A 1880s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Lewis since 1880
Babies named Lewis per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1921, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Lewis's real moment was 1880.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 4,341 |
| 1890s | 3,699 |
| 1900s | 4,042 |
| 1910s | 17,787 |
| 1920s | 25,328 |
| 1930s | 20,017 |
| 1940s | 20,931 |
| 1950s | 18,133 |
| 1960s | 11,683 |
| 1970s | 7,517 |
| 1980s | 5,841 |
| 1990s | 4,533 |
| 2000s | 3,424 |
| 2010s | 4,552 |
| 2020s | 3,938 |
Meaning & origin
Lewis, an English form of Louis, has a long history of use in the English-speaking world. It first appeared in U.S. records in 1880, when it ranked 433rd, and peaked in popularity that same year. After a period of decline, the name has been rising since 2006, signaling a renewed interest among modern parents. Lewis is most popular in Vermont, Montana, and Alaska, often chosen for its classic, straightforward sound. Its meaning, 'renowned warrior,' adds a strong yet understated appeal, fitting a name that has endured for centuries without feeling dated.
Lewis is the English form of the French name Louis, which derives from the Germanic name Chlodowig, composed of the elements 'hlud' (famous) and 'wig' (war). The name was introduced to England by the Normans and became a common given name, often anglicized as Lewis. It has been used among English speakers since the Middle Ages.
Where Lewis is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Lewis” around the world
Where Lewis lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
225
babies in 2024
Ireland
8
babies in 2025
New Zealand
28
babies in 2025
Quebec
30
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland) · NZ Dept of Internal Affairs (New Zealand) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Lew, Lewie
Variants: Louis
Sibling names for Lewis
Names that share Lewis's style, for a brother or sister.
Names like Lewis
Names whose popularity has moved with Lewis's over the last 50 years.
