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Lucas Boy

Popularity: #9 · Trend: ↘ Falling

Origin(s)

PronunciationLOO-kas / ˈluː.kəs

Latin; 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)

StateBirthsShare
CA 1,273
13%
TX 1,098
11%
FL 926
9%
NY 774
8%
NC 405
4%
PA 400
4%
OH 377
4%
IL 354
4%
VA 321
3%
GA 312
3%
MI 288
3%
MA 269
3%
WA 236
2%
TN 221
2%
IN 209
2%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
188111
18835
18845
18856
18868
18886
18918
189210
189310
18948
18956
18967
18988
189910
19026
19037
19046
19055
19067
19075
19089
190910
191011
19117
191222
191327
191426
191541
191633
191735
191852
191932
192041
192144
192237
192350
192449
192536
192640
192736
192838
192932
193030
193127
193226
193323
193425
193533
193621
193726
193817
193926
194019
194124
194221
194322
194429
194524
194629
194734
194829
194925
195024
195127
195234
195322
195420
195533
195634
195731
195852
195962
196078
196190
196286
196374
196490
196581
196680
196759
196898
1969122
1970160
1971200
1972230
1973305
1974565
1975892
1976877
19771,099
19781,954
19792,542
19803,081
19813,372
19822,739
19832,359
19842,116
19852,318
19862,198
19872,328
19882,715
19892,861
19903,089
19913,241
19923,378
19933,924
19944,009
19954,086
19964,106
19974,034
19984,091
19994,220
20004,818
20014,900
20025,381
20035,755
20046,716
20057,578
20068,139
20078,759
20089,328
20099,619
201010,386
201110,405
201210,717
201311,558
201412,174
201512,329
201612,904
201713,029
201812,659
201912,478
202011,381
202111,582
202210,962
202310,882
202410,703