Emma Girl
EH-muh
“whole, universal” · Germanic
#3
Luz
GirlSpanish· “light”
- Meaning
- light
- Origin
- Spanish
- Pronunciation
- LOOZ
- Syllables
- 1
- US rank 2025
- #839
- US babies 2025
- 324
- Best rank
- #454 (1972)
- Peak year
- 1999
Meaning and origin of Luz
Luz is a Spanish name that means “light”.
Luz is the Spanish word for "light," from the Latin lux. As a given name it comes from the Marian title Nuestra Señora de la Luz, "Our Lady of Light," and it has long been used in Spain and Latin America, both alone and in combinations such as Luz María. The name is short, bright and full of meaning. In English-speaking countries it offers a simple alternative to names like Lucy and Lucia, which share a related root. Luz is easy to spell and works well as either a first or a middle name.
Popularity over time
Luz first appears in US Social Security records in 1886. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 82 different years, starting in 1887. Its best national rank was #454 in 1972, and the most babies received it in 1999, when 573 were named Luz. In 2025, 324 babies were named Luz, and it ranked #839 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #1,009 in 1920, #965 in 1950, #492 in 1980, #533 in 2000, #746 in 2010, and #839 in 2025. Of the 27,874 US girls named Luz since records began, 17% were born in the 2000s, its biggest decade. The 1990s come next, with 4,000 babies. Since 2010, 4,674 more have been named Luz.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Chyna, Zaria, Essence, Janae, and Shyanne.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Luz ranked highest in Arizona, California, and Texas.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona | #438 | 16 |
| California | #506 | 66 |
| Texas | #542 | 59 |
| New Jersey | #556 | 14 |
| Illinois | #611 | 16 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 99% of US babies named Luz over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
Luz is usually pronounced LOOZ, with one syllable. It has three letters, starts with L and ends in “-uz”.
Middle names for Luz
A few middle names that flow with Luz: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Luz
Similar names
Dulce Girl
DOOL-say
“sweet” · Spanish
#771
Jade Girl
JAYD
“green gemstone” · Spanish
#95
Sol Unisex
SOHL
“sun; also short for Solomon” · Spanish
#722
Maite Girl
MY-tay
“beloved (Basque); María Teresa” · Basque
#1,195
Brea Girl
BRAY-uh
“tar in Spanish; or pet form of Breanna” · Spanish
#3,073
Savannah Girl
suh-VAN-uh
“treeless grassland” · English
#135
Isabel Girl
IH-zuh-behl
“my God is an oath” · Spanish
#177
Juliana Girl
joo-lee-AH-nuh
“feminine of Julian” · Latin
#256
Ximena Girl
hee-MEH-nuh
“possibly from Simon, 'he has heard'” · Spanish
#183
Daniela Girl
dan-YEH-luh
“God is my judge” · Spanish
#302
Ana Girl
AH-nuh
“grace, favor (form of Anna)” · Spanish
#245
Gabriela Girl
gah-bree-EL-uh
“God is my strength” · Spanish
#317
Lists that include Luz
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Luz mean?
Luz is a Spanish name that means “light”.
What is the origin of the name Luz?
Luz has Spanish roots. Luz is the Spanish word for "light," from the Latin lux.
Is Luz a popular name?
Yes. Luz ranked #839 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Luz a boy or girl name?
Luz is mainly a girl's name. About 99% of US babies named Luz over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
How do you pronounce Luz?
Luz is usually pronounced LOOZ. 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