Luce first name popularity, history and meaning

Find out how popular the first name Luce has been for the last 16 years (from 2008 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Meaning of Luce

A feminine name of Italian origin meaning "light" or "bright".

Popularity of Luce by gender

Based on the last 16 years of data, Luce is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 7 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Luce.

Year Male Count Female Count
2023 0 7
2020 0 7
2008 0 5

The history of the first name Luce

The given name Luce traces its origins to the Latin word "lux," meaning "light." It has been a popular name across various cultures and time periods, often associated with radiance, illumination, and brightness.

In ancient Roman times, the name Luce was sometimes bestowed upon children as a symbol of hope and positivity. It was believed that those bearing this name would bring light and guidance to their families and communities.

During the Middle Ages, the name Luce gained prominence in Italy, particularly in regions like Tuscany and Umbria. It was commonly used by aristocratic families, with notable figures like Luce da Siena, a 13th-century mystic and writer, bearing this name.

In the Renaissance period, the name Luce experienced a resurgence in popularity, resonating with the era's emphasis on enlightenment and intellectual pursuits. Luce d'Eramo, an Italian philosopher and author from the 16th century, was one such individual who carried this name.

The name Luce has also been found in various literary works throughout history. In Dante Alighieri's "Divine Comedy," the character Lucia is depicted as a representation of divine grace and enlightenment, guiding the poet through his journey.

Historically, the name Luce has been borne by several notable individuals, including:

  1. Luce Irigaray (born 1932), a Belgian feminist philosopher known for her work on gender and psychoanalytic theory.
  2. Luce Fabbri (1908-1989), an Italian actress and film director active during the Golden Age of Italian cinema.
  3. Luce Vigo (1892-1985), a French filmmaker and wife of the renowned director Jean Vigo.
  4. Luce Lebart (1899-1986), a French physicist and one of the first women to receive a doctorate in nuclear physics.
  5. Luce Dufault (1916-1997), a Canadian actress and singer who achieved success on stage and television.

While the name Luce has maintained its presence throughout history, it has also evolved and adapted to different cultural contexts, with variations such as Lucia, Lucie, and Lucy emerging in various languages and regions.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Luce was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Luce, please contact us.

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