Louise

Louise is a feminine given name used in English, French, and many other languages. It is the feminine form of Louis, derived from the Germanic name Ludwig. The name combines elements meaning "fame" and "war," conveying the sense of a "famous warrior" or "renowned fighter."

Variants include Louisa and Luisa in English and other languages. In German it is Luise; in Italian and Spanish it is Luisa. The form Louise is common in French and English.

Louise has a long history in Europe and the Anglophone world and remains in use today. It has been borne by many noble and religious figures, writers, and artists, and has experienced periodic waves of popularity in different countries.

Notable people named Louise include Louise Glück (b. 1943), American poet and Nobel laureate (2020); Louise Bourgeois (1911–2010), French-American artist; Louise Penny (born 1958), Canadian novelist; Louise Erdrich (born 1954), American writer; and Louise Brown (born 1978), the first person conceived via in vitro fertilization.

In fiction, Louise appears as a character in Bob's Burgers (Louise Belcher) and as one of the protagonists in the film Thelma & Louise.

The name has been used for people, fictional characters, and occasionally places, reflecting its enduring presence in many cultures.