Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Louis
BoyFrench, Germanic· “famous warrior”
- Meaning
- famous warrior
- Origin
- French, Germanic
- Pronunciation
- LOO-ee
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #249
- US babies 2025
- 1,391
- Best rank
- #18 (1882)
- Peak year
- 1921
Meaning and origin of Louis
Louis is a French and Germanic name that means “famous warrior”.
Louis is the French form of the Germanic Hludowig, built from hlud, meaning "famous," and wig, meaning "war" or "battle." It is one of the great royal names of Europe: eighteen kings of France bore it, including Saint Louis IX, the medieval crusader king, and Louis XIV, the Sun King who built Versailles. The name spread widely across Europe and into English, where it is often pronounced with a final s as well. Louis Armstrong, the jazz trumpeter, gave it a warm American association. Louis feels both regal and friendly, with Lou as a classic nickname.
Other spellings with the same sound: Lewis.
Popularity over time
Louis 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 146 different years. Its best national rank was #18 in 1882, and the most babies received it in 1921, when 7,247 were named Louis. In 2025, 1,391 babies were named Louis, and it ranked #249 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #28 in 1920, #66 in 1950, #151 in 1980, #279 in 2000, #342 in 2010, and #249 in 2025. Of the 406,470 US boys named Louis since records began, 17% were born in the 1920s, its biggest decade. The 1910s come next, with 50,600 babies. Since 2010, 20,392 more have been named Louis.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Clarence, Howard, Earl, Warren, and Ernest.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Louis ranked highest in Vermont, Minnesota, and District of Columbia.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Vermont | #94 | 6 |
| Minnesota | #100 | 63 |
| District of Columbia | #115 | 8 |
| South Dakota | #121 | 11 |
| Missouri | #140 | 52 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Louis is usually pronounced LOO-ee, with two syllables. It has five letters, starts with L and ends in “-is”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Lewis.
Middle names for Louis
A few middle names that flow with Louis: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Louis
Similar names
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Lists that include Louis
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Louis mean?
Louis is a French and Germanic name that means “famous warrior”.
What is the origin of the name Louis?
Louis has French and Germanic roots. Louis is the French form of the Germanic Hludowig, built from hlud, meaning "famous," and wig, meaning "war" or "battle." It is one of the great royal names of Europe: eighteen kings of France bore it, including Saint Louis IX, the medieval crusader king, and Louis XIV, the Sun King who built Versailles.
Is Louis a popular name?
Yes. Louis ranked #249 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Louis a boy or girl name?
Louis is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Louis?
Louis is usually pronounced LOO-ee. 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