The name Lucy is of Latin origin and means "light." It was popularized by the English poet Lucille, who lived in the Middle Ages. Lucy has also been a saint's name for centuries, with St. Lucy being a martyr from Syracuse, Italy, during the fourth century. The name Lucy has been associated with light and illumination throughout history, making it a fitting choice for parents looking to honor their child's brightness and potential. Today, Lucy is a popular girls' name around the world, beloved for its simplicity and classic charm.
The name Lucy has been a popular choice for parents in the United States over the past century and a half, with its popularity fluctuating over time as shown by these annual birth statistics.
In the late 1800s, around 600 babies were named Lucy each year. The number of Lucys born annually increased steadily from 787 in 1884 to a peak of 2877 in 1916. This was followed by a gradual decline, reaching a low of 232 births in 1977.
However, the name Lucy began to regain popularity in the late 1970s, with a significant increase from 291 births in 1978 to 439 births in 1980. This trend continued throughout the 1980s and 1990s, with over 500 Lucys born each year since 1986.
In the 21st century, the name Lucy has experienced remarkable growth in popularity. From a high of 3703 births in 2011, it peaked at an impressive 4858 births in 2023. Overall, from 1880 to 2023, there have been a total of 225,299 babies named Lucy born in the United States.
This data demonstrates that while the popularity of the name Lucy has ebbed and flowed over time, it remains a enduring favorite among parents in the United States.