Luis

♂ Boy

Pronounced loo-EES /luˈiːs/High

Meaning: Famous warrior; renowned in battle — from the Old High German elements hlud (fame) and wig (warrior, battle)High

In 30 seconds: The Spanish form of Louis, from the Old High German for 'famous warrior.' One of the most enduring names in the world — borne by eighteen French kings and countless saints — Luis is a perennial top-50 boys' name in the U.S.

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Origin HighSpanish, Germanic

MeaningFamous warrior; renowned in battle — from the Old High German elements hlud (fame) and wig (warrior, battle)

Peak year2007

Total births (all-time)≈ 270,083

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

History & Origin

Luis is the Spanish form of Louis (French) or Ludwig (German), all derived from the Old High German Chlodovech, composed of hlud (famous, glory) and wig (warrior, battle). The Latinized form Ludovicus spread across Europe with Frankish royalty, becoming Luis in the Iberian Peninsula.

Luis has been one of the most consistently popular names in Spanish-speaking countries for centuries. In the U.S., it has ranked in the top 100 boys' names for decades, supported by the large Hispanic population. It carries cultural weight through figures like Luis Armstrong (rendered in various forms), and numerous Latin American politicians and artists.

Did you know? Eighteen French kings bore the name Louis/Luis, more than any other name in French royal history, from Louis I ('the Pious') in the 9th century to Louis XVIII in the 19th.

Variations

LouisLewisLuigiLudwig

Nicknames

LouLucho

Famous Bearers

★Luis Fonsi (b. 1978)
Puerto Rican singer known for the global hit 'Despacito' (2017).

If you like Luis…

Carlos— top Spanish classic with the same straightforward strength

Miguel— another perennial Spanish name in the U.S. top 100

Jose— traditional Spanish name equally beloved across generations

Antonio— rich Spanish/Italian classic with historical depth

Frequently Asked

What does the name Luis mean?

Luis comes from the Old High German elements meaning 'famous' and 'warrior,' so it means 'famous warrior' or 'renowned in battle.'

How do you pronounce Luis?

Luis is pronounced loo-EES /luˈiːs/ — two syllables with stress on the second.

Is Luis a boy or girl name?

Luis is a masculine name. Its feminine equivalent is Luisa.

How popular is Luis?

Luis has been in the U.S. top 100 boys' names for decades and often ranks in the top 50.