Louie, a name brimming with character and history, is a popular choice for baby boys. If you’re considering Louie for your son, you’re likely drawn to its friendly sound and vintage appeal. This article dives into the meaning, popularity, and alternatives to help you decide if Louie is the perfect fit.
The Meaning and Origin of Louie
Louie is primarily a diminutive of Louis, a name of German origin. Louis derives from the Old High German name "Hludwig," composed of the elements "hlud" (famous) and "wig" (warrior). Therefore, the core meaning of Louie is "famous warrior" or "renowned in battle." The name carries a sense of strength, honor, and leadership.
Louie Name Popularity: A Historical Perspective
How popular is the name Louie? The data reveals a fascinating journey through time. Examining the historical trends of the name Louie in the United States, using data from the Social Security Administration (SSA), provides valuable insights.
| Year | Rank | # Births | % Births |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1910 | 273 | 42 | 0.0119% |
| 1911 | 280 | 51 | 0.0137% |
| 1912 | 300 | 110 | 0.0218% |
| 1913 | 263 | 172 | 0.0303% |
| 1914 | 266 | 231 | 0.0331% |
| 1915 | 254 | 324 | 0.0357% |
| 1916 | 272 | 310 | 0.0321% |
| 1917 | 255 | 362 | 0.0362% |
| 1918 | 270 | 357 | 0.0333% |
| 1919 | 250 | 414 | 0.0395% |
| 1920 | 268 | 384 | 0.0345% |
| 1921 | 269 | 394 | 0.0344% |
| 1922 | 264 | 422 | 0.0379% |
| 1923 | 261 | 430 | 0.0384% |
| 1924 | 263 | 430 | 0.037% |
| 1925 | 280 | 385 | 0.0341% |
| 1926 | 274 | 395 | 0.0359% |
| 1927 | 297 | 336 | 0.0304% |
| 1928 | 285 | 353 | 0.033% |
| 1929 | 283 | 346 | 0.0334% |
| 1930 | 287 | 354 | 0.0339% |
| 1931 | 301 | 309 | 0.0313% |
| 1932 | 289 | 321 | 0.0325% |
| 1933 | 288 | 307 | 0.033% |
| 1934 | 293 | 307 | 0.0318% |
| 1935 | 297 | 295 | 0.0304% |
| 1936 | 292 | 300 | 0.0311% |
| 1937 | 305 | 278 | 0.0282% |
| 1938 | 305 | 285 | 0.0278% |
| 1939 | 297 | 315 | 0.031% |
| 1940 | 311 | 283 | 0.0266% |
| 1941 | 313 | 307 | 0.0273% |
| 1942 | 326 | 309 | 0.0245% |
| 1943 | 343 | 290 | 0.0222% |
| 1944 | 325 | 305 | 0.0246% |
| 1945 | 336 | 274 | 0.0225% |
| 1946 | 345 | 316 | 0.0214% |
| 1947 | 351 | 337 | 0.0202% |
| 1948 | 346 | 338 | 0.0212% |
| 1949 | 340 | 349 | 0.0217% |
| 1950 | 358 | 312 | 0.0194% |
| 1951 | 356 | 332 | 0.0196% |
| 1952 | 384 | 280 | 0.016% |
| 1953 | 376 | 299 | 0.0169% |
| 1954 | 414 | 260 | 0.0142% |
| 1955 | 400 | 287 | 0.0156% |
| 1956 | 428 | 272 | 0.0144% |
| 1957 | 421 | 301 | 0.0156% |
| 1958 | 401 | 340 | 0.018% |
| 1959 | 467 | 249 | 0.0131% |
| 1960 | 446 | 285 | 0.015% |
| 1961 | 455 | 268 | 0.0142% |
| 1962 | 500 | 213 | 0.0116% |
| 1963 | 483 | 226 | 0.0126% |
| 1964 | 504 | 203 | 0.0115% |
| 1965 | 494 | 202 | 0.0124% |
| 1966 | 520 | 172 | 0.011% |
| 1967 | 557 | 133 | 0.0088% |
| 1968 | 511 | 168 | 0.0112% |
| 1969 | 595 | 126 | 0.0082% |
| 1970 | 583 | 145 | 0.0091% |
| 1971 | 614 | 135 | 0.009% |
| 1972 | 549 | 163 | 0.012% |
| 1973 | 563 | 153 | 0.0118% |
| 1974 | 619 | 122 | 0.0094% |
| 1975 | 649 | 112 | 0.0087% |
| 1976 | 674 | 101 | 0.0078% |
| 1977 | 686 | 107 | 0.0079% |
| 1978 | 716 | 92 | 0.0068% |
| 1979 | 672 | 114 | 0.0081% |
| 1980 | 721 | 99 | 0.0068% |
| 1981 | 729 | 94 | 0.0064% |
| 1982 | 735 | 94 | 0.0063% |
| 1983 | 770 | 79 | 0.0054% |
| 1984 | 791 | 76 | 0.0051% |
| 1985 | 808 | 75 | 0.0049% |
| 1986 | 755 | 95 | 0.0063% |
| 1987 | 770 | 96 | 0.0063% |
| 1988 | 807 | 88 | 0.0056% |
| 1989 | 914 | 74 | 0.0046% |
| 1990 | 837 | 102 | 0.0062% |
| 1991 | 830 | 105 | 0.0064% |
| 1992 | 937 | 83 | 0.0052% |
| 1993 | 933 | 85 | 0.0055% |
| 1994 | 1084 | 62 | 0.004% |
| 1995 | 1032 | 71 | 0.0047% |
| 1996 | 990 | 78 | 0.0052% |
| 1997 | 1117 | 65 | 0.0044% |
| 1998 | 1010 | 87 | 0.0058% |
| 1999 | 1200 | 57 | 0.0038% |
| 2000 | 1180 | 65 | 0.0043% |
| 2001 | 1307 | 50 | 0.0033% |
| 2002 | 1378 | 46 | 0.0031% |
| 2003 | 1311 | 56 | 0.0037% |
| 2004 | 1537 | 39 | 0.0026% |
| 2005 | 1363 | 57 | 0.0037% |
| 2006 | 1415 | 56 | 0.0036% |
| 2007 | 1375 | 63 | 0.004% |
| 2008 | 1379 | 64 | 0.0041% |
| 2009 | 1375 | 67 | 0.0045% |
| 2010 | 1436 | 55 | 0.0038% |
| 2011 | 1274 | 74 | 0.0052% |
| 2012 | 1228 | 81 | 0.0057% |
| 2013 | 1186 | 88 | 0.0062% |
| 2014 | 1073 | 116 | 0.008% |
| 2015 | 928 | 164 | 0.0113% |
| 2016 | 847 | 196 | 0.0136% |
| 2017 | 936 | 155 | 0.0111% |
| 2018 | 897 | 170 | 0.0124% |
| 2019 | 763 | 235 | 0.0174% |
| 2020 | 796 | 234 | 0.0184% |
| 2021 | 710 | 319 | 0.0261% |
| 2022 | 717 | 322 | 0.0244% |
| 2023 | 613 | 422 | 0.0326% |
From 1910 to the 1940s, Louie experienced relatively consistent popularity, holding a steady position in the rankings. A noticeable dip occurred from the late 1960s through the early 2000s, with the name reaching some of its lowest rankings. However, in recent years, there’s been a resurgence, with Louie climbing back up the charts, signaling a renewed appreciation for this classic moniker. In 2023, the name ranked 613 with 422 births.
Names Like Louie
If you’re drawn to Louie but want to explore other options, consider these similar-sounding or stylistically related names:
Sound-Alike Names:
- Lou: The root of Louie, offering a simple and strong alternative.
- Lowe: A less common but equally charming option.
- Loewe: A name of German origin meaning lion.
Similar Names:
- Laurie: A classic and versatile name, historically used for both boys and girls.
- Luke: A biblical name with a similar sound and feel.
- Luis/Luiz: The Spanish/Portuguese version of Louis.
- Lonnie: A friendly and approachable name with German roots.
Conclusion
Louie is a name with a rich history, a strong meaning, and a friendly sound. Its recent resurgence in popularity suggests a renewed appreciation for its classic charm. Whether you’re drawn to its meaning of "famous warrior" or simply love its vintage appeal, Louie is a wonderful choice for your baby boy.