What does Luke mean and where does it come from?
Though traditionally a male name, Luke has recently been adopted for females, particularly in modern contexts. The name Luke, derived from the Greek name Loukas (Λουκᾶς), is strongly associated with the biblical figure Saint Luke, one of the authors of the New Testament. It has been popular in vario
Cultural significance
Luke has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Greece-speaking communities, where it reflects values of greek.
Peak popularity
Reached #28 in 2014 — currently #31 in the US.
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Related Reading
Greece-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Luke?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Luke?
Luke works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Luke Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Luke Rose
Floral · soft ending
Luke Claire
French influence · crisp
Luke Jane
Literary · strong
Luke Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Luke right now?
Holding steady — currently #31 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #31 | 7,244 | ▲ up 3 · -2% births |
| 2022 | #34 | 7,389 | ▼ down 2 · -4% births |
| 2021 | #32 | 7,708 | ▼ down 1 |
| 2020 | #31 | 7,734 | ▼ down 3 · -25% births |
| 2015 | #28 | 10,276 | ▲ up 13 · +16% births |
| 2010 | #41 | 8,842 | stable · -12% births |
| 2005 | #41 | 10,008 | ▲ up 18 · +40% births |
| 2000 | #59 | 7,145 | ▲ up 23 · +54% births |
| 1995 | #82 | 4,629 | ▲ up 36 · +61% births |
| 1990 | #118 | 2,883 | ▼ down 12 · +5% births |
| 1985 | #106 | 2,742 | ▼ down 9 · -12% births |
| 1980 | #97 | 3,109 | ▲ up 159 · +300% births |
| 1975 | #256 | 777 | ▲ up 92 · +44% births |
| 1970 | #348 | 538 | ▲ up 44 · +35% births |
| 1965 | #392 | 400 | — |
The story of Luke
Luke has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. Its peak popularity was #28 in 2014. More than 286,912 babies have been named Luke since 1880. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #256 in 1880 to #31 in 2023. Luke is used for both genders: 0% female and 100% male.
Names that peaked alongside Luke in 2014:
Luke by decade
Luke peaked in the 2010s. See all 2010s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 442 | |
| 1890s | 402 | |
| 1900s | 498 | |
| 1910s | 1,343 | |
| 1920s | 1,699 | |
| 1930s | 1,269 | |
| 1940s | 1,298 | |
| 1950s | 2,310 | |
| 1960s | 4,075 | |
| 1970s | 10,350 | |
| 1980s | 27,222 | |
| 1990s | 44,516 | |
| 2000s | 90,597 | |
| 2010s ★ | 93,152 | |
| 2020s | 7,739 | |
What are good nicknames for Luke?
What names sound and feel like Luke?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Luke also consider these
How is Luke written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Luke
What does the name Luke mean?
Luke means "Greek" — a name rooted in Greece tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Luke?
Luke is currently ranked #31 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Luke?
Luke originates from Greece tradition. Greece names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Luke?
Luke is a one-syllable name pronounced L UW1 K. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
How does Luke sound with different last names?
As a one-syllable name, Luke flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Luke ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.