A 1910s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Louise since 1880
Babies named Louise per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1921, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Louise's real moment was 1912.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 9,596 |
| 1890s | 15,174 |
| 1900s | 22,862 |
| 1910s | 67,973 |
| 1920s | 82,895 |
| 1930s | 49,859 |
| 1940s | 38,665 |
| 1950s | 25,852 |
| 1960s | 10,894 |
| 1970s | 2,918 |
| 1980s | 1,965 |
| 1990s | 1,295 |
| 2000s | 1,035 |
| 2010s | 2,489 |
| 2020s | 2,994 |
Meaning & origin
Louise, meaning 'famous warrior,' carries a sense of strength and history. Its popularity peaked in 1912, when it was a top 100 name, but it has since become less common, ranking 514th in 2025, with about 1 in every 2,776 girls receiving the name. However, the name has seen a revival in recent decades, with a rising trajectory since 2005, particularly in trend-setting states like DC, ME, and CO. This resurgence may be driven by parents seeking classic names with a vintage feel. Louise's deep roots in French and German nobility give it an enduring appeal, and it remains a solid choice for those who appreciate traditional names with substance.
Louise is the feminine form of Louis, which derives from the Germanic name Chlodowig, composed of the elements 'hlud' meaning 'famous' and 'wig' meaning 'warrior.' It was introduced to England by the Normans and gained popularity in the 19th century, particularly in the English-speaking world. The name has been borne by several European royals.
Where Louise 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.
“Louise” around the world
Where Louise lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
#1
in 2024
Ireland
20
babies in 2025
Quebec
50
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Lou, Lulu, Weezy
Sibling names for Louise
Names that share Louise's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Marie, Alice, Charlotte, Eleanor, Grace, Annette, Billie, Jeanne, Jeannette, Pauline, Suzanne, Virginia, Anette, Clair, Claudie, Freida, Helene, Janette, Jannette, Jenette, Mariann, Maryanne, Therese, Albertine, Angele, Billye, Carline, Carolin, Carolyne, Coletta, Cristine, Delories, Elenore, Elinore, Emogene, Georgiann, Henriette, Hermine, Majorie, Margarite, Mathilde, Theressa, Tommye, Virgina, Anjeanette, Annelle, Annett, Charlet, Dorise, Evelene, Jeanett, Jeannett, Loula, Mariane, Maxcine, Nichola, Reine, Renie, Tresea, Annet, Annise, Berthe, Bonne, Carle, Carolynne, Eleonore, Ernestene, Harryette, Josphine, Lourene, Lucillie, Marise, Marthe, Marvina, Melvine, Robertine, Rolande, Ronalda, Roselene, Thresia, Wandalee, Wilhelmine, Luwanna, Aliese, Aloise, Charlot, Dorice, Eleaner, Elynore, Francys, Helyne, Johnye, Lavine, Lounell, Marieanne, Marrian, Vergene, Viriginia, Walda
Brothers: Louis, Charles, Henry, Arthur, Edward, Byron, Carl, Claude, Eugene, Fredrick, Gordon, Maurice, Murray, Nelson, Ray, Warren, Conrad, Cornell, Emile, Franklyn, Frederic, Gustave, Jere, Judson, Rollin, Wendell, Woodrow, Elmore, Gerome, Lafayette, Mayer, Phillips, Ramond, Rosevelt, Rudolf, Auguste, Beecher, Bernhardt, Carlous, Carlus, Domnick, Frederik, Georges, Gilman, Hebert, Hermann, Jacquel, Lindbergh, Nichols, Pershing, Raeford, Raiford, Adolphe, Carel, Deroy, Eugune, Fredick, Joffre, Liston, Ralston, Roch, Woodard, Olander, Alberth, Cloy, Elster, Fredderick, Garrell, Hartman, Philmore, Skeeter, Wetzel, Yanick
Names like Louise
Names whose popularity has moved with Louise's over the last 50 years.
