Louise

Louise is the feminine form of Louis, the French form of the old German name Ludwig. Thus, the name Louise means 'the famous warrior woman', derived from the Old High German hlut (loud, known, famous) and wig (battle, war).

What does the name Louise mean?

Louise is the feminine form of Louis, the French form of the old German name Ludwig. Thus, the name Louise means 'the famous warrior woman', derived from the Old High German hlut (loud, known, famous) and wig (battle, war). The German spelling of Louise is Luise. Both variants with 'u', Luise and Luisa, and those with 'ou', Louise and Louisa, are widely used in Germany. These names were already popular in the 18th and 19th centuries and remain among the most popular girls' names today. Besides Germany, the first name Louise is especially common in Scandinavia and the English-speaking world. Since Louise is a French name, it is strictly pronounced with a silent 'e' - with emphasis on the 'i', so it does not sound like Luis. French pet forms of Louise include Lou and Louisette.

Where does the name Louise come from?

Etymology As the feminine form of Louis, the name Louise has its roots in the old boy's name Clovis, the French form of the Frankish name Chlodwig. Chlodwig, from which the name Ludwig later developed, is composed of the two Old High German elements hlut (loud, known, famous) and wig (battle, war). The Frankish King Chlodwig I (or Clovis I) is considered the founder of the Frankish Empire and was the first known bearer of the name. The name Clovis and thus also Louis and Louise spread throughout Europe during the Middle Ages.

How do you pronounce Louise?

Sound & Pronunciation of Louise: The name Louise is two syllables and is pronounced softly. In German pronunciation, it is usually pronounced as 'Lou-ise' [luˈiːzə], combining a long, darker initial syllable with a bright ending. The vowel combination creates a flowing sound arc. Louise appears elegant and classic - harmonious, stylish, and present.

When is the name day of Louise?

Louise celebrates her name day on March 15, June 21, July 24, October 17, and December 18.

Popularity

As a female first name, Louise was initially quite visible in Germany, especially in the early available decades. In the 1920s, 1930s, and even into the mid-20th century, Louise mostly remained in the range of better-placed names and was clearly part of the name inventory of that time, without quite reaching the top. Louise had its strongest phase in Germany in the first half of the 20th century.

Nicknames & pet names

Ise / Isi / Lieschen / Liesel / Lili / Lilou / Lis / Lompom / Lou / Loui / Louischen / Louisie / Louisita / Loulou / Loulu / Louna / Lousi / Lousie / Lu / Luisita / Lullu / Lulu / Luzie / Löisi / Olise

Similar first names

Famous people

• Amalie-Louise Konts (Estonian actress)
• Fanny Louise Irvine-Smith (New Zealand writer)
• Gertrud Louise Goldschmidt (German artist)
• Leona Louise Lewis (British singer)
• Louise Adeline Weitzel (writer from the USA)
• Louise Andrews Kent (writer from America)
• Louise Arnold (baseball player from the USA)
• Louise Brealey (British actress)
• Louise Breslau (Swiss artist)
• Louise Dale (writer from Great Britain)
• Louise Daniel Hutchinson (American historian)
• Louise de Mailac (French founder of a religious order, name day March 15)
• Louise Desalvo (American writer)
• Louise Doughty (Pakistani writer)
• Louise Ebel (model)
• Louise Emmons (German actress)
• Louise Erhartt (Austrian actress)
• Louise Fazenda (comedian from America)
• Louise Golbey (singer from Great Britain)
• Louise Hansen (Danish football player)