Declining since 2014, #5,861 for boys today.
Popularity of Lucan since 1977
Babies named Lucan per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 78 |
| 1980s | 43 |
| 1990s | 17 |
| 2000s | 87 |
| 2010s | 180 |
| 2020s | 79 |
Meaning & origin
Lucan is a rare Latin-derived name that first appeared in U.S. records in 1977. It reached its peak popularity in 1978, the year after its debut, and has since seen fluctuating but generally low usage. The name has been on a downward trajectory since 2014, reflecting a broader decline in classical names that lack modern nickname currency. With a current rank of 5,861 and a rate of 1 in 113,872 births, Lucan remains an uncommon choice, appealing to parents drawn to ancient Roman history. Its most famous association is the poet Marcus Annaeus Lucanus, offering a literary touch without the weight of more popular classical names like Marcus or Julian.
Lucan derives from the Latin cognomen Lucanus, meaning 'from Lucania', an ancient region in present-day Basilicata, Italy. The name was borne by the 1st-century Roman poet Marcus Annaeus Lucanus, best known for his epic Pharsalia. The name saw occasional use in the English-speaking world from the 19th century onward, likely as a literary or classical revival.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Luke, Lucky
Sibling names for Lucan
Names that share Lucan's style, for a brother or sister.
