Lucas is a name of Latin origin that means "bringer of light". It comes from the Latin word "lux", which means light. The name has been used throughout history and has been popular in various cultures.
In ancient Rome, Lucas was a common praenomen, or first name, given to boys born into families that were part of the Roman elite. Some famous historical figures who bore this name include Saint Luke the Evangelist, one of the Four Evangelists whose writings are included in the New Testament of the Bible, and Lucullus, a prominent Roman general and statesman.
In medieval Europe, Lucas was also a popular name among nobility, particularly in Germany and France. It is believed that the popularity of the name during this period can be attributed to the veneration of Saint Lucas, whose feast day is celebrated on October 18th.
Today, Lucas remains a popular name worldwide, with its highest prevalence in Spain, Portugal, and some Latin American countries. In the United States, it has consistently ranked among the top 50 boys' names since the mid-2000s.
Overall, the name Lucas has a rich history and an attractive meaning that has contributed to its enduring popularity throughout the centuries.
The name Lucas has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past century, with a total of 309,990 births recorded between 1881 and 2023. While it started off relatively slowly, with only 11 births in 1881, it began to gain traction around the turn of the century, reaching over 50 births per year by 1900. The name's popularity exploded in the 1970s, with a marked increase from 36 births in 1972 to 565 in 1974, and it has remained consistently popular ever since, peaking at over 13,000 births per year between 2012 and 2017. Despite a slight dip in recent years, Lucas continues to be one of the most popular names for boys today.