Cool white light was realized in Y2-x-y Gd x SiO 5: Ce y phosphor under near UV excitation, due to the occupation Ce3+ in Y3+ 1st and 2nd site, synthesized using solid state carbothermal reduction route. SEM with elemental analysis show the existence of Gd in Y2SiO5:Ce enhances the particles size in comparison to Y2SiO5:Ce phosphors alone. Gd 3+ (0.00≤x≤0.75) and Ce3+ (0.02≤y≤0.10) concentration was optimized to 0.50 and 0.08 in Y2SiO5, respectively. The CIE chromaticity color coordinates (0.24, 0.20) are close to cool white light value which could be useful for the fabrication of cool white LED. © 2008 Springer-Verlag.