Holding steady.
Popularity of Ludean since 1918
Babies named Ludean per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1925, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Ludean's real moment was 1936.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 7 |
| 1920s | 58 |
| 1930s | 72 |
| 1940s | 6 |
| 1950s | 11 |
| 1960s | 0 |
| 1970s | 0 |
| 1980s | 0 |
| 1990s | 0 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Ludean is an unusual American coinage that first appeared in 1918. It reached its peak popularity in 1936, when it was given to its highest number of baby girls that year. Since then, the name has remained extremely rare, with no recorded uptick in recent decades. The trajectory has been stable, meaning it has never experienced a sudden surge or decline after its initial peak. Although its etymology is uncertain, the name likely follows the fashionable naming pattern of the early 1900s, combining a melodic prefix with a common suffix. Ludean was not associated with any particular U.S. state, as its usage was too sparse to concentrate geographically. Today, it is an obscure choice that offers a vintage feel without being widely used.
Ludean appears to be a modern coinage, likely formed in the early 20th century in the United States. The name may combine the popular prefix Lu- (as in Lucille or Louise) with the suffix -dean (found in names like Ardean or Doreen). It was first recorded in 1918 and saw its peak usage in 1936, though it has remained rare since.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Lulu, Lu, Deanie
Sibling names for Ludean
Names that share Ludean's style, for a brother or sister.
