Luke
Luke is a boys' name of Greek origin meaning “light-giving, luminous.” It ranked #33 in the United States in 2025. Derived from Greek 'Loukas,' meaning 'from Lucania' or linked to 'leukos' (light).
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how do you pronounce Luke?
LOOK
where does the name Luke come from?
The English form of the Greek Loukas, understood as a man from Lucania in southern Italy. The light sense so often attached to it comes from a resemblance to the Latin lux rather than from any real derivation, but the association is old enough to be part of the name.
Saint Luke the Evangelist is the patron of physicians and artists; Luke Skywalker made the name iconic for a new generation.
how popular is this name?
Luke has appeared in the US top 1,000 in 146 years since 1880. It peaked at #28 in 2014, and ranked #33 in 2025.
See the milestone years
| Year | Rank |
|---|---|
| 2025 | #33 |
| 2024 | #34 |
| 2023 | #31 |
| 2022 | #34 |
| 2021 | #32 |
| 2020 | #31 |
| 2019 | #32 |
| 2018 | #30 |
| 2017 | #30 |
| 2016 | #29 |
| 2014 | #28 |
| 2010 | #41 |
| 2000 | #59 |
| 1990 | #118 |
| 1980 | #97 |
| 1970 | #351 |
| 1960 | #383 |
| 1950 | #514 |
| 1940 | #545 |
| 1930 | #503 |
| 1920 | #472 |
| 1910 | #291 |
| 1900 | #243 |
| 1890 | #268 |
| 1880 | #252 |
Source: SSA National Baby Names Dataset (through 2025). Years absent from the table are years Luke fell outside the top 1,000.
the history of Luke
Luke wrote the third gospel and Acts, and is the only New Testament author generally taken to be a gentile; tradition also made him a physician and, later, a painter, which is why he is patron of both. Luke was steady but unremarkable in English use until Star Wars gave it Luke Skywalker in 1977, after which it climbed into the top thirty.
who are famous people named Luke?
- Luke Skywalker (Star Wars character)
- Saint Luke the Evangelist
- Luke Bryan (country singer)
- Luke Perry (actor)
what are the nicknames and variants of Luke?
Nicknames
Variants around the world
what names are similar to Luke?
what names go well with Luke?
Sibling names that share Luke's rhythm and register without echoing it too closely.
quick answers about Luke
What does the name Luke mean?
Luke means “light-giving, luminous”.
What is the origin of the name Luke?
Luke comes from the Greek naming tradition. Related forms include Lucas, Luc and Luka.
How popular is the name Luke?
Luke ranked #33 in the US in 2025, according to Social Security data. Its best year was 2014, at #28, and it has spent 146 years in the top 1,000 since 1880.
Is Luke a boy or girl name?
Luke is primarily a boys' name.
How do you pronounce Luke?
Luke is pronounced LOOK, with 1 syllable.
Last updated · Curated by HushName editorial
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