Lesedi
Meaninglight · Tswana
Lesedi is an African gender-neutral name meaning “light”, with Tswana roots. A meaning like this gives a child something to grow into, and a good story to tell when someone asks about their name. It sounds flowing and melodic, it's simple to spell and say, and it pairs well with a short middle name. It suits a boy or a girl equally well.
Did you know?
- GenerationLesedi is having its moment right now. Most Lesedis are still in diapers or at preschool, so picture a Gen Alpha or Gen Beta kid.
- HistoryLesedi first shows up in US birth records in 2016, the first year at least 5 babies got it. That makes it a fairly new name, younger than many of today's parents.
US births per million girls, 2016–2025
Similar names
Save adds it to your list. Vote moves it up the top voted names.
Popularity: U.S. Social Security Administration (babies with 5+ births per year).
About the name Lesedi
Lesedi is a gender-neutral name of African origin meaning “light”. With 3 syllables it has a flowing, lyrical sound, so a short middle name balances it nicely. It's a fresh, modern name that only arrived in US birth records in recent decades. It's rarely heard today, so it stands out while still being a real, established name. It works for a boy or a girl, which suits parents who'd like a name that doesn't signal gender.
Origin:African names
More African names
- Girl name: Layla · night
- Unisex name: Zuri · beautiful
- Girl name: Aisha · alive
- Unisex name: Cairo · the victorious
- Unisex name: Asa · healer
- Unisex name: Zaire · river
- Girl name: Amber · amber resin
- Girl name: Zahra · radiant, bright
Questions about the name Lesedi
What does the name Lesedi mean?
Lesedi means “light” and comes from Tswana. Names built around “light” have been loved for generations, and give a child a meaning worth sharing when someone asks about their name. Other gender-neutral names with a similar meaning include Eleanor (“possibly light”), Ellie (“possibly light”), Lucy (“light”) and Lainey (“possibly light”).
What is the origin of the name Lesedi?
Lesedi is African in origin, and its meaning traces back to Tswana. Other African names to consider are Layla (“night”), Zuri (“beautiful”), Aisha (“alive”) and Cairo (“the victorious”).
Is Lesedi a boy or girl name?
Both. Lesedi is a true gender-neutral name used for boys and girls. That balance makes it a good pick if you'd like a name that doesn't signal gender.
How popular is the name Lesedi?
Lesedi is rare: fewer than 5 US girls got it in 2025, and it was last given to 5 or more in 2024. It peaked at #12,206 in 2021, so it's a name with history that few kids share today.
What names are similar to Lesedi?
If you like Lesedi, you might also like Eleanor, Ellie, Lucy and Lainey.
What should I know before naming my baby Lesedi?
Lesedi is an African gender-neutral name meaning “light”, with Tswana roots. A meaning like this gives a child something to grow into, and a good story to tell when someone asks about their name. It sounds flowing and melodic, it's simple to spell and say, and it pairs well with a short middle name. It suits a boy or a girl equally well. Say it out loud with your last name and any middle names you're considering, and check the initials it makes.