Declining since 2022, #8,910 for boys today.
Popularity of Light since 2008
Babies named Light per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 2000s | 0 | 7 |
| 2010s | 22 | 55 |
| 2020s | 56 | 100 |
Meaning & origin
Light is a modern English word name that emerged as a given name in the late 2000s, first recorded in 2008. Its popularity peaked in 2021, reflecting a broader trend toward abstract virtue names and nature-inspired word names in the 21st century. As of 2025, Light remains a rare choice, with a rank of 8,910 and an incidence of roughly 1 in 213,510 births, and its trajectory has been falling since 2022. While not heavily localized to any specific states, its appeal lies in its simplicity and positive meaning, often chosen by parents seeking a name that evokes clarity, illumination, or spirituality.
Light is an English word name adopted in modern times, likely inspired by the concept of illumination or as a translation of names from other languages. Its use as a given name, especially in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, reflects a trend toward abstract virtue names and nature-inspired word names.
“Light” around the world
Where Light lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Sibling names for Light
Names that share Light's style, for a brother or sister.
