What does Lewis mean and where does it come from?
Lewis is traditionally a male name of Germanic origin, deriving from the elements 'hlud' (fame) and 'wig' (warrior). However, in more recent times, it has also been adopted as a female name, especially in modern contexts where gender-neutral names are becoming increasingly popular. Lewis has been us
Cultural significance
Lewis has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in English-speaking communities, where it reflects values of germanic.
Peak popularity
Reached #1306 in 1892 — currently #470 in the US.
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Related Reading
English-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Lewis?
Lewis works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Lewis Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Lewis Rose
Floral · soft ending
Lewis Mae
Sweet · timeless
Lewis Claire
French influence · crisp
Lewis Jane
Literary · strong
Lewis Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Lewis right now?
Rising — up 19 spots — currently #470 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #470 | 648 | ▲ up 19 · +4% births |
| 2022 | #489 | 622 | ▼ down 2 · +2% births |
| 2021 | #487 | 607 | ▲ up 5038 · +5970% births |
| 1975 | #5525 | 10 | ▼ down 1025 · -17% births |
| 1970 | #4500 | 12 | ▼ down 297 · +20% births |
| 1960 | #4203 | 10 | ▼ down 611 · -9% births |
| 1955 | #3592 | 11 | ▼ down 983 · -8% births |
| 1945 | #2609 | 12 | ▲ up 610 · +50% births |
| 1940 | #3219 | 8 | ▼ down 767 · -33% births |
| 1935 | #2452 | 12 | ▼ down 506 · -33% births |
| 1930 | #1946 | 18 | ▲ up 438 · +20% births |
| 1925 | #2384 | 15 | ▲ up 722 · +50% births |
| 1920 | #3106 | 10 | ▲ up 335 · +43% births |
| 1915 | #3441 | 7 | ▼ down 1490 |
| 1910 | #1951 | 7 | — |
The story of Lewis
Lewis has been a beloved American name for over 132 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1892. More than 153,215 babies have been named Lewis since 1892. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #1619 in 1895 to #470 in 2023. Lewis is used for both genders: 1% female and 99% male.
Names that peaked alongside Lewis in 1892:
Lewis by decade
Lewis peaked in the 1890s. See all 1890s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 4,341 | |
| 1890s | 3,715 | |
| 1900s | 4,060 | |
| 1910s | 17,912 | |
| 1920s ★ | 25,489 | |
| 1930s | 20,141 | |
| 1940s | 21,035 | |
| 1950s | 18,209 | |
| 1960s | 11,763 | |
| 1970s | 7,605 | |
| 1980s | 5,894 | |
| 1990s | 4,531 | |
| 2000s | 3,411 | |
| 2010s | 4,530 | |
| 2020s | 579 | |
What are good nicknames for Lewis?
What names sound and feel like Lewis?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Lewis also consider these
How is Lewis written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Lewis
What does the name Lewis mean?
Lewis means "Germanic" — a name rooted in English tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Lewis?
Lewis is currently ranked #470 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Lewis have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Lewis?
Lewis originates from English tradition. English names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Lewis?
Lewis is a two-syllable name pronounced L UW1 IH0 S. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Lewis trending right now?
Lewis is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.