10 Indian baby names that mean ‘moonlight’

Moonlight in Hindu thought — a brief note

Moonlight carries rich layers of meaning in Indian culture. The Sanskrit word chandra — gloss: “moon” — names a major deity and recurs in poetry, temple iconography and festival practice. The moon and its light appear as symbols of calmness, coolness, beauty and clarity across Śaiva, Vaiṣṇava, Śākta and Smārta traditions. In classical Sanskrit poetry (kāvya) and later devotional literature, words for “moon” and “moonlight” are often used interchangeably, so several names below may be translated as either “moon” or “moonlight” depending on context. Where appropriate I note scriptural or cultural associations; readers should be aware that regional usage and interpretation vary.

Ten Indian baby names that evoke moonlight

• Chandni (feminine)

  Meaning: “moonlight.” Origin: modern Hindi/Sanskrit usage. Notes: Chandni is a popular, lyrical name in many Indian languages. It is used in poetry and film songs to evoke a quiet, luminous evening. Variant spellings: Chandini.

• Chandrika (feminine)

  Meaning: “moonlight,” “moonlike.” Origin: Sanskrit. Notes: Chandrika appears in Sanskrit literature and later devotional texts as an epithet of beauty and gentle radiance. In South India it is commonly used and has several regional forms.

• Chandra (masculine or unisex)

  Meaning: “the moon.” Origin: Sanskrit; also the name of the moon god, Chandra. Notes: While Chandra literally denotes the moon rather than specifically “moonlight,” in poetic contexts the name implies lunar radiance. In Hindu calendars the moon governs tithis (lunar days) and nakshatras (lunar mansions).

• Shashi (unisex; often masculine)

  Meaning: “moon,” often used to suggest moonlight. Origin: Sanskrit. Notes: Shashi is a classical name found in Puranic and poetic registers; the root evokes the hare-marked moon (a common poetic image). Variants: Sashi, Sasi (common in South India).

• Indu (feminine or unisex)

  Meaning: “drop” literally, but classically used as a poetic name for the moon and its light. Origin: Sanskrit. Notes: In many Sanskrit verses Indu stands for the moon or moonlight; it carries a more delicate, dew-like imagery compared with the larger lunar terms.

• Soma (masculine)

  Meaning: traditionally the moon and also the sacred plant/nectar in Vedic worship. Origin: Vedic Sanskrit. Notes: In Vedic and Puranic literature, Soma is both the lunar deity and the ritual substance; the name suggests lunar brilliance and sacred refreshment. Usage as a personal name is classical and devotional.

• Kanti (feminine or unisex)

  Meaning: “lustre,” “radiance,” often used poetically for the glow of the moon. Origin: Sanskrit. Notes: Kanti is a compact, elegant choice that points to inner and outer light; in devotional poetry it can refer to the light of the beloved or the divine.

• Chandramukhi (feminine)

  Meaning: “one whose face is like the moon” (literally, “moon-faced” — implying moonlight glow). Origin: Sanskrit/Hindi compound. Notes: An old literary trope — “Chandramukhi” appears in classical tales and modern usage; it emphasizes facial beauty and radiance rather than literal moonlight.

• Shashikala (feminine)

  Meaning: “moonbeam,” “phase of the moon” (literally “moon–part”). Origin: Sanskrit. Notes: Kala here refers to a portion or phase; the name evokes the delicate rays and changing aspects of moonlight. It has been used across regions and languages.

• Rohini (feminine)

  Meaning/association: the name of a Nakshatra — a lunar mansion — and a mythic figure associated with the moon. Origin: Vedic/Sanskrit. Notes: Nakshatra — gloss: “lunar mansion” — matters in traditional astrology; Rohini is one of the Moon’s favored constellations and is therefore associated with fertility, beauty and lunar light. The name is especially common in Bengal, Andhra, and Kerala. Strictly speaking, it points to the moon’s path rather than to “moonlight” alone, but culturally it evokes lunar brightness.

How to pick among these names

• Meaning vs. musicality: Some names (Chandni, Chandrika, Chandra) directly say “moon” or “moonlight”; others (Kanti, Indu) evoke luminous qualities. Try the names aloud in the family’s preferred language to check sound and ease of use.
• Regional and script preferences: Spellings and short forms differ by language — Sasi in Tamil, Sashi in Hindi, Chandrika common in South India, Chandni frequent in the north.
• Cultural layers: Names like Soma and Chandra carry specific mythic and ritual associations; Rohini connects to nakshatra culture. If you follow naming by lunar nakshatra or horoscope, consult a knowledgeable practitioner.
• Modern usage: Some names are widely used in contemporary India (Chandni, Chandrika), while others feel more classical or archaic (Chandramukhi, Soma).

Closing note

Moon-inspired names offer a range from literal “moonlight” to poetic radiance. In Hindu literary and ritual traditions the same words often carry layered meanings, so a name that seems to mean “moon” may be read as “moonlight” in devotional or poetic contexts. If you follow ritual naming practices, or care about nakshatra and tithi (lunar day), consult family traditions or a trusted astrologer; otherwise choose the name whose sound and meaning resonate best with you.