Name profile

BoyPronounced English /ˈluk/Dutch language family

Luke

A name of English origin meaning "from Lucania".

Quick answer

Luke is a boy name with English roots meaning "from Lucania".

Pronunciation: English /ˈluk/.

GenderBoy
OriginEnglish
Meaningfrom Lucania
PronunciationEnglish /ˈluk/
Language familyDutch

Meaning and history

English form of Latin Lucas, from the Greek name Λουκᾶς (Loukas), probably a shortened form of Λουκανός (Loukanos) meaning "from Lucania", Lucania being a region in southern Italy. Alternatively, it could be derived from the Latin name Lucius. Luke was a doctor who travelled in the company of the apostle Paul. According to tradition, he was the author of the third gospel and Acts in the New Testament. He was probably of Greek ethnicity. He is considered a saint by many Christian denominations. Due to the saint's renown, the name became common in the Christian world (in various spellings). As an English name, Luke has been in use since the 12th century alongside the Latin form Lucas. Both forms became popular throughout the English-speaking world towards the end of the 20th century. A famous fictional bearer was the hero Luke Skywalker from the Star Wars movies, beginning in 1977.

Notes and context

Usage: english, biblical