Light
Light, visible light, or visible radiation is electromagnetic radiation that can be perceived by the human eye. Visible light spans the visible spectrum and is usually defined as having wavelengths in the range of 400–700 nanometres (nm), corresponding to frequencies of 750–420 terahertz. The visible band sits adjacent to the infrared and the ultraviolet, called collectively optical radiation.
Meaning & Origin of Light
What this name means, where it came from, and how it has traveled across cultures.
Light, visible light, or visible radiation is electromagnetic radiation that can be perceived by the human eye. Visible light spans the visible spectrum and is usually defined as having wavelengths in the range of 400–700 nanometres (nm), corresponding to frequencies of 750–420 terahertz. The visible band sits adjacent to the infrared and the ultraviolet, called collectively optical radiation.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 3.0). Read more →
The Story of Light
As a girl name
Light first appeared in U.S. Social Security Administration records as a girl name in 2014, with 6 babies given the name that year. Its peak popularity came in 2023, when 14 Lights were born — ranking #7,636 that year. As of 2026, Light ranks #13,427 for girls with 6 births, rising sharply (+32% over the past five years). In total, more than 67 Lights have been born in the U.S. since records began in 1880, spanning the 2010s through the 2020s.
As a boy name
Light first appeared in U.S. Social Security Administration records as a boy name in 2008, with 7 babies given the name that year. Its peak popularity came in 2021, when 26 Lights were born — ranking #4,007 that year. As of 2026, Light ranks #5,515 for boys with 17 births, rising sharply (+33% over the past five years). In total, more than 188 Lights have been born in the U.S. since records began in 1880, spanning the 2000s through the 2020s.
Popularity Over Time
Popularity by State
Names that sound like Light
Phonetically similar names — useful when Light is the vibe but a different syllable count or letter feel might suit better. Linked entries have a profile on Peek a Name.
- Lite
- Lyte
- Leyte
- Leit
- Late
- Lit
- Let
- Lied
- Loot
- Lat
- Leet
- Litt
Source: Datamuse . Phonetic similarity ranking, not curated.
Frequently Asked Questions about Light
What does the name Light mean?
How popular is Light in 2026?
When was Light most popular?
In which U.S. states is Light most popular?
Is Light a unisex name?
What names go well with Light?
About the name Light
Light is a unisex baby name tracked by the U.S. Social Security Administration. It first appeared in SSA records in 2008 and has accumulated 188 births in the dataset. Light's peak popularity came in 2021 when it ranked #4,007. Use the chart and map above to compare Light's trajectory across years and U.S. states, or browse the related names section to discover similar choices.
Continue exploring
- Top names of 2021 →
- Names of the 2020s →
- Names starting with "L" →
- Browse all boy names →
- Top names of 2026 →
- Browse unisex names →
Data sources
- Birth statistics (counts, ranks, years 1880–2026) — U.S. Social Security Administration . Predictions for years not yet released by SSA are computed by Peek a Name from historical trends; we update with official data as soon as it ships.
- Etymology, cultural origins, and related forms — Behind the Name (used under their public API terms).
- Meaning prose and editorial summary — Wikipedia article extracts, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 .
- Predicted nationality distribution — Nationalize.io .
- Phonetically similar names — Datamuse .
Peek a Name aggregates and presents the above data for informational purposes. Statistical predictions and external attributions are clearly labelled where shown; we make no guarantee of accuracy beyond what each source provides.