What does Lucile mean and where does it come from?
Lucile is a French derivative of the Latin name 'Lucilla,' which stems from 'Lux' meaning 'light.' The name has been used since the Middle Ages and became more popular in the 19th century. It saw a rise in the United States in the early 20th century. Variations of the name include Lucille and Lucia.
Cultural significance
Lucile has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in France-speaking communities, where it reflects values of light.
Peak popularity
Reached #115 in 1908 — currently #1283 in the US.
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Related Reading
France-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Lucile?
Lucile works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Lucile Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Lucile Rose
Floral · soft ending
Lucile Mae
Sweet · timeless
Lucile Claire
French influence · crisp
Lucile Jane
Literary · strong
Lucile Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Lucile right now?
Holding steady — currently #1283 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1283 | 917 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2022 | #1288 | 897 | ▲ up 5 · +3% births |
| 2021 | #1293 | 867 | ▲ up 4153 · +3841% births |
| 2020 | #5446 | 22 | ▼ down 1614 · -44% births |
| 2015 | #3832 | 39 | ▲ up 2140 · +77% births |
| 2010 | #5972 | 22 | ▼ down 173 · +5% births |
| 2005 | #5799 | 21 | ▼ down 487 |
| 2000 | #5312 | 21 | ▲ up 1731 · +75% births |
| 1995 | #7043 | 12 | ▲ up 4362 · +100% births |
| 1990 | #11405 | 6 | ▼ down 3088 · -14% births |
| 1985 | #8317 | 7 | ▲ up 772 · +17% births |
| 1980 | #9089 | 6 | ▼ down 4497 · -54% births |
| 1975 | #4592 | 13 | ▼ down 343 |
| 1970 | #4249 | 13 | ▼ down 703 |
| 1965 | #3546 | 13 | — |
The story of Lucile
Lucile has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. A total of 34,824 babies have received this name. Once ranked #248 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #1283 in 2023. Lucile is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Lucile in 1908:
Lucile by decade
Lucile peaked in the 1900s. See all 1900s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 701 | |
| 1890s | 2,412 | |
| 1900s | 4,571 | |
| 1910s ★ | 11,778 | |
| 1920s | 9,352 | |
| 1930s | 2,926 | |
| 1940s | 1,348 | |
| 1950s | 708 | |
| 1960s | 218 | |
| 1970s | 80 | |
| 1980s | 59 | |
| 1990s | 106 | |
| 2000s | 231 | |
| 2010s | 312 | |
| 2020s | 22 | |
What are good nicknames for Lucile?
What names sound and feel like Lucile?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Lucile also consider these
How is Lucile written in other languages?
Gender variants of Lucile
Common questions about the name Lucile
What does the name Lucile mean?
Lucile means "light" — a name rooted in France tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Lucile?
Lucile is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Lucile?
Lucile originates from France tradition. France names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
What sibling names go well with Lucile?
Lucile pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar France heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.
Is Lucile a common or rare name?
Lucile is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.