The name Lucas holds significance in the Bible and is derived from the Latin name “Lucas” or the Greek name “Loukas.” In the Bible, Lucas is commonly associated with the author of the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles. Lucas is believed to have been a close companion of the apostle Paul, accompanying him on his missionary journeys and serving as his physician.
The name Lucas signifies light or illumination, pointing to its biblical roots. In the Bible, light is often associated with knowledge, truth, and spiritual enlightenment. The Gospel of Luke, written by Lucas, is considered to be an account of the life and ministry of
The name Lucas is from the Greek name Loukas. Interestingly, Lucas also means “man from Lucania,” a historical region of southern Italy the name of which is thought to mean white or light. This makes sense since Lucas means “bringer of light” in Latin.
In the Bible, Luke the Evangelist is considered one of the four authors of the gospels. He is thought to have been a physician. Catholics regard him as the patron saint of doctors, artists, and creatives.
- Origin: Greek and Latin
- Gender: Lucas is a Latin, masculine-given name (from the verb “lucere”). Feminine variations such as Lucille, Luciana, and Lucia are common. Luca and Luka are gender-neutral names.
- Pronunciation: Loo-kuhs
Although there are many gender-specific baby names, Verywell Family doesn’t think this should affect how you choose a name for your child. Instead, it’s important to select a name that you feel suits your new baby the best.
Lucas Meaning In The Bible
Origin of the Name Lucas
The name Lucas has a rich history in the Bible, with roots in both Greek and Latin languages. In Latin, Lucas means “light-giving” or “illumination,” while in Greek it is derived from the word “Loukas,” which means “from Lucania” – an ancient region in Southern Italy.
Biblical References to Lucas
There are several notable biblical figures named Lucas, although the name itself does not appear frequently in the Bible. One of the most well-known figures is Luke, the author of the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles. Many scholars believe that Luke and Lucas are variations of the same name.
Acts 1:1-3 – “In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach, until the day when he was taken up, after he had given commands through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God.”
This passage highlights the importance of Luke’s writings, which serve as valuable accounts of Jesus’ teachings and the early Christian community. Lucas, or Luke, is revered for his meticulous attention to detail and his ability to convey the message of Christ with clarity and insight.
Symbolism of the Name Lucas
Given its meaning of “light-giving” or “illumination,” the name Lucas carries strong symbolic significance in the Bible. It is often associated with enlightenment, knowledge, and divine revelation. Just as light dispels darkness and illuminates the path, Lucas represents the guiding light of faith and spiritual truth.
John 8:12 – “Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.'”
As believers strive to follow the teachings of Jesus and walk in His light, they embody the essence of what Lucas symbolizes – a beacon of hope, wisdom, and salvation in a world filled with challenges and uncertainties.
How Popular Is the Name Lucas?
Lucas is the 8th most popular boys’ name in the U.S., according to 2020 Social Security Administration (SSA) data. In fact, 2018 was the first year that Lucas broke into the top 10 baby names. SSA shares that peak popularity also occurred in 2020 when 11,281 babies were named Lucas.1
Lucas first appeared on the SSA’s most popular names list in the 1980s, when the name ranked 112 for that decade. In the 1990s, Lucas ranked at 99, and in the 2000s at 61. Since then, it has continued to climb in popularity, closing out the 2010s at number 17.
Name Variations
There are several variations of Lucas, including:
- Luca (Italian)
- Luc (French)
- Luka (Slavic)
- Loukas (Greek)
- Łukasz (Latin)
- Luke (Greek)
- Lukus (Greek)
