Surname Light - Meaning and Origin
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Discovering My an Lineage: iGENEA DNA Test and the Light Surname Unveiled
Recently, I took the iGENEA DNA test with an intention to trace my hereditary lineage going back to the roots of my surname, Light. What I discovered was a complex web of narratives, migration routes, professions and connections that contribute to a fascinating story of my lineage's trajectory.
T. Light
read moreLight: What does the surname Light mean?
The surname Light is of English origin and has several possible meanings, depending on the historical context and region in which it was used. It could be a nickname for a person who was cheerful and lively, derived from the Middle English term "lyt" or "light" which meant joyful or merry. It could also be used to refer to someone who was physically light, either in terms of weight, hair color, or complexion. Additionally, Light could be an occupational name for lightkeepers, a shortened form of the term "lighterman" for those who operated flat-bottomed barges, or a transliteration of the Jewish name "Licht", meaning "light" or "lamp". The surname Light may also be of topographic origin from the Old English "leoht" used to describe someone who lived near a light source, such as a lighthouse. Despite the various possibilities, the exact origin of the name can only be determined through personal family history.
Order DNA origin analysisLight: Where does the name Light come from?
The surname Light is of Anglo-Saxon origin. It is derived from the Old English pre 7th Century name "Leoht", meaning "light", and was originally given as a nickname to someone with a bright or cheerful disposition. Another theory suggests it may have been associated with someone who was nimble, quick or "light" on their feet. The surname could also be locational, originating from a place called Light in the West Riding area of Yorkshire, England.
As the name developed, many variations arose, including Light, Lighte, Lyte, Lite, Leight, and others. Early recordings of the surname date back to the late 12th century in England. The surname was brought to America by early settlers and is now quite common in the United States.
Today, people bearing the Light surname can be found throughout the English-speaking world, with notable concentrations in the United States, England, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. The USA, due to its population size and history of immigration, has a sizeable population of the Light surname. The UK, as the origin of the surname, also has a significant cluster of people with the Light surname.
Variations of the surname Light
The surname Light has various forms, spellings, and related surnames from different origins. Some of them include "Licht" (German), "Luce" (French), "Lichter" (German), and "Lyte" (old English). Variants in English-speaking countries often include "Lighty", "Lite", "Lyght", and "Lyghte".
This surname may have several sources. Firstly, it may be locative or topographic, derived from the Old English pre-7th century word "leoht", meaning light, and given to someone who lived in a brightly lit spot or on a slight hill. Alternatively, it could be an occupational name for the keeper of the flame, such as a medieval lighthouse keeper, from the Middle English word 'light', a flame.
Another possible origin could be a nickname. It may have been given to a joyful or lively person, derived from the Middle English word "lightfot" or German "Licht", which means light. Addionally, it may have been given to someone who was quick or nimble, following the derivation from the Old English word "lioht", meaning "light" or "quick".
It's also possible that the surname Light could be ashkenazic, being a translation of the Jewish surname Weitman, from "weiz", the Yiddish word for light.
Famous people with the name Light
- Robert Light: an American actor and entrepreneur best known for his roles in Passions, Welcome to Paradise, and Parenthood.
- John Light: an English actor best known for his roles in Brotherhood, Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day, and Cold Mountain.
- Romero Light: an American model, muse, and former Miss Oregon 2015.
- Domonique Light: a former pageant contestant who was crowned Miss England in 2007.
- Jonathon Light: a Canadian abstract painter and sculptor.
- Duncan Light: an Australian filmmaker best known for films such as The Descent and The Virgin Queen.
- Paul Lightfoot: a British choreographer and former principal dancer of The Royal Ballet.
- Bob Light: an English rock guitarist who has released several albums with the band Roger Glover & Guests.
- Emma Light: an American novelist and playwright.
- Justin Light: a Canadian Olympic speed skater who won a gold medal at the 2010 Winter Olympics.