Rising since 1998, #2,076 for girls today.
Popularity of Lua since 1910
Babies named Lua per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 5 |
| 1920s | 0 |
| 1930s | 0 |
| 1940s | 0 |
| 1950s | 0 |
| 1960s | 0 |
| 1970s | 11 |
| 1980s | 12 |
| 1990s | 0 |
| 2000s | 66 |
| 2010s | 384 |
| 2020s | 611 |
Meaning & origin
Lua is a short, melodic name that has been steadily climbing the U.S. charts since 1998. In 2025 it ranked 2,076 nationally, with roughly 1 in 17,859 newborn girls receiving the name. Its peak popularity so far came in 2023, and it shows no signs of slowing. The name is most common in New Jersey, Florida, and Texas. While its exact etymology is debated, its Portuguese meaning of 'moon' gives it a celestial, gentle appeal that fits modern naming trends favoring nature and vowel-ending sounds. Unlike the similar Luna, Lua remains relatively uncommon, offering a distinctive yet accessible choice.
Lua is a name with multiple possible origins. In Portuguese, it directly means 'moon'. In Hawaiian, lua means 'two' or 'hole' but is also used in names like Lua-o-Milu. As a modern given name, it may be a short form of Luana or a standalone choice inspired by celestial themes. It gained visibility in English-speaking countries in the early 2000s.
Where Lua is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Lua” around the world
Where Lua lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
25
babies in 2024
Ireland
4
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland).
Sibling names for Lua
Names that share Lua's style, for a brother or sister.
