Luke

Boy name variations

Family name origins & meanings

English: from a derivative of Lucas. This was (and is) the common vernacular form of the name, being the one by which the author of the fourth Gospel is known in English. Luke is also a habitational name for someone from Liège in Belgium (Dutch Luik).

North German (Lüke): from a short form of Lüdeke; Luedecke.

Famous people with this first name

Famous people who gave their babies this name

Luke in Pop Culture

Do you know these fictional characters that share this first name?

• Luke Skywalker from the Star Wars series - The iconic Jedi Knight who battles the evil Galactic Empire.  
• Luke Danes from Gilmore Girls - The gruff yet endearing owner of Stars Hollow's diner and love interest of Lorelai Gilmore.  
• Luke Cage from Luke Cage - A superhero with superhuman strength and unbreakable skin, fighting crime in Harlem.  
• Luke Spencer from General Hospital - A core character from the popular American soap opera, known for his adventurous storyline.  
• Luke Castellan from Percy Jackson & the Olympians - A complex character who serves both as friend and foe to the protagonist, Percy Jackson.

Popularity of the Name Luke

According to data from the Social Security Administration, the name Luke has remained a popular choice among parents in the United States. While specific rankings can vary year by year, Luke has consistently been within the top 50 names for boys over the past several decades.

Luke originated as a short form of Lucas, which originated from the Greek name Loukas. The name quickly gained popularity due to a first-century Greek physician named Luke, who was also a friend of Saint Paul and author of the third Gospel of the New Testament. This man later became the saint of doctors and artists.

Aside from its Biblical association, the name Luke has been borne by various notable figures across different fields, including actors like Luke Wilson and Luke Hemsworth, contributing to its appeal and staying power in popular culture.

In fiction, Luke Skywalker, the protagonist of the Star Wars saga, is perhaps one of the most famous characters with this name, having a significant impact on its popularity following the release of the original films in the late 1970s and early 1980s. The character's influence on the name's popularity demonstrates the powerful effect of pop culture on naming trends.

Overall, the name Luke continues to be a favorite for its simplicity, historical depth, and the positive connotations associated with well-known bearers of the name.

Where Is the Name Luke Popular?

This name is most popular across certain states in the U.S., including those highlighted on the map below.

Nicknames for Luke

These shortened names can make great nicknames for your baby.

• Lou
• Luca
• Lukey

Luke Pairs Well With These Middle Names

Looking for a middle name that fits perfectly? Consider these!