Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Lucille
GirlFrench, Latin· “light”
- Meaning
- light
- Origin
- French, Latin
- Pronunciation
- loo-SEEL
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #239
- US babies 2025
- 1,314
- Best rank
- #27 (1919)
- Peak year
- 1920
Meaning and origin of Lucille
Lucille is a French and Latin name that means “light”.
Lucille is the French form of Lucilla, a Latin diminutive of Lucia, which comes from lux, meaning light. The name has the same bright root as Lucy and Lucia. It became fashionable in the United States in the early twentieth century, and comedian Lucille Ball, star of I Love Lucy, is its best-known bearer. The blues guitarist B.B. King also famously named his guitar Lucille. After decades as a grandmother name, Lucille is returning with the wider vintage revival. It feels warm and classic, with the nicknames Lucy and Lulu.
Other spellings with the same sound: Lucile.
Popularity over time
Lucille 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 119 different years. Its best national rank was #27 in 1919, and the most babies received it in 1920, when 7,989 were named Lucille. In 2025, 1,314 babies were named Lucille, and it ranked #239 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #29 in 1920, #180 in 1950, #1,101 in 1980, #1,269 in 2000, #476 in 2010, and #239 in 2025. Of the 232,571 US girls named Lucille since records began, 27% were born in the 1920s, its biggest decade. The 1910s come next, with 56,147 babies. Since 2010, 16,643 more have been named Lucille.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Thelma, Eleanor, Gladys, Louise, and Bernice.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Lucille ranked highest in Vermont, Wyoming, and Minnesota.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Vermont | #62 | 7 |
| Wyoming | #94 | 5 |
| Minnesota | #98 | 51 |
| South Dakota | #110 | 10 |
| Nebraska | #113 | 19 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Lucille is usually pronounced loo-SEEL, with two syllables. It has seven letters, starts with L and ends in “-le”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Lucile.
Middle names for Lucille
A few middle names that flow with Lucille: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Lucille
Similar names
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eh-STEHL
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Noel Unisex
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Lists that include Lucille
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Lucille mean?
Lucille is a French and Latin name that means “light”.
What is the origin of the name Lucille?
Lucille has French and Latin roots. Lucille is the French form of Lucilla, a Latin diminutive of Lucia, which comes from lux, meaning light.
Is Lucille a popular name?
Yes. Lucille ranked #239 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Lucille a boy or girl name?
Lucille is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Lucille?
Lucille is usually pronounced loo-SEEL. 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