Louis is a classic and regal given name of Germanic origin, derived from the Frankish personal name Hludowig, which combines the elements "hliud" meaning famous and "wig" meaning war or battle. It was borne by several notable figures in history, including Charlemagne's son, Louis the Pious, who became King of the Franks in 814. The name Louis gained widespread popularity during the Middle Ages due to the widespread influence of the French Capetian dynasty, many members of which bore this name.
In its various forms and languages, Louis has been a popular choice for given names throughout history. Some notable variations include Ludwig in German, Luis in Spanish and Portuguese, Luigi or Ludovico in Italian, and Loukas in Greek. The name has also inspired numerous saints, including Saint Louis IX of France, who was renowned for his piety and wisdom.
Today, Louis remains a timeless classic among given names. It is often associated with elegance, tradition, and a certain European charm. Some famous individuals bearing this name include French poet Louis Aragon, American musician Louis Armstrong, and British actor Louis Ashbourne serkis. The name Louis also has a literary connection through the works of French novelist Louis-Ferdinand Céline and English author Louis MacNeice.
Overall, Louis is a distinguished and historic given name that has stood the test of time, reflecting its rich history and enduring appeal across cultures and generations.
Over the span of nearly a century and a half (from 1880 to 2023), the name Louis experienced varied popularity as evidenced by the fluctuating annual birth counts. The peak years saw over 60 births annually, with the highest being 71 in 1926. However, the number of Louis births has significantly declined in recent decades, with only 5 or fewer occurrences each year since 2000. In total, 2841 children named Louis were born during this period.