Luisa is a feminine given name of Italian origin. It is derived from the masculine name Luigi, which itself comes from the Germanic name Ludwig. The latter name is composed of two elements: "hlud" meaning "famous" or "renowned," and "wig" meaning "battle." Therefore, Luisa means "famous in battle."
The use of Luisa as a female name is attributed to its famous bearer, Luisa de la Cerda, who was a Spanish noblewoman born in the 13th century. She was known for her beauty, intelligence, and virtue, which contributed to the popularity of the name among Spanish-speaking communities.
Over time, Luisa has become a widely recognized and beloved name across various cultures and languages. It is often associated with qualities such as elegance, charm, and strength, although these are not directly related to its meaning or history.
In literature and art, Luisa has been portrayed in several notable works, including the opera "Luisa Miller" by Giuseppe Verdi, and the novel "The Story of a New Name" by Elena Ferrante. These representations have further popularized the name and contributed to its enduring appeal.
Overall, Luisa is a name with a rich history and a strong meaning that continues to captivate people around the world. Its Italian origin and Germanic roots give it a unique blend of cultures, while its association with prominent historical figures adds to its allure.
The name Luisa has been given to babies born in the United States since at least 1882, with a total of 8 births recorded that year. The number of babies named Luisa fluctuated over the years, but it began to increase significantly around the late 1940s and early 1950s.
Between 1949 and 1952, there were between 63 and 73 births each year for girls named Luisa. This trend continued throughout the 1950s and 1960s, with the number of annual births ranging from 84 to 125 between 1958 and 1972.
The 1970s saw a further increase in the popularity of the name Luisa, with over 100 births recorded each year. The highest number of births for girls named Luisa during this decade was in 1979, with 147 babies given the name.
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, the number of babies named Luisa remained relatively stable, with between 125 and 260 births recorded each year. However, there were notable peaks in popularity during these decades, such as in 1984 when 171 girls were named Luisa.
The 2000s saw a slight decline in the popularity of the name Luisa, with between 180 and 318 births recorded each year. However, there was a significant increase in the number of babies named Luisa in recent years, with 318 births recorded in 2022 and 275 births recorded in 2023.
In total, since at least 1882, there have been 13,761 babies born in the United States who were given the name Luisa. This demonstrates that while the popularity of the name has fluctuated over time, it remains a classic and enduring choice for parents in the United States.