Luka

Luka is a masculine given name used across many languages and cultures, particularly in the Balkans and parts of Eastern Europe, Georgia, and among diaspora communities. It is widely treated as a standalone name rather than a diminutive in many of these languages. In the Christian tradition, Saint Luke the Evangelist contributed to its long-standing usage in Christian communities.

The name is ultimately derived from the Latin Lucas, which in turn comes from the Greek Loukas. The Greek form is generally interpreted as meaning "from Lucania" or "light," with some traditions emphasizing "bright" or "illumination." The Croatian, Serbian, Bosnian, Slovenian, and Georgian forms are commonly written as Luka.

Notable individuals named Luka include Croatian footballer Luka Modrić, Slovenian basketball player Luka Dončić, and Serbian footballer Luka Jović. Other well-known bearers span arts and culture, such as the Slovenian cellist Luka Šulić of 2CELLOS.

In addition to given-name usage, Luka appears in various fictional works and as a place-name in some regions, though this article focuses on personal name usage.