Luca: Name Meaning, Origin, Popularity, & Inspiration

Skip to main content

• Parenting Resources
• Sign up to Family Education
• LifeSpeak Parenting Support
• Baby Names
  • Baby Names
  • Browse All Baby Names
  • Baby Name Generator
  • First Names By Origin
  • Baby Name Lists & Ideas
  • Muslim Girl Names
  • Muslim Boy Names
  • Beautiful Girl Names
  • Gentle Boy Names
  • Water Girl Names
  • Blessing Boy Names
  • Moon Girl Names
• Girl Names
  • Girl Names
  • Top Baby Girl Names
  • Nicknames for Girls
  • Girl Middle Names
  • Greek Mythology Girl Names
  • Anime Girl Names
  • Viking Girl Names
  • Fantasy Girl Names
  • Dark Girl Names
  • Literary Girl Names
  • Warrior Girl Names
  • Religious Girl Names
• Boy Names
  • Boy Names
  • Top Baby Boy Names
  • Nicknames for Boys
  • Boy Middle Names
  • Greek Mythology Boy Names
  • Anime Boy Names
  • Viking Boy Names
  • Fantasy Boy Names
  • Dark Boy Names
  • Literary Boy Names
  • Warrior Boy Names
  • Religious Boy Names
• Last Names
  • Last Names
  • Browse All Last Names
  • Last Names by Origin
  • Japanese Last Names
  • Italian Last Names
  • French Last Names
  • German Last Names
  • Spanish Last Names
  • Greek Last Names
  • Indian Last Names
  • Jewish Last Names
  • Muslim Last Names
• Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Tracker
  • Trying to Conceive
  • Signs & Symptoms
  • Pregnancy Health
  • High Risk Pregnancies
  • Preparing for Baby
  • Concerns & Complications
  • Labor & Delivery
  • Postpartum
• Parenting
  • Babies
  • Toddlers
  • Kids
  • Learning
  • Teens
  • Family Life
  • Activities
• Games
• NameMatchr

• Parenting Resources
• Sign up to Family Education

1. Home
2. Baby Names

Luca

Luca is of Latin origin and means "bringer of light." It is the Italian variation of Luke or Lucas, meaning "man from Lucania."

0% this year Neutral Common

Tara Rhiannon Dawn Gunn, BA, MFA

| Updated: March 26, 2025

Tara Rhiannon Dawn Gunn, BA, MFA

| Updated: March 26, 2025 Table of contents

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

Lucius Lucan Lucca Luce Lucian Luciano Lucien Lucio Lucias Luke Luc Lucas Luckas Luchas Luka Lukas Lucais Lukyan Lukian Lukács

How Popular Is The Name Luca

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.

Where Is the Name Luca Popular?

This name is most popular across certain states in the U.S., including those highlighted on the map below.

Nicknames for Luca

These shortened names can make great nicknames for your baby.

• Lu
• Luke
• Lukey

Luca Pairs Well With These Middle Names

Looking for a middle name that fits perfectly? Consider these!

Brooks Drew Marvin Steven Terry

Appears On

Browse these related baby name lists that feature this name and many, many more!

• The Ultimate List of Boy Middle Names
• 35 Star Wars Names for Your Baby
• 75 Superhero Names for Your Little Wonder
• 80 of the Most Common Names in the World
• 100 Hipster Baby Names that are Effortlessly Cool
• ​75 Rainbow Baby Names With Sentimental Meanings
• 596 Baby Boy Names That Start With L
• 81 Italian Boy Names and Meanings

People Who Like the Name Luca Also Like

Check out these names that are similar, but still unique to your baby.

August Ezra Kai Levi Micah

Find the Perfect Baby Name Match

Discover your perfect name match, either on your own or with a partner!

Try NameMatchr Now

Parenting is Hard. You Don’t Have to Do It Alone.

Get personalized support from family-care experts who’ve been there. Discover practical answers and stress-saving guidance—all backed by research and available anytime, anywhere.

• 150+ Trusted Experts
• 90% Hold Specialized Credentials
• 30+ Areas of Family Expertise

Get Expert Guidance Today Search

Join the Family

Your Partner in Parenting, From Baby Name Inspiration to College Planning.

Subscribe Share Search

Search

Search