How to say it
lou · ISE
/luˈiːz/
Feminine
Louise
Famous warrior
What it means
The French feminine of Louis, from Germanic roots meaning 'famous warrior.'
Louise is the French feminine of Louis, from the Germanic hlud, 'famous,' and wig, 'war,' so 'famous warrior.' A staple for centuries, it carries quiet elegance and a road-trip note in Thelma and Louise. It pairs with Eloise and shortens to Lou or Lulu. Said loo-EEZ.
Popularity over time
peaked at #17 in 1912, currently #516 in 2025.
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration, names given to at least 5 babies in a year, 1880–present. See where the names are moving
Heads-up notes
- Nickname
Lou, Lulu.
- Spelling
The feminine of Louis; cousin to Eloise.
Spelling variants
- Luise
- Louisa
- Loise
Names with the same feeling
See Louise from another angle
By meaning
By style