Choosing a name for a child is an important decision that parents make. Names can carry meaning and significance that reflects attributes hoped for in the child’s life. One consideration some parents have when selecting a name is finding one that means “yellow eyed.” This is because yellow or golden eyes are often seen as distinctive and desirable. There are a few names in various cultures and languages that can mean a yellow eyed person.
Meaning Behind Yellow Eyes
Eyes that are yellow or golden in color are very unique. Most babies are born with blue or dark gray eyes that transition to brown, hazel, green, or a mix of colors as they grow. However, some people maintain yellow/golden eyes into adulthood due to rare genetic mutations or conditions. The most common cause is due to a high concentration of lipochromes in the iris that reflect light and create a yellow color. This is considered a relatively benign and sometimes desirable condition.
Yellow eyes have often been associated with supernatural powers or animal-like traits throughout history and literature. Because the eye color is so uncommon and distinctive, people with naturally yellow eyes were seen as special, powerful, or possessing animal magic. As a result, names that mean yellow eyes take on magical or fierce connotations. Parents may want a name with this exotic meaning for their golden eyed baby.
Boy Names
Here are some boy names that can mean yellow eyed or golden eyed:
Aurelian – This name comes from the Latin word “aureus” meaning golden or gilded. The name conjures images of golden eyes.
Bai – In Chinese, this simple name means white or pure. It is also associated with the color yellow and can refer to yellow eyes.
Lang – This means wolf in Chinese. Wolves typically have amber or yellow-colored eyes, so this name could suggest a baby with wolf-like yellow eyes.
Leopold – Of German origin, Leopold means “bold people.” It also sounds similar to the Greek word “leios” meaning lion. Lions have tawny golden eyes, so Leopold could be a good meaning for a boy with yellowish eyes.
Leon – This Greek name means lion, again referring to the golden eyes of the king of beasts.
Lionel – A French name also meaning lion. The lion theme is common for yellow-eyed boy names.
Loxias – This Greek name literally translates to “the ambiguous one with wolfish eyes.” It directly calls out yellow/golden wolf-like eyes.
Oryan – This Gaelic name means golden. The direct golden meaning can signify a child with golden eyes.
Ray – In German this simple name means counselor and mighty. It sounds similar to the English word ray referring to a beam of light. The name reminds of sun rays and yellow light.
Usira – This Egyptian name means powerful like a wolf or jackal. Wolves and jackals have amber/yellow eyes, so the meaning can refer to that.
Zabarjad – This is an Urdu name that means golden or amber. The amber meaning directly ties to golden eye color.
Girl Names
Girl names with meanings related to yellow eyes include:
Aluria – An invented name that sounds like the Spanish word for gold, “oro.” This ties to yellow eyes.
Amber – Amber is fossilized tree resin that is yellowish gold in color. This makes amber a direct color reference to yellow eyes.
Elda – This Old German name means old and wise. Yellow eyes can sometimes signify wisdom, making this fitting.
Eleni – This Greek name means light and bright. It references rays of light and yellow sunbeams.
Golda – The direct meaning of this Hebrew name is gold. It clearly suggests golden eyes.
Golden – A modern English name, Golden directly refers to the color yellow gold.
Helia – This Greek mythology name means sun. The sun is yellow and radiates golden beams of light.
Layla – This poetic Arabic name means night and can refer to yellow wolf-like eyes glowing in the darkness.
Leona – The feminine form of lion, referring to their golden eyes.
Luna – Meaning moon in Latin, this ties to the yellow or golden color of the moon.
Sunna – In Norse mythology, this is the name of the sun goddess. Her name means sun and connects to yellow eyes.
Zahra – An Arabic name meaning radiance and bright. This hints at yellow light.
Unisex Names
Some gender neutral names could also relate to yellow eyes:
Auris – Directly derived from the Latin word for gold or golden.
Aster – This Greek name means star and refers to sun-like yellow starlight.
Aurel – A variant of Aurelian rooted in the Latin “aureus” or gold.
Aureus – The Latin word for golden.
Honey – Honey is a golden yellow natural food.
Marigold – Marigolds are yellow and orange flowers, so the name calls to mind yellow.
Saffron – Saffron is a spice made from the yellow stigmas of crocus flowers.
Sunny – This cheerful name directly references the sun and yellow sunlight.
Yellow – The color yellow itself can be an uncommon name.
Conclusion
Naming a baby with unique yellow or golden eyes takes some extra thought. Names with meanings connected to gold, the sun, lion imagery, wolves, and light beams work well. There are lovely name choices for boys and girls that can reflect the special yellow eye color and its symbolic attributes of wisdom, power, brightness, and animal magic. Whether you have a baby with natural golden eyes or just love names with exotic meanings, the names on this list have rich historical and cultural connections.
