
- Pronunciation: dy-AN-ah
- Origin: Latin
- Gender: Girl
- Historical Significance: Roman goddess
- Popularity/Usage: Established
- Lucky Number: 4
136. Vesper
- Meaning: Evening star
- Pronunciation: VES-per
- Origin: Latin
- Gender: Girl
- Historical Significance: Evening star
- Popularity/Usage: Rare
- Lucky Number: 6
137. Aurora
- Meaning: Dawn
- Pronunciation: aw-ROH-rah
- Origin: Latin
- Gender: Girl
- Historical Significance: Roman dawn goddess
- Popularity/Usage: Popular
- Lucky Number: 8
138. Somnus
- Meaning: Sleep
- Pronunciation: SOM-nus
- Origin: Latin
- Gender: Boy
- Historical Significance: Roman sleep deity
- Popularity/Usage: Rare
- Lucky Number: 1
Spanish Origin Names That Mean Night
139. Noche
- Meaning: Night
- Pronunciation: NO-cheh
- Origin: Spanish
- Gender: Girl
- Historical Significance: Spanish vocabulary
- Popularity/Usage: Rare as name
- Lucky Number: 4
140. Luna
- Meaning: Moon
- Pronunciation: LOO-nah
- Origin: Spanish/Latin
- Gender: Girl
- Historical Significance: Roman goddess
- Popularity/Usage: Popular
- Lucky Number: 2
141. Estrella
- Meaning: Star
- Pronunciation: es-TREH-yah
- Origin: Spanish
- Gender: Girl
- Historical Significance: Spanish vocabulary
- Popularity/Usage: Established
- Lucky Number: 6
142. Lucero
- Meaning: Morning star
- Pronunciation: loo-SEH-roh
- Origin: Spanish
- Gender: Unisex
- Historical Significance: Spanish vocabulary
- Popularity/Usage: Established
- Lucky Number: 8
143. Sombra
- Meaning: Shadow
- Pronunciation: SOM-brah
- Origin: Spanish
- Gender: Girl
- Historical Significance: Spanish vocabulary
- Popularity/Usage: Rare
- Lucky Number: 1
144. Nocturna
- Meaning: Nocturnal
- Pronunciation: nok-TOOR-nah
- Origin: Spanish
- Gender: Girl
- Historical Significance: Spanish vocabulary
- Popularity/Usage: Rare
- Lucky Number: 5
Modern & Creative Night-Inspired Names
These are contemporary or invented formations, distinct from historically established names.
145. Nyxara
- Meaning: Night-inspired creation
- Pronunciation: niks-AH-rah
- Origin: Modern invented
- Gender: Girl
- Historical Significance: None—contemporary
- Popularity/Usage: Rare
- Lucky Number: 9
146. Nyxon
- Meaning: Night-inspired creation
- Pronunciation: NIK-son
- Origin: Modern invented
- Gender: Boy
- Historical Significance: None
- Popularity/Usage: Rare
- Lucky Number: 3
147. Lailani
- Meaning: Heavenly night (modern blend)
- Pronunciation: ly-LAH-nee
- Origin: Modern invented
- Gender: Girl
- Historical Significance: None
- Popularity/Usage: Rare
- Lucky Number: 7
148. Noxley
- Meaning: Night meadow (modern)
- Pronunciation: NOKS-lee
- Origin: Modern invented
- Gender: Unisex
- Historical Significance: None
- Popularity/Usage: Very rare
- Lucky Number: 2
149. Nyxie
- Meaning: Night-inspired nickname
- Pronunciation: NIK-see
- Origin: Modern invented
- Gender: Girl
- Historical Significance: None
- Popularity/Usage: Rare
- Lucky Number: 5
150. Nocturna
- Meaning: Of the night
- Pronunciation: nok-TOOR-nah
- Origin: Modern from Latin
- Gender: Girl
- Historical Significance: None as name
- Popularity/Usage: Rare
- Lucky Number: 8
Rare & Unique Names That Mean Night
151. Charna
- Meaning: Night
- Pronunciation: CHAR-nah
- Origin: Yiddish
- Gender: Girl
- Historical Significance: Ashkenazi tradition
- Popularity/Usage: Rare
- Lucky Number: 5
152. Ratri
- Meaning: Night
- Pronunciation: RUH-tree
- Origin: Sanskrit
- Gender: Girl
- Historical Significance: Vedic goddess
- Popularity/Usage: Rare outside India
- Lucky Number: 6
153. Nott
- Meaning: Night
- Pronunciation: NOT
- Origin: Norse
- Gender: Girl
- Historical Significance: Norse goddess
- Popularity/Usage: Rare
- Lucky Number: 4
154. Erev
- Meaning: Evening
- Pronunciation: EH-rev
- Origin: Hebrew
- Gender: Boy
- Historical Significance: Hebrew vocabulary
- Popularity/Usage: Rare
- Lucky Number: 1
155. Usiku
- Meaning: Night
- Pronunciation: oo-SEE-koo
- Origin: Swahili
- Gender: Unisex
- Historical Significance: Swahili vocabulary
- Popularity/Usage: Rare
- Lucky Number: 7
156. Yoru
- Meaning: Night
- Pronunciation: YOH-roo
- Origin: Japanese
- Gender: Unisex
- Historical Significance: Japanese vocabulary
- Popularity/Usage: Rare
- Lucky Number: 3
How to Choose the Right Night-Inspired Name
Selecting the perfect night-themed name involves thoughtful consideration:
- Meaning: Decide whether you want a name that literally means night or one that evokes related concepts like moon, stars, or darkness
- Pronunciation: Practice saying the name aloud; consider how it flows with your surname
- Cultural Background: Honor your heritage by choosing names from relevant linguistic traditions
- Spelling: Consider whether you prefer traditional spellings or simplified versions
- Gender Usage: Many night names work beautifully for any gender; decide what feels right
- Family Heritage: Research names from your family’s cultural background for deeper meaning
- Compatibility: Ensure the name sounds harmonious with your last name
- Personal Significance: Choose a name that resonates with your own connection to night
- Established vs. Modern: Decide between traditional names with deep history or contemporary creations
Frequently Asked Questions About Names That Mean Night
Q. What is the most popular name that means night?
Ans: Layla (and its variants Lila, Laila) is among the most widely recognized and used names meaning “night,” particularly in Arabic-speaking communities and increasingly worldwide.
Q. Are there boy names that mean night?
Ans: Yes, several established boy names connect to night, including Ciaran (little dark one), Donovan (dark warrior), and Blake (dark). Some cultures use night-related words as unisex names.
Q. What Japanese name means night?
Ans: Yoru directly means “night” in Japanese. Yozora means “night sky.” These are uncommon as given names but are used.
Q. What is the Hebrew name for night?
Ans: Layla/Lilah is used in Hebrew and means night. Erev means “evening” in Hebrew.
Q. Can I use a night-themed name for any gender?
Ans: Absolutely. Many night names like Nyx, Blake, Raven, and Onyx work well for any gender. Cultural traditions vary, but modern naming practices are increasingly flexible.
Conclusion
Names that mean night offer a beautiful tapestry of options drawn from Arabic, Hebrew, Greek, Japanese, Irish, and countless other traditions. Whether you’re drawn to the classic elegance of Layla, the mythological power of Nyx, or the modern appeal of Luna, each name carries its own story and significance. Remember that some names literally mean “night,” while others connect through related concepts like moon, stars, or darkness. Take time to explore pronunciations, cultural backgrounds, and personal resonance. Readers who want to explore the etymology and historical usage of a particular name can also consult Behind the Name for additional background. Choose a name that feels authentic to your family’s story and brings meaning to your child’s journey.




