The northern lights, or aurora borealis, are a breathtaking natural phenomenon that lights up the night sky with vibrant colors. Many cultures around the world have been inspired by these beautiful displays, leading to unique names that reflect their wonder. These names capture the magic and mystery of the auroras and can offer special meanings for babies or characters in stories.
Today, we will look at names that mean northern lights. From traditional names rooted in mythology to modern choices inspired by nature, these names are not just lovely; they carry a beautiful significance connected to one of the most amazing sights on Earth. Let’s dive into this enchanting world!
Names That Mean Northern Lights
1. Aysel
Aysel is a lovely Turkish name meaning ‘moon stream’. The name evokes the ethereal beauty of the northern lights that dance across the midnight sky like flowing streams of color.
2. Aurora
Aurora literally means ‘dawn’ in Latin. This name perfectly embodies the beauty and colors of the northern lights, resembling a dawn that fills the night with vibrant hues.
3. Borealis
This name directly references ‘aurora borealis’. Borealis symbolizes the northern lights and is perfect for anyone wanting to embrace this beautiful natural phenomenon.
4. Celeste
Celeste means ‘heavenly’ in Latin. It reflects the stunning views of the northern lights, making it an ideal name for someone who embodies the beauty of the night sky.
5. Elara
Elara is one of Jupiter’s moons. Named after a mythological figure, it suggests brightness and light, reminiscent of the glowing skies caused by the auroras.
6. Kira
Kira means ‘light’ in Persian. This name captures the enchanting quality of the northern lights as they radiate beautiful light across the sky.
7. Lumi
The name Lumi means ‘snow’ in Finnish. The pure white snow reflects the colors of the northern lights, creating a magical atmosphere.
8. Niamh
Niamh is an Irish name that means ‘bright’ or ‘radiant’. This name connects deeply with the vibrant colors of the auroras that illuminate the night.
9. Opal
Opal is a gemstone known for its iridescent qualities that resemble the swirling colors of the northern lights. It’s a beautiful choice for those inspired by nature.
10. Siri
Siri is a Scandinavian name meaning ‘beautiful woman who leads you to victory’, evoking the guiding image of the northern lights leading travelers across dark landscapes.
11. Tane
Tane is a Maori name meaning ‘to shine’. This name symbolizes the bright and stunning display of colors found in the northern lights.
12. Yara
Yara means ‘small butterfly’ in Arabic. The light and airy beauty of butterflies reflects the delicate movement and colors of the auroras in the sky.
13. Zephyr
Zephyr means ‘gentle breeze’ and carries connotations of grace and beauty, much like the soft and flowing appearance of the northern lights.
14. Kaimana
Kaimana is a Hawaiian name meaning ‘power of the ocean’. This connects to the soothing, flowing nature of the auroras that flow like water across the night sky.
15. Elysia
Elysia means ‘blissful’ or ‘heavenly’. It signifies the serenity and enchanting beauty of the northern lights dancing across the sky.
16. Aurorae
Aurorae is a variation of Aurora and represents multiple auroras. This captures the phenomenon in all its grandness, making it a perfect homage to the northern lights.
17. Fai
Fai means ‘light’ in Thai. This name refers to the beautiful display of light that the northern lights provide in the dark of night.
18. Isolde
Isolde is a name rooted in Arthurian legend that means ‘ice ruler.’ The ethereal nature of ice relates closely to the sparkling beauty of the auroras.
19. Sixtine
This name derives from the Latin word for ‘sixth’ and suggests a heavenly and luminous quality, much like the incredible display of the northern lights.
20. Vega
Vega is derived from Arabic meaning ‘falling’ and is the name of a bright star. It connects directly to the beauty found in the night sky, much like the northern lights.
21. Kaira
Kaira means ‘peaceful’ and suggests a calm, serene beauty resembling the tranquil moments spent watching the auroras light up the dark sky.
22. Alina
Alina means ‘bright’ or ‘beautiful’, connecting beautifully with the vibrant display of colors in the northern lights.
23. Tindra
Tindra is a Swedish name meaning ‘to twinkle’. This name perfectly encapsulates the shimmering effect of the northern lights as they dance in the dark.
24. Maelora
Maelora means ‘light of the moon’, evoking the magical glow witnessed when the auroras dance in the night sky.
25. Eira
Eira means ‘snow’ in Welsh. The snow acts as a canvas for the colors of the northern lights, making this name a great choice.
26. Asha
In Sanskrit, Asha means ‘hope’ or ‘life’. This name symbolizes the hope and beauty found during the magical displays of the northern lights.
27. Kaelani
Kaelani means ‘sea and sky’, illustrating the connection between the vastness of the heavens above and the colorful displays of the northern lights.
28. Idra
Idra is derived from Hebrew, meaning ‘flowing water’. It evokes the image of colorful water-like lights that move gracefully in the night.
29. Liora
Liora means ‘light’ in Hebrew, perfectly aligning with the stunning light displays that northern lights create in the evening sky.
30. Selene
Selene means ‘moon’ in Greek mythology. Just as the moon lights up the night, so too do the auroras illuminate the dark sky.
31. Keira
Keira means ‘little dark one’ in Irish. While a bit different, it humorously reflects the balance of light presented in the night sky with the northern lights.
32. Nyx
Nyx is a Greek goddess of the night, whose realm is filled with stars and potentially vivid displays like the northern lights.
33. Thalia
Thalia means ‘to blossom’ or ‘to flourish’. This connects with the vibrant display of the northern lights as they flourish across the sky.
34. Celestria
Celestria is a name suggesting celestial beauty, perfectly fitting for the captivating visuals found in the dance of the auroras.
35. Rhea
Rhea is a name from Greek mythology meaning ‘flowing’. This connects well with the fluid movement of the colors in the northern lights.
36. Apollonia
Apollonia is derived from Apollo, the Greek god of the sun, and signifies a connection to the brighter displays of light in the sky.
37. Calista
Calista means ‘most beautiful’ in Greek. The northern lights are seen as one of nature’s most breathtaking phenomena, deserving this name.
38. Zaria
Zaria means ‘radiance’ or ‘blossoming flower’ in Arabic. It is a beautiful and fitting representation of the auroras’ colorful display.
39. Acacia
Acacia symbolizes rebirth and renewal. The auroras light up the dark skies and represent renewal and beginnings in many cultures.
40. Lumiere
Lumiere is French for ‘light’. The name illustrates the beautiful brightness of the northern lights illuminating the night.
41. Seraphine
Seraphine means ‘fiery’ or ‘burning’. This perfectly mirrors the vibrant colors seen in the northern lights that seem to dance with fiery intensity.
42. Zofia
Zofia means ‘wisdom’ in Polish. The wise choice to appreciate the magnificence of nature can lead to moments of bliss inspired by the northern lights.
43. Alira
Alira means ‘joyful’ in Latin. The awe inspired by the northern lights brings joy to many who witness their beauty.
44. Melina
Melina means ‘honey’ in Greek, which evokes sweetness. The sweetness matches the delightful view of the incredible auroras dancing in the sky.
45. Galaxy
Galaxy reflects the cosmic wonder of the universe. The northern lights are a celestial display, reminiscent of vast galaxies lighting up the night.
46. Ilaria
Ilaria means ‘cheerful’ in Italian. The northern lights inspire a sense of joy and cheer, making this name a lovely tribute to nature.
47. Celestia
Celestia means ‘heavenly’ and perfectly represents the divine beauty of the northern lights as they fill the night with color.
48. Rayna
Rayna means ‘queen’ and signifies richness and beauty, much like the vivid displays of color seen in the northern lights.
49. Fawn
Fawn symbolizes innocence and beauty, evoking the delicate grace of the auroras gliding across the dark sky.
50. Astrea
Astrea means ‘starry’ or ‘star’, connecting the wonder of stars with the spectacular sight of the northern lights.
51. Lila
Lila means ‘night’ in Arabic and represents the beauty of nighttime, when the incredible auroras light up the sky.
52. Thera
Thera means ‘to blossom’ or ‘to bloom’, much like the colors that bloom and spread across the sky during the northern lights phenomenon.
53. Kai
Kai means ‘sea’ in Hawaiian. The northern lights are reminiscent of waves of color undulating across the night sky.
54. Astraea
Astraea means ‘star maiden’ in Greek mythology; it symbolizes brilliance and beauty, much like the auroras that capture our gaze.
55. Samara
Samara means ‘a winged seed’ in Hebrew. This beautiful imagery connects to the floating and shimmering colors of the northern lights.
56. Zinnia
Zinnia is a flower that symbolizes endurance and unconditional love, perfectly reflecting the enduring beauty of the northern lights.
57. Tala
Tala means ‘star’ in Native American culture and represents the twinkling lights across the sky created by the beautiful auroras.
58. Riah
Riah means ‘spring’ in Arabic and evokes the idea of renewal and hope akin to the refreshing views provided by the northern lights.
59. Serene
Serene means ‘calm’ and conveys tranquility, which aligns with the peaceful feeling inspired by watching the northern lights.
60. Zara
Zara means ‘radiance’ in Arabic and expresses the beautiful and shimmering quality of the northern lights.
61. Liora
Liora means ‘light’ in Hebrew and perfectly embodies the glow and beauty of the auroras illuminating the night sky.
62. Galadriel
Galadriel is a name from mythology meaning ‘maiden crowned with a radiant garland’. This idea parallels the colorful beauty of the northern lights.
63. Ainan
Ainan means ‘bright as the sun’ in Arabic. The auroras light up the night sky like the sun at dawn, drawing this connection perfectly.
64. Nyssa
Nyssa means ‘goal’ in Greek, which can symbolize reaching for the stars and appreciating the breathtaking view of the northern lights.
65. Kaia
Kaia means ‘the sea’ in Hawaiian, resembling how the auroras flow through the sky like gentle waves of light.
66. Ember
Ember symbolizes the warm glow of fire. The dancing lights of the auroras resemble glowing embers lighting up the night.
67. Seren
Seren means ‘star’ in Welsh. The auroras shine brightly in the night sky like stars illuminating the darkness.
68. Halcyon
Halcyon means ‘peaceful, serene’. Watching the northern lights can create a sense of calm, connecting perfectly to this name.
69. Kael
Kael, a name that means ‘mighty warrior’, could signify the strength and breathtaking beauty of the northern lights.
70. Zuleika
Zuleika means ‘brilliant’ and ‘fair’, embodying the striking beauty of the auroras as they illuminate the night sky.
71. Nova
Nova means ‘new’, akin to the new experiences brought by witnessing the awe and beauty of the northern lights.
72. Soren
Soren means ‘stern’ but is often associated with beauty combined with strength, much like the powerful display of the auroras.
73. Astra
Astra means ‘star’ in Latin, connecting well with the celestial aspect of the northern lights that sparkle like stars.
74. Vela
Vela means ‘sails’ in Latin, suggesting movement and beauty, reminiscent of the flowing colors of the northern lights.
75. Alayna
Alayna translates to ‘bright, shining light’. It perfectly captures the radiant beauty of the northern lights in the evening sky.
76. Saffron
Saffron is a spice known for its vibrant color, resembling the dynamic hues of the northern lights across the horizon.
77. Aurorae
Aurorae is derived from the Latin for ‘light’ and directly refers to the gorgeous displays of the northern lights.
78. Indigo
Indigo is a deep color and connects with the rich hues found in the auroras’ lights, making it a unique name choice.
79. Elysium
Elysium refers to paradise in ancient mythology. The stunning beauty of the northern lights brings a sense of paradise to viewers.
80. Teagan
Teagan means ‘attractive, beautiful’. The magnetic appeal of the northern lights embodies all that is beautiful in nature.
81. Selina
Selina means ‘moonlight’. The play of colors in the northern lights sparkles, much like moonlight reflecting upon water.
82. Ianthe
Ianthe means ‘purple flower’ in Greek. The colors of the northern lights could be likened to beautiful wildflowers in bloom.
83. Ambrosia
Ambrosia means ‘food of the gods’ in Greek mythology. This name reflects the divine beauty and mystique of the auroras.
84. Briar
Briar refers to a thorny patch. It connects to the delicate nature of the beautiful lights appearing like flowers in the night sky.
85. Lyra
Lyra is a constellation representing the lyre. The stars and celestial bodies relate to the stunning visuals of the northern lights.
86. Senna
Senna means ‘brightness’ in Arabic. It aligns beautifully with the vibrant hues presented in the northern lights phenomena.
87. Tally
Tally means ‘to count’. This could metaphorically represent counting the colors and styles of the northern lights that appear in the sky.
88. Starla
Starla derives from the word star and resonates with the celestial themes of the northern lights.
89. Mira
Mira means ‘wonder’ in Latin, akin to the astonishment viewers feel when witnessing the beauty of the northern lights.
90. Fenna
Fenna means ‘peace’ and evokes the tranquil beauty that the northern lights bring with their calming light shows.
91. Aster
Aster means ‘star’ in Greek. A fitting choice for anyone mesmerized by the beauty of dancing lights in the night sky.
92. Caelum
Caelum means ‘sky’ in Latin. This name connects specifically to the skies where the northern lights exhibit their magical artistry.
93. Vesper
Vesper refers to the evening star, signifying beauty that unfolds when night falls, similar to the northern lights shimmering.
94. Coral
Coral represents precious marine life and reflects the vivid tones of the northern lights displayed against a dark backdrop.
95. Faelan
Faelan means ‘little wolf’ in Irish. The lone wolf gazing at the auroras reflects connection to nature and its wonders.
96. Kestrel
Kestrel refers to a small falcon. This name suggests grace and freedom, reminiscent of the majestic movement of auroras in the sky.
97. Sable
Sable signifies a rich black color, contrasting perfectly with the brilliant colors that emerge in the night sky during auroras.
98. Elea
Elea is a name that means ‘light’ and ties beautifully with the radiant displays of the northern lights in the atmosphere.
99. Amara
Amara means ‘eternal’. The northern lights can feel everlasting in their beauty, leaving a lasting impression on those who see them.
100. Emberly
Emberly relates to embers or burning coals. This name symbolizes the glowing colors in the northern lights as they illuminate the surroundings.
101. Selkie
Selkie is a creature from Scottish folklore that transforms from seal to human. This transformation can symbolize the magical essence of the auroras.
102. Gaia
Gaia signifies ‘earth’, embracing the natural beauty of the world, akin to the wonder of the northern lights spanning across landscapes.
103. Talia
Talia means ‘dew from God’ in Hebrew, reflecting natural beauty and purity, much like the pure light of the northern lights.
104. Alwen
Alwen means ‘fair river’, connecting beautifully with the flowing and soft nature that the auroras exhibit as they light up the sky.
105. Tamsin
Tamsin means ‘twin’, which relates to the dual displays of the northern lights that can create beautiful reflections in water below.
106. Niko
Niko means ‘victory’, representing the beauty and triumph of the natural phenomenon of auroras.
107. Kiera
Kiera means ‘little dark one’ in Irish. This hints at the night sky, often when the northern lights show their brilliance.
108. Faeryn
Faeryn reflects the magical elements associated with fairies and symbolizes the magical quality of the lights in nature.
109. Zara
Zara means ‘princess’ in Arabic, and the beauty of the northern lights can resemble a royal display in the night sky.
110. Maia
Maia means ‘brightness’ in Greek, representing the stunning brightness seen when viewing the spectacular northern lights.
111. Kairi
Kairi means ‘sea’ in Japanese. The northern lights flow across the sky like the ocean and connect to marine themes.
112. Calypso
Calypso is the name of a sea nymph in Greek mythology, evoking sea and sky themes similar to those found with the northern lights.
113. Aluna
Aluna means ‘moonlight’ suggesting illumination during the night, paralleling the beauty of the northern lights.
114. Indira
Indira means ‘beauty’ in Sanskrit. It aligns beautifully with the stunning, captivating characteristics of auroras.
115. Zenia
Zenia refers to ‘a flower’, signifying blossoming beauty reminiscent of the colorful display of northern lights.
116. Aria
Aria means ‘air’ in Italian. This can symbolize the ethereal quality of national lights as they dance freely in the sky.
117. Coralia
Coralia means ‘coral’ in Latin, representing the vibrant hues similar to those seen in the night sky during the auroras.
118. Astraea
Astraea is a celestial name rooted in Greek meaning ‘star’. It connects deeply to the stars visible when watching the northern lights.
119. Kallista
Kallista means ‘most beautiful’ in Greek, a fitting representation of the breathtaking view offered by the northern lights.
120. Rhiannon
Rhiannon is a Welsh name meaning ‘great queen’. The powerful exhibition of the northern lights brings to mind a queen ruling the night sky.
121. Elowen
Elowen is a Cornish name meaning ‘elm tree’. Its connection to nature resonates with the natural beauty of northern lights.
122. Zaina
Zaina means ‘beautiful’ in Arabic, suggesting the alluring nature of the stunning displays provided by the northern lights.
123. Isolde
Isolde means ‘fair lady’ and symbolizes the feminine beauty and grace of the colorful auroras dancing in the night.
124. Maeve
Maeve means ‘she who intoxicates’. The enchanting quality of the northern lights certainly captivates all who witness them.
125. Danica
Danica means ‘morning star’ and suggests brightness that can be found within the luminescence of the northern lights.
126. Aveline
Aveline means ‘hazelnut’ and symbolizes a connection to earth and nature, resonating with the essence of the natural beauty of auroras.
127. Jaylin
Jaylin means ‘to be joyful’, connecting beautifully to the happiness many feel when witnessing the northern lights.
128. Farrah
Farrah means ‘happy’ or ‘joyful’, reflecting the joyful sight of the colored waves in the sky caused by the northern lights.
129. Zofia
Zofia means ‘wisdom’ in Polish. Witnessing the auroras can provide profound moments of awe, often leading to feelings of insight and wonder.
130. Siobhan
Siobhan means ‘God is gracious’. The divine quality seen in the beautiful auroras connects closely with this name.
131. Alina
Alina means ‘bright’ and symbolizes the rich colors that reflect off the night sky caused by the mesmerizing northern lights.
132. Freya
Freya, a name from Norse mythology, is associated with love and beauty, echoing the divine experience of observing the northern lights.
133. Celyn
Celyn is a Welsh name that means ‘holly’. This appears beautiful against nature, much like the beautiful displays of the northern lights.
134. Oriel
Oriel means ‘golden’ and signifies the warm, golden colors that can emerge during the northern lights phenomenon.
135. Atalanta
Atalanta, rooted in Greek mythology, reflects strength as well as beauty, resonating with the harmony of the auroras.
136. Lian
Lian means ‘delicate’ and connects with the soft, flowing nature of the vibrant colors seen in the northern lights.
137. Tamsin
Tamsin stands for ‘twin’ and connects to how auroras are commonly seen as dual, flowing lights across the sky.
138. Miora
Miora signifies ‘an unaware center’ but embodies the beauty and wonder of the unseen spectacle of the auroras.
139. Shyla
Shyla means ‘from the valley’. The peaceful feeling of being surrounded by nature resonates with the soul-stirring essence of the northern lights.
140. Cassiopeia
Cassiopeia is a constellation associated with a mythological queen. It speaks to the royal display of light that auroras provide.
141. Althea
Althea means ‘healing’, representing the soothing beauty of the northern lights as they light up the sky with their colors.
142. Oona
Oona signifies ‘one’ in Gaelic, connecting to the sense of unity nature brings when seeing the auroras.
143. Cosima
Cosima means ‘order’ and ‘beautiful’, akin to the beautiful organized chaos of colors seen in the northern lights.
144. Kiara
Kiara means ‘light’ in Italian, reflecting the radiant beauty seen in the powerful displays of the northern lights.
145. Callan
Callan means ‘battle’ but reflects a beauty that can exist even in tumultuous moments, symbolizing the stunning colors of the auroras.
146. Amara
Amara means ‘eternal’. This connects to the lasting impressions of the beauty experienced when witnessing the magesty of auroras.
147. Sybil
Sybil means ‘prophetess’ and embodies the divine and wondrous aspect of observing the northern lights.
148. Winona
Winona means ‘firstborn daughter’. This reflects the first time experiencing the northern lights, often a life-changing moment.
149. Renata
Renata means ‘reborn’ in Latin. The experience of seeing the northern lights can feel transformative and renewing, akin to rebirth.
150. Aislinn
Aislinn means ‘dream’ in Irish. The dreamlike quality of the auroras evokes a sense of wonder and beauty in the night sky.
Final Thoughts
Exploring these names that mean northern lights serves as a wonderful journey through beauty and nature. Each name carries significance and essence inspired by the breathtaking displays seen across the world’s skies. These names offer a perfect blend of ethereal qualities tied to the northern lights.
Whether for a baby, a character in a story, or simply as a way to celebrate nature’s wonders, these names evoke the magic of one of Earth’s most incredible phenomena. They remind us to appreciate the beauty around us and the stories that can unfold from a single moment under one’s gaze at the auroras.
We hope this list inspires you to choose a name that resonates with the mesmerizing beauty of the auroras. If you are interested in related names, consider exploring names that mean snow at names that mean snow or names that mean ice at names that mean ice. Happy naming!