Boy · 9th of 23,106
Lucas
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
321,316
Total Births
145
Years of Data
2017
Peak Popularity Year
13,041
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Lucas stands across generations
Rankings for U.S. births from 2013 to 2024.
Based on the most recent three-year movement in the national data.
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Meaning, origin & U.S. popularity
Summary
The name Lucas originates from Latin, meaning light. It has evolved from earlier forms like Lucius and has biblical significance due to its association with Saint Luke. Lucas is perceived positively today, often linked with qualities of intelligence and creativity, and remains a popular choice for naming children.
Etymology & cultural background Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈluːkəs/
Origin
Latin
Etymology
The name Lucas is derived from the Latin name 'Lucas', which means 'light' or 'illumination'. It is often associated with the Latin word 'lux', meaning light.
Meaning
light
Language Evolution
Lucius, Lucas, Luca
Biblical Background
Lucas is often associated with Saint Luke, one of the authors of the New Testament, who was a physician and an evangelist.
Historical Usage
The name gained popularity in the early Christian era due to its biblical connections, particularly in the Middle Ages, and has remained a common name in various cultures.
Variants & Derivatives
Luke, Luca, Luc, Luciano
Modern Popularity & Image
In contemporary society, Lucas is viewed as a strong and classic name, often associated with intelligence and creativity. It has remained a popular choice in many countries.
Famous People
Lucas Cranach the Elder, Lucas Hedges, Lucas Till
Trend Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Declining
25-Year Trend:
Consistently Rising
Explore popularity by location
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Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 13,041 peak births in 2017
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in Alaska
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 11 different American generations with varying popularity
Alternative spellings & similar sounds
Compare 7 names that share a similar pronunciation but use different spellings.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Full popularity table across American generations 11 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 1073rd of 7545 | 674 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 1355th of 6773 | 463 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 1106th of 7552 | 874 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 274th of 10718 | 12,345 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 108th of 16616 | 48,839 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 57th of 24088 | 114,846 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 9th of 23106 | 142,641 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 9136th of 19264 | 57 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 7557th of 27321 | 152 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 9308th of 35406 | 176 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 8931st of 30306 | 141 |