A 1900s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Lucien since 1880
Babies named Lucien per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2025, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Lucien's real moment was 1909.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 128 |
| 1890s | 120 |
| 1900s | 155 |
| 1910s | 911 |
| 1920s | 1,285 |
| 1930s | 739 |
| 1940s | 745 |
| 1950s | 518 |
| 1960s | 345 |
| 1970s | 321 |
| 1980s | 344 |
| 1990s | 337 |
| 2000s | 1,059 |
| 2010s | 1,650 |
| 2020s | 1,336 |
Meaning & origin
Lucien is a French name meaning 'light' that has been in consistent use in the United States since record-keeping began in 1880. Its first recorded year is 1880, and it reached its peak popularity in 1909, ranking 897th in 2025 with a 1-in-6,446 incidence. After a period of decline, the name has been rising in popularity since 1987, reflecting a revival of classic French names among modern parents. Geographically, Lucien has been most popular in Connecticut, Oregon, and Maryland, suggesting a concentration in states with higher French heritage or literary appreciation. The name's revival in the late 20th and early 21st centuries aligns with a broader trend toward vintage and European-style names. Lucien remains a distinctive yet recognizable choice, with a gentle sound and positive meaning.
Lucien is the French form of the Latin name Lucianus, a derivative of Lucius, which itself comes from 'lux' (light). The name was borne by several early Christian saints, contributing to its use across medieval Europe. In France, it has been in use since at least the Middle Ages and saw a revival in the 19th century.
Where Lucien 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.
“Lucien” around the world
Where Lucien lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
#89
in 2024
New Zealand
10
babies in 2025
Quebec
20
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · NZ Dept of Internal Affairs (New Zealand) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Luc, Lou
Sibling names for Lucien
Names that share Lucien's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Amelie, Celeste, Elodie, Margot, Simone, Alane, Aline, Avril, Camille, Delphine, Gisselle, Marcelle, Martine, Ariane, Clarisse, Eliette, Gisel, Haydee, Jiselle, Jocelyne, Melaine, Micheline, Roxane, Alizee, Anaise, Antoniette, Arienne, Aurore, Camile, Carine, Fabienne, Fernande, Gissele, Marcille, Marine, Mireille, Rochele, Solene, Adraine, Azelie, Caresse, Chandelle, Chantilly, Cimone, Fanchon, Hortence, Jizelle, Lucielle, Maelys, Marcelline, Mirelle, Mirielle, Murielle, Nanetta, Noelly, Pierrette, Priscille, Roselyne, Solenne, Yanette, Amanie, Anelisse, Andrienne, Annick, Camelle, Capucine, Celisse, Ellesse, Erienne, Florestine, Gwenette, Laurielle, Marchel, Marien, Musette, Victoire, Yiselle
Brothers: Julien, Mathieu, Olivier, Remi, Sebastien, Amaury, Marcell, Andree, Leandre, Renard, Yves, Achille, Alcide, Fabien, Matisse, Yvan, Zacharie, Bastien, Fontaine, Jourdain, Jullien, Nazaire, Ulysse, Valmore, Yohann, Camil, Gaspard, Jarreau, Marsel, Ramier, Yanick
