Find out how popular the first name Moonlight has been for the last 1 years (from 2022 to 2022) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Moonlight by gender

Based on the last 1 years of data, Moonlight is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2022, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Moonlight.

The history of the first name Moonlight

The name Moonlight is a relatively modern invention, originating in the English language during the late 19th or early 20th century. It is a compound word derived from the celestial body "moon" and the natural phenomenon of its reflected light, "light." The name is a poetic expression of the serene and romantic nature of moonlight, evoking images of tranquility and beauty.

While the name itself is a recent creation, the concept of associating names with celestial bodies or natural elements has a long history across various cultures. In ancient civilizations, names were often derived from the natural world, with the moon being a particularly significant celestial body in many belief systems and mythologies.

One of the earliest recorded individuals with the name Moonlight was Moonlight Thomas, an American blues singer and guitarist born in Mississippi in 1909. Known for her distinctive blues style, she recorded several influential songs in the 1920s and 1930s, contributing to the development of the blues genre.

Another notable figure was Moonlight Graham, an American baseball player born in 1879. Despite his brief professional career, lasting only one game in 1905, Graham gained recognition through his inclusion in the novel "Shoeless Joe" by W.P. Kinsella, which later inspired the film "Field of Dreams."

In the literary world, Moonlight Smith was the pen name of American writer Esther Earl Shaver, born in 1893. She wrote several novels and short stories during the early 20th century, often exploring themes of romance and adventure.

Moving into the 20th century, Moonlight Butterfly was the stage name of American drag performer and activist Donnie Roberts, born in 1942. As a prominent figure in the LGBTQ+ community, Moonlight Butterfly advocated for LGBTQ+ rights and worked to raise awareness about the challenges faced by members of the community.

In the realm of art, Moonlight was the pseudonym used by American painter and illustrator Emily Carr, born in 1871. Known for her vibrant depictions of nature and Indigenous culture in the Pacific Northwest, Carr's works under the name Moonlight were influential in the development of modernist art in Canada.

While not an exhaustive list, these individuals serve as examples of how the name Moonlight has been embraced and celebrated throughout history, often reflecting a sense of artistry, creativity, and connection with the natural world.

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 Moonlight was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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