Find out how popular the first name Luca has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Luca by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Luca is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 97% of people named Luca being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 7,770 male babies and 87 female babies born with the name Luca.

Yes—according to the SSA data, 87 baby girls were named Luca in 2023, despite it being a predominantly male name. We'd love to know why!

The history of the first name Luca

The name Luca has its origins in the Latin language and culture, dating back to ancient Roman times. It is believed to be derived from the Latin word "lucus," which means "grove" or "sacred wood." This connection suggests that the name may have been associated with nature and spiritual significance in its early use.

One of the earliest recorded historical references to the name Luca can be found in the New Testament of the Bible. The Gospel of Luke, one of the four canonical gospels, is attributed to a man named Lucas or Luca, who was a physician and companion of the apostle Paul. While the exact date of his birth is unknown, scholars estimate that he lived in the first century AD.

During the Middle Ages and Renaissance periods, the name Luca gained popularity across Europe, particularly in Italy. One notable figure from this time was the Italian painter and architect Luca Signorelli, who was born in 1441 and died in 1523. He is renowned for his frescoes in the Basilica of San Brizio in Orvieto, which depict scenes from the Last Judgment.

In the realm of science, the Italian physicist and mathematician Luca Valerio (1552-1618) made significant contributions to the field of optics. He is best known for his work on the theory of refraction and the construction of lenses.

Another prominent figure bearing the name Luca was the Italian composer Luca Marenzio (1553-1599), who was a leading figure in the development of the madrigal, a type of secular vocal music composition.

In the world of literature, the Italian writer and philosopher Luca Giordano (1634-1705) was known for his philosophical dialogues and treatises on various subjects, including metaphysics and ethics.

These are just a few examples of notable individuals throughout history who have carried the name Luca. While its origins can be traced back to ancient Rome, the name has transcended time and cultures, becoming a beloved and respected name across various regions and societies.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Luca was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Luca, please contact us.

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