Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Lucien
BoyFrench, Latin· “from Lucius; light”
- Meaning
- from Lucius; light
- Origin
- French, Latin
- Pronunciation
- LOO-see-uhn
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #899
- US babies 2025
- 265
- Best rank
- #397 (1880)
- Peak year
- 2025
Meaning and origin of Lucien
Lucien is a French and Latin name that is usually said to mean “from Lucius; light”.
Lucien is the French form of the Latin name Lucianus, which comes from Lucius, a Roman name linked to lux, "light." The name was borne by Saint Lucian of Antioch, an early Christian scholar, and it became established in France. Lucien Bonaparte, a younger brother of Napoleon, is one well-known historical bearer. Pronounced LOO-see-uhn in English, the name has a refined, elegant sound. Luc and Luca make easy nicknames. Lucien suits parents who like French names with classical roots and a gentle meaning. It pairs well with both traditional and modern middle names and offers an alternative to Lucas.
Popularity over time
Lucien has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 77 different years. Its best national rank was #397 in 1880, and the most babies received it in 2025, when 265 were named Lucien. In 2025, 265 babies were named Lucien, and it ranked #899 nationally. That is 64% more than ten years earlier, so it is clearly on the rise.
Its national rank moved from #562 in 1920, #847 in 1950, #1,484 in 1980, #1,987 in 2000, #1,116 in 2010, and #899 in 2025. Of the 9,993 US boys named Lucien since records began, 17% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2020s come next, with 1,336 babies.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Alistair, Marcello, Kaleo, Eliezer, and Foster.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Lucien ranked highest in Connecticut, Oregon, and Maryland.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut | #354 | 9 |
| Oregon | #427 | 9 |
| Maryland | #547 | 9 |
| Tennessee | #657 | 11 |
| Washington | #668 | 10 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Lucien is usually pronounced LOO-see-uhn, with three syllables. It has six letters, starts with L and ends in “-en”.
Middle names for Lucien
A few middle names that flow with Lucien: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Lucien
Similar names
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Lists that include Lucien
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Lucien mean?
Lucien is a French and Latin name that is usually said to mean “from Lucius; light”.
What is the origin of the name Lucien?
Lucien has French and Latin roots. Lucien is the French form of the Latin name Lucianus, which comes from Lucius, a Roman name linked to lux, "light." The name was borne by Saint Lucian of Antioch, an early Christian scholar, and it became established in France.
Is Lucien a popular name?
Yes. Lucien ranked #899 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Lucien a boy or girl name?
Lucien is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Lucien?
Lucien is usually pronounced LOO-see-uhn. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings