Louise is a feminine given name of French origin, derived from the German nameLudwig, which means "renowned in battle". The name Louise has been popular throughout history and has been borne by many notable figures.
The first recorded use of the name Louise was in France during the Middle Ages, where it was used as a feminine form of Louis. It was also popular among royalty; for example, Louise of France (1573-1637) was a French princess who became the Duchess of Montpensier, and Louise of Savoy (1476-1531) was the mother of Francis I of France.
Louise has been used in various forms throughout history, including Louisa, Luise, and Luisa. In England, it was introduced by Queen Mary II's consort, William III, who brought his German entourage with him when he became king in 1689. The name gained further popularity during the Victorian era, when it was often used as a diminutive of names like Louise-Marie or Louise-Elizabeth.
Today, Louise continues to be a popular given name around the world. It has ranked among the top 1000 names for girls in the United States since records began in the late 19th century. In France, it remains particularly popular and is often used as a middle name alongside other traditional French names like Marie or Claire.
Overall, Louise is a classic and elegant name with a rich history behind it. Its meaning of "renowned in battle" reflects its warrior-like origins, while its widespread use throughout history demonstrates its enduring appeal.
The popularity of the name Louise peaks around the early 1900s, with a high of 8313 births in 1915 and another peak at 9179 births in 1920. After World War II, there's a significant decline in usage, dropping to just 460 births in 2021, reflecting a broader trend of fewer people choosing classic names like Louise.