Lais

♀ Girl

Pronounced lah-EES /laˈis/Medium

Meaning: In modern use, chiefly the Brazilian Portuguese Lais (written with an accent on the i), a popular girls' name whose meaning is not firmly settled. It shares its form with the ancient Greek Lais, borne by a famous courtesan (hetaira) of Corinth in the classical period. We note both plainly and neutrally; no single meaning is agreed.Low

In 30 seconds: Lais is a Brazilian favorite, said 'lah-EES', and also an old Greek name from antiquity. Its meaning is not firmly settled, which we note.

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Origin MediumPortuguese, Greek

MeaningIn modern use, chiefly the Brazilian Portuguese Lais (written with an accent on the i), a popular girls' name whose meaning is not firmly settled. It shares its form with the ancient Greek Lais, borne by a famous courtesan (hetaira) of Corinth in the classical period. We note both plainly and neutrally; no single meaning is agreed.

U.S. rank (2024)#14410 ↗ Rising

2024 U.S. births6 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year2022

Total births (all-time)≈ 47

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Lais is a well-used girls' name in Brazil, usually written Laís with the stress marked on the final syllable. The same form appears in ancient Greek sources as the name of a renowned courtesan of Corinth, a figure of classical literature and anecdote. No settled meaning attaches to either; we note both routes plainly (said 'lah-EES').

In the U.S. it appears rarely, mostly in Brazilian and Portuguese-speaking families. Rare here, common in Brazil.

Did you know? Lais was borne in ancient Greece by a celebrated courtesan of Corinth, remembered in classical writing; today the name is best known as a Brazilian Portuguese pick. Two very different routes, both real (said 'lah-EES').

Overall data confidence 42%

References — Lais — Brazilian Portuguese Lais; ancient Greek Lais of Corinth; meaning unsettled

Variations

LaisLaizLayce

Nicknames

LaiLala

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Lais…

Luisa— a like Portuguese and Spanish staple

Ines— a like two-beat Iberian classic

Livia— a like Latin-rooted pick

Thais— a Greek-rooted name of the same period and pattern

Explore names like Lais

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Lais mean?

No settled meaning is agreed. Lais is a popular Brazilian Portuguese name and also an ancient Greek name known from classical sources.

How do you pronounce Lais?

In Brazilian use it's said lah-EES /laˈis/ — two syllables, stress on the second.

Is Lais a boy or girl name?

Lais is used as a girl's name.

How popular is Lais?

Lais is rare in the U.S. but well used in Brazil.