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Luke Boy

Popularity: #34 · Trend: ↘ Falling

Origin(s)

PronunciationLOO-k / luːk

Latin; Greek

Meaning

Latin: 'from Lucania'; Greek: 'bringer of light'

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Luke has its roots in the Latin name "Lucas," which is derived from the Greek name "Loukas." The Greek form is believed to be derived from the Latin word "lux," meaning "light." This etymological pathway illustrates a transition from the ancient Greek language into Latin and subsequently into English, with the name being adopted into the vernacular during the early medieval period as Christianity spread throughout Europe.

Historically, the name Luke is most notably associated with Saint Luke, one of the four Evangelists in the New Testament, who is traditionally credited with writing the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles. The Gospel of Luke is significant for its emphasis on the compassion of Jesus and the inclusion of marginalized groups. Saint Luke is also recognized as the patron saint of artists and physicians, and his feast day is celebrated on October 18. The name gained prominence in Christian contexts, particularly during the early centuries of the Church, as it was often used in honor of the saint.

The cultural resonance of the name Luke is further reinforced by its symbolic associations with enlightenment and guidance, reflecting its etymological roots in "light." The name has been embraced in various forms across different cultures and languages, maintaining its significance through religious texts and traditions. In addition to its biblical connections, the name has appeared in literature and art, often symbolizing clarity and insight. The diminutive form "Luke" has been widely used in various cultures, maintaining a sense of familiarity and affection while retaining its historical and cultural weight.

Trend Summary

Luke has consistently ranked among the top names for boys in the United States over the past few decades.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Luc
  • Lucas
  • Luca

International Variants

  • Luc (French)
  • Luca (Italian)
  • Lukas (German)
  • Lukáš (Czech)
  • Luca (Spanish)

Famous people named Luke

Luke Skywalker is a fictional character best known for Star Wars: A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back, and Return of the Jedi.

Luke Bryan is a country music singer and songwriter best known for Crash My Party, That's My Kind of Night, and Play It Again.

Luke Hemsworth is an actor best known for Westworld, Thor: Ragnarok, and The Anomaly.

Luke Wilson is an actor best known for Legally Blonde, Old School, and The Royal Tenenbaums.

Luke Kuechly is a former professional American football player best known for his career with the Carolina Panthers.

Fictional characters named Luke

Luke Skywalker is a fictional character from the Star Wars franchise. He is a Jedi Knight who plays a crucial role in the battle against the Galactic Empire.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Luke was first seen in the United States in 1880. Luke has ranked as high as #36 nationally, which occurred in 2014, and has been most popular in California, Texas, Pennsylvania, New York, and Ohio. In the past 5 years the name Luke has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Luke (2024)

StateBirthsShare
TX 877
13%
CA 787
12%
FL 463
7%
NY 301
4%
PA 283
4%
OH 269
4%
NC 266
4%
VA 217
3%
GA 212
3%
MI 203
3%
IL 189
3%
TN 188
3%
AZ 152
2%
IN 144
2%
MA 141
2%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
188043
188142
188244
188338
188439
188550
188650
188747
188845
188944
189042
189123
189242
189348
189432
189553
189645
189744
189838
189935
190070
190137
190241
190346
190440
190553
190657
190745
190852
190957
191071
191162
191283
1913115
1914168
1915157
1916183
1917163
1918176
1919165
1920166
1921165
1922190
1923185
1924206
1925165
1926162
1927158
1928149
1929153
1930141
1931142
1932165
1933110
1934122
1935121
1936116
1937113
1938123
1939116
1940116
1941121
1942110
1943126
1944117
1945117
1946130
1947151
1948155
1949155
1950170
1951169
1952158
1953169
1954197
1955219
1956245
1957291
1958337
1959353
1960424
1961415
1962426
1963422
1964445
1965400
1966355
1967346
1968387
1969452
1970535
1971530
1972575
1973633
1974725
1975778
1976913
19771,242
19781,882
19792,471
19803,111
19813,015
19822,478
19832,655
19842,473
19852,741
19862,654
19872,593
19882,620
19892,712
19902,884
19913,013
19924,066
19934,358
19944,095
19954,629
19965,017
19974,953
19985,284
19996,137
20007,149
20018,008
20028,692
20039,304
20049,597
200510,011
200610,087
20079,608
20089,423
20098,624
20108,849
20118,706
20129,022
20139,587
201410,521
201510,292
20169,999
20179,223
20188,624
20198,440
20207,782
20217,708
20227,389
20237,244
20247,039