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Theme
Masculine

Luis

/ˈluis/

Famous warrior

Spanish

How to say it

LUIS

/ˈluis/

What it means

Spanish form of Louis, from Frankish Hludwig (hlud 'fame' + wig 'warrior'). The dominant masculine name across Spanish-speaking countries for centuries; the Spanish king Luis I and Luis Buñuel the filmmaker anchor different eras.

Luis is the Spanish form of Louis (and Lewis), all from the Frankish Hludwig ('famous warrior'). Spain had two kings named Luis (the first being Luis I in 1724, son of Philip V). Luis Buñuel (1900-1983) was a Spanish-Mexican filmmaker, central to surrealist cinema. Luis Suárez (the Uruguayan footballer) and Luis Miguel (the Mexican singer) anchor different modern moments. The English-speaking US has used Luis since the late 20th century with broader Latino-name adoption. It's been in the US top 200 since 1980. Pronounced LOO-ees in Spanish (one or two syllables depending on speed); some American English pronunciations say LOO-iss.

Popularity over time

#10 #100 #1 #83318802025

peaked at #49 in 2000, currently #144 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

  • Pronunciation

    Standard Spanish: LWEES (one syllable) or LU-ees (two syllables). Some American English pronounces LOO-iss (sounding the final S clearly).

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.

  • Luis Buñuel Spanish-Mexican filmmaker, Un Chien Andalou and The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie
  • Luis Suárez Uruguayan footballer, Liverpool and Barcelona striker

Spelling variants

  • Louis
  • Lewis