The name Lukas is a masculine given name derived from the Latin name Lucas, which itself originated from the Greek name Loukas. The Greek name Loukas is a shortened form of the Latin name Lucanus, which means "from Lucania", an ancient region in southern Italy.

Lukas has its roots in ancient Roman and Greek cultures, and it can be traced back to the 1st century AD. The name gained popularity in the Christian tradition due to its association with the Gospel of Luke, one of the four canonical gospels in the New Testament, which is believed to have been written by the Evangelist Luke.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Lukas can be found in the Bible, where it refers to the Evangelist Luke, a physician and companion of the Apostle Paul. According to tradition, Luke was born in Antioch, Syria, in the 1st century AD, and he is credited with authoring the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Lukas. One of the most famous was Lukas Cranach the Elder (1472-1553), a German Renaissance painter and printmaker. Another notable figure was Lukas van Leyden (1494-1533), a Dutch engraver and painter who was renowned for his innovative techniques and attention to detail.

In the realm of literature, Lukas Gotthelft Gernler (1625-1675) was a German poet and translator who made significant contributions to the development of German literature during the Baroque period. In the field of music, Lukas Foss (1922-2009) was an American composer, conductor, and pianist who was known for his innovative and avant-garde works.

Another noteworthy individual was Lukas Moser (1508-1573), a German theologian and reformer who played a significant role in the Protestant Reformation. He was a close associate of Martin Luther and worked alongside him in translating the Bible into German.