Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Luca
BoyItalian, Latin· “from Lucania; form of Luke”
- Meaning
- from Lucania; form of Luke
- Origin
- Italian, Latin
- Pronunciation
- LOO-kuh
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #14
- US babies 2025
- 8,759
- Best rank
- #14 (2025)
- Peak year
- 2025
Meaning and origin of Luca
Luca is an Italian and Latin name that is usually said to mean “from Lucania; form of Luke”.
Luca is the Italian form of Luke, from the Latin Lucas and the Greek Loukas, usually understood as "man from Lucania", a region of southern Italy. It is often associated with Latin lux, "light", though that link is a popular connection rather than the accepted derivation. Saint Luke the Evangelist, traditionally credited with the third Gospel and the Acts of the Apostles, made the name widespread throughout Christian Europe. Luca has long been a staple in Italy and is used across much of Europe. In English-speaking countries it feels relaxed and international, a short name with Mediterranean warmth. Luka is a common Slavic spelling of the same name.
Other spellings with the same sound: Luka, Lucca.
Popularity over time
Luca first appears in US Social Security records in 1915. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 26 different years, starting in 2000. It is at its all-time high right now: 2025 brought both its best national rank, #14, and its highest count, 8,759 babies. Use has grown 235% in ten years.
Its national rank moved from #4,692 in 1920, #3,364 in 1980, #626 in 2000, #272 in 2010, and #14 in 2025. Of the 77,521 US boys named Luca since records began, 57% were born in the 2020s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 24,939 babies.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Ezra, Elias, Hudson, Santiago, and Cooper.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Luca ranked highest in New Jersey, Hawaii, and Connecticut.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | #4 | 378 |
| Hawaii | #4 | 42 |
| Connecticut | #5 | 153 |
| Rhode Island | #5 | 48 |
| New York | #6 | 680 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 98% of US babies named Luca over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
Luca is usually pronounced LOO-kuh, with two syllables. It has four letters, starts with L and ends in “-ca”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Luka and Lucca.
Middle names for Luca
A few middle names that flow with Luca: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Luca
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Lists that include Luca
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Luca mean?
Luca is an Italian and Latin name that is usually said to mean “from Lucania; form of Luke”.
What is the origin of the name Luca?
Luca has Italian and Latin roots. Luca is the Italian form of Luke, from the Latin Lucas and the Greek Loukas, usually understood as "man from Lucania", a region of southern Italy.
Is Luca a popular name?
Yes. Luca ranked #14 in the US in 2025, which makes it one of the 100 most popular names.
Is Luca a boy or girl name?
Luca is mainly a boy's name. About 98% of US babies named Luca over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
How do you pronounce Luca?
Luca is usually pronounced LOO-kuh. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings