Lucas is a name of Latin origin that means "bringer of light". It comes from the Latin word "lux", which means light. The name has been used throughout history and has been popular in various cultures.
In ancient Rome, Lucas was a common praenomen, or first name, given to boys born into families that were part of the Roman elite. Some famous historical figures who bore this name include Saint Luke the Evangelist, one of the Four Evangelists whose writings are included in the New Testament of the Bible, and Lucullus, a prominent Roman general and statesman.
In medieval Europe, Lucas was also a popular name among nobility, particularly in Germany and France. It is believed that the popularity of the name during this period can be attributed to the veneration of Saint Lucas, whose feast day is celebrated on October 18th.
Today, Lucas remains a popular name worldwide, with its highest prevalence in Spain, Portugal, and some Latin American countries. In the United States, it has consistently ranked among the top 50 boys' names since the mid-2000s.
Overall, the name Lucas has a rich history and an attractive meaning that has contributed to its enduring popularity throughout the centuries.
The name Lucas has seen a significant increase in popularity over the years in the United States, with a total of 309,990 births recorded between 1881 and 2023.
From 1881 to 1949, the number of annual births with the name Lucas fluctuated between single digits and low twenties. However, starting in 1950, there was a notable increase in the popularity of the name, with 27 births recorded that year.
The trend continued to rise throughout the 1950s and 1960s, with the number of annual births reaching triple digits by 1968 (98 births). This upward trajectory persisted into the 1970s, with a significant spike in 1974 when 565 babies were named Lucas at birth.
The 1980s and 1990s saw further growth in the popularity of the name Lucas. In 1980, there were 3,080 births recorded, and by 1999, that number had grown to 4,818.
Entering the 21st century, the name Lucas continued its ascent in popularity. Between 2000 and 2023, there were a total of 265,732 births recorded for the name Lucas, with the highest single year being 2016 when 13,026 babies were named Lucas at birth.
In recent years, the popularity of the name Lucas has stabilized and even slightly decreased. After peaking in 2016, the number of annual births with the name Lucas has declined to 10,842 in 2023. Despite this slight decrease, the name Lucas remains one of the most popular boys' names in the United States.
Overall, these statistics demonstrate the growing popularity of the name Lucas over time, with a notable increase in recent decades. This trend can be attributed to various factors such as changing naming trends, cultural influences, and personal preferences among parents.