Latinized form of the Greek name
Λυκουργος (Lykourgos), derived from
λυκος (lykos) "wolf" (genitive
λυκου) and
εργον (ergon) "work, deed". In Greek legend this was the name of a king who was driven mad by the gods because of his impiety. This was also the name of a Spartan legislator of the 9th century BC.