Lewis

♂ Boy

Pronounced LOO-is /ˈluː.ɪs/High

Meaning: English and Welsh form of Louis, from Old High German Hludwig meaning renowned warrior, combining hlud (fame, glory) and wig (warrior, battle)High

In 30 seconds: Lewis is the English and Welsh form of Louis meaning 'renowned warrior' — a name with deep royal roots and literary greatness from Lewis Carroll and Meriwether Lewis, now making a strong vintage return.

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Origin HighGermanic, English, Welsh

MeaningEnglish and Welsh form of Louis, from Old High German Hludwig meaning renowned warrior, combining hlud (fame, glory) and wig (warrior, battle)

U.S. rank (2025)#433 → Stable

2025 U.S. births736 boys (0.04% of U.S. boys)

Peak year1921

Total births (all-time)≈ 155,755

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Lewis is the English and Welsh form of Louis, from Old High German Hludwig, combining hlud (glory, fame) and wig (warrior). It was a royal name of the Frankish kings.

Lewis was particularly popular in Wales (where it anglicizes the Welsh name Llywelyn) and in the United States in the 19th century. It is now in strong revival as a vintage English classic.

Did you know? Lewis Carroll, author of Alice in Wonderland, was born Charles Lutwidge Dodgson — his pen name was a Latinized-reversed form of Charles Lutwidge, turning Lutwidge to Ludovicus (Lewis) and Charles to Carroll.

Overall data confidence 95%

Behind the Name — Lewis — etymology and historyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

LouisLewLlywelyn

Nicknames

Lew

Famous Bearers

★Lewis Carroll (1832–1898)
English author of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland; pen name of Charles Lutwidge Dodgson.
★Meriwether Lewis (1774–1809)
American explorer and co-leader of the Lewis and Clark Expedition through the American West.

If you like Lewis…

Louis— the French/English parallel form sharing the identical Germanic roots

Clarence— shares the dignified Victorian English feel and the same vintage revival trajectory

Oliver— shares the crisp, literary British-American vintage character

Arthur— parallel legendary British classic with the same dignified vintage-modern balance

Frequently Asked

What does the name Lewis mean?

Lewis means renowned warrior from Old High German hlud (fame) and wig (warrior).

How do you pronounce Lewis?

It is said LOO-is /ˈluː.ɪs/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Lewis a Welsh name?

Yes, Lewis is particularly associated with Wales as an anglicization of the Welsh name Llywelyn, alongside its Germanic roots.

Is Lewis making a comeback?

Yes, Lewis is in strong revival in the UK and beginning to rise in the United States as vintage names regain fashion.