Lucille Name Meaning | Origin, History & Popularity

The name Lucille is of French origin and has been popular since the early 20th century. It is derived from the Latin name Lucia, which means “light” or “bringer of light”. In this research, we will explore the history, popularity, and cultural significance of the name Lucille.

History and Origins of Lucille:

The name Lucille is a diminutive form of the Latin name Lucia. Lucia is a derivative of the Latin word “lux,” which means light. The name first appeared in Rome in the second century, where it was a popular name for girls. Lucia was also the name of a 4th-century Christian martyr, Saint Lucia, who was venerated as a saint and celebrated on December 13. In the Middle Ages, the name became popular in Italy and Spain and spread throughout Europe. The French version of the name, Lucie, became popular in the 13th century.

Lucille as a Name in the United States:

The name Lucille first became popular in the United States in the early 20th century. In 1910, the name ranked at number 430 on the list of most popular baby names for girls. By 1920, the name had climbed to number 30, and in 1930, it reached its peak at number 17. It remained in the top 100 baby names for girls until 1967, and it has been a popular name for grandmothers and great-grandmothers ever since. In recent years, the name has fallen out of favor, and in 2020 it was ranked at number 930 on the list of most popular baby names for girls.

Notable People with the Name Lucille:

Over the years, many notable people have been given the name Lucille. One of the most famous is Lucille Ball, the legendary comedienne and star of the classic TV show “I Love Lucy.” Lucille Ball was born in 1911 and passed away in 1989, but her legacy lives on, and she is still considered one of the greatest TV stars of all time. Another notable person with the name Lucille is Lucille Clifton, an American poet and writer who won the National Book Award in 2000. Lucille Clifton was born in 1936 and passed away in 2010, but her poetry and prose continue to inspire readers around the world.

Cultural Significance of the Name Lucille:

The name Lucille has cultural significance in several areas. In music, the name is associated with blues legend B.B. King’s famous guitar, which he named Lucille. The story behind the name is that King was playing at a dance in Twist, Arkansas when a fight broke out, and the venue caught fire. King escaped but realized he had left his guitar behind. He risked his life to go back and retrieve it, and he later found out that the fight had been over a woman named Lucille. From then on, he named all of his guitars Lucille as a reminder never to do anything that foolish again.

In literature, the name Lucille is associated with the character of Lucille Austero in the TV show “Arrested Development.” Lucille Austero is portrayed as a wealthy socialite and love interest of the main character, Tobias Fünke.