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Home › Baby Names Directory › Luce

Luce

♀ Girl

Pronounced LOOCH /ˈluːtʃ/Medium

Meaning: The Italian word luce 'light' (and a French surname), used as a given name; in English it also reads as a short form of Lucy. From Latin lux, 'light'.Low

In 30 seconds: Small and radiant: Luce is Italian for 'light' and a snug short form of Lucy (said 'LOOCH'). One bright syllable.
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Origin MediumItalian, French
MeaningThe Italian word luce 'light' (and a French surname), used as a given name; in English it also reads as a short form of Lucy. From Latin lux, 'light'.
U.S. rank (2024)#12879 ↗ Rising
2024 U.S. births7 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)
Peak year2020
Total births (all-time)≈ 32

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 202419222024

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Luce is the Italian word for 'light' and an old French surname, both from Latin lux. As a girl's name it feels crisp and modern in English, where it also works as a nickname for Lucy or Lucia. Said 'LOOCH,' it is minimal and luminous.

It is rare as a standalone girl's name in the U.S., more familiar as a nickname. Short, sunlit, and Italian-flavored.

Did you know? In Italian luce simply means 'light,' straight from Latin lux. As an English name it doubles as a trim short form of Lucy — a single glowing syllable that packs the whole family of Lucia names into one word.
Overall data confidence 50%
References — Luce — Italian 'light' / short form of Lucy; Latin lux

Variations

LucyLuciLucie

Nicknames

LuLucy

Famous Bearers

  • Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Luce…

Lucy— the fuller light-name Luce shortens
Lux— a like one-syllable 'light' word-name
Luca— a like short Italian-feel pick
Clare— a like bright, single-beat choice

Explore names like Luce

By themeshortitalianlyricallight
By meaningLightGift / Blessing

All themes →All meanings →All origins →

Frequently Asked

What does the name Luce mean?

Luce is Italian for 'light,' from Latin lux; it also reads as a short form of Lucy.

How do you pronounce Luce?

It's said LOOCH /ˈluːtʃ/ — one syllable with a soft ending.

Is Luce a boy or girl name?

Luce is used here as a girl's name, tied to Lucy and the Italian word for light.

How popular is Luce?

Luce is rare as a full given name for girls in the U.S., better known as a nickname.

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