The Luce Family History

What Does the Luce Surname Mean? Historical Origins Explained

Luce is a surname of both French and English origin, deriving from the Latin words ‘lux’ meaning light and ‘acum’ denoting a settlement. Variations of the name include Lucey, Luci, Lucia, Like, Lucie, and Lucy. In England, the earliest records of the Luce family can be traced back to the Norfolk region. Over time, these families expanded, primarily settling in Lancashire, Gloucestershire, the Channel Islands, and the metropolitan area of London. In the northeastern United States, a significant population bearing the Luce surname can be found, with additional concentrations in states such as Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Iowa, Texas, and California. Notable individuals with this surname include Henry Robinson Luce, a prominent magazine publisher; Clare Boothe Luce, a U. Congresswoman, author, and recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom; Don Luce, a professional hockey player; Maximilien Luce, a distinguished French artist; Moses Augustine Luce, a sergeant in the Union Army during the Civil War and Medal of Honor recipient; Renan Luce, a French singer-songwriter; and Lew Luce, a professional football player.