What does Luis mean and where does it come from?
Luis is traditionally a male name, derived from the French name Louis, but is increasingly being used for females in Spanish-speaking cultures. The name means 'renowned warrior' in Spanish and Portuguese, tracing its roots back to the Germanic elements 'hlod,' meaning 'fame' and 'wig,' meaning 'warr
Cultural significance
Luis has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Spanish-speaking communities, where it reflects values of spanish.
Peak popularity
Reached #2081 in 1986 — currently #134 in the US.
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Related Reading
Spanish-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Luis?
Luis works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Luis Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Luis Rose
Floral · soft ending
Luis Claire
French influence · crisp
Luis Jane
Literary · strong
Luis Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Luis right now?
Declining — down 9 spots — currently #134 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #134 | 2,767 | ▼ down 9 · -6% births |
| 2022 | #125 | 2,952 | ▲ up 12 · +8% births |
| 2021 | #137 | 2,740 | ▲ up 14859 · +54700% births |
| 2020 | #14996 | 5 | ▼ down 25 · -17% births |
| 2010 | #14971 | 6 | ▼ down 6080 · -50% births |
| 2005 | #8891 | 12 | ▼ down 4905 · -61% births |
| 2000 | #3986 | 31 | ▼ down 398 · +3% births |
| 1995 | #3588 | 30 | ▼ down 1095 · -37% births |
| 1990 | #2493 | 48 | ▲ up 372 · +50% births |
| 1985 | #2865 | 32 | ▼ down 320 · -14% births |
| 1980 | #2545 | 37 | ▲ up 273 · +42% births |
| 1975 | #2818 | 26 | ▲ up 508 · +37% births |
| 1970 | #3326 | 19 | ▲ up 900 · +90% births |
| 1965 | #4226 | 10 | ▼ down 509 · -17% births |
| 1960 | #3717 | 12 | — |
The story of Luis
Luis entered American naming records in 1920 and has been in use for over 104 years. More than 280,588 babies have been named Luis since 1920. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #4415 in 1920 to #134 in 2023. Luis is used for both genders: 1% female and 99% male.
Names that peaked alongside Luis in 1986:
Luis by decade
Luis peaked in the 1980s. See all 1980s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 111 | |
| 1890s | 111 | |
| 1900s | 244 | |
| 1910s | 1,023 | |
| 1920s | 3,082 | |
| 1930s | 2,831 | |
| 1940s | 3,926 | |
| 1950s | 9,855 | |
| 1960s | 16,043 | |
| 1970s | 24,217 | |
| 1980s | 37,815 | |
| 1990s | 65,092 | |
| 2000s ★ | 74,497 | |
| 2010s | 39,057 | |
| 2020s | 2,684 | |
What are good nicknames for Luis?
Famous people named Luis
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Luis (Spanish saint)
Luis helped establish this name across the Spanish-speaking Catholic world.
L(
Luis (Flamenco artist)
Luis carried this name in the vibrant tradition of Spanish music and dance.
L(
Luis (Spanish royal)
Luis held this name in the Spanish Crown, giving it aristocratic resonance across the Hispanic world.
L(
Luis (Spanish conquistador or explorer)
Luis bore this name during the Age of Exploration, spreading it across the Americas.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Luis?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Luis also consider these
How is Luis written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Luis
What does the name Luis mean?
Luis means "Spanish" — a name rooted in Spanish 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 Luis?
Luis is currently ranked #134 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Luis?
Luis originates from Spanish tradition. Spanish 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 Luis?
Luis is a two-syllable name pronounced L UW0 IY1 S. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Luis more of a girl or boy name?
Luis is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.