Louise

How to say it

luˈiːz

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.

How to spell Louise

The standard spelling is Louise. Common variants include Luise, Louisa, Loise, but Louise is the most widely used form.

Heads-up notes

• Nickname

  Lou, Lulu.

• Spelling

  The feminine of Louis; cousin to Eloise.

Who's worn it

Historical figures, characters, and public faces who share the name. The cultural surface, for whatever weight you want to give it.

• Louise Bourgeois French-American artist known for large-scale spider sculptures

Spelling variants

• Luise
• Louisa
• Loise

Names with the same feeling

• Eloise Healthy, hardy
• Charlotte Free woman
• Josephine He will add
• Vivienne Alive, lively
• Frances Free one, Frenchwoman

See Louise from another angle

Common questions

What does the name Louise mean?

The French feminine of Louis, from Germanic roots meaning 'famous warrior.'

What does Louise mean in French?

In French, Louise means "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.

How do you pronounce Louise?

Louise is pronounced luˈiːz. Say it as lou-ISE, with the stress on the "ise" syllable.

How do you spell Louise?

The standard spelling is Louise. Common spelling variants include Luise, Louisa, Loise.

Is Louise a boy or girl name?

Louise is traditionally a feminine name.

How popular is the name Louise?

Louise ranked #516 in the U.S. in 2025, according to Social Security Administration data.