Find out how popular the first name Lyte has been for the last 4 years (from 2018 to 2021) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Lyte by gender

Based on the last 4 years of data, Lyte is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2021, there were 7 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Lyte.

The history of the first name Lyte

The name Lyte has its origins in the Old English language, emerging during the Anglo-Saxon period in Britain, which lasted from the 5th to the 11th century. It is believed to be derived from the Old English word "leoht," which means "light" or "bright." This connection suggests that the name may have been initially given to individuals with fair complexions or perhaps as a metaphorical reference to their perceived qualities of radiance or illumination.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Lyte can be found in the Domesday Book, a comprehensive survey of land ownership and taxation in England commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1086. The name appears in various spellings, such as "Lihte" and "Liht," further supporting its Anglo-Saxon roots.

Throughout medieval times, the name Lyte was primarily used by members of the English gentry and nobility. One notable figure bearing this name was Sir Walter Lyte, a 16th-century English courtier and Member of Parliament, who lived from 1508 to 1576. He served under Queen Elizabeth I and played a significant role in the royal court during the Tudor period.

In the realm of literature, Henry Lyte, an English poet and Anglican divine, is remembered for his translation of the ancient Roman poet Valerius Maximus' work "Dictorum Factorumque Memorabilium Libri IX" into English in 1587. Lyte lived from around 1529 to 1607.

Another prominent figure with the name Lyte was Maximilian Lyte, a German-born English botanist and naturalist who lived from 1694 to 1773. He made significant contributions to the study of plants and is particularly known for his work on the flora of Middlesex, England.

Crossing the Atlantic, Thomas Lyte, an English settler in colonial America, played a notable role in the early history of Virginia. He served as a member of the Virginia Council, a governing body of the Virginia Colony, in the 17th century.

While the name Lyte has maintained a presence throughout history, it has remained relatively uncommon, particularly in modern times. Its enduring legacy, however, lies in its connection to the rich tapestry of English language and culture, serving as a testament to the evolution of names and their ability to carry meaning across generations.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Lyte was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Lyte, please contact us.

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