Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Lucius
BoyLatin· “light”
- Meaning
- light
- Origin
- Latin
- Pronunciation
- LOO-shuhs
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #1,129
- US babies 2025
- 189
- Best rank
- #259 (1881)
- Peak year
- 2025
Meaning and origin of Lucius
Lucius is a Latin name that is usually said to mean “light”.
Traditionally linked to the Latin lux, 'light', Lucius was an ancient Roman first name. It was one of the most common Roman personal names, borne by figures such as Lucius Junius Brutus, the legendary founder of the Roman Republic, and the philosopher Lucius Annaeus Seneca. In the New Testament Lucius of Cyrene is named among the teachers at Antioch. The name has a strong, classical feel. Luke and Lu are nicknames.
Popularity over time
Lucius 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 83 different years. Its best national rank was #259 in 1881, and the most babies received it in 2025, when 189 were named Lucius. In 2025, 189 babies were named Lucius, and it ranked #1,129 nationally. That is 38% more than ten years earlier, so it is clearly on the rise.
Its national rank moved from #522 in 1920, #786 in 1950, #1,402 in 1980, #3,123 in 2000, #1,330 in 2010, and #1,129 in 2025. Of the 10,108 US boys named Lucius since records began, 13% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 1920s come next, with 1,142 babies.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Zakariya, Ved, Yazan, Kenan, and Bronx.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Lucius ranked highest in Iowa, Kansas, and Washington.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa | #638 | 5 |
| Kansas | #665 | 5 |
| Washington | #712 | 9 |
| Florida | #834 | 18 |
| California | #896 | 26 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Lucius is usually pronounced LOO-shuhs, with two syllables. It has six letters, starts with L and ends in “-us”.
Middle names for Lucius
A few middle names that flow with Lucius: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Lucius
Similar names
Linus Boy
LY-nus
“flax” · Greek
#1,913
Titus Boy
TY-tuhs
“uncertain; a Roman given name” · Latin
#358
Rufus Boy
ROO-fus
“red-haired” · Latin
#4,019
Marcus Boy
MAHR-kuhs
“probably dedicated to Mars” · Latin
#258
Julius Boy
JOOL-yuhs
“Roman family name; often said youthful” · Latin
#424
Seamus Boy
SHAY-muhs
“holder of the heel, supplanter” · Irish
#1,280
Zacchaeus Boy
za-KEE-us
“pure, innocent” · Hebrew
#2,389
Jesus Boy
hay-SOOS
“Yahweh is salvation” · Spanish
#173
Cyrus Boy
SY-ruhs
“uncertain; name of a Persian king” · Persian
#268
Augustus Boy
aw-GUS-tuhs
“venerable, majestic” · Latin
#407
Cassius Boy
KASH-uhs
“uncertain (Roman family name)” · Latin
#583
Demetrius Boy
dih-MEE-tree-uhs
“follower of Demeter” · Greek
#1,229
Lists that include Lucius
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Lucius mean?
Lucius is a Latin name that is usually said to mean “light”.
What is the origin of the name Lucius?
Lucius has Latin roots. Traditionally linked to the Latin lux, 'light', Lucius was an ancient Roman first name.
Is Lucius a popular name?
Not especially. Lucius ranked #1,129 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Lucius a boy or girl name?
Lucius is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Lucius?
Lucius is usually pronounced LOO-shuhs. 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