Light

♂ Boy

How to Pronounce Light

Pronounced LYTE /ˈlaɪt/High

Meaning: From the word light — 'brightness, illumination, radiance' (Old English leoht); a word-name (also the Death Note character Light)Low

In 30 seconds: Brightness: Light is the word-name for radiance and illumination. Bold, bright, and striking (said 'LYTE').

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Origin LowEnglish

MeaningFrom the word light — 'brightness, illumination, radiance' (Old English leoht); a word-name (also the Death Note character Light)

U.S. rank (2024)#5554 ↗ Rising

2024 U.S. births17 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2021

Total births (all-time)≈ 154

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Light comes from the word light — 'brightness, illumination, radiance' (Old English leoht) — a bold, bright, aspirational word-name. It is also the name of the central character Light Yagami in the manga and anime Death Note (the pop-culture link is noted). A striking modern name (said 'LYTE').

It registers thinly in records. Rare, brightness at the root, and bold.

Did you know? Light means 'brightness, illumination, radiance' (Old English leoht) — a bold, bright modern word-name (also the protagonist Light Yagami of the anime Death Note, which we note; said 'LYTE').

Overall data confidence 50%

References — light — word/pop-culture

Variations

Lyte

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Light…

Sky— a fellow bright word-name

Sage— a companion word-name

Dwight— a fellow English choice

Knight— echoes that soft -ht sound

Bright— a fellow English choice

Explore names like Light

By themeuncertain english word-name light

By meaningLight

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Light mean?

Light is the word for 'brightness, illumination, radiance'; also the Death Note character, which we note.

How do you pronounce Light?

It's said LYTE /ˈlaɪt/ — one syllable.

Is Light a boy or girl name?

Light is a boy's name.

How popular is Light?

Light is a very rare name in the U.S.