Luis

Luis is a masculine given name widely used in Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking regions. It is a form of Louis and has parallels in many languages, such as Lluís (Catalan), Luís (Portuguese), Luigi (Italian), and Louis (French/English). The name has centuries of use in royal and religious contexts and remains common in modern naming.

Originating from the Frankish name Hludwig, Latinized as Ludovicus, Luis ultimately conveys the sense of “fame” and “war” or “glory in battle.” The form spread through Western Europe and was popularized by saints and monarchs, notably Saint Louis. In everyday use it has developed into various local spellings and pronunciations across cultures.

In the Spanish-speaking world, Luis has been a standard given name for centuries and remains among the more common choices for boys. In Portuguese-speaking countries the spelling Luís is common, while Catalan uses Lluís. The name is also encountered in Latin America, the United States, and other regions due to immigration and cultural exchange. It is often used in combination with middle names and surnames in formal contexts.

Notable people named Luis include Luis Suárez (born 1987), Uruguayan footballer; Luis Fonsi (born 1978), Puerto Rican singer; Luis Miguel (born 1970), Mexican singer; Luis Buñuel (1900–1983), Spanish filmmaker; Luis Arce (born 1963), Bolivian politician and president.