Declining since 1985, #1,747 for girls today.
Popularity of Lucinda since 1880
Babies named Lucinda per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1957, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Lucinda's real moment was 1881.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 869 |
| 1890s | 1,042 |
| 1900s | 1,035 |
| 1910s | 1,642 |
| 1920s | 1,715 |
| 1930s | 1,383 |
| 1940s | 4,367 |
| 1950s | 8,988 |
| 1960s | 6,697 |
| 1970s | 3,644 |
| 1980s | 2,203 |
| 1990s | 1,111 |
| 2000s | 1,392 |
| 2010s | 1,603 |
| 2020s | 710 |
Meaning & origin
Lucinda, meaning 'light', is a name with literary roots and a history of steady use. First recorded in the U.S. in 1880, it reached its peak popularity in 1881, ranking as the 1,747th most common name. However, its trajectory has been falling since 1985, reflecting a broader shift away from elaborate feminines. The name was most popular in top states like Kentucky, Indiana, and Ohio during the 1880s, suggesting a regional heartland appeal. Despite its decline, Lucinda retains a classic, delicate charm that appeals to parents seeking a name with literary pedigree and a luminous meaning.
Lucinda is a feminine name derived from Latin 'lux' (genitive 'lucis'), meaning 'light'. It emerged as a literary elaboration of Lucia in the 17th century, popularized by authors such as Miguel de Cervantes in his novel 'Don Quixote' (1605). The name has been used consistently in English-speaking countries since the 18th century.
Where Lucinda 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.
“Lucinda” around the world
Where Lucinda lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Lucy, Cindy, Lulu, Lucie
Sibling names for Lucinda
Names that share Lucinda's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Eloise, Clara, Vivian, Rosalind, Beatrice, Lavina, Ardella, Florinda, Laurinda, Olevia, Derinda, Equilla, Francena, Lurena, Merlinda, Priscella, Priscillia, Vanellope, Armella, Capricia, Castella, Cynthea, Eustolia, Genella, Lugenia, Marcena, Darcella, Eulanda, Florenda, Julena, Loucinda, Lucendia, Lucindia, Minetta, Minola, Quinette, Rotunda, Sinda, Syvilla, Yolinda
