Emma Girl
EH-muh
“whole, universal” · Germanic
#3
Lois
GirlGreek
- Meaning
- uncertain (origin disputed)
- Origin
- Greek
- Pronunciation
- LOH-ihs
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #1,670
- US babies 2025
- 124
- Best rank
- #17 (1929)
- Peak year
- 1927
Meaning and origin of Lois
Lois is usually linked to Greek roots, but its original meaning is uncertain.
The origin of Lois is uncertain. In the New Testament, Lois is the grandmother of Timothy, praised for her sincere faith in Paul's second letter to Timothy. The name is Greek, but its meaning is not known, and some suggest a link to a word meaning better or more desirable. Lois became popular in the English-speaking world through the Puritans and later in the twentieth century. Lois Lane, the reporter in the Superman comics, made it famous in popular culture. Lo and Lolo make playful nicknames.
Popularity over time
Lois has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 104 different years. Its best national rank was #17 in 1929, and the most babies received it in 1927, when 10,505 were named Lois. In 2025, 124 babies were named Lois, and it ranked #1,670 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #38 in 1920, #83 in 1950, #972 in 1980, #2,095 in 2000, #2,602 in 2010, and #1,670 in 2025. Of the 332,950 US girls named Lois since records began, 26% were born in the 1920s, its biggest decade. The 1930s come next, with 80,713 babies. Since 2010, 1,750 more have been named Lois.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Lorraine and Doris.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Lois ranked highest in Tennessee, North Carolina, and Washington.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | #1071 | 6 |
| North Carolina | #1111 | 8 |
| Washington | #1171 | 5 |
| Illinois | #1536 | 5 |
| Texas | #1585 | 15 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Lois is usually pronounced LOH-ihs, with two syllables. It has four letters, starts with L and ends in “-is”.
Middle names for Lois
A few middle names that flow with Lois: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Lois
Similar names
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Lists that include Lois
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Lois mean?
Lois is usually linked to Greek roots, but its original meaning is uncertain.
What is the origin of the name Lois?
Lois has Greek roots. The origin of Lois is uncertain.
Is Lois a popular name?
Not especially. Lois ranked #1,670 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Lois a boy or girl name?
Lois is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Lois?
Lois is usually pronounced LOH-ihs. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings