Probably so named from its shining eyes (light).

Any of genus (Lynx) of wildcats found throughout Northern Hemisphere and characterized by a ruff on each side of the face, relatively long leggs, usually tufted ears, and keen vision, as the bobcat or Canada lynx of North America. Lynx can reach 1,5m lengh and 50kg weight.

Here in Croatia there is several regions where you can find Lynx. That regions are havyly wooded hills. A National Park Risnjak is named after that animal (Ris means Lynx)