Loukas

Loukas is a masculine given name of Greek origin, the Greek form of Luke. It is derived from the Latin name Lucas, which is commonly linked to the idea of being "from Lucania," a historic region in southern Italy. The name has been used in Greek-speaking communities since antiquity and remains common in Greece and Cyprus. In religious contexts, Loukas is associated with Saint Luke the Evangelist, and the name appears in Greek Orthodox tradition as a given name choice for boys.

In everyday use, Loukas is primarily a first name and is often found among Greek families and in the Greek diaspora. Pronunciation in Greek is roughly LOO-kahs, with the emphasis typically on the first syllable. The name's continued popularity reflects its long-standing presence in Greek culture and its connection to Christian tradition.

Notable people with the given name include Loukas Papadimos, a Greek economist who served as prime minister during Greece’s debt crisis era. The name is widely used across Greek society, spanning various professions, including politics, academia, sports, and the arts. Variants in other languages include Lucas or Luke in English and Lukas in German and Dutch, while the feminine form Louka exists in some contexts but is far less common.