Lucas Boy
Origin(s)
PronunciationLOO-kas / ˈluː.kəsLatin; Greek
Meaning
Latin: light-giving; Greek: bringer of light
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Lucas has its roots in the Latin name "Lucanus," which is derived from "lux," meaning "light." This etymological lineage can be traced back to the ancient Roman period, where the name was used to denote someone who was from Lucania, a region in Southern Italy. The transition into English occurred through the Old French form "Luc," which was adopted into Middle English as "Lucas" during the Norman Conquest in the 11th century, reflecting the influence of Latin and French on the English language.
Historically, the name Lucas is significant in Christian contexts, as it is associated with Saint Luke, one of the four Evangelists who authored the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles in the New Testament. His writings are believed to have been composed in the first century CE, and he is often depicted as a physician and a patron saint of artists. The name gained further prominence through the Vulgate, the Latin translation of the Bible completed by Saint Jerome in the late 4th century, which helped solidify the name's usage in Christian communities across Europe.
Culturally, the name Lucas has been embraced in various traditions, symbolizing enlightenment and guidance, akin to the meaning of "light." It has been used in literature and art, often representing clarity and insight. The diminutive form "Luke" has also emerged from this name, further embedding it in cultural narratives. The enduring nature of Lucas can be attributed to its strong biblical connections and the positive connotations associated with light, making it a name that resonates across different cultures and eras.
Trend Summary
Lucas has consistently ranked among the top names for boys in the United States over the past two decades.
Similar Names
Variants
- Luca
- Luke
International Variants
- Luca (Italian)
- Luc (French)
- Lukas (German)
- Lukáš (Czech)
- Lukáš (Slovak)
Famous people named Lucas
Lucas Hedges is an actor best known for Manchester by the Sea, Lady Bird, and Boy Erased.
Lucas Grabeel is an actor and singer best known for High School Musical, Switched at Birth, and Milk.
Lucas Black is an actor best known for Fast & Furious 7, Sling Blade, and NCIS: New Orleans.
Lucas Till is an actor best known for X-Men: First Class, MacGyver, and Monster Trucks.
Fictional characters named Lucas
Lucas Sinclair is a fictional character from the TV series Stranger Things. He is one of the main group of friends who battles supernatural forces in their small town.
Lucas is a fictional character from the video game series LucasArts. He is a young boy who embarks on a quest to save his family and friends from various dangers in the world of adventure games.
Sibling Suggestions
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Lucas was first seen in the United States in 1881. Lucas has ranked as high as #17 nationally, which occurred in 2017, and has been most popular in California, New York, Florida, Texas, and Illinois. In the past 5 years the name Lucas has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Lucas (2024)
State | Births | Share |
---|---|---|
CA | 1,273 | |
TX | 1,098 | |
FL | 926 | |
NY | 774 | |
NC | 405 | |
PA | 400 | |
OH | 377 | |
IL | 354 | |
VA | 321 | |
GA | 312 | |
MI | 288 | |
MA | 269 | |
WA | 236 | |
TN | 221 | |
IN | 209 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
Year | Births |
---|---|
1881 | 11 |
1883 | 5 |
1884 | 5 |
1885 | 6 |
1886 | 8 |
1888 | 6 |
1891 | 8 |
1892 | 10 |
1893 | 10 |
1894 | 8 |
1895 | 6 |
1896 | 7 |
1898 | 8 |
1899 | 10 |
1902 | 6 |
1903 | 7 |
1904 | 6 |
1905 | 5 |
1906 | 7 |
1907 | 5 |
1908 | 9 |
1909 | 10 |
1910 | 11 |
1911 | 7 |
1912 | 22 |
1913 | 27 |
1914 | 26 |
1915 | 41 |
1916 | 33 |
1917 | 35 |
1918 | 52 |
1919 | 32 |
1920 | 41 |
1921 | 44 |
1922 | 37 |
1923 | 50 |
1924 | 49 |
1925 | 36 |
1926 | 40 |
1927 | 36 |
1928 | 38 |
1929 | 32 |
1930 | 30 |
1931 | 27 |
1932 | 26 |
1933 | 23 |
1934 | 25 |
1935 | 33 |
1936 | 21 |
1937 | 26 |
1938 | 17 |
1939 | 26 |
1940 | 19 |
1941 | 24 |
1942 | 21 |
1943 | 22 |
1944 | 29 |
1945 | 24 |
1946 | 29 |
1947 | 34 |
1948 | 29 |
1949 | 25 |
1950 | 24 |
1951 | 27 |
1952 | 34 |
1953 | 22 |
1954 | 20 |
1955 | 33 |
1956 | 34 |
1957 | 31 |
1958 | 52 |
1959 | 62 |
1960 | 78 |
1961 | 90 |
1962 | 86 |
1963 | 74 |
1964 | 90 |
1965 | 81 |
1966 | 80 |
1967 | 59 |
1968 | 98 |
1969 | 122 |
1970 | 160 |
1971 | 200 |
1972 | 230 |
1973 | 305 |
1974 | 565 |
1975 | 892 |
1976 | 877 |
1977 | 1,099 |
1978 | 1,954 |
1979 | 2,542 |
1980 | 3,081 |
1981 | 3,372 |
1982 | 2,739 |
1983 | 2,359 |
1984 | 2,116 |
1985 | 2,318 |
1986 | 2,198 |
1987 | 2,328 |
1988 | 2,715 |
1989 | 2,861 |
1990 | 3,089 |
1991 | 3,241 |
1992 | 3,378 |
1993 | 3,924 |
1994 | 4,009 |
1995 | 4,086 |
1996 | 4,106 |
1997 | 4,034 |
1998 | 4,091 |
1999 | 4,220 |
2000 | 4,818 |
2001 | 4,900 |
2002 | 5,381 |
2003 | 5,755 |
2004 | 6,716 |
2005 | 7,578 |
2006 | 8,139 |
2007 | 8,759 |
2008 | 9,328 |
2009 | 9,619 |
2010 | 10,386 |
2011 | 10,405 |
2012 | 10,717 |
2013 | 11,558 |
2014 | 12,174 |
2015 | 12,329 |
2016 | 12,904 |
2017 | 13,029 |
2018 | 12,659 |
2019 | 12,478 |
2020 | 11,381 |
2021 | 11,582 |
2022 | 10,962 |
2023 | 10,882 |
2024 | 10,703 |