If you’ve been reading this blog for a while, you’ll know that I love to look into names and their meanings. Today, we’re focusing on names that mean night for both boys and girls.
In this article, you’ll find names that mean night or somehow convey the essence of night time.
The popularity of names that mean night
Night-themed names have recently surged in popularity, driven by their unique and meaningful qualities. Inspired by the night sky and celestial elements, these names, like Luna and Aurora, resonate with parents who want distinctive names.
RELATED: Incredible Female Star Names and their Cool Meanings
The trend is fueled by popular culture, the internet, and social media, making night-themed names accessible and widely adopted across various cultures.
Interestingly, one of the things that people want to know most about names that mean night, according to Google, is which Greek name means night.
What Greek name means night?
The Greek name that means night is Nyx.
Nyx is also the name of the ancient Greek goddess of the night in Greek mythology. She is the personification of the night and is often depicted as a powerful and enigmatic goddess who brings darkness and shadows as night falls.
Names for Boys that mean night

- Blake – Of English origin, it means “dark” or “dark-haired.” Indirectly related to the concept of night.
- Darcel – Of French origin, it means “dark.” Indirectly related to darkness and, by extension, the night.
- Duff – Of Scottish and Irish origin, it means “dark” or “swarthy.” Indirectly related to the concept of night.
- Nishant – Of Indian origin (Sanskrit), it means “end of night” or “dawn.” Directly related to the concept of nighttime and the transition to day.
- Otieno – Of Luo origin in Kenya, it means “born at night.” It has a direct association with nighttime.
- Rajnish – Of Indian origin (Sanskrit), it means “lord of the night.” It has a direct connection to the concept of nighttime.
10 Names for Girls names that mean night

- Layla
- Origin: Arabic
- Meaning: “Night” or “Dark Beauty”
- Variations/Nicknames: Leila, Laila, Laylah, Lyla, Lay, Laylee, Lally
- Selene
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: “Moon” or “Goddess of the Moon”
- Variations/Nicknames: Selena, Celine, Selina, Lena, Seli, Moon
- Stella
- Origin: Latin
- Meaning: “Star” or “Star of the Night”
- Variations/Nicknames: Estella, Estelle, Stellina, Star, Starry
- Nisha
- Origin: Sanskrit (Indian)
- Meaning: “Night” or “Darkness”
- Variations/Nicknames: Nishi, Nishita, Nishka, Nishe, Nishu
- Yami
- Origin: Sanskrit (Indian)
- Meaning: “Night” or “Darkness”
- Variations/Nicknames: Yamini, Yasmine, Yama, Yams, Minnie
- Mara
- Origin: Hebrew
- Meaning: “Night Talk” or “Bitterness” (can symbolize the quiet of the night)
- Variations/Nicknames: Marah, Mariel, Marita, Marzi, Marnie
- Luna
- Origin: Latin
- Meaning: “Moon” or “Goddess of the Moon”
- Variations/Nicknames: Lunetta, Lunabelle, Lunatic, Lulu, Luni
- Nyx
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: “Night”
- Variations/Nicknames: Nixie, Nyxia, Nyxy, Ny
- Nocturna
- Origin: Latin
- Meaning: “Night” or “Nighttime”
- Variations/Nicknames: Nocturne, Nox, Tura, Nocci
- Thalassa
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: “Sea” (nighttime can be associated with the calm of the sea at night)
- Variations/Nicknames: Tala, Thally, Lassa, Thalia
Unisex names that mean night

- Nox – night, variant of Nyx
- Nyx (Greek) – Meaning “night,” Nyx is also the name of the ancient Greek goddess of the night.
- Layth (Arabic) – While Layth doesn’t directly mean “night,” it can be interpreted as “lion of the night,” conveying strength and bravery.
- Noctis (Latin) – Meaning “of the night,” Noctis has a direct association with the nighttime hours.
- Hakan (Turkish) – Hakan means “king of the night,” emphasizing strength and authority.
- Lelio (Italian) – Lelio means “night,” representing the concept of nighttime.
Names that mean midnight

- Aumoe (Hawaiian)
- Jajeong (Korean)
- Kesariya – midnight blue in Hindi
- Mesnata (Albanian)
- Mesánychta (Greek)
- Minuit (French)
- Mitternacht – German name that directly translates to “midnight.”
Famous Individuals with Night Names
- Layla Ali – a retired American professional boxer who held multiple world championships in the sport. Her name, Layla, is associated with “night” in Arabic.
- Luan Santana – a Brazilian singer and songwriter known for his contributions to sertanejo music. His first name, Luan, is associated with “moon” in Vietnamese.
- Selene Luna – an American actress, comedian, and burlesque performer. Her first name, Selene, is associated with the Greek goddess of the moon.
- Luna Vachon (Gertrude Elizabeth Vachon) – a Canadian-American professional wrestler who competed in several wrestling promotions.
Conclusion
Choosing a baby name is a momentous decision for parents, and finding one that encapsulates the beauty and mystique of the night can be both meaningful and poetic. In this article, we’ve explored a bunch of baby names that symbolize “night,” each with its own unique origin, meaning and charm. From the timeless elegance of “Layla” to the celestial allure of “Selene”, there’s a name to suit every family’s preferences.
As you choose the perfect name for your little one, know that the significance goes beyond its sound. It’s a gift that your child will carry with them throughout their life, a reflection of your hopes, aspirations and the wonder of the world around them.
Whether you choose a name steeped in cultural tradition, one inspired by the night sky, or a name that evokes the quiet magic of nighttime, may your decision be filled with love and meaning. Your baby’s name is a testament to the beauty of the night, and it will light up their path as they grow and discover the wonders of the world.
2 Comments
Choosing a name was such a big decision that I didn’t name any of my nine children until a week after they were born!
These names are so cute. Didn’t know Blake meant “dark.”