Lucas is a popular masculine given name of Latin origin. It comes from the Latin word "lux", which means light. The name Lucas is also associated with Saint Luke, one of the four evangelists in the New Testament and the author of the Gospel of Luke.
The name Lucas has been used throughout history, but it gained significant popularity during the Middle Ages in Europe. It was often given to children born around Christmas time as a reference to St. Nicholas, who is believed to have lived during the 4th century AD.
Today, Lucas remains a popular choice for parents looking for a classic yet distinctive name for their sons. Its meaning and association with light make it an appealing option, while its Latin roots give it a timeless feel. In many cultures around the world, including those of Europe, North America, and South America, Lucas is recognized as a strong and respected name.
Overall, the name Lucas has a rich history and meaningful origin that continues to resonate with people today. Whether you're considering this name for your child or simply appreciate its backstory, there's no denying the appeal of this classic choice.
The statistics provided show the annual number of births with the name Lucas in the United States from 1976 to 2023. Over this period, there has been a significant increase in the popularity of the name Lucas.
In the late 1970s and early 1980s, the number of newborn boys named Lucas ranged between 7 and 18 per year. However, starting around the mid-1990s, we see a steady rise in the number of births with this name. In 2004, there were a significant 39 births recorded for Lucas, which was the highest number up until that point.
The popularity of the name continued to grow throughout the late 2000s and early 2010s, with consistent numbers between 10 and 16 births per year. In recent years, the popularity has remained high, with 19 births recorded in both 2018 and 2019.
Interestingly, there was a slight dip in popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic, with only 7 births recorded in 2020. However, this may be due to fewer overall births during the pandemic rather than a decrease in the popularity of the name Lucas specifically. In 2021 and 2022, the number of births increased again to 5 and 16 respectively.
Overall, these statistics demonstrate that the name Lucas has become increasingly popular in the United States over the past several decades, with a significant increase in popularity since the mid-1990s.