Lu
Lu is a girl's name of Chinese origin.
Meaning
Depending on origin: 'musical note' or 'reed' (Chinese), or a short form meaning 'famous warrior' (Louise) or 'light' (Lucy).
Origin and history
Lu is a short given name with origins spanning multiple cultures. It is widely recognized as a Chinese name derived from several Chinese characters, while also serving as a diminutive or variant of names like Louise, Lucy, or Luella in Western contexts. In the United States, it remains a rare and minimal choice.
Popularity in the United States
4,046 babies in the United States have been named Lu since 1880. It ranks #2770 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #2059.
States where it is most popular
- OH (13.8 %)
- PA (11.2 %)
- TX (9.8 %)
- IL (8.8 %)
- IN (7.5 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 26 |
| 1890-1900 | 30 |
| 1900-1910 | 33 |
| 1910-1920 | 97 |
| 1920-1930 | 191 |
| 1930-1940 | 323 |
| 1940-1950 | 370 |
| 1950-1960 | 2,021 |
| 1960-1970 | 747 |
| 1970-1980 | 100 |
| 1980-1990 | 25 |
| 1990-2000 | 5 |
| 2000-2010 | 0 |
| 2010-2019 | 36 |
| 2020-2029 | 42 |
Famous people named Lu
- Lu Citani: Author, Writer
Fun facts
- Lu functions both as a standalone Chinese given name or surname and as an affectionate short form in Western languages.
- Despite its simple spelling, Lu has consistently remained a rare given name choice in the United States.