Charles "Lucky" Luciano earned his nickname "Lucky" due to a combination of factors related to his criminal career and personal experiences. One of the most notable reasons was his survival of a brutal attack in 1929. Luciano was kidnapped, beaten, and stabbed by a group of men, believed to be associates of a rival gang. Despite the severity of the attack, he survived, which many attributed to sheer luck, hence the nickname "Lucky."

Additionally, Luciano's ability to evade law enforcement and his knack for surviving the dangerous world of organized crime further solidified his reputation as "Lucky." His strategic mind and ability to navigate the criminal underworld also contributed to the perception that he was fortunate in his endeavors.