Lucilla is a feminine given name of Latin origin. It is derived from the Latin word "lucus," which means "grove" or "sacred grove." In ancient Roman culture, lucuses were considered sacred spaces dedicated to the worship of gods and goddesses.
The name Lucilla gained popularity during the Roman Empire, particularly among the imperial family. One notable figure bearing this name was Lucilla, the daughter of Emperor Marcus Aurelius and Empress Faustina the Younger. She married her uncle, Emperor Antoninus Pius, in an effort to solidify political alliances within the empire.
Over time, the name Lucilla has evolved and been adopted by various cultures across Europe. Today, it is still used as a given name for girls, particularly in Italy, France, and Spain. While its popularity may have waned compared to other names like Lucy or Lucia, which are derived from the same root, Lucilla remains a unique and distinctive choice for parents seeking an uncommon yet meaningful name for their daughter.
In terms of its meaning and symbolism, the name Lucilla carries connotations related to nature, spirituality, and divine connection. As it is associated with sacred groves and worship spaces, it may evoke feelings of reverence and tranquility. Additionally, given its Roman imperial roots, Lucilla can also convey a sense of elegance and nobility. Ultimately, however, the interpretation of this name will depend on the personal preferences and associations of those who bear or encounter it.
The name Lucilla has seen a varied pattern of usage over the years in the United States, with periods of popularity followed by declines and resurgences.
Looking at the data from 1898 to 2023, we can observe that the highest number of babies named Lucilla were born in 1925, with 17 births. This was a significant increase from the previous year, which saw only 13 births. However, this peak was not sustained, and the following year, there were 15 births.
The years 1944 and 1955 marked another wave of popularity for the name Lucilla, with 16 births each year. Interestingly, there was a gap of nine years between these peaks, indicating that while the name may not have been commonly used, it was still being chosen occasionally.
From the 1960s to the late 1970s, the number of babies named Lucilla fluctuated but remained relatively low, with fewer than 12 births per year. However, there were a few spikes, such as in 1959 and 1967, with 17 and 11 births respectively.
The late 1980s to the early 2000s saw a further decline in the usage of the name Lucilla, with fewer than 10 births per year. However, since 2009, there has been a resurgence in popularity. In fact, the years 2015 to 2023 have seen more babies named Lucilla (between 8 and 18 births each year) than any other period since the late 1940s.
In total, from 1898 to 2023, there were 927 babies born in the United States with the name Lucilla. This demonstrates that while the name may not have been consistently popular over the years, it has maintained a steady presence and continues to be chosen by parents today.
Overall, the statistics show that the name Lucilla has experienced periods of popularity followed by declines and resurgences over the years in the United States. Despite fluctuations in usage, the name has maintained a consistent presence since 1898, with a total of 927 babies named Lucilla born during this period.