Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Lucia

Lucia is the feminine equivalent of the old Roman male name Lucius, a derivative of the Latin word “lux” which means ‘light’. Lucius was one of the most common personal names throughout Roman history. The name was often bestowed upon children who were born at dawn which would explain the heavy usage. A famous name bearer of the female name, St. Lucia of Syracuse, was an early 4th century saint whose cult and legend grew in the Middle Ages which is when the name gained popularity. Believe it or not, Lucia is the patron saint to those who are blind, as she was said to be the ‘way of light’. Born at the end of the 3rd century in Syracuse, Sicily, she gave herself over to Christianity and refused her pagan bridegroom. Rejected and irate, her husband-to-be turned her over to the anti-Christian Roman powers that be. When the guards came to persecute her, they were unable to move her body– so heavy was she filled with the Holy Spirit (or so legend has it). Nor were they able to burn her. Finally, the frustrated guards gorged her eyes out with a fork. You can take Lucia out of the light, but you can’t take the light out of Lucia. The Scandinavians celebrate St. Lucia day in her honor on December 13th. The English Lucy and French Lucie come from Lucia. Lucia is the #1 female name in Spain (2010) and it is also ranked high in Catalonia.

All About the Baby Name – Lucia

Personality

OF THE GIRL NAME LUCIA

The number one personality is a leader - strong and competitive. They are willing to initiate action and take risks. One personalities work hard toward their endeavors and have the ability to apply their creative and innovative thinking skills with strong determination. They believe in their ability to succeed and are too stubborn to be hindered by obstacles. Ones meet obstacles head-on with such mental vigor and energy that you better step aside. They resent taking orders, so don't try telling them what to do either. This is an intensely active personality, but they are also known as starters rather than finishers. They have a propensity to become bored and will move quickly to the next project if not properly challenged.  They are the ones to think up and put into action new and brilliant ideas, but they are not the ones to stick around and manage them. This personality has an enthusiastic and pioneering spirit. They are distinctly original.

Popularity

OF THE GIRL NAME LUCIA

The name Lucia has enjoyed consistent usage in the United States for well over a century. While the name has never experienced ϋber-popularity, it has managed to carve out a place for itself on the charts just fine, thank you. While quite common throughout Europe for centuries, the name remains an original choice in America. Lucia has European flair and Italian zest. Like the name’s meaning suggests, Lucia just sounds bright and friendly, worldly and intelligent, poetic and melodious. A true cosmopolitan pick for any lucky little girl. Watch out though, Lucia has gained over 200 positions on the charts in the first decade of the 21st century. American parents are always looking for uniqueness as a way to differentiate themselves from the pack – and it seems that ethnic, exotic names might be the next big trend. We’ll have to wait and see. In the meantime, Lucia is safe. This is also a name that can be shortened to the darling pet forms Lucy or LuLu, or even lengthened to the more elaborate Latin Luciana. The other great thing? You have a few different choices in terms of pronunciation.

Quick Facts

ON LUCIA

GENDER:

Girl

ORIGIN:

Italian

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

3

RANKING POPULARITY:

241

PRONUNCIATION:

loo-CHEE-ah; loo-SEE-ah or LOO-sha

SIMPLE MEANING:

Light, bright and shining

Characteristics

OF LUCIA

Independent

Individualistic

Ambitious

Strong-willed

Inventive

Successful

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Lucia

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME LUCIA

We cannot find any significant literary characters by the name of Lucia

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME LUCIA

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Lucia


Popular Songs

ON LUCIA

Cara Lucia
a song by Mario Saracino

Santa Lucia Luntana
a song by Andrea Bocelli

Santa Lucia
a song by Elvis Presley

Famous People

NAMED LUCIA

We cannot find any celebrities or significantly famous people with the first name Lucia.

Children of Famous People

NAMED LUCIA

We cannot find any children of famous people with the first name Lucia

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME LUCIA

We cannot find any historically significant people with the first name Lucia