What does Lois mean and where does it come from?
The name Lois is of Greek origin and is derived from the name 'λογισμός' (logismos), which means 'most desirable' or 'the most agreeable.' In Hebrew, it can also be interpreted to mean 'delicate' or 'anguish.' The name appears in the Bible, specifically in 2 Timothy 1:5, where Lois is mentioned as t
Cultural significance
Lois has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Greece-speaking communities, where it reflects values of most desirable.
Peak popularity
Reached #17 in 1929 — currently #1591 in the US.
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Related Reading
Greece-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Lois?
Lois works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Lois Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Lois Rose
Floral · soft ending
Lois Claire
French influence · crisp
Lois Jane
Literary · strong
Lois Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Lois right now?
Rising fast — up 99 spots — currently #1591 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1591 | 132 | ▲ up 99 · +6% births |
| 2022 | #1690 | 124 | ▲ up 35 · +3% births |
| 2021 | #1725 | 120 | ▲ up 125 · +15% births |
| 2020 | #1850 | 104 | ▲ up 21 · -5% births |
| 2015 | #1871 | 109 | ▲ up 716 · +56% births |
| 2010 | #2587 | 70 | ▲ up 20 · +8% births |
| 2005 | #2607 | 65 | ▼ down 505 · -16% births |
| 2000 | #2102 | 77 | ▼ down 553 · -21% births |
| 1995 | #1549 | 98 | ▲ up 55 · +5% births |
| 1990 | #1604 | 93 | ▼ down 487 · -28% births |
| 1985 | #1117 | 129 | ▼ down 150 · -16% births |
| 1980 | #967 | 153 | ▼ down 291 · -31% births |
| 1975 | #676 | 222 | ▼ down 250 · -57% births |
| 1970 | #426 | 517 | ▼ down 177 · -57% births |
| 1965 | #249 | 1,204 | — |
The story of Lois
Lois has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. Its peak popularity was #17 in 1929. More than 334,953 babies have been named Lois since 1880. Once ranked #211 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #1591 in 2023. Lois is used for both genders: 99% female and 1% male.
Names that peaked alongside Lois in 1929:
Lois by decade
Lois peaked in the 1920s. See all 1920s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 954 | |
| 1890s | 3,262 | |
| 1900s | 7,805 | |
| 1910s | 38,677 | |
| 1920s ★ | 88,828 | |
| 1930s | 81,347 | |
| 1940s | 57,142 | |
| 1950s | 36,344 | |
| 1960s | 13,348 | |
| 1970s | 2,937 | |
| 1980s | 1,439 | |
| 1990s | 948 | |
| 2000s | 798 | |
| 2010s | 1,020 | |
| 2020s | 104 | |
What are good nicknames for Lois?
What names sound and feel like Lois?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Lois also consider these
Common questions about the name Lois
What does the name Lois mean?
Lois means "most desirable" — a name rooted in Greece 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 Lois?
Lois is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Lois have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Lois?
Lois originates from Greece tradition. Greece 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 Lois?
Lois is a two-syllable name pronounced L OW1 AH0 S. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Lois trending right now?
Lois is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.