Name Meaning & Origin
🔊 LOO-see-lah /luˈsiːlə/
"Light, brightness"
Data last updated: 2025 SSA records
From the Latin word lucidus meaning bright, clear, shining, or light. Lucilla was a name given to several saints, including a 2nd-century Roman martyr and a 12th-century Italian saint.
Annia Aurelia Galeria Lucilla or Lucilla was the second daughter of Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius and Roman empress Faustina the Younger. She was the wife of her father's co-ruler and adoptive brother Lucius Verus and an elder sister to later emperor Commodus. Commodus ordered Lucilla's execution after a failed assassination and coup attempt when she was about 33 years old.
Lucilla is a Christian name derived from Latin, used in Christian tradition as a feminine given name, and means little light or divine, and has spiritual and cultural significance in Christian traditi…
Emotional Traits
Hidden Personality
Lucky Colors
Numerology: Those with a 5 Life Path number thrive on change and adventure, and they love to explore new ideas and experiences.
Life Path 7 — Wisdom & Introspection: Analytical, spiritual, and truth-seeking.
Cultural Impact
The name Lucilla carries an aura of brightness and clarity, suggesting a strong connection to light and the natural world. This name may evoke images of the radiant Roman goddess Lucca, who was the patron of the city of Lucca in Italy and presided over urban growth and prosperity. The name Lucilla has also been popular in various cultures throughout history, with notable bearers including a princess of the House of Bourbon and the sister of Queen Elizabeth I of England.
Spiritual Significance
Lucilla is a name deeply rooted in spiritual traditions, with several saints bearing this name. The original Lucilla was a young Roman virgin who was martyred during the persecution of Christians under Emperor Maximian in 283 AD. She is believed to have maintained her faith in Christ despite being subjected to various forms of torture, and her courage and dedication to her beliefs continue to inspire followers today. Another St. Lucilla, an Italian noblewoman, devoted her life to caring for the sick and poor and was canonized in 1272. Lucilla's name reflects a connection to the light of God and the radiance of a pure and faithful spirit.
Age breakdown · state data · decade charts · popularity trend — all on the full statistics page.
Root element "Lucilla" emerges in Latin tradition, carrying the core meaning "Light, brightness".
Used in English literary and religious texts, spreading through cultural exchange.
Carried across regions through trade, religion, and migration. Multiple spelling variants develop.
Standardized in its current form. Continues to be used across multiple cultures worldwide.
~946 people named Lucilla in the US. Peaked in 1955 with 19 recorded uses.
Lucilla, the wife of Emperor Maximian, was a prominent figure in the late Roman Empire during the 4th century AD. She is remembered for her patronage of Christian causes and her support of St. Ambrose, who became bishop of Milan in 374 AD. Lucilla's conversion to Christianity is believed to have influenced her husband, who later issued edicts that granted religious toleration to Christians in the empire.
Lucilla of Syracuse, a martyr and saint in the early Christian Church, is believed to have lived during the 3rd or 4th century AD. Little is known about her life, but she is remembered for her bravery in the face of persecution under the Roman Emperor Diocletian, who issued edicts mandating the destruction of Christian churches and the execution of Christians. Lucilla is said to have been arrested and tortured, but refused to renounce her faith, and was eventually executed.
Modern Usage
The name Lucilla has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years, particularly in platforms that cater to Italian culture, feminine naming trends, and nature-inspired names. On Pinterest, there are over 5,000 boards featuring the name Lucilla, often paired with images of Italian landscapes, gardens, and vintage fashion. Instagram users often tag photos of themselves or their children with the name, creating a visual community around the name. Lastly, on baby names sites, Lucilla consistently ranks in the top 500 most popular names for girls, reflecting its growing popularity as a modern name choice.
Lucilla means "Light, brightness" and is a popular Christian name with deep spiritual significance.
Yes, Lucilla is a beautiful Christian name that carries positive meaning and is widely used in Christian communities around the world.
Lucilla has Latin origins and is rooted in Christian tradition and culture.
The Life Path number for Lucilla is 7, associated with Wisdom & Introspection. Soul Urge: 4. Personality: 3.
Lucilla is Predominantly Female. Based on US data, 0% male and 100% female.
Approximately 946 people in the United States are named Lucilla. The name peaked in 1955 with 19 recorded uses.
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