"light, illumination"
Origin: Latin Lucia/Lux
Language: Latin
Lucille
Pronunciation: [ l-oos-EEL ]
Girl Name
#274 Most Popular
Rising
2 Syllables
Vintage luminosity — Lucille Ball made this name shine forever
French
English
American
Vintage
Classic
Elegant
Retro
Feminine
Meaning & Origin
Things to Know About This Name
- Lucille is the name of Negan's barbed-wire-wrapped baseball bat in The Walking Dead — some parents may wish to note this prominent pop culture association
The Story of Lucille
Lucille is the French form of Lucilla, a diminutive of Lucia, from the Latin lux meaning light. The name shares its root with Lucifer (light-bearer), Lucida (shining), and Luigi, making the entire name family a celebration of luminosity. Lucia was a popular name among early Christians, especially after Saint Lucia of Syracuse (died 304 CE) became one of the most venerated martyrs, celebrated on December 13 — the shortest day of the year in the Julian calendar, making her the literal saint of light in darkness.
Lucille was a top-50 name in the United States from the 1890s through the 1930s, then declined mid-century. Its massive cultural moment came with Lucille Ball, whose television work from 1951-1957 made I Love Lucy the most-watched show in America. The name is now experiencing a revival as part of the broader vintage name renaissance, riding the same wave as Hazel, Pearl, and Violet.
Lucille Ball (1911-1989) was not just a TV star but the first woman to run a major Hollywood studio (Desilu Productions). She produced shows including Star Trek and Mission: Impossible. The name Lucille carries her legacy of groundbreaking humor and business acumen in American entertainment history.
Fun Facts
- Lucille Ball was the first woman to run a major Hollywood studio, producing Star Trek and Mission: Impossible
- Saint Lucia's feast day (December 13) coincides with what was the shortest day of the year in the old Julian calendar, making her literally the saint of light in darkness
- I Love Lucy (1951-1957) was the first TV show to be filmed before a live studio audience — a format that defined sitcoms for decades
Lucille in Other Languages
French
Lucille
German
Lucille
Italian
Lucilla
Spanish
Lucila
Portuguese
Lucila
Famous People Named Lucille
L
Lucille Clifton
Writer
1936
American poet and author whose work celebrates Black womanhood and American experience; named US Poet Laureate of Maryla...
American poet and author whose work celebrates Black womanhood and American experience; named US Poet Laureate of Maryland
L
Lucille Ball
Actor
1911
American actress, comedian, and producer who starred in I Love Lucy and became the first woman to run a major Hollywood ...
American actress, comedian, and producer who starred in I Love Lucy and became the first woman to run a major Hollywood studio
L
Lucille Bluth Fictional
Other
The martini-sipping, cutting, imperious matriarch of the Bluth family in the comedy series Arrested Development (2003-20...
The martini-sipping, cutting, imperious matriarch of the Bluth family in the comedy series Arrested Development (2003-2019)
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #274
- Total SSA Count
- 1,151
- Cultural Origins
- French English American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Lucy
Lou
Luci
Pairs Well With
Lucille Mae
Lucille June
Lucille Rose
Lucille Jean
Lucille Ann
Lucille Belle
Lucille Grace
Sibling Names
Also a Boy Name
Lucille is also used as a boy name, ranked #27782.
View Lucille as a boy name →Similar Names
Playground Safety
Kid-Friendly
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Frequently Asked Questions About Lucille
What does the name Lucille mean?
"light, illumination" (from Latin Lucia/Lux). Lucille is the French form of Lucilla, a diminutive of Lucia, from the Latin lux meaning light. The name shares its root with Lucifer (light-bearer), Lucida (shining), and Luigi, making the entire name family a celebration of luminosity. Lucia was a popular name among early Christians, especially after Saint Lucia of Syracuse (died 304 CE) became one of the most venerated martyrs, celebrated on December 13 — the shortest day of the year in the Julian calendar, making her the literal saint of light in darkness.
What is the origin of the name Lucille?
Lucille has Latin Lucia/Lux, French, English, and American origins. In Latin Lucia/Lux, it means "light, illumination".
Is Lucille a boy or girl name?
Lucille is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #274. As a boy name, it is ranked #27782. Lucille is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Lucille?
Lucille is pronounced l-oos-EEL.
How popular is the name Lucille?
Lucille is currently ranked #274 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Lucille?
Common nicknames for Lucille include Lucy, Lou, and Luci.
What are good middle names for Lucille?
Popular middle name pairings include Lucille Mae, Lucille June, Lucille Rose, Lucille Jean, Lucille Ann, Lucille Belle, and Lucille Grace.
What are good sibling names for Lucille?
Names that pair well with Lucille as siblings include Vivienne, Josephine, Eugene, Harold, Desi, Iris, and Dorothy.
How many syllables does Lucille have?
Lucille has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Lucille a common or rare name?
Lucille is a popular name, ranked #274 for girls. It is well-known without being overused.
About the Name Lucille
Lucille is a girl name with French, English, and American origins . The name means "light, illumination" in Latin Lucia/Lux .
Is Lucille a boy or girl name? Lucille is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #274 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #27,782. Lucille is more commonly used as a girl name.
Lucille is currently ranked #274 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Lucille has 2 syllables and is pronounced l-oos-EEL, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Lucille include Lucy, Lou, and Luci. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Lucille include Lucia, Luciana, Lucie, Lucinda, Lucianna . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.