The name Luka has its origins in the Latin language and can be traced back to ancient times. It is derived from the Latin name Lucas, which in turn comes from the Greek name Loukas. The meaning of Luka is "bringer of light" or "illumination."

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Luka is found in the New Testament of the Bible, where it is mentioned as the name of one of the four Evangelists who authored the Gospel of Luke. This gospel is believed to have been written around 80-90 AD.

In medieval Europe, the name Luka gained popularity among Christians, particularly in regions with strong cultural ties to the Roman Empire and the Latin language. It was commonly used in Italy, Spain, and other parts of Western Europe during this period.

One of the earliest known historical figures with the name Luka was Luka Sorkočević, a Dalmatian composer and writer who lived in the late 16th and early 17th centuries (c. 1575-1629). He is considered one of the most important figures in the history of Croatian music.

Another notable bearer of the name Luka was Luka Zhidiata, a 14th-century Georgian painter and fresco artist known for his work in the Gelati Monastery near Kutaisi, Georgia. His frescoes are considered among the finest examples of medieval Georgian art.

In the 18th century, Luka Dolci (1703-1768) was an Italian painter from the Baroque period, known for his religious works and portraits. He was active in Venice and is considered one of the most important Venetian artists of his time.

The name Luka also has a presence in literature, with one of the most famous examples being the character Luka Aleksandrovich Khvostchev from Fyodor Dostoevsky's novel "The Brothers Karamazov." This novel, published in 1880, is considered one of the greatest works of Russian literature.

Another notable literary figure with the name Luka is Luka Kuzmić, a 20th-century Croatian poet and essayist (1892-1969). He was a prominent figure in the Croatian modern literature movement and is known for his lyrical poetry and essays on art and culture.