Life
Primarily a boy's name of Old English origin with 56 recorded births. Also given to 22 girls.
Meaning & Origin
God.
Life is a boy's and girl's baby name carrying the most fundamental aspiration of all — the fact of living itself. Used as a name, it declares that this child's very existence is the gift, that the act of being alive is the highest thing. In some African American naming traditions, virtue and concept names like Life carry deep spiritual weight about the sacredness of existence.
Life is the simplest and most profound name imaginable — a single word that contains everything, that says: this child is alive, and that alone is extraordinary and worth celebrating every single day.
EtymologyShow more
Phonetically, Life belongs to a cluster of names characterized by their open, approachable ending — ending on a vowel softens the overall impression. At one syllable, it has a punchy, memorable cadence that makes an immediate impression.
Within the Old English naming tradition, names with similar sound structures often share underlying etymological patterns. Exploring Old English names on this site may surface connections that illuminate Life’s linguistic neighborhood.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Life has 9+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 2003.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Avg Rank | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 11 | #12533 | ▼ |
| 2010s | 26 | #10984 | ▲ |
| 2000s | 19 | #11300 | — |
The Story of Life
A Gen Z name
Peaking in 2003, Life is a name that defines a generation. Boys named Life are most likely born between 2003 and 2013.
How rare is Life?
Only about 1 in every 600,000 babies born in 2024 was named Life — a truly uncommon choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 2003, peaked in the 2010s with 26 births that decade, and has gracefully settled into a quieter chapter.
Life by the numbers
- Would fill 1 school bus
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(9 years, 2003–2024)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 6 | #11754 |
| 2021 | 5 | #13311 |
| 2018 | 6 | #11595 |
| 2014 | 7 | #10301 |
| 2011 | 6 | #11711 |
| 2010 | 7 | #10329 |
| 2008 | 6 | #11988 |
| 2007 | 5 | #13599 |
| 2003 | 8 | #8313 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Life as a Girl's Name
Though more common for boys, Life has a notable history as a girl's name too, with 22 births since 2004.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Life a boy's or girl's name?
When was Life most popular?
How popular is the name Life?
Can Life be used for both boys and girls?
Explore More
Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 2003–2024