Luca: Name Meaning, Origin, & Popularity

Girl name origins & meanings

What does Luca mean and stand for as a girl's name?

Meaning:

Latin: Light
Italian: Bringer of light
Greek: From Lucania
English: Bringer of light

Gender: Female, unisex

Syllables: 2

Pronunciation: The name Luca is pronounced loo-ka

The name Luca holds the same etymological roots for girls as for boys, deriving from the Latin word "lux" which translates to light. It also connects to Lucania, the ancient Southern Italian region. As a girl's name, Luca embodies the notions of brightness and purity, appreciated across various cultures for its elegant and radiant connotations.

Boy name origins & meanings

What does Luca mean and stand for as a boy's name?

Meaning:

Latin: Light
Italian: Bringer of light
Greek: From Lucania
English: Bringer of light

Gender: Male, unisex

Syllables: 2

Pronunciation: The name Luca is pronounced loo-ka

The name Luca is derived from the Latin word "lux" meaning light. It can also be traced back to Lucania, an ancient region in Southern Italy. It is the Italian variation of Luke or Lucas, meaning "man from Lucania". The name conveys the meaning of illumination and clarity and has been cherished in several cultures for its strong yet graceful appeal.

Boy name variations

Family name origins & meanings

Italian: from the personal name Luca, from Latin Lucas.

Southern Italian (Lucà): possibly from a short form of Greek Loukanos, denoting an inhabitant of Lucania (see Lucas).

Dutch: variant of Lucas.

Hungarian: from Luca, a pet form of the personal name Lucia, feminine form of Lucio, from Latin Lucius.

Famous people who gave their babies this name

Audrey Hepburn

Hillary Duff

Luca in Pop Culture

Do you know these fictional characters that share this first name?

Luca Paguro from Luca - A young sea monster who explores the human world above the surface in the heartwarming animated film.
Luca Brasi from The Godfather - A loyal and intimidating enforcer for the Corleone family.
Luca from Dirge of Cerberus: Final Fantasy VII - A minor character in the video game who serves as a researcher.
Luca Esposito from La Luna - A boy who learns the family tradition of sweeping stars from the sky in this charming short film.
Luca Novia from La Femme Nikita - A terrorist leader in the television series.

Popularity of the Name Luca

According to Social Security Administration data, Luca has seen a rise in popularity over recent years, ranking as the 24th most popular baby name for boys in the United States during 2023. Historically, Luca is the Italian form of Luke, which has Biblical origins. Luca was originally a female Italian name before blowing up as a unisex name in Europe and America.

The name has been borne by several notable figures, including Luca Pacioli, an Italian mathematician considered the father of accounting and bookkeeping. In the realm of entertainment, Luca has been popularized by actors such as Luca Guadagnino, a renowned Italian director known for films like Call Me By Your Name. Additionally, the name has been featured in various fictional contexts, including the animated Pixar film Luca, which tells the story of a young sea monster experiencing life on land. It has also been chosen for characters in Doctors, The Godfather, and Astra Lost in Space.