Louis

Louis is a male given name of French origin. It derives from the Latin Ludovicus, via Old French Louis, which itself comes from the Frankish name Chlodovech. The meaning is often given as "famous warrior" or "glorious in battle." The name has many variants in different languages, including Ludwig in German, Luigi in Italian, Luis in Spanish, Luís in Portuguese, Louis in English, and Louie as a diminutive.

In France, the name was repeatedly borne by kings and princes, aiding its long-standing prestige; notable rulers include Louis IX (Saint Louis), Louis XIV (the Sun King), Louis XV, and Louis XVI. The name spread to other European royal houses and to colonial territories; the state of Louisiana in the United States is named after King Louis XIV. The name remains common in French-speaking regions and has been widely adopted in English-speaking countries.

Notable individuals named Louis span various fields: Louis Armstrong, an influential jazz trumpeter; Louis Pasteur, a microbiologist who advanced germ theory; Louis Braille, inventor of the Braille writing system; Louis Vuitton, founder of the luxury fashion house; Louis Sullivan, an American architect. The name appears in literature, film, and science, sometimes with the anglicized form Lewis.

Variants and derivatives extend across cultures, including Ludwig (German), Luigi (Italian), Luis (Spanish), and Lou (English nickname). The name's enduring usage reflects its historical associations with leadership, culture, and science.