Declining since 1994, #1,512 for girls today.
Popularity of Lucero since 1961
Babies named Lucero per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1960s | 10 |
| 1970s | 113 |
| 1980s | 389 |
| 1990s | 2,635 |
| 2000s | 2,255 |
| 2010s | 1,515 |
| 2020s | 812 |
Meaning & origin
Lucero entered the U.S. naming landscape in 1961 and saw a steady rise, peaking in 1994. Since then, its usage has been falling, but it remains a familiar choice in the Southwest, especially in Arizona, Texas, and California, the top three states for the name. The name's meaning, tied to the brightest celestial body after the sun and moon, gives it a luminous quality that appeals to parents seeking a name with natural and cultural resonance. Lucero's trajectory reflects its regional concentration: while nationally it sits at rank 1,512 and approximately 1 in 11,399 newborns receive it, its prevalence in Latino communities keeps it consistently in use, even as it becomes less common overall.
Lucero derives from the Spanish word for 'bright star,' ultimately from Latin 'lux' (light). It traditionally refers to the planet Venus as the 'morning star' or 'evening star.' The name has been used in the Spanish-speaking world, especially in Mexico and the southwestern United States, where it gained popularity in the late 20th century.
Where Lucero is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Lucy, Luce, Lulu
Sibling names for Lucero
Names that share Lucero's style, for a brother or sister.
