Luke is a name of Latin origin that means "light" or "bringer of light." It is derived from the Latin word lux, which means light. The name Luke has been used since ancient times and was one of the most popular names in the Middle Ages.
The name Luke is often associated with Saint Luke, who was one of the 12 apostles of Jesus Christ and the author of the Gospel of Luke in the New Testament of the Bible. According to tradition, Saint Luke was a physician by profession and traveled with Saint Paul on his missionary journeys.
Throughout history, the name Luke has been used by many notable figures. Some famous Lukes include the Welsh poet and writer Luke Howard, who is known for his work on clouds; Luke Wilson, an American actor who has appeared in films such as "Bottle Rocket" and "The Royal Tenenbaums"; and Luke Perry, an American actor who was best known for his role as Dylan McKay on the television series Beverly Hills, 90210.
Today, Luke remains a popular name for boys around the world. It is often used as a middle name or as a first name on its own. The name has also inspired many variations and related names, such as Lucas, Lukas, and Lucius. Overall, Luke is a strong and timeless name with a rich history and meaning that continues to resonate today.
"Luke" is a popular name among parents in the United States, with a total of 57 babies given this name over the span of nearly four decades, from 1979 to 2017. The name's popularity has fluctuated over time, with peaks occurring in 1988 and again between 2006 and 2011, during which period there were six births each year. Interestingly, the name also experienced a small resurgence in 1997, with seven babies named Luke that year. Despite these fluctuations, "Luke" has maintained a consistent presence among baby names in the United States throughout this time period.