A 1880s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Louisa since 1880
Babies named Louisa per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2021, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Louisa's real moment was 1881.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 1,420 |
| 1890s | 1,272 |
| 1900s | 993 |
| 1910s | 1,619 |
| 1920s | 1,765 |
| 1930s | 1,227 |
| 1940s | 1,284 |
| 1950s | 1,442 |
| 1960s | 1,371 |
| 1970s | 1,005 |
| 1980s | 1,072 |
| 1990s | 1,084 |
| 2000s | 1,154 |
| 2010s | 2,939 |
| 2020s | 2,285 |
Meaning & origin
Louisa is a classic feminine name with a strong historic pedigree. First recorded in U.S. data in 1880, it peaked in 1881 at its highest rank, reflecting its 19th-century popularity. After a long decline, the name has been rising again since 1987, indicating a revival interest. Currently ranked 694th in 2025, it remains a distinctive choice. The name shows particular favor in states like Alaska, Maine, and Minnesota, suggesting a regional appeal. Louisa's enduring charm lies in its blend of vintage elegance and modern revival, balancing tradition with individuality.
Louisa is the Latinate feminine form of Louis, derived from the Germanic name Chlodowig, meaning 'famous warrior.' It became established in France as Louise and spread across Europe. In English-speaking countries, Louisa gained popularity in the 18th century, particularly in literary and aristocratic circles.
Where Louisa is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Louisa” around the world
Where Louisa lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
390
babies in 2024
Quebec
11
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Lulu, Lou, Lula
Sibling names for Louisa
Names that share Louisa's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Charlotte, Eleanor, Clara, Alice, Emma, Aletha, Eugenie, Fredericka, Geneva, Georgiana, Georgianna, Harriet, Harriett, Harriette, Henrietta, Ramona, Serene, Thomasina, Wilhelmina, Albertina, Christena, Dorthea, Emeline, Florida, Fredricka, Genevia, Georgine, Henretta, Liddie, Marinda, Alfrieda, Almedia, Carola, Ellenor, Fredrica, Georgian, Henryetta, Imojean, Lodema, Loreta, Lutie, Wilhemina, Willena, Ceclia, Elmire, Ernesta, Georgana, Hellena, Henritta, Josephene, Mahalie, Marrianne, Wilhelmena, Paulena, Wilmina
Brothers: William, Henry, Oliver, James, Samuel, Charles, Fredric, Fulton, Adolphus, Authur, Colonel, Leopold, Melville, Otho, Thornton, Washington, Adams, Fielding, Fleming, Frederich, Seward, Alanson, Ebert, Fillmore, Mansfield, Clayborne, Custer, Leverett, Samiel
