August is the last full day of summer and August baby names celebrate the final warm days we get to enjoy before the cold starts to set in. The name August, itself, is the most popular month name for babies today. It ranks in the top 200 most popular names for boys in the US and it recently landed in the top 1000 names for girls. Baby name records began in 1880 in the US and August has always been a top 1000 choice for boys, making it a perennial favorite among American parents.
Now, let’s look beyond that name to the symbols of the month. Birthstones Peridot and Onyx can act as names as well as flower appellations Poppy and Gladiola. You can also turn to your baby’s star sign, either Leo or Virgo for baby name inspiration as well! If you are still searching for a distinctly unique baby name for your August baby, you have come to the right place! We will start with names for girls and then move on to those for boys. You will find a few unisex options listed in each so be sure to scroll through them all for the full picture!
August Baby Names for Girls
Ariella
To stick with the Leo theme, Ariella makes for a great, subtle nod to the star sign and a lion. The name is of Hebrew origin and means “lion of God.” The name entered the US top 1000 names for girls in 2008 and it has jumped up the charts since then to land just outside of the top 100 names for girls.
Octavia
Octavia is a name of Latin origin that means “eighth.” That makes it very much appropriate for a baby girl born during the eighth month of the year. Octavia spent three decades off of the top 1000 names for girls list but returned in the 1970s and today, it is more popular than ever before.
Tavi
If you are looking for a cuter form of the name Octavia, Tavi could also be a great option for your baby girl. It is simply a diminutive form, often used as a nickname for Octavia. Coincidentally, the name is also a feminine, short form of David, meaning “beloved.” However you slice it, Tavi has a lot going for it.
Poppy
Poppy is an English name that originated in Latin and it means “red flower.” The poppy flower is one of the symbols of the month of August, making it a very appropriate choice. Poppy has long been a popular name for girls in the UK but it was not until 2016 that it was used by enough American parents to land it in the top 1000. It has been on a steady increase since then and it is now a top 500 choice in the US we are pleased to share.
Amapola
If you like the idea of Poppy but find it to be not your style, Amapola is a name of Arabic origin that means “poppy.” Unfortunately, this name has never been a popular one in the US, but we do hope that changes.
Summer
Summer feels like such an established name that it might surprise you to learn that it did not come into fashion as a given name until the 1970s! Summer, of course, names the season that August falls under. August is the final full month of summer. Summer is more popular today than ever before and it ranks just outside of the US top 100 names for girls.
Adara
The zodiac sign of Virgo begins in August, and the maiden image associated with the sign offers plenty of inspiration for names. One of the names that is associated with purity is the Semitic name, Adara which can be found in both Hebrew and Arabic naming traditions. Adara is a gorgeous name that can mean “virgin,” “exalted,” and “noble.” The name has yet to take hold in the US but we expect that to change very soon.
Agnes
Another name inspired by Virgo, Agnes is a saintly appellation of Greek origin that means “pure” or “virginal.” Agnes, though it was the third most common English girls’ name for four hundred years, has long been collecting dust in the US. It fell from fashion in the 1970s but you can help make this name stage a comeback!
Virginia
Yet another example of a name to exemplify purity is Virginia which means “virginal” and “pure.” Virginia is one of America’s favorite names and for as long as records have been kept, it’s been very popular. It has been slipping in recent years, no longer in the top 500 most popular names.
Ethel
Ethel is an English name that means “noble maiden.” We think that is pretty fitting for the maiden associations with Virgo. Ethel fell out of fashion in the US in the 1970s and, sadly, we do not think the name will return to favor soon. We still have a soft spot for this gentle name as it has so much vintage appeal.
Kanya
Kanya is an ideal name if you like the Virgo theme. This name is of Hindi origin and means “virgin.” Kanyā is one of the twelve months in the Indian solar calendar corresponding to the zodiacal sign Virgo. The name has yet to show up on many birth certificates in the US and we think it’s time for that to change.
Katherine
Katherine is a rock-solid established choice for girls. Again, this is another name with a meaning that evokes Virgo. Katherine is of Greek origin and means “pure.” The name was a top 100 choice for girls in the US until 2017. It’s still exceedingly popular just not as ubiquitous as it once was. If Katherine feels too stuffy to you, consider its variants Kitty, Kit, Kat, Kate, etc.
Rhian
Rhian is a name of Welsh origin, pronounced REE-an. It’s another name with that Virgo connection due to its meaning, “maiden.” It’s a popular choice in Wales today but it might cause confusion in the US due to its closeness to Ryan. We do not think that is a dealbreaker but it is worth considering.
Augusta
Augusta was once one of the most popular girl names in America. Unfortunately, those days are long gone. Augusta stopped being popular in the 1040s. Augusta has clear ties to the month of August, of course. The name means “magnificent.” Not too shabby, right?
Gladiola
Gladiola flowers are a symbol of the month of August. In addition to naming the flower, the name also has Latin roots that mean “little sword.” You could think of this name as a nature-inspired update to Gladys. Gladiola has never been a popular option in the US so it would be distinct if you chose it for your baby girl.
Lucille
Another great way to find a name for your daughter is to look at famous women who were born in the month of August. For instance, Lucille Ball was born on August 6. She would be a wonderful inspiration and also her name a great addition to your family. Lucille is a French name of Latin origin that means “light.” Lucy would also be a great option or simply a nickname.
Ingrid
Another name inspired by a star of yesterday is Ingrid, inspired by the iconic actor Ingrid Berman who was born on August 29. Ingrid is a name of Norse origin that means “Ing is beautiful” or “fair.” The name is popular across Scandinavia today but it was most popular in the US in 1967. It’s got so much vintage appeal that it deserves to be dusted off.
Teresa
Another name inspired by a figure born in August is Teresa. Mother Teresa was born on August 26. We can think of no better inspiration for a name! Teresa is a Latinate name that means “to harvest.”
Marisol
Marisol is an excellent name of Spanish origin that means “Mary of Solitude” or “the Virgin Mary—Our Lady of Solitude.” Coincidentally, the appellation is also associated with the Spanish words for sea and sun, mar y sol. We think that makes this name very appropriate for a summer baby. The name has been fairly popular in the US since the 1960s but it has had its ups and downs through the years.
Milena
Another name to celebrate those hot days of August with a name is to use the Czech appellation, Milena. You can pronounce the name in a couple of different ways: mill-EH-na or mill-AY-na. The name has delightful meanings in “love” and “warmth.” Milena has been slowly on the rise in the US since 2012 when it first ranked in the US top 1000 most popular names for girls.
August Baby Names for Boys
August
You can’t get much more straightforward an August baby name than the name of the month itself. August is a German form of the Latin name Augustus, meaning “magnificent.” As we mentioned, August is the most popular month name as a given name in the US today. There’s so much to love but for us it’s the nickname, Gus.
Augusto
There are many variants of the nickname August but chief among them for us is Augusto. It is the Spanish form of this name and it has the exact same meaning as the original. As the August name continues to heat up, other forms of the name are inevitably going to come into fashion as well. We hope you consider Augusto as an option for your son.
Austin
Yes, the name of a city in Texas, but also an English, short form of the name August. It is one of the most unique variants of the name and it is so full of charm. Of the city names as baby names, Austin is one of the most favored for boys. The name is still in the top 100 most popular names for boys but it is on the decline since its height in 1996.
Ari
If you are interested in the Leo-adjacent names for August babies, Ari could be a spectacular fit for you. This name is of Hebrew origin and means “lion of God.” The name is technically unisex but it goes to far more boys than girls in the US. The name has been on the rise in the US since the 1960s. It is more popular today than ever before.
Leo
A more express vehicle to get you to that Leo meaning is the actual name Leo. The name is of Latin origin and means “lion.” Leo is and has been a very popular name in the US and today, it is more popular than ever before. If Leonardo or Leopold are too much, just get back to basics with the name Leo.
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Hamza
If you are looking for a name that has a similar meaning to Leo, Hamza could be the right direction to go in. Hamza is a name of Arabic origin that means “lion.” Hamza was the legendary uncle of the Prophet Muhammad, hero of The Hamzanama, the Story of Hamza. The name has been a top 1000 pick for boys in the US since 1998.
Leander
Leander is a name of Greek origin that means “lion-man.” In Greek legend, Leander was the powerful figure who swam across the Hellespont every night to visit his beloved Hero, a priestess of Venus. The name is far more popular in Europe than it is in the US. Variants include Leandro as the attractive Spanish form, and Leandre as the popular in French form. However, the name was a popular option in the US until the 1960s.
Levon
Levon, an unusual alternative to Levi of Armenian origin, has sporadically landed in the US top 1000 names off and on from the 1930s through the 1980s. Uma Thurman and Ethan Hawke chose Levon for their son. As with the last couple, this name also means “lion.”
Lionel
Yet another Leo-inspired option is Lionel, a name of Latin origin that means “young lion.” Lionel is a mildly popular option for baby boys today but it pales in comparison the popularity of this name in the 1920s and 1930s. Help bring this name back, folks!
Onyx
Onyx, in connection to Sardonyx, is one of August’s birthstones. Onyx is one of the fastest-rising names in the US, but it could see an additional lift from Iggy Azalea, who used it as the name of her son in 2020. This evocative name reminds us of the gorgeous black stones and has a rugged yet romantic appeal.
Hachiro
Hachiro is a boy’s name of Japanese origin meaning “eighth son.” It’s that wonderful eighth meaning that makes it appropriate for August baby names. It was historically given to the eighth son in a family, although these days eight sons is a rare occurrence. Thus, the name is losing popularity in Japan and it has never been popular in the US. That makes this one a unique and distinctive appellation.
Octavian
A male form of the name Octavia, Octavian also means “eight” which ties it to the eighth month of the year. The name has never been popular in the US but ancient names of Latin and Greek origin are hot today so there is potential for it. Other variants worth considering are Octavius and Octavio.
Timoleon
Pronounced tim-OH-lee-on, Timoleon might seem like a mouthful but it really does roll right off the tongue. Timoleon is a name of ancient Greek origin that means “lion’s honor.” As this name is likely new to you, it is virtually unknown to most Americans, making a unique option.
Joachim
Joachim is a name of Hebrew origin that has largely gone untapped by American parents. There are two possible pronunciation options here: jo-AHK-eem or yo-AHK-eem. According to the Gospel of James, Saint Joachim was the husband of Saint Anne and the father of the Virgin Mary. The saint has a feast day in August which might be the right kind of connection you are after. This excellent appellation means “established by God.”
Sebbe
Sebbe is the attractive Swedish form of Sebastian that we think many American parents would find appealing as well. Sebbe means “man from Sebastia.” It is the perfect alternative to the popular Sebastian. St. Sebbe is another saint with a feast day in August.
Rufus
Rufus, a criminally overlooked name today, is of Latin origin and means “red hair.” Rufus is mentioned in the New Testament as the name of a son of Simon the Cytherian, and there are several St. Rufuses. And, it’s the name of another saint with a feast day in August.
Louis
An excellent way to find baby name inspiration is to look at the birthdays of famous, inspirational figures. As we did with a few of the names for girls, we want to present you with some famous names worth considering. Louis is a name inspired by Louis Armstrong who was born on August 4. Louis is a French and German name that means “renowned warrior.” The name has ranked in the top 500 most popular names for boys in the US since records began.
Fleming
Fleming is an English name most commonly seen as a surname, that means “man from Flanders.” For parents who appreciate science, Alexander Fleming, the inventor of antibiotics, could prove great name inspiration. Fleming was born on August 6.
Tennyson
Tennyson is an English name that means “son of Dennis.” It is most likely familiar to you thanks to Lord Tennyson whose birthday was August 6. For poetry-lovers, we can think of no better option. Russell Crowe chose the name for his son born in 2006. So, it could be on the rise as a given name before you know it.
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Apollo
Apollo 8 (8 is the August connection) was the first crewed spacecraft to leave low Earth orbit and the first human spaceflight to reach the Moon. The crew orbited the Moon ten times without landing and then departed safely back to Earth. That inspires the name Apollo, a name of Greek origin, that is associated with the god. In myth, he is the handsome son of Zeus and the god of medicine, music, and poetry among many others. Apollo is a name on the rise in the US and has charted since 2012.
There you go! We hope you enjoyed these August baby names and that you found some worthy options for your child. If you liked these names but want more baby name inspiration, keep reading. We have rounded up over 50 names that mean light for you to also learn about. Enjoy!
Girl Names Meaning Light
Phoebe
A perennial favorite, Phoebe comes from Latin by way of Greek. The name is associated with Artemis, the goddess of the hunt and moon. The name means “radiant” and “shining one.”
Nora
Nora is a short form of Eleanora and Honora. One comes from Latin and is associated with “honor.” The other, from Hungary, meaning “light.”
Lucy
Lucy is the English form of Lucia, a Latinate name that means “light.” Lucy and Lucia have traditionally been given to baby girls born at dawn. Thus, it’s one of the most appropriate names meaning light on this list for a morning baby!
Elena
Across Europe, you will find Elena as the preferred form of Helen. The name has roots in Greek and means “bright” and “shining one.” It’s a top-100 name for girls in the US today.
Ellie
From the same root as Elena, Ellie is an English name that also means “bright” and “shining one.” Despite being a version of Elena, Ellis is the more popular choice among baby girls born today. It’s one of the cutest names meaning light.
Kiara
A true multicultural hit, Kiara can be found as a variation of the Italian name Chiara, meaning “bright.” It also is used by the Irish who translate the name to mean “dark.” In Korea, you’ll find the name meaning “first ray of sun.”
Alina
Alina is yet another form of Helen that you will find well-used in Russia and Poland. The Slavic form of this name still maintains its meaning, “bright.” You get the enviable nickname Lina from this one which is an added bonus!
Niamh
A name that’s pronounced Neve (its Anglicized form), Niamh is an ancient Irish name that belongs to a goddess called Niamh of the Golden Hair who is a daughter of a sea god. This Irish Gaelic name means “bright.”
Cassandra
A name of Greek origin, Cassandra names the tragic mythological character. The Trojan princess was given the gift of prophecy by Apollo but was cursed to never be believed. The name means “bright” and “excelling man.” This name is trending down which makes it one of the ideal names meaning light to mount a comeback!
Nell
Nell is a vintage charmer that deserves to be dusted off and put to good use. The name has not been popular in the US since the 1950s! It’s one of the dozens of names that comes from Helen and thus, also means “bright” and “shining one.”
Eliora
An underused Hebrew name, Eliora means “the Lord is my light.” The name sounds melodic with plenty of pure vowel sounds. This name has never been popular in the US but we feel it has tons of potential!
Lux
Lux is a luxurious name from Latin that means “light.” This appellation is starting to gain traction thanks to it belonging to the main character of Virgin Suicides.
Chiara
Chiara is an Italian name that’s beloved across Europe today but has yet to find its footing among American parents. It’s a top 10 name in Italy today. This gorgeous name means “light” and “clear.”
Aine
Pronounced AWN-ya, Aine is a stunning name from Ireland that you’ve probably seen spelled Anya. The name belongs to a Celtic goddess of summer and prosperity. The appellation means “brightness” and “splendor.”
Phaedra
One of the most criminally underused names meaning light on this list, Phaedra is an exotic choice that means “bright.” Phaedra names a tragic figure in Greek mythology, the daughter of King Minos.
Clarissa
Clarrisa has been a mildly popular name over the last 100 years but it is trending down these days. The name is an elaboration of Clara from Latin. The appellation means “bright” and “clear.” The name belongs to the main character in Virginia Woolf‘s Mrs. Dolloway.
Senna
Senna is a botanical name and an established Arabic name meaning “brightness.” The name is currently popular in the Netherlands but you will rarely hear it elsewhere. We hope that changes as it is one of our favorite names meaning light.
Deva
Deva names a Hindu moon goddess and sounds absolutely amazing. The name means “divine” and “shining one.” We’d love to encounter this unique name more often!
Inara
Inara is a stunning name from Arabic that means “shining light.” The name belongs to a goddess worshipped by the ancient Hittites. You will find the name in a variety of languages but for our purposes, the Arabic translation works nicely.
Kamaria
An exotic and unusual name to most American ears, Kamaria comes from Swahili and means “moonlight.” It’s one of the most beautiful names meaning light on this list that has gone largely unheard in the US.
Lucinda
Lucinda is a Spanish form of the name Lucia. Lucinda was coined by Cervantes as the name of a character in his 1605 novel, Don Quixote. The name was hugely popular in the US before the 1980s. It has since gone largely unused. Fix that, new parents!
Zia
Zia is a name you will encounter in a number of languages including Latin, Arabic, and Italian. Thus, it can have a variety of meanings including “light,” “grain,” “splendor,” and “aunt.” This zesty name is one of the names meaning light that has yet to gain appeal among American parents.
Muriel
Muriel was once a huge hit in the US in the early 20th century. The appellation names a Celtic angel who governs the month of June. This handsome classic means “of the bright sea.”
Luz
Luz is the Spanish form of the Latin name Lux. Both mean “light.” It’s been off and on the US top-1000 names for decades. It’s currently on the upward climb! We could not be more delighted about that!
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Avira
Tamil name, Avira could be the perfect cross-cultural name for your baby girl. It’s yet another one of the names meaning light that many American parents have never heard. This charmer means “bright.”
Boy Names Meaning Light
Lucian
Lucian fell from favor in the mid-century but has rebounded in recent years. It’s one of the names meaning light that’s trending up. Lucian comes from the Latin, Lucius, meaning “light.”
Xavier
Xavier is an attractive Basque name that means “bright” and “new house.” It’s a top 100 name in the US, Australia, New Zealand, and Portugal today!
Rupert
Rupert is a German name that means “bright fame.” The name is wildly popular in the UK but you won’t find it often in the US today. But, we expect that to change in the coming years.
Arjun
Arjun names a famous hero in a Hindu epic. The name means “bright,” “shining,” and “white.” It’s been a top-1000 in the US for the last twenty years and we expect it to continue to climb as it’s one of the most chosen names for boys among Indo-American families.
Albert
In the UK, Albert has been a popular name for centuries and gained wide recognition after Queen Victoria wed Prince Albert. There, the nickname Bertie is lovingly and liberally used. Albert has German origins and means “noble” and “bright.”
Abner
Abner left the US hot-1000 names in 1938 and made a surprise return in 2020. The name has Hebrew origins and means “father of light.” We are thrilled that parents are returning to this classic. It’s one of the most underused names meaning light on this list!
Robin
Robin is a popular choice for boys once more! It names a bird, of course, but it has long been considered a diminutive form of Robert, a name that means “bright fame.” Despite this name originating in English, Robin is a top-100 choice for boys born in France today!
Oran
Oran likely originated in Aramaic but it was adopted into Hebrew as a name meaning “light singing.” You will also encounter the name in Irish Gaelic as a name meaning “little green one” and Scottish Gaelic as a name meaning “song.” Oran was last popular in the US in the 1940s. It’s one of the names meaning light that is long overdue for a renaissance.
Elio
Elio is the Latinate form of Helios, a Greek name that belongs to the sun god and means “sun.” Elio has yet to hit many American babies’ birth certificates but it is wildly popular in France, Switzerland, and England. We imagine American parents will catch on soon!
Uriah
Uriah is a newly popular again name from Hebrew that means “God is my light.” The name is mentioned in the bible several times.
Albus
One of the names meaning light that has never been popular in the US is Albus. The name comes from Latin and means “bright” and “white.” We think this name’s association with Harry Potter is keeping parents from it.
Reyansh
One of the fastest-growing names for baby boys in the US today, Reyansh originated in Hindi and translates to “ray of light.” The name is one of many applied to Lord Vishnu. We imagine the nickname Rey appeals to many Indo-American parents.
Anwar
Another one of the names meaning light, Anwar comes from Arabic and means “brighter” and “clearer.” The name was mildly popular in the US in the 1970s and 1980s but unfortunately, that’s no longer the case!
Zohar
A criminally underused name with a zesty sound, Zohar comes from Hebrew and means “light” and “brilliance.” The name has belonged to a variety of high-profile Israelis from athletes to singers.
Valo
One of the best names meaning light that you have likely never heard comes from Finland in the form of Valo, meaning “light.”
Ori
Ori has evaded most parents’ radars in the US. The name is of Hebrew origin and means “my light.” Despite that sweet meaning, this name has yet to move the needle.
Nuri
Nuri is a Semitic name found in Hebrew and Arabic as a name meaning “light” or “my fire.” Both are names meaning light so we think this one is a win-win! The name is currently popular in Turkey.
Bertram
Lat popular in the 1970s, Bertram comes from German and means “bright raven.” We think this appellation has a delightfully retro feel to it that would feel so cute on a little boy and later handsome for a young man.
Clarence
Clarence is another one of the Latin names meaning light. More accurately, this name means “bright.” Clarence was once a popular choice. Aretha Franklin and Louis Armstrong both chose the name for their sons.
Deepak
Spiritualist Deepak Chopra made this name a household one in the United States and beyond. The name has Sanskrit origins and means “lamp” and “light.” Despite being well-known and accessible, Deepak is not popular in America today.
Elouan
Virtually unheard of outside France, Elouan is a French and Breton appellation that names a Breton saint. The name peaked in France in 2006 but it is still in the top 500 there today. This unique find means “light.”
Fynn
Fynn is the preferred German spelling of the Irish name Finn, which means “bright” and “fair.” Finn has been the favored spelling in the US with it hitting the top 1000 for the first time in 2000.
Herbert
One of the most popular names in the US until the 1930s, Herbert has been out of style for decades now. It’s one of the names meaning light that’s ready for a comeback! Herbert comes from German and means “bright army.”
Roshan
Roshan is an exceedingly handsome Persian name that means “light” and “bright.” It’s the origin of the female name Roxanne.
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Hikaru
A gender-neutral option that we love for boys, Hikaru, comes from Japanese and can mean “light” and “radiance.” You might recognize this name as belonging to a character on Star Trek, Hikaru Sulu.
There you go! We hope you found some names meaning light that warm your heart. As you have seen, there is no shortage of appellations with evocative, radiant meanings. We know that finding the perfect name for your baby is difficult but we hope some of these bright ideas will help you on your search! Happy baby name hunting!
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