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Lucas

♂ Boy

Pronounced LOO-kus /ˈluː.kəs/High

Meaning: Light; bringer of light; from the Latin lux (light)High

In 30 seconds: The Latin form of Luke, meaning 'light' or 'man from Lucania.' Lucas carries a classical elegance while feeling modern, consistently ranking in the U.S. top ten.
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Origin HighLatin, Greek
MeaningLight; bringer of light; from the Latin lux (light)
Peak year2017
Total births (all-time)≈ 239,865

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 201718812017

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Lucas comes from the Latin form of the Greek name Loukas, which possibly means 'from Lucania' (a region of southern Italy) or may be associated with the Latin lux (light). The evangelist Luke bore this name in its Latin form, giving it strong Christian associations.

Lucas has been used across Europe in various forms throughout the Christian era. In the United States it grew significantly from the 1990s onward, distinct from the simpler Luke, and has ranked consistently in the top ten boys' names since the 2010s.

Did you know? Lucas is the Latin form used in the New Testament for the evangelist Luke, the author of the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles. The name may derive from Latin lux (light) or from the Greek region of Lucania.

Variations

LukeLucaLukasLucLoukas

Nicknames

LukeLuc

Famous Bearers

  • ★George Lucas (1944–)
    American filmmaker, creator of Star Wars and Indiana Jones.

If you like Lucas…

Luca— closely related form with the same root
Liam— equally popular crisp two-syllable classic
Noah— shares the chart-topping modern appeal
Elias— similar classical feel with a soft ending
Julian— shares the Latin heritage and smooth sound

Frequently Asked

What does the name Lucas mean?

Lucas is a Latin form of the Greek Loukas, meaning 'light' or 'from Lucania,' borne by the New Testament evangelist Luke.

How do you pronounce Lucas?

Lucas is pronounced LOO-kus /ˈluː.kəs/ — two syllables, with stress on the first.

Is Lucas a boy or girl name?

Lucas is used almost exclusively as a boy's name.

How popular is Lucas?

Lucas has ranked in the U.S. top ten boys' names since the mid-2010s and continues to be one of the most popular choices.