Luke

Usually explained as “from Lucania”.

Luke is an English masculine name, usually explained as “from Lucania”, an ancient region in southern Italy. It comes through Latin Lucas from Greek Loukas, probably a shortened form of Loukanos. This is the usual account rather than a completely certain derivation. The evangelist Luke, traditionally associated with the Gospel of Luke and Acts, gives the name its biblical connection. English Luke is pronounced /luːk/: one sustained vowel between l and a firm final k. The final e is silent. That shape gives it a direct, uncluttered feel, and the long vowel keeps the sound from feeling abrupt. Luke is a full given name in its own right. For someone drawn to the wider Lucas and Lukas family but wanting a single beat, its clearly defined ending is a particular part of the appeal.

Etymology: English form of Latin Lucas, from Greek Loukas, probably shortened from Loukanos.