Lucien is a French masculine given name derived from the Latin word "lux", which means light. The name has been in use since the Middle Ages and was popular among medieval nobility.
The name Lucien gained prominence during the Renaissance period when it became associated with intellectual pursuits, as many scholars and writers adopted this name. Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Lucien, including French philosopher Lucien Lévy-Bruhl (1857-1930) and Swiss poet Lucien Blanc (1884-1962).
In France, Lucien remains a popular choice for parents seeking a classic yet distinctive name for their sons. It is often paired with middle names like Jean or Marie to create combinations such as Lucien Jean or Lucien Marie.
Overall, the name Lucien offers a timeless and elegant option for parents looking for a name with historical significance and a charming meaning associated with light.
The name Lucien has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past few decades in the United States. According to the statistics provided, there were only 19 births with the name Lucien in 1880. However, by 2023, this number had increased to 249 births.
From the early 1900s to the mid-1950s, the number of births with the name Lucien fluctuated between a low of 23 births in 1962 and a high of 89 births in 1914. After the 1950s, there was a decline in the popularity of the name Lucien, reaching a low point of 20 births in 1995.
However, since the late 1990s, there has been a significant resurgence in the popularity of the name Lucien. In 2000, there were 52 births with this name, and this number has continued to rise steadily ever since. By 2022, there were 202 births with the name Lucien, indicating that it is now more popular than it has been at any point in recent history.
This trend of increasing popularity can also be seen when comparing the most recent decade (2013-2023) to the previous decade (2003-2013). In the earlier decade, there were a total of 976 births with the name Lucien, compared to 1,485 births in the more recent decade.
Overall, these statistics demonstrate that while the name Lucien has seen periods of decline and stability in popularity over the years, it has experienced significant growth in popularity since the late 1990s. This trend suggests that Lucien is now a popular choice for parents looking for a unique and meaningful name for their child.