Light

Primarily a boy's name of Old English origin with 154 recorded births. Also given to 67 girls.

Boy's nameAlso girl's#5554 in 2024Rising fast

Meaning & Origin

Honorific alternative letter-case form of light, sometimes used when referring to God or another important figure who is understood from context.

Light is a boy's and girl's baby name of Old English origin, from the Old English lēoht, meaning 'illumination' or 'brightness.' As a given name it carries a spiritual resonance — light is a universal symbol of hope, divinity, and truth across virtually every religious tradition on earth.

EtymologyShow more

Phonetically, Light belongs to a cluster of names characterized by their sharp, distinct ending — ending on a consonant gives it a firm, clear close. 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 Light’s linguistic neighborhood.

At a Glance

154

Total births

Since 2008

2021

Peak

26 births

2008

First recorded

17 years of data

Compare Light with another name

Popularity Over Time

Light has 13+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 2008.

First appeared: 2008Peak: 2021 (26 births)Current: #5554

Popularity by Decade

Decade-by-decade popularity data for Light
Decade	Births	Avg Rank	Trend
2020s	92	#5524	▲
2010s	55	#9798	▲
2000s	7	#10586	—

The Story of Light

A Gen Alpha name

Peaking in 2021, Light is a fresh, modern favorite. Boys named Light are most likely born between 2011 and 2024.

How rare is Light?

Only about 1 in every 211,765 babies born in 2024 was named Light — a truly uncommon choice.

The journey through the decades

First appeared in the records in 2008, peaked in the 2020s with 92 births that decade.

Light by the numbers

Would fill 3 school buses

Year-by-Year Data

View complete yearly data(13 years, 2008–2024)

Year-by-year popularity data for the name Light
Year	Births	Rank	Change
2024	17	#5554	+4 (30.8%)
2023	13	#6745	-11 (-45.8%)
2022	24	#4378	-2 (-7.7%)
2021	26	#4082	+14 (116.7%)
2020	12	#6863	+3 (33.3%)
2019	9	#8610	+2 (28.6%)
2018	7	#10314	-5 (-41.7%)
2017	12	#6942	+6 (100.0%)
2016	6	#11596	-1 (-14.3%)
2015	7	#10203	-1 (-12.5%)
2014	8	#9291	+2 (33.3%)
2010	6	#11633	-1 (-14.3%)
2008	7	#10586	—

Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.

Light as a Girl's Name

Though more common for boys, Light has a notable history as a girl's name too, with 67 births since 2014.

#14460

Current rank

Total births

2023

Peak year

Compare Light as boy vs girl

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Light a boy's or girl's name?

Light is primarily a boy's name. It is also used as a girl's name, with 67 recorded births.

When was Light most popular?

Light reached its peak popularity in 2021 with 26 births that year. It is currently ranked #5554 in the U.S.

How popular is the name Light?

Light is currently ranked #5554 in the U.S. (2024). It has been given to 154 babies since 2008.

Can Light be used for both boys and girls?

Yes, Light is used for both boys and girls. As a boy's name, it currently ranks #5554. As a girl's name, it ranks #14460.

Explore More

By Length5-letter names By OriginOld English names By EndingNames in -t TrendingRising names RankingsFull rankings

Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 2008–2024