Rising since 1986, #462 for boys today.
Popularity of Lucian since 1880
Babies named Lucian per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 219 |
| 1890s | 160 |
| 1900s | 162 |
| 1910s | 770 |
| 1920s | 957 |
| 1930s | 546 |
| 1940s | 490 |
| 1950s | 448 |
| 1960s | 300 |
| 1970s | 272 |
| 1980s | 300 |
| 1990s | 372 |
| 2000s | 1,873 |
| 2010s | 4,249 |
| 2020s | 3,351 |
Meaning & origin
Lucian has seen a steady resurgence since 1986, a trajectory that aligns with renewed interest in classical names with literary and saintly associations. In 2025, the name reached its peak rank at 462, with approximately 1 in every 2,549 boys receiving the name. Its strongest popularity is in Oregon, New Mexico, and Oklahoma, reflecting a broad geographic appeal. While it first appeared in U.S. records in 1880, its modern revival has been fueled by parents seeking distinguished yet accessible names rooted in Latin tradition. The name's association with light and its long history of use in Christian contexts give it a timeless quality that continues to attract a diverse range of families.
Derived from the Roman family name Lucianus, which itself comes from the Latin praenomen Lucius, meaning 'light' (from lux). The name was borne by several early Christian saints, including Saint Lucian of Antioch, a theologian and martyr. It has been used across Europe in various forms since the Renaissance.
Where Lucian is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Lucian” around the world
Where Lucian lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
45
babies in 2024
Ireland
3
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Luke, Luca, Luci
Sibling names for Lucian
Names that share Lucian's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Lucia, Elara, Cassia, Seraphina, Violet, Caressa, Ofelia, Serena, Adrina, Aylen, Beyonce, Delicia, Luanna, Velia, Adessa, Belladonna, Brissia, Cirilla, Daviana, Delphina, Eugena, Felina, Iriana, Iridian, Lizandra, Venezia, Adilenne, Aeliana, Aymar, Candia, Cariana, Clarrisa, Daliana, Demonica, Doriann, Felisia, Hiliana, Illyanna, Jennavecia, Laelia, Lumina, Mauriana, Merina, Millianna, Mylene, Naevia, Rovena, Seleena, Seryna, Syriana, Valetta, Aleysia, Anadalay, Aradia, Arienna, Belina, Bitania, Cilicia, Daianna, Dariane, Darriana, Deliana, Desarie, Driana, Ezmerelda, Iliani, Iridiana, Larimar, Lavilla, Loreena, Loucinda, Lucelia, Lunafreya, Quentina, Reianna, Saphyra, Sarissa, Severina, Taviana, Totiana, Yexalen
Brothers: Julian, Felix, Sebastian, Theo, Adrian, Cassian, Fabian, Daemon, Florian, Roderic, Adrion, Daimon, Dashiel, Diamante, Julion, Severin, Alucard, Calian, Devereaux, Devian, Jerrico, Kassian, Kratos, Lonza, Tilian, Tyrian, Cashmir, Amarien, Dacian, Daemion, Domonik, Jacere, Lavarius, Leonidus, Leonte, Lucion, Luian, Syire, Taino, Torrion
Names like Lucian
Names whose popularity has moved with Lucian's over the last 50 years.
