Because the creator himself said it's an -ite suffix similar to minerals like bauxite, not -lite.

Interesting, thanks for mentioning that. I've always wondered about the origins of the name, never found anything, but now with your mention of "mineral" I was able to find this:

> (Hipp) How do I pronounce the name of the product? I say S-Q-L-ite, like a mineral.

> But I also hear a lot people say, "Sequel lite and SQL lite." You know, I don't care. Whatever comes off of your tongue easily is fine with me.

> (Q) But the official correct way is S-Q-L-ite?

> (Hipp) Yes, like a mineral.

https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/the-changelog/why-sqlit...

So, he means SQL-ite, but doesn't want to proscribe this as the only way people should say it. I like all of that.

Maybe we should follow his example.