Meaning
The meaning of Luke
Luke comes from Greek and Latin forms usually connected with Lucania, a region in southern Italy. It is often popularly associated with light because of related Latin names, though the regional explanation is more cautious.
Sound
How to pronounce Luke
- Phonetic
- LOOK
- IPA
- /luːk/
1 syllable · stress: LOOK · ends in a consonant
Forms
Variants and nicknames
Alternate spellings
- Lucas
- Luc
- Luca
- Lukas
- Łukasz
Short forms and nicknames
- Luki
- Lukie
Languages
Luke in other languages
- Greek
- ΛουκᾶςLoukas
- Latin
- Lucas
- Spanish
- Lucas
- French
- Luc
- German
- Lukas
- Italian
- Luca
- Portuguese
- Lucas
- Polish
- Łukasz
- Russian
- ЛукаLuka
Christian background
Christian and biblical background
Luke appears in the New Testament as a companion of Paul and is traditionally associated with the Gospel of Luke and Acts. That gives the name a strong Christian literary and historical connection.
Bearers
Notable people named Luke
biblical
Luke the EvangelistCompanion of Paul and traditional author of the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostlesmodern
Luke PerryAmerican actor known for Beverly Hills, 90210 and Riverdale, 1966 to 2019modern
Luke BryanAmerican country singer, born 1976modern
Luke CombsAmerican country singer, born 1990modern
Luke WilsonAmerican actor, born 1971
Saint
Saint Luke the Evangelist
- Traditions
- Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican
- Patron of
- physicians, artists, surgeons, butchers
Tradition identifies Luke with the beloved physician mentioned by Paul in Colossians 4:14, which is why he is patron of doctors and surgeons. Medieval legend made him a painter who produced the first icon of the Virgin Mary, giving him the patronage of artists as well.
Naming history
Naming tradition and history
Luke became established through Christian use of the New Testament and has remained familiar in English-speaking naming. In the United States it feels crisp, biblical, and modern without losing its ancient roots.
Recent US use
Luke in recent US use
- Rank in 2025
- #33
- Peak rank
- #28 in 2014
- Recent trend
- stable over the last 5 years
- Years in the SSA records
- 146 (since 1880)
Source: US Social Security Administration baby name data, 1880-2025.
Sibling fit
Sibling name suggestions
Pairings
Names paired with Luke
Markfellow evangelist
Luke and Mark are the two non-apostolic Gospel writers; tradition links Luke to Paul and Mark to Peter.
For families
For families looking at Luke
For a Christian family, Luke signals clarity, Gospel storytelling, and a name that is short and easy to carry.
Common questions
What does Luke mean?
Luke is usually connected with Lucania, though it is often popularly associated with light through related Latin names.
Is Luke a biblical name?
Yes. Luke is named in the New Testament and is traditionally associated with the Gospel of Luke and Acts.
Is Luke a Christian name?
Yes. Luke is a long-standing Christian name because of its New Testament connection.
Sources
Sources for Luke
- The Oxford Dictionary of English Christian Names, E. G. Withycombe (3rd edition)Supports: Greek/Latin given-name etymology; traditionally connected with Lucania.
- Colossians, King James Version (KJV 1769)Supports: biblical figure; 'the beloved physician' (Colossians 4:14).
- The Oxford Dictionary of Saints, David Hugh Farmer (5th edition)Supports: Saint Luke the Evangelist; patron of physicians and artists; feast day (October 18).
Last reviewed July 19, 2026. See our methodology, or report an error on the corrections page.
Read next