A 1880s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Lucius since 1880
Babies named Lucius per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2025, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Lucius's real moment was 1881.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 327 |
| 1890s | 291 |
| 1900s | 351 |
| 1910s | 1,029 |
| 1920s | 1,142 |
| 1930s | 799 |
| 1940s | 777 |
| 1950s | 737 |
| 1960s | 513 |
| 1970s | 413 |
| 1980s | 354 |
| 1990s | 248 |
| 2000s | 886 |
| 2010s | 1,314 |
| 2020s | 927 |
Meaning & origin
Lucius is a masculine name of Latin origin meaning 'light.' After its peak in 1881 (rank 1128), it declined but has been rising again since 1994. In 2025, it ranked 1128th with about 1 in 9,037 boys receiving the name. It remains most strongly associated with states like Iowa, Kansas, and Washington. The name's steady revival reflects a broader interest in classical Roman names, offering a distinguished yet accessible choice for modern parents.
Lucius is a Latin praenomen (given name) derived from 'lux' (light). It was common in ancient Rome, borne by several notable figures including Lucius Junius Brutus, the founder of the Roman Republic, and Lucius Cornelius Sulla, a Roman general. The name continued in use through the medieval period and into the Renaissance, and was revived in the 19th century.
Where Lucius 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.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Luke, Luc
Sibling names for Lucius
Names that share Lucius's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Livia, Claudia, Aurelia, Cassia, Julia, Cornelia, Lucretia, Silvia, Drusilla, Nydia, Anicia, Druscilla, Martia, Rufina, Severa, Aemilia, Agripina, Lucilla, Lugenia, Marciana, Numa, Perpetua, Ovida, Accalia, Aelia, Carnelia, Drucella, Etrulia, Marcelia
Brothers: Marcus, Julius, Titus, Quintus, Felix, Ares, Cassius, Junius, Draco, Juvenal, Marius, Octavian, Tiberius, Antonius, Gaius, Hadrian, Juluis, Kassius, Sylvanus, Thadeus, Arius, Caius, Cato, Corneluis, Cyprian, Daryus, Marcellous, Nero, Lazarius, Severus
