Names That Mean Moth
Names that mean moth include Parwana (the moth devoted to a flame in Urdu and Persian), Parvaneh (butterfly or moth in Persian), Patanga (moth or flying insect in Sanskrit), Psyche (the Greek soul, a symbol of butterflies and moths), Ga (moth in Japanese) and Luna (after the luna moth). True given names that mean moth are rare, so most options are words for moth in other languages or names inspired by moth species.
What Does a Moth Name Mean?
A moth name stands for night, light, transformation and quiet beauty. Moths are drawn to light, so these names often suggest longing, devotion and hope.
They suit dark, gentle or mystical characters, and also pets and pen names.
Names That Directly Mean Moth
- Parwana: moth, devoted lover (Urdu, Persian)
- Parvaneh: butterfly, moth (Persian)
- Patanga: moth, flying insect (Sanskrit)
- Pataṅg: moth, also kite (Hindi, nickname use)
- Farasha: moth, butterfly (Arabic)
- Ga (蛾): moth (Japanese)
- Pulelehua: butterfly, moth (Hawaiian)
- Purerehua: moth, butterfly (Maori)
- Moth: the English word, used as a name in fiction
Girl Names That Mean Moth
- Parvaneh: butterfly, moth (Persian)
- Parwana: moth (Urdu)
- Farasha: moth, butterfly (Arabic)
- Pulelehua: moth, butterfly (Hawaiian)
- Psyche: soul, linked to winged insects (Greek)
- Luna: moon, also the name of a famous moth (Latin)
- Mariposa: butterfly, used for moths in some regions (Spanish)
Boy Names That Mean Moth
Boy names for moths are even rarer, but a few work.
- Patanga: moth, also sun (Sanskrit)
- Parwana: moth, used for boys in South Asia
- Moth: English word name
- Atlas: after the giant atlas moth
- Polyphemus: after the polyphemus moth
Unisex Moth Names
- Moth
- Luna
- Io
- Atlas
- Psyche
- Pulelehua
Names Inspired by Moth Species
Many moths carry beautiful names from myth.
- Luna: the pale green luna moth
- Io: the io moth, named after a Greek maiden
- Atlas: the atlas moth, one of the largest in the world
- Cecropia: the cecropia moth, named after the first king of Athens
- Polyphemus: the polyphemus moth, named after the Cyclops
- Sphinx: the sphinx moth, named for its resting pose
- Hawk: the hawk moth, known for fast, hovering flight
Moth in Persian and Urdu Poetry
The moth is a major symbol in Persian and Urdu poetry. It is the lover who flies into the flame and gives up everything for devotion.
That is why Parwana carries so much meaning. It stands for love, sacrifice and passion.
Hindu and Sanskrit Names
- Patanga: moth, also the sun and a bird
- Shalabha: moth, locust
- Deepa: lamp, the light that draws moths
- Jyoti: light, flame
- Agni: fire
Deepa and Jyoti do not mean moth, but they speak to the light a moth seeks.
Japanese Names Linked to Moths
- Ga (蛾): moth
- Hotaru (蛍): firefly, a lighter cousin of the moth
- Mosura: Mothra, the famous giant moth monster
- Yoru (夜): night
- Tsuki (月): moon
Japanese culture often pairs moths with the moon and the soul.
Names Linked to Night
Moths are mostly nocturnal, so night names fit well.
- Nyx: night (Greek)
- Nox: night (Latin)
- Layla: night (Arabic)
- Leila: night (Arabic, Persian)
- Yami: night (Sanskrit)
- Noctis: of the night (Latin)
- Selene: moon (Greek)
Names Linked to Light
Moths seek light, so these names carry the same longing.
- Lucia: light (Latin)
- Lux: light (Latin)
- Phoebe: bright (Greek)
- Elena: shining light (Greek)
- Noor: light (Arabic)
- Deepa: lamp (Sanskrit)
- Jyoti: flame (Sanskrit)
Moths in Mythology and Fiction
- Psyche: Greek soul, shown with butterfly wings
- Mothra: giant moth guardian from Japanese films
- Moth: a fairy in A Midsummer Night’s Dream
- Mothman: a cryptid from West Virginia legend
- Ghost moth: a folk symbol of spirits and the dead
These names add atmosphere and story for characters.
Dark and Gothic Moth Names
- Nyx
- Luna
- Raven
- Ash
- Dusk
- Ember
- Wren
- Vesper
These are not moth names, but they share the soft, shadowy mood.
How to Choose a Moth Name
- Decide if you want a literal meaning or a mood
- Check the origin and cultural meaning
- Choose a name that is easy to say and spell
- Say it aloud with the surname
- Pick a name you will enjoy for years
FAQs
What name means moth?
Parwana means moth in Urdu and Persian, and Patanga means moth in Sanskrit. Parvaneh means butterfly or moth in Persian.
What is a girl name that means moth?
Parvaneh, Parwana and Farasha are girl names that mean moth or butterfly. Luna and Psyche also fit because of their links to moths.
What is a boy name that means moth?
Patanga and Parwana are the closest. Atlas and Polyphemus are boy names taken from moth species.
What does Parwana mean?
Parwana means moth. In Urdu and Persian poetry it also stands for a lover who is devoted to the flame.
What does Psyche mean?
Psyche means soul or breath in Greek. She is often shown with butterfly wings, which is why the name links to moths and butterflies.
Is Luna a moth name?
Luna means moon in Latin and is also the name of the luna moth. The moth was named for its pale, moon-like glow.
What is the Japanese word for moth?
The word is ga, written 蛾. Butterflies are called cho.
What is the Sanskrit word for moth?
Patanga means moth in Sanskrit. It can also mean a flying insect, a bird or the sun.
What names mean night?
Nyx, Nox, Layla, Leila and Yami all mean night. They suit moths because moths are mostly active at night.
Can Moth be a real name?
Moth is not common as a given name, though it is used in fiction, including a fairy in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. It works best as a nickname or character name.
