Lukas

♂ Boy

Pronounced LOO-kus /ˈluː.kəs/High

Meaning: From Lucania (a region of ancient southern Italy); also interpreted as light, from Greek leukos (white, light)High

In 30 seconds: A Central/Northern European spelling of Lucas/Luke, meaning 'from Lucania' or linked to the Greek word for 'light.' The k spelling gives it a Scandinavian and German feel that many parents prefer.

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Origin HighGreek, Latin

MeaningFrom Lucania (a region of ancient southern Italy); also interpreted as light, from Greek leukos (white, light)

U.S. rank (2025)#288 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births1,161 boys (0.07% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2019

Total births (all-time)≈ 44,039

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Lukas is the Central and Northern European form of Lucas/Luke, which derives from the Greek Λουκᾶς (Loukas), a name associated with the Latin region of Lucania in southern Italy. It may also be interpreted through the Greek leukos ('white, light'). Saint Luke the Evangelist, author of the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles, made the name beloved throughout Christian Europe.

Lukas has been a popular boys' name across Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Scandinavia, and Central Europe for generations. In the United States it entered the top 200 boys' names in the late 20th century and has remained there, offering a slightly more distinctive alternative to the standard Lucas/Luke spellings.

Did you know? The Lukas spelling is the standard form in German, Czech, Slovak, and Polish — making it the version used across a huge swath of Central Europe, where Lucas is the anglicized alternative.

Variations

LucasLukeLucaLuka

Nicknames

LukeLu

Famous Bearers

★Lukas Graham (b. 1988)
Danish musician and lead singer of the band Lukas Graham, known for '7 Years.'

If you like Lukas…

Lucas— the standard spelling of the same name

Luca— Italian form of the same root, equally popular

Luke— the English short form of the same root

Leo— short Latin classic with the same light/brightness connotation

Explore names like Lukas

By meaningLight

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Lukas mean?

Lukas means 'from Lucania' or is associated with the Greek word for 'light.' It is the Central European form of Luke/Lucas.

How do you pronounce Lukas?

Lukas is pronounced LOO-kus (/ˈluː.kəs/) — two syllables with stress on the first.

Is Lukas a boy or girl name?

Lukas is used exclusively as a boy's name.

How popular is Lukas?

Lukas has been a top-200 U.S. boys' name since the late 20th century, alongside the standard Lucas spelling.