How to say it
LOO · see
ˈlu.si
Feminine
Lucy
Light
What it means
English form of the Latin Lucia, feminine of Lucius, from lux/lucis (light). A bright name in its quietest form.
Saint Lucia of Syracuse (4th century) was a Christian martyr whose feast day on December 13 was central to medieval European mid-winter observance, particularly in Scandinavia, where Santa Lucia processions still mark the longest nights with candles and song. The Italian and Spanish Lucía remains the standard form in those languages. 'Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds' (The Beatles, 1967) gave the English Lucy a 20th-century pop-cultural anchor; Peanuts gave it a sharper one. Currently US top hundred for girls. Common short forms: Lu, Luce.
How to spell Lucy
The standard spelling is Lucy. Common variants include Lucia, Lucía, Lucie, Lucinda, but Lucy is the most widely used form.
Popularity over time
peaked at #25 in 2025, currently #25 in 2025.
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration, names given to at least 5 babies in a year, 1880–2025. Reviewed July 2026. See where the names are moving
Heads-up notes
- Nickname
Lu and Lou both circulate. Many Lucys never shorten, given how compact the name already is.
Who's worn it
Historical figures, characters, and public faces who share the name. The cultural surface, for whatever weight you want to give it.
- Lucille Ball Comedian behind I Love Lucy, mid-century icon
- Saint Lucy 4th-century martyr whose name means light
Spelling variants
- Lucia
- Lucía
- Lucie
- Lucinda
Names with the same feeling
See Lucy from another angle
By meaning
By style
Common questions
- What does the name Lucy mean?
- English form of the Latin Lucia, feminine of Lucius, from lux/lucis (light). A bright name in its quietest form.
- What does Lucy mean in Latin?
- In Latin, Lucy means "Light." Saint Lucia of Syracuse (4th century) was a Christian martyr whose feast day on December 13 was central to medieval European mid-winter observance, particularly in Scandinavia, where Santa Lucia processions still mark the longest nights with candles and song. The Italian and Spanish Lucía remains the standard form in those languages. 'Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds' (The Beatles, 1967) gave the English Lucy a 20th-century pop-cultural anchor; Peanuts gave it a sharper one. Currently US top hundred for girls. Common short forms: Lu, Luce.
- How do you pronounce Lucy?
- Lucy is pronounced ˈlu.si. Say it as LOO-see, with the stress on the "loo" syllable.
- How do you spell Lucy?
- The standard spelling is Lucy. Common spelling variants include Lucia, Lucía, Lucie, Lucinda.
- Is Lucy a boy or girl name?
- Lucy is traditionally a feminine name.
- How popular is the name Lucy?
- Lucy ranked #25 in the U.S. in 2025, according to Social Security Administration data.