Luke J. Lang (c.1894-1917), was a soldier who died in World War I. He lived on Bleeker Street in nearby Ridgewood and worked as a printer for J.E. Hetsch on Duane Street.

The land for this park was originally owned by Alden Sampson & Son and was acquired by the city in 1916. Measuring 1/1000 of an acre, Luke J. Lang Square is said to be the smallest parks in New York City.