Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Luka
BoySlavic, Greek· “from Lucania”
- Meaning
- from Lucania
- Origin
- Slavic, Greek
- Pronunciation
- LOO-kuh
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #85
- US babies 2025
- 3,873
- Best rank
- #85 (2025)
- Peak year
- 2025
Meaning and origin of Luka
Luka is a Slavic and Greek name that is usually said to mean “from Lucania”.
Luka is the form of Luke used in Croatian, Serbian, Slovenian, Russian and several other languages. Luke comes from the Greek Loukas, usually understood as "man from Lucania," a region of southern Italy, though some connect it with the Latin lux, "light." Saint Luke, traditionally the author of the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles, is the patron saint of physicians and artists. Luka has become popular in the English-speaking world as an international alternative to Luke and Lucas. It is short, warm and easy to say, and it travels well across languages.
Other spellings with the same sound: Luca, Lucca.
Popularity over time
Luka first appears in US Social Security records in 1975. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 22 different years, starting in 2004. It is at its all-time high right now: 2025 brought both its best national rank, #85, and its highest count, 3,873 babies. Use has grown 604% in ten years.
Its national rank moved from #1,442 in 2000, #727 in 2010, and #85 in 2025. Of the 28,959 US boys named Luka since records began, 69% were born in the 2020s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 6,580 babies.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Gael, Adriel, August, Emiliano, and Amir.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Luka ranked highest in Alaska, California, and Illinois.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska | #50 | 14 |
| California | #55 | 640 |
| Illinois | #58 | 173 |
| Texas | #59 | 589 |
| South Dakota | #60 | 18 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 98% of US babies named Luka over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
Luka is usually pronounced LOO-kuh, with two syllables. It has four letters, starts with L and ends in “-ka”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Luca and Lucca.
Middle names for Luka
A few middle names that flow with Luka: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Luka
Similar names
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Lists that include Luka
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Luka mean?
Luka is a Slavic and Greek name that is usually said to mean “from Lucania”.
What is the origin of the name Luka?
Luka has Slavic and Greek roots. Luka is the form of Luke used in Croatian, Serbian, Slovenian, Russian and several other languages.
Is Luka a popular name?
Yes. Luka ranked #85 in the US in 2025, which makes it one of the 100 most popular names.
Is Luka a boy or girl name?
Luka is mainly a boy's name. About 98% of US babies named Luka over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
How do you pronounce Luka?
Luka 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