The name Lucian has its roots in the Latin language and can be traced back to ancient Roman times. It is derived from the Latin name Lucianus, which itself originated from the Roman name Lucius. Lucius is believed to come from the Latin word "lux," meaning light.

The name Lucian first gained popularity in the early days of Christianity. One of the earliest known bearers of the name was Lucian of Samosata, a renowned satirist and rhetorician who lived in the 2nd century AD. His works, which poked fun at belief systems and philosophical ideas of his time, are considered classics of satirical writing.

Another notable figure named Lucian was Lucian of Antioch, a Christian martyr and saint from the 3rd century AD. According to historical records, Lucian was a highly educated man who established a famous theological school in Antioch. He was later executed during the persecution of Christians under the Roman emperor Maximinus Thrax in 312 AD.

During the Renaissance period, the name Lucian experienced a resurgence in popularity, perhaps due to the rediscovery and appreciation of classical literature from ancient Greece and Rome. One of the most famous individuals with this name was Lucian Crich, an Italian humanist scholar and poet who lived from 1459 to 1514.

In the 19th century, Lucian was a relatively uncommon name, but it did gain some recognition through the works of Irish writer and satirist Lucian Blaga, who lived from 1895 to 1961. His biting social commentary and unique literary style earned him a place among the most influential Romanian writers of the 20th century.

Another notable bearer of the name was Lucian Freud, a German-born British painter and grandson of the famous psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud. Lucian Freud, who lived from 1922 to 2011, was known for his unflinching and often controversial portraits that captured the raw essence of his subjects.