Light

Light is an English surname with origins dating back to medieval times. The name is derived from the Old English word "liht," meaning "light" or "brightness."

The surname Light is most commonly found in the southern regions of England, particularly in counties such as Devon, Somerset, and Wiltshire. It is believed that the surname may have originally been used to describe someone who lived near a prominent source of light, such as a beacon or lighthouse.

Over the centuries, the surname Light has been borne by individuals from a variety of backgrounds and professions. From farmers to merchants, soldiers to scholars, the Lights have made their mark on British history in various ways.

Notable individuals with the surname Light include British physicist Sir Joseph John Thomson, who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1906 for his discovery of the electron. Additionally, British author Susannah Kells, known for her works of historical fiction set in the Victorian era, also bears the surname Light.

Today, the surname Light continues to be passed down through generations, serving as a reminder of the family histories and legacies that have contributed to the cultural tapestry of Britain.

There are approximately 5,242 people named Light in the UK. That makes it roughly the 1,807th most common surname in Britain. Around 80 in a million people in Britain are named Light.

Origin: English

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: England

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: English

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Andrew
  • Christopher
  • David
  • James
  • John
  • Michael
  • Peter
  • Richard
  • Robert
  • Stephen

Female

  • Claire
  • Deborah
  • Emma
  • Janet
  • Joan
  • Karen
  • Linda
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Rebecca
  • Sarah
  • Susan
  • Valerie

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.

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