A 1950s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Lu since 1886
Babies named Lu per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 26 |
| 1890s | 30 |
| 1900s | 33 |
| 1910s | 97 |
| 1920s | 191 |
| 1930s | 323 |
| 1940s | 370 |
| 1950s | 2,021 |
| 1960s | 747 |
| 1970s | 100 |
| 1980s | 25 |
| 1990s | 5 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 36 |
| 2020s | 42 |
Meaning & origin
Lu is a concise, vintage diminutive that has seen a modest resurgence since 2010. First recorded in 1886, it reached its peak rank of #11932 in 1954 (though rank data suggests a drop then revival). Currently, 1 in 229,610 U.S. births receives this name, reflecting its niche appeal. While Lu has never cracked the top 1000, its trajectory is rising, and it carries the charm of mid-century revival names. Its simplicity and cross-cultural versatility make it a subtle choice for parents seeking a short, sweet name with historic roots.
Lu originated as a diminutive of names such as Lucy (from Latin lux 'light') and Louise (from Germanic hlud 'famous' + wig 'warrior'). It has been used as an independent given name primarily in English-speaking countries since the 19th century.
Sibling names for Lu
Names that share Lu's style, for a brother or sister.
