200 Names That Mean Night, Moon, Darkness, or Twilight

Night-inspired names feel mysterious without necessarily being gloomy. Some directly translate to night, while others mean moon, moonlight, darkness, shadow, twilight, or star.

There are also mythological names connected with the night sky, such as Nyx, Selene, Luna, Máni, and Nótt. Then there are modern word names like Midnight, Eclipse, Shadow, and Nocturne that create a nocturnal mood without being traditional personal names.

This guide separates those categories clearly so you can choose a name based on its actual meaning rather than trusting every dramatic baby-name list the internet managed to produce before breakfast.

Quick Answer: What Names Mean Night?

Names that directly mean or strongly relate to night include:

• Layla: Night
• Nisha: Night
• Nyx: Night
• Nox: Night
• Rajani: Dark or night
• Ratri: Night
• Nótt: Night
• Chausiku: Born at night
• Otieno: Born at night
• Atieno: Feminine form of Otieno
• Isra: Nocturnal journey
• Nishith: Midnight
• Esmeray: Dark moon
• Sandhya: Twilight

Layla comes from Arabic, Nisha and Rajani have Sanskrit roots, Nyx is Greek, and Nox is Latin. Chausiku is a Swahili name for someone born at night, while Otieno carries that meaning in Luo.

Meaning Accuracy Note

Not every name in this article literally translates to “night.”

The lists are divided into three types:

1. Direct-meaning names translate to night, moon, darkness, twilight, shadow, or a related idea.
2. Associated names belong to mythological figures, stars, constellations, or deities connected with the night sky.
3. Modern thematic names create a dark or celestial feeling but may not be established traditional given names.

Japanese names can also have different meanings depending on the kanji used. For example, Mitsuki can be written with characters meaning “beautiful moon,” but other kanji combinations create different meanings.

Also check: 250+ Names That Mean Dark

Girl Names That Mean Night or Darkness

1. Layla

Origin: Arabic
Meaning: Night

Layla is one of the most familiar names with a direct nighttime meaning. It has several international spellings and a romantic literary history.

2. Laila

Origin: Arabic and Urdu
Meaning: Night

Laila is a common variant of Layla with the same nocturnal meaning.

3. Leila

Origin: Persian and Arabic
Meaning: Night

Leila is especially familiar in Persian and European usage.

4. Leyla

Origin: Turkish and Azerbaijani
Meaning: Night

Leyla is the usual Turkish and Azerbaijani form of the name.

5. Lejla

Origin: Bosnian
Meaning: Night

Lejla offers a distinctive spelling while preserving the meaning of Layla.

6. Nisha

Origin: Sanskrit
Meaning: Night

Nisha is a graceful and straightforward choice found across several South Asian languages.

7. Rajani

Origin: Sanskrit
Meaning: Dark or night

Rajani can be feminine or masculine, although it is commonly used as a girl’s name.

8. Nyx

Origin: Greek
Meaning: Night

Nyx was the Greek goddess and personification of night. It is one of the shortest and boldest mythological choices in this collection.

9. Nox

Origin: Latin and Roman mythology
Meaning: Night

Nox is the Roman equivalent of Nyx. It has a sleek, modern sound despite its ancient origin.

10. Chausiku

Origin: Swahili
Meaning: Born at night

Chausiku is particularly meaningful for a baby born after sunset.

11. Atieno

Origin: Luo
Meaning: Born at night

Atieno is the feminine form connected with Otieno.

12. Miyako

Origin: Japanese
Meaning: Beautiful night child

When written with the relevant kanji, Miyako combines elements meaning beautiful, night, and child. Other kanji combinations are also possible.

13. Lilith

Origin: Akkadian and Semitic mythology
Meaning: Of the night

Lilith comes from an Akkadian term connected with the night. It also carries complicated mythological and religious associations, so its history deserves consideration before use.

14. Sandhya

Origin: Sanskrit
Meaning: Twilight

Sandhya represents the meeting point between day and night.

15. Twila

Origin: English
Meaning: Uncertain, possibly twilight or star

Twila may have developed from the word “twilight” or from a regional pronunciation of the French word for star. Its exact origin is uncertain.

16. Twyla

Origin: English
Meaning: Variant of Twila

Twyla carries the same mysterious evening atmosphere as Twila.

17. Achlys

Origin: Greek mythology
Meaning: Mist or darkness

Achlys was a figure associated with darkness, death, and sorrow in Greek mythology.

18. Melaina

Origin: Greek
Meaning: Black or dark

Melaina was also the name of a nymph in Greek mythology.

19. Melanie

Origin: Greek through French and Latin
Meaning: Black or dark

Melanie comes from the same Greek root as Melaina, although its everyday style feels softer and more familiar.

20. Ciara

Origin: Irish
Meaning: Dark or black

Ciara is connected with the Old Irish element ciar, meaning dark or black.

21. Ciar

Origin: Old Irish
Meaning: Black or dark

Ciar is an ancient unisex option with a compact, powerful sound.

22. Kelaino

Origin: Greek mythology
Meaning: Black, dark, or murky

Kelaino was used for several figures in Greek mythology, including one of the Pleiades.

23. Celaeno

Origin: Greek mythology, Latinized
Meaning: Black, dark, or murky

Celaeno is the Latinized form of Kelaino.

24. Gadise

Origin: Oromo
Meaning: Shade or shadow

Gadise is the feminine form of Gadisa.

25. Senka

Origin: Serbian and Croatian
Meaning: Shadow or shade

Senka is short, uncommon, and directly connected with shadow.

26. Scáthach

Origin: Irish mythology
Meaning: Shadowy

Scáthach was a legendary warrior woman and martial teacher in Irish tradition.

27. Shahla

Origin: Arabic and Persian
Meaning: Dark blue

The name historically referred to dark blue or strikingly colored eyes.

28. Nila

Origin: Sanskrit
Meaning: Dark blue

Nila has a calm, night-sky color association.

29. Nilima

Origin: Sanskrit
Meaning: Dark blue or blueness

Nilima is a longer, lyrical option related to Nila.

30. Itzal

Origin: Basque
Meaning: Shadow or protection

Itzal is a rare Basque choice that works especially well for parents seeking something unusual and gender-neutral.

These direct night and darkness meanings are supported by linguistic entries covering Layla, Nisha, Nyx, Nox, Rajani, Achlys, Melaina, Ciara, Senka, Itzal, and related forms.

Boy Names That Mean Night or Darkness

31. Otieno

Origin: Luo
Meaning: Born at night

Otieno is one of the clearest male names associated with nighttime birth.

32. Orpheus

Origin: Greek mythology
Meaning: Possibly darkness of night

The exact origin is uncertain, but the name may connect with a Greek word for nighttime darkness.

33. Summanus

Origin: Roman mythology
Meaning: Before morning

Summanus was the Roman god associated with nocturnal thunder and the night sky.

34. Shalim

Origin: Semitic mythology
Meaning: Peace

Although its literal meaning is peace, Shalim was an ancient god associated with dusk and evening.

35. Aatto

Origin: Finnish
Meaning: Eve or evening before

Aatto refers to the evening or day before an important celebration.

36. Nishant

Origin: Sanskrit
Meaning: Night’s end or dawn

Nishant symbolizes darkness ending and a new beginning arriving.

37. Erebus

Origin: Greek mythology
Meaning: Nether darkness

Erebus was the personification of primordial darkness.

38. Erebos

Origin: Greek mythology
Meaning: Nether darkness

Erebos is the Greek form of Erebus.

39. Adham

Origin: Arabic
Meaning: Dark or black

Adham is a strong and established masculine name.

40. Feardorcha

Origin: Irish
Meaning: Dark man

This rare Irish name combines elements meaning man and dark.

41. Gadisa

Origin: Oromo
Meaning: Shade or shadow

Gadisa has a gentle sound despite its shadowy meaning.

42. Krishna

Origin: Sanskrit
Meaning: Black or dark

Krishna is also the name of one of the most important Hindu deities.

43. Shyamal

Origin: Sanskrit
Meaning: Dark, black, or blue

Shyamal evokes deep blue and black coloring.

44. Melanthios

Origin: Ancient Greek
Meaning: Dark flower

The name combines Greek elements for dark and flower.

45. Pelops

Origin: Greek mythology
Meaning: Dark face

Pelops was a king in Greek mythology.

46. Gethin

Origin: Welsh
Meaning: Dark-skinned or swarthy

Gethin is an established Welsh masculine name.

47. Duff

Origin: Scottish and Irish
Meaning: Dark

Duff comes from a Gaelic word for dark or black.

48. Kara

Origin: Ottoman Turkish
Meaning: Black or dark

As an old masculine byname, Kara could also carry figurative associations with courage.

49. Colby

Origin: English and Old Norse
Meaning: Coal-dark settlement

Colby developed from a place name containing a byname associated with coal or darkness.

50. Jett

Origin: English
Meaning: Intense black

Jett comes from the word “jet,” referring to a deep black material or color.

51. Cole

Origin: English
Meaning: Possibly charcoal or dark

Cole may come from an old byname associated with charcoal or dark coloring.

52. Corbin

Origin: French and English
Meaning: Raven

The surname originally referred to a raven or, in some cases, someone with dark hair.

53. Kiwa

Origin: Māori
Meaning: Dark

Kiwa is also associated with a guardian figure of the ocean in Polynesian mythology.

54. Nishith

Origin: Sanskrit
Meaning: Midnight

Nishith is a powerful choice for a boy born around midnight.

55. Ciarán

Origin: Irish
Meaning: Little dark one

Ciarán comes from the Irish element ciar, meaning dark or black.

56. Kieran

Origin: Irish
Meaning: Little dark one

Kieran is the familiar Anglicized form of Ciarán.

57. Dougal

Origin: Scottish Gaelic
Meaning: Dark stranger

Dougal has a traditional, rugged Scottish sound.

58. Douglas

Origin: Scottish Gaelic
Meaning: Dark river

Douglas developed from a Scottish place name combining words for dark and water.

59. Blake

Origin: Old English
Meaning: Black or pale

Blake has two possible and almost opposite Old English sources, so its exact original meaning can be ambiguous.

60. Dubhán

Origin: Irish
Meaning: Little dark one

Dubhán comes from an Irish element meaning dark or black combined with a diminutive ending.

Girl Names That Mean Moon or Moonlight

61. Luna

Origin: Latin
Meaning: Moon

Luna was also the Roman personification and goddess of the moon.

62. Selene

Origin: Greek
Meaning: Moon

Selene was the Greek goddess and direct personification of the moon, while Luna was her Roman equivalent.

63. Ayla

Origin: Turkish
Meaning: Moonlight or halo around the moon

Ayla is short, soft, and easy to use internationally.

64. Aylin

Origin: Turkish and Azerbaijani
Meaning: Derived from the word for moon

Aylin is an elaborated form based on the Turkic element ay, meaning moon.

65. Aynur

Origin: Turkish, Azerbaijani, and Uyghur
Meaning: Moonlight

Aynur combines the words for moon and light.

66. Aysel

Origin: Turkish and Azerbaijani
Meaning: Pure or beautiful moon

Aysel feels delicate while remaining distinctive.

67. Aydan

Origin: Turkish and Azerbaijani
Meaning: From the moon

Aydan may be used as a feminine name in its traditional context.

68. Aysu

Origin: Turkish and Azerbaijani
Meaning: Moon water

Aysu combines two natural images: moon and water.

69. Aygül

Origin: Turkish and related languages
Meaning: Moon rose

The name combines the Turkic word for moon with a Persian word for rose.

70. Aizere

Origin: Kazakh
Meaning: Golden moon

Aizere is rare, elegant, and visually striking.

71. Altynai

Origin: Kazakh and Kyrgyz
Meaning: Golden moon

Altynai combines words for gold and moon.

72. Mahsa

Origin: Persian
Meaning: Like the moon

Mahsa is a compact Persian name with a luminous meaning.

73. Mahtab

Origin: Persian
Meaning: Moonlight

Mahtab may be used for girls and boys in different communities.

74. Menodora

Origin: Ancient Greek
Meaning: Gift of the moon

Menodora combines Greek elements for moon and gift.

75. Chantrea

Origin: Khmer
Meaning: Moonlight

Chantrea is an uncommon but graceful lunar choice.

76. Channary

Origin: Khmer
Meaning: Moon-faced girl

The name traditionally compares a girl’s face with the moon.

77. Mitsuki

Origin: Japanese
Meaning: Beautiful moon

This meaning applies when Mitsuki is written with the kanji for beautiful and moon. Other written forms can produce other meanings.

78. Tsukiko

Origin: Japanese
Meaning: Moon child

Tsukiko combines the Japanese words for moon and child, although other kanji combinations remain possible.

79. Kamaria

Origin: Comorian and Arabic-rooted
Meaning: Moon

Kamaria comes from the Arabic word qamar, meaning moon.

80. Qamar

Origin: Arabic
Meaning: Moon

Qamar can be used for different genders depending on regional naming traditions.

81. Badr

Origin: Arabic
Meaning: Full moon

Badr is commonly masculine but can also appear as a feminine name.

82. Budur

Origin: Arabic
Meaning: Full moons

Budur is the plural form connected with Badr.

83. Bulan

Origin: Indonesian
Meaning: Moon

Bulan also means month in Indonesian.

84. Chandra

Origin: Sanskrit
Meaning: Moon or shining

Chandra is traditionally connected with the Hindu lunar deity and can be used across genders.

85. Lusine

Origin: Armenian
Meaning: Moon

Lusine is an established Armenian feminine name directly derived from the Armenian word for moon.

86. Lucine

Origin: Armenian
Meaning: Moon

Lucine is a variant spelling of Lusine.

87. Feray

Origin: Turkish and Persian-rooted
Meaning: Splendor of the moon

Feray combines brilliance or splendor with the Turkish word for moon.

88. Gülay

Origin: Turkish and Azerbaijani
Meaning: Rose moon

Gülay blends floral and celestial imagery.

89. Aysima

Origin: Turkish
Meaning: Moon face

Aysima is another name comparing beauty with the face of the moon.

90. Mahnaz

Origin: Persian
Meaning: Moon delight or moon charm

Mahnaz combines the Persian elements for moon and delight.

91. Meztli

Origin: Nahuatl mythology
Meaning: Moon

Meztli is associated with an Aztec or Toltec lunar deity.

92. Metztli

Origin: Nahuatl mythology
Meaning: Moon

Metztli is another form of Meztli.

93. Ayça

Origin: Turkish
Meaning: Like the moon

Ayça is associated particularly with the crescent shape of the moon.

94. Aikörkem

Origin: Kazakh
Meaning: Elegant moon

This distinctive Kazakh choice combines moon with beauty or elegance.

95. Esmeray

Origin: Turkish
Meaning: Dark moon

Esmeray combines Turkish esmer, meaning dark or brunette, with ay, meaning moon. It is one of the strongest answers for a girl’s name meaning “dark moon.”

Detailed lunar-name references document meanings such as moon, full moon, golden moon, moonlight, moon child, moon water, and gift of the moon across Turkic, Arabic, Persian, Sanskrit, Japanese, Armenian, and Khmer naming traditions.

Boy Names That Mean Moon and Mythological Lunar Names

The first names in this section have direct moon-related meanings. Later entries are mythological figures associated with the moon rather than names that literally translate to moon.

96. Máni

Origin: Norse mythology
Meaning: Moon

Máni was the male personification of the moon in Norse mythology.

97. Khonsu

Origin: Egyptian mythology
Connection: Moon god

Khonsu was an ancient Egyptian lunar deity.

98. Sin

Origin: Mesopotamian mythology
Connection: Moon god

Sin was an important Mesopotamian lunar deity.

99. Arma

Origin: Hittite and Luwian
Meaning: Moon

Arma was also the name of a lunar god.

100. Aibek

Origin: Kazakh and Kyrgyz
Meaning: Moon lord or moon chief

Aibek combines the Turkic element for moon with a title meaning lord or leader.

101. Ayberk

Origin: Turkish
Meaning: Mighty or firm moon

Ayberk has a strong, modern sound.

102. Ayhan

Origin: Turkish
Meaning: Moon ruler

The second element relates to a khan, ruler, or leader.

103. Aykut

Origin: Turkish
Meaning: Moon luck or fortunate moon

Aykut combines moon with good fortune.

104. Aitöre

Origin: Kazakh
Meaning: Moon nobleman

The name combines the moon with a title for a noble or lord.

105. Aysultan

Origin: Kazakh
Meaning: Moon sultan or moon king

Aysultan is bold without abandoning its celestial meaning.

106. Hilal

Origin: Arabic and Turkish
Meaning: Crescent moon

Hilal is typically masculine in Arabic usage and feminine in Turkish usage.

107. Koray

Origin: Turkish
Meaning: Ember moon

Koray combines kor, meaning ember, with ay, meaning moon.

108. Chandrakant

Origin: Sanskrit
Meaning: Beloved by the moon

The name is also connected with the moonstone.

109. Chandrashekhar

Origin: Sanskrit
Meaning: Crowned with the moon

Chandrashekhar is an epithet connected with the Hindu god Shiva.

110. Menophilos

Origin: Ancient Greek
Meaning: Friend of the moon

This rare historical name combines Greek elements for moon and friend.

111. Berkay

Origin: Turkish
Meaning: Firm or mighty moon

Berkay reverses the elements found in Ayberk.

112. Aybars

Origin: Turkish
Meaning: Possibly moon leopard

Aybars combines the element for moon with a Turkic word associated with a leopard.

113. Eray

Origin: Turkish
Meaning: Moon man or moon soldier

Eray joins the words for man or soldier and moon.

114. Kutay

Origin: Turkish
Meaning: Blessed or fortunate moon

Kutay combines good fortune or sacred blessing with the moon.

115. Endymion

Origin: Greek mythology
Connection: Beloved of Selene

Endymion does not mean moon, but his mythology is closely connected with Selene.

116. Artemis

Origin: Greek mythology
Connection: Moon goddess association

The meaning of Artemis is uncertain. She later became strongly associated with the moon, but Selene was its direct personification.

117. Diana

Origin: Roman mythology
Connection: Moon goddess association

Diana was associated with the moon, hunting, and the wilderness.

118. Cynthia

Origin: Greek
Connection: Epithet of Artemis

Cynthia originally referred to Mount Cynthus, traditionally associated with Artemis’s birth.

119. Phoebe

Origin: Greek
Meaning: Bright or radiant

Phoebe became associated with Artemis and lunar imagery, although it does not directly translate to moon.

120. Delia

Origin: Greek
Connection: Epithet of Artemis

Delia refers to the island of Delos and became another title associated with Artemis.

121. Hecate

Origin: Greek mythology
Connection: Night, crossroads, magic, and the moon

Hecate has strong nocturnal and lunar associations, although her name’s exact meaning is uncertain.

122. Arianrhod

Origin: Welsh mythology
Meaning: Silver wheel

Arianrhod has sometimes been interpreted as a lunar figure, although that association is not universally accepted.

123. Awilix

Origin: Mayan mythology
Connection: Moon, night, and death goddess

The name’s linguistic origin is uncertain, but its mythological nighttime association is strong.

124. Nut

Origin: Egyptian mythology
Connection: Sky and night goddess

Nut was often depicted arching over the earth as the sky.

125. Soma

Origin: Sanskrit and Hindu tradition
Connection: Moon deity

Soma can refer to a sacred ritual drink and to a deity identified with the moon.

Mythological moon names should not automatically be described as names that literally “mean moon.” Selene and Luna personify the moon, while Artemis, Diana, Cynthia, Phoebe, and Hecate are connected through later religious or mythological associations.

Names That Mean Star or Relate to the Night Sky

126. Orion

Origin: Greek mythology and astronomy
Connection: Constellation

Orion is one of the most recognizable constellations in the night sky.

127. Lyra

Origin: Greek and astronomy
Connection: Constellation

Lyra is named after the lyre, a stringed musical instrument.

128. Vega

Origin: Arabic-rooted astronomical name
Connection: Bright star in Lyra

Vega is one of the brightest stars visible from Earth.

129. Altair

Origin: Arabic-rooted astronomical name
Connection: Bright star in Aquila

Altair has a sleek, modern sound despite its long astronomical history.

130. Astra

Origin: Greek-rooted modern English
Meaning: Star

Astra is rare but simple and immediately celestial.

131. Astraea

Origin: Greek mythology
Meaning: Star

Astraea was a goddess associated with justice and later with the constellation Virgo.

132. Asteria

Origin: Greek mythology
Connection: Stars

Asteria was a Titan goddess linked with stars and nocturnal prophecy.

133. Asterius

Origin: Ancient Greek
Meaning: Starry

Asterius was used by several figures in Greek history and mythology.

134. Stella

Origin: Latin
Meaning: Star

Stella remains one of the most familiar celestial names.

135. Estelle

Origin: French and Latin
Meaning: Star

Estelle offers a classic alternative to Stella.

136. Seren

Origin: Welsh
Meaning: Star

Seren is concise, gentle, and directly celestial.

137. Tara

Origin: Sanskrit
Meaning: Star

Tara also has separate origins and meanings in Irish and other naming traditions.

138. Hoshi

Origin: Japanese
Meaning: Star

The meaning applies when written with the kanji for star.

139. Hoshiko

Origin: Japanese
Meaning: Star child

Other kanji combinations may also be possible.

140. Izar

Origin: Basque
Meaning: Star

Izar is short and uncommon with a verified celestial meaning.

141. Citlalli

Origin: Nahuatl
Meaning: Star

Citlalli has a distinctive rhythm and Indigenous Mexican origin.

142. Naledi

Origin: Tswana and Sotho
Meaning: Star

Naledi is used in southern Africa.

143. Akhtar

Origin: Persian, Urdu, and Bengali
Meaning: Star

Akhtar may be used across genders.

144. Najma

Origin: Arabic
Meaning: Star

Najma is the feminine form connected with the Arabic word for star.

145. Najm

Origin: Arabic
Meaning: Star

Najm is a direct and compact masculine choice.

146. Shihab

Origin: Arabic
Meaning: Shooting star or meteor

Shihab creates a more energetic celestial image than names meaning a fixed star.

147. Lucero

Origin: Spanish
Meaning: Bright star or source of light

Lucero is used for different genders in Spanish-speaking communities.

148. Sterre

Origin: Dutch
Meaning: Star

Sterre is directly derived from the Dutch word for star.

149. Ülker

Origin: Turkish
Meaning: The Pleiades

The Pleiades is a recognizable star cluster often known as the Seven Sisters.

150. Ülkər

Origin: Azerbaijani
Meaning: The Pleiades

Ülkər is the Azerbaijani form.

151. Danica

Origin: Slavic
Meaning: Morning star

Danica is technically connected with dawn rather than the darkness of midnight, but it belongs naturally within celestial naming.

152. Celeste

Origin: Latin
Meaning: Heavenly

Celeste describes something belonging to the heavens or sky.

153. Caelus

Origin: Latin and Roman mythology
Meaning: Sky or heaven

Caelus was the Roman personification of the sky.

154. Nova

Origin: Latin and astronomy
Meaning: New

In astronomy, a nova is a star that suddenly becomes dramatically brighter before fading.

155. Aster

Origin: Greek
Meaning: Star

Aster is also the name of a flower, giving it both botanical and celestial appeal.

Star-related meanings such as Astra, Asterius, Hoshi, Hoshiko, Izar, Citlalli, Naledi, Akhtar, Shihab, Sterre, and Ülker are documented across numerous language traditions.

Names That Mean Twilight, Evening, or Midnight

156. Vesper

Origin: Latin
Meaning: Evening

Vesper is elegant, uncommon, and strongly associated with the arrival of night.

157. Vespera

Origin: Latin-inspired
Meaning: Evening

Vespera is a feminine elaboration rather than a common classical Roman personal name.

158. Hesper

Origin: Greek
Meaning: Evening or evening star

Hesper is a concise celestial option.

159. Hesperos

Origin: Greek mythology
Meaning: Evening star

Hesperos personified the evening star.

160. Dusk

Origin: English word name
Meaning: The darker stage of twilight

Dusk is better suited to a fictional character, pet, or middle name than a conventional legal first name.

161. Twilight

Origin: English word name
Meaning: The light between day and darkness

Twilight is atmospheric but highly unconventional.

162. Midnight

Origin: English word name
Meaning: The middle of the night

Midnight works naturally for a pet, horse, fictional character, or creative alias.

163. Noctis

Origin: Latin-inspired
Meaning: Of the night

Noctis is a Latin grammatical form rather than a traditional Roman given name. It is best treated as a modern or fictional name.

164. Nocturne

Origin: French and musical terminology
Meaning: A musical composition inspired by night

Nocturne is more suitable for creative naming than everyday traditional use.

165. Ratri

Origin: Sanskrit and Hindu mythology
Meaning: Night

Ratri was also the divine personification of night.

166. Nótt

Origin: Old Norse mythology
Meaning: Night

Nótt was the Norse personification of night.

167. Breksta

Origin: Lithuanian mythology
Connection: Twilight and dreams

Breksta was associated with the period between sunset and sunrise.

168. Vakarė

Origin: Lithuanian
Connection: Evening star

Vakarė offers a softer alternative to Vesper.

169. Hine-nui-te-pō

Origin: Māori mythology
Meaning: Great woman of the night

This is the name of an important mythological figure associated with night and the underworld.

170. Nishitha

Origin: Sanskrit
Meaning: Night or midnight

Nishitha is a lyrical feminine option.

171. Nishita

Origin: Sanskrit
Meaning: Night

Meanings and spellings may vary by transliteration.

172. Yamini

Origin: Sanskrit
Meaning: Night

Yamini is a recognized feminine name with a direct nocturnal meaning.

173. Yoru

Origin: Japanese word
Meaning: Night

Yoru is the Japanese word for night, but it is better treated as a creative word name unless its cultural use has been carefully checked.

174. Yami

Origin: Japanese word
Meaning: Darkness

Like Yoru, Yami creates a strong fictional or gaming name but is not necessarily a conventional Japanese given name.

175. Umbra

Origin: Latin word
Meaning: Shadow

Umbra is used in English for the darkest central portion of a shadow, particularly during an eclipse.

Gothic and Dark Names

These names do not all literally mean night or darkness. They fit a gothic aesthetic through color, literature, mythology, nature, or underworld associations.

176. Raven

A dark bird associated with mystery, folklore, and intelligence.

177. Onyx

A gemstone name strongly associated with black coloring.

178. Sable

A word describing deep black and the dark fur of the sable animal.

179. Ebony

A dark hardwood and a familiar word for deep black coloring.

180. Obsidian

A naturally occurring volcanic glass, typically appearing black or very dark.

181. Salem

Salem ultimately relates to peace, not darkness, but its historical and popular-culture associations give it a gothic atmosphere.

182. Belladonna

An Italian word meaning “beautiful lady” and the name of a poisonous plant.

183. Morrigan

A powerful figure from Irish mythology associated with war, fate, sovereignty, and death.

184. Persephone

The Greek goddess who became queen of the underworld.

185. Hades

A Greek mythological name associated with the god and realm of the underworld. Its original meaning is connected with being unseen.

186. Styx

The name of an underworld river and goddess in Greek mythology.

187. Thanatos

The Greek personification of death.

188. Draven

A modern name with a dark, dramatic sound. Its claimed ancient meanings are often unreliable, so it is safest to describe it as a modern literary-style creation.

189. Elvira

A traditional name whose exact early etymology is debated. Its gothic reputation comes largely from later cultural associations.

190. Lenore

A literary and gothic-sounding form related to Eleanor.

191. Poe

A surname name strongly associated with gothic writer Edgar Allan Poe.

192. Caligo

A Latin-inspired creative name based on a word for mist, gloom, or darkness.

193. Acheron

One of the rivers connected with the Greek underworld.

194. Circe

A powerful enchantress from Greek mythology.

195. Tenebra

A creative name inspired by Latin words for darkness or shadow. It should not be presented as a widely established traditional first name.

Modern Unisex Night-Themed Names

196. Eclipse

A dramatic celestial word name connected with temporary obscuring of the sun or moon.

197. Moon

A direct nature name with a peaceful nocturnal image.

198. Shadow

A modern word name with a mysterious, gender-neutral feeling.

199. Starling

A bird name containing the familiar sound of “star.”

200. Nightingale

A bird celebrated for singing at night, making it poetic without directly meaning darkness.

Best Night Names by Style

Soft and Romantic

• Layla
• Leila
• Luna
• Selene
• Ayla
• Lusine
• Mahtab
• Seren
• Aylin
• Estelle

Rare but Wearable

• Esmeray
• Aizere
• Chantrea
• Menodora
• Itzal
• Chausiku
• Senka
• Koray
• Aikörkem
• Vakarė

Short Night Names

• Nyx
• Nox
• Moon
• Nila
• Ciar
• Jett
• Hoshi
• Izar
• Tara
• Astra

Strong Boy Names

• Otieno
• Nishith
• Erebus
• Adham
• Ciarán
• Kieran
• Koray
• Ayberk
• Orion
• Shihab

Gothic Girl Names

• Nyx
• Raven
• Lenore
• Vesper
• Salem
• Onyx
• Lilith
• Belladonna
• Persephone
• Esmeray

Celestial Unisex Names

• Chandra
• Qamar
• Hilal
• Akhtar
• Lucero
• Izar
• Nova
• Aster
• Eclipse
• Moon

How to Choose the Right Night-Themed Name

Check Whether the Meaning Is Direct or Symbolic

Layla directly means night. Orion does not mean night; it is a constellation visible in the night sky.

Both can fit the same theme, but the distinction matters when meaning is your main reason for choosing the name.

Research Cultural Context

Names such as Isra, Krishna, Lilith, Hine-nui-te-pō, and Chandra have religious, mythological, or cultural importance beyond their dictionary meanings.

Learn how the name is understood by people from its culture before using it merely because it looks attractive on a list.

Confirm the Correct Written Form

Accents and special characters can affect pronunciation and meaning. Examples include:

• Nótt
• Ciarán
• Scáthach
• Ülker
• Ülkər
• Vakarė

You may choose an Anglicized spelling, but it is helpful to understand the original form first.

Consider Everyday Pronunciation

A rare name may be beautiful while still requiring frequent explanation.

Test the name by saying it with the intended surname and using it in ordinary sentences:

• “This is Esmeray.”
• “Otieno starts school today.”
• “Please call Vesper.”
• “Lusine will join us later.”

Avoid Treating Mythological Association as Literal Meaning

Artemis is associated with the moon, but her name does not directly translate to moon.

Arianrhod means something closer to silver wheel, although she is sometimes interpreted as a lunar figure.

Accurate wording builds trust and prevents a meaningful choice from resting on an invented translation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What names represent night?

Names that directly represent night include Layla, Nisha, Nyx, Nox, Rajani, Ratri, Nótt, Chausiku, and Otieno.

Other names that evoke nighttime through the moon, stars, or twilight include Luna, Selene, Vesper, Orion, Lyra, Stella, Esmeray, and Sandhya.

What names mean dark or night?

Names with meanings connected with darkness or night include:

• Layla: Night
• Rajani: Dark or night
• Nyx: Night
• Nox: Night
• Achlys: Mist or darkness
• Erebus: Nether darkness
• Melaina: Black or dark
• Adham: Dark or black
• Ciara: Dark or black
• Senka: Shadow
• Itzal: Shadow
• Nila: Dark blue

What girl name means dark moon?

Esmeray is a Turkish girl’s name meaning “dark moon.” It combines esmer, meaning dark or brunette, with ay, meaning moon.

Other moody lunar choices include Aizere, meaning golden moon; Koray, meaning ember moon; and Mahtab, meaning moonlight.

What Greek name means night?

Nyx is the Greek name that directly means “night.” In Greek mythology, Nyx was the primordial goddess and personification of night.

The Roman equivalent is Nox, which also means night.

What names mean moonlight?

Names that mean moonlight include:

• Ayla: Moonlight or lunar halo
• Aynur: Moonlight
• Mahtab: Moonlight
• Chantrea: Moonlight
• Tsukiko: Moon child
• Menodora: Gift of the moon
• Lusine: Moon

What is a good gothic name?

Strong gothic options include Nyx, Raven, Lenore, Vesper, Onyx, Salem, Lilith, Belladonna, Persephone, and Umbra.

Nyx works well for an ancient mythological style, Lenore has a literary feeling, while Onyx, Raven, and Umbra create a darker modern look.

What is a cool dark name?

Cool dark names include Erebus, Nyx, Nox, Onyx, Sable, Umbra, Jett, Senka, Itzal, and Adham.

For a name that feels dark without sounding threatening, consider Nila, Ciara, Kieran, Vesper, or Esmeray.

What is an emo name for a girl?

Names frequently suited to an emo or alternative aesthetic include Raven, Lenore, Nyx, Vesper, Onyx, Salem, Lilith, Sable, Luna, and Shadow.

The style comes more from cultural and visual associations than literal name meanings.

What is a rare but pretty girl name?

Rare but attractive options include:

• Lusine: Moon
• Aizere: Golden moon
• Menodora: Gift of the moon
• Esmeray: Dark moon
• Chantrea: Moonlight
• Aikörkem: Elegant moon
• Miyako: Beautiful night child
• Senka: Shadow
• Chausiku: Born at night
• Vakarė: Evening star

What boy name means night?

Otieno means born at night, Nishith means midnight, and Orpheus may relate to the darkness of night.

Other masculine choices include Summanus, associated with the night sky; Nishant, meaning night’s end; and Erebus, meaning nether darkness.

What names mean midnight?

Nishith is a Sanskrit masculine name meaning midnight. Nishitha is a feminine form associated with night or midnight.

Midnight itself can also be used as a modern English word name, particularly for pets, fictional characters, or creative aliases.

What names mean twilight?

Sandhya directly means twilight in Sanskrit.

Other evening-related options include Vesper, Hesper, Hesperos, Breksta, Twila, Twyla, and Vakarė. Twila’s exact origin is uncertain, although it is often associated with twilight or stars.

What names mean shadow or darkness?

Names connected with shadow include Senka, Gadisa, Gadise, Scáthach, Itzal, Umbra, and Shadow.

Names more directly associated with darkness include Achlys, Erebus, Adham, Melaina, Ciara, Ciar, and Krishna.

Conclusion

A night-inspired name does not need to sound harsh or gloomy. Layla, Luna, Selene, Ayla, Lusine, and Seren feel gentle and luminous, while Nyx, Nox, Erebus, Onyx, and Umbra create a bolder atmosphere.

For a direct meaning, begin with Layla, Nisha, Nyx, Nox, Rajani, Ratri, Chausiku, or Otieno.

For moonlight, consider Ayla, Aynur, Mahtab, Chantrea, or Lusine.

For something rare and mysterious, Esmeray, Aizere, Menodora, Senka, Itzal, Nishith, and Vesper stand out without relying on an entirely invented origin story.

Choose the name whose sound, meaning, cultural background, and everyday usability all feel right. A name may begin with the night, but its bearer has to carry it through every part of the day.