Lucy: Name Meaning, Origin, & Popularity

Girl name origins & meanings

What does Lucy mean and stand for?

Meaning:

Latin: Light
English: Light bringer

Gender: Female

Syllables: 2

Pronunciation: The name Lucy is pronounced loo-see

The name Lucy has Latin roots, derived from the word lux meaning "light." It has been a popular name for centuries, often associated with Saint Lucy, a Christian martyr who is the patron saint of the blind. The name signifies clarity, illumination, and guidance, making it a timeless choice for baby girls.

Girl name variations

Family name origins & meanings

Irish, English, and French: variant spelling of Lucey.

Famous people who gave their babies this name

Mimi Rogers

Patricia Neal

Roald Dahl

Lucy in Pop Culture

Do you know these fictional characters that share this first name?

Lucy Pevensie from The Chronicles of Narnia - One of the four siblings who discover the magical land of Narnia.
Lucy Ricardo from I Love Lucy - The quirky and ambitious wife featured in the classic American television sitcom.
Lucy van Pelt from Peanuts - The opinionated and bossy character from the beloved comic strip.
Lucy Honeychurch from A Room with a View - The young protagonist who navigates societal expectations and romance in E.M. Forster's novel.
Lucy Heartfilia from Fairy Tail - A celestial spirit mage and one of the main characters in the anime series.

Popularity of the Name Lucy

According to Social Security Administration data, Lucy has been consistently popular, maintaining its charm over the years. At one point in time, Lucy was a name given only to those girls born at dawn. The name has since gained momentum, and is popular in the U.S., England, and Wales. Recently, it has ranked within the top 50 baby names in the United States, reflecting its enduring appeal.

Historically, the name Lucy, derived from the Latin word lux meaning "light", has been borne by several notable figures. Saint Lucy, a martyr from Syracuse in the early 4th century, remains one of the most venerated saints in Christianity. The name has also graced many famous personalities, including Lucy Maud Montgomery, the author of Anne of Green Gables, and comedian Lucille Ball, star of the iconic television show I Love Lucy. In fiction, Lucy is famously known as one of the Pevensie siblings in C.S. Lewis's The Chronicles of Narnia series, and as Lucy Ricardo, the beloved character played by Ball. The name also gained popularity after The Beatles' song "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds" topped charts. The name’s historical and cultural significance ensures that it remains a favorite choice for parents today.