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Lucille

♀ Girl

Pronounced loo-SIL /luːˈsɪl/High

Meaning: LightHigh

In 30 seconds: A glowing French form of Lucia meaning 'light.' Lucille has the warm radiance of a vintage lamp — sophisticated, joyful, and full of old-Hollywood energy that feels fresh again today.
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Origin HighFrench, Latin
MeaningLight
U.S. rank (2025)#239 ↗ Rising
2025 U.S. births1,314 girls (0.07% of U.S. girls)
Peak year1920
Total births (all-time)≈ 232,560

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 192018802025

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Lucille is the French form of Lucilla, a Latin diminutive of Lucia, derived from lux (light). The Latin root lux gives English words like luminous and lucid. The name was used in ancient Rome and was borne by Saint Lucilla of Rome (3rd century CE), whose veneration helped spread the name through Christendom.

In the English-speaking world, Lucille peaked in the early 20th century and was one of the most popular names of the 1920s. After decades of decline, it is undergoing a strong revival alongside Mabel, Hazel, and other Edwardian-era favourites, riding the wave of maximalist vintage names.

Did you know? The iconic television comedian Lucille Ball named her production company Desilu Productions (with her husband Desi Arnaz) — the first major production studio owned by a woman in Hollywood.
Overall data confidence 97%
Behind the Name — Lucille — etymology and historyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

LuciaLucillaLucyLucile

Nicknames

LucyLuLuce

Famous Bearers

  • ★Lucille Ball (1911–1989)
    American actress, comedian, and producer; star of I Love Lucy and pioneering television executive.

If you like Lucille…

Lucy— the most popular modern form of the same Latin lux (light) root
Lucia— the classic Italian form sharing the identical light etymology
Vivienne— glamorous French-origin name in the same vintage-revival register
Josephine— vintage French-heritage name with the same jazz-age sophistication

Frequently Asked

What does the name Lucille mean?

Lucille is a French form of Lucilla, a Latin diminutive of Lucia, meaning 'light,' from the Latin lux.

How do you pronounce Lucille?

It is said loo-SIL /luːˈsɪl/ — two syllables, stress on the second.

Is Lucille a boy or girl name?

Lucille is used almost exclusively as a girls' name.

How popular is Lucille?

Lucille has been strongly reviving and ranked in the U.S. top 200 for girls in the mid-2020s.