Alois is a masculine given name of Germanic origin. It is derived from the Old High German words "Adal" and "wolf", which together mean "noble wolf". The name has been associated with several notable figures throughout history, most famously Saint Aloysius Gonzaga, an Italian saint who was born into nobility but chose to live a life of poverty and service to others.
The name Alois gained popularity in the 19th century, particularly in German-speaking countries. It was the given name of Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria, whose wife Empress Elisabeth of Bavaria was known for her beauty and her tragic fate. The name has also been used by several members of the House of Habsburg-Lorraine, the royal family that ruled over the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
Today, Alois is still a popular given name in German-speaking countries, as well as in other parts of Europe such as Poland and the Czech Republic. It is often shortened to the familiar forms Aloi or Aloisius, and it has also inspired several variations such as Alain, Alan, and Allan. Despite its historic associations with nobility and royalty, Alois remains a timeless and versatile name that can be used across different cultures and languages.
These statistics reveal a fluctuating trend in the number of births named Alois over time, with notable peaks and troughs. The name's popularity surged dramatically during World War I, reaching a peak of 106 births in 1918, perhaps influenced by the conflict or inspired by prominent figures with that name. However, it's important to note that these statistics span well over a century, from 1880 to 2023, and include periods when record-keeping practices may have varied. In recent years, the number of births named Alois has stabilized at around 5 to 9 per year. Overall, the name Alois has experienced ups and downs in popularity, with its highest points occurring over a century ago.