Louis

Traditionally interpreted as “famous warrior.”

Louis is a long-established masculine given name in French-language history and international usage. It’s widely recognized, has strong historical visibility, and often reads as classic rather than trendy. The name is commonly explained as a French form of an older Germanic name, frequently traced to roots interpreted as “fame” and “war/battle,” which leads to the traditional meaning “famous warrior.” Sources can differ on exact reconstructions, but this overall interpretation is standard in many naming references. In English, Louis is often said as LOO-ee, while in French it’s typically closer to loo-EE; the exact vowel quality can vary by speaker and region. A practical tip is to confirm the preferred pronunciation, since Louis is one of those names that can shift depending on language context.

Etymology: A French form of an older Germanic name (often traced to elements meaning “fame” and “war/battle”).