Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Lewis

Lewis began as a medieval English version of the French masculine name Louis. Louis is a French name of Frankish/Germanic origin, derived from the German masculine name Ludwig, from the elements “hlōd” (fame) and “wīg” (war). The French Louis (pronounced loo-EE) became a common name among royal households and families of nobility, auspiciously dating back to the 8th century with Louis I, the son of Charlemagne (ruler of both France and the Holy Roman Empire). Fifteen more kings of France named Louis would follow him, ending with Louis XVI who was executed during the French Revolution (1793). Louis XVI’s great great great grandfather was Louis XIV whose reign lasted for 72 years and coincided with the height of French power and prosperity (1643-1715). The French obviously helped popularize this royal name in England after the 11th century Norman Conquest; although the English would often render Louis as “Lewis”. There are several language variations of Louis including Aloysius (Provençal), Ludwig (German), Luigi (Italian), Luis (Spanish), Ludvig (Scandinavian), and Lewis or Louis (English). Pet or short forms of the name are Lou and Louie. Louis continues to be hugely popular in France, ranked as the 4th most popular boy’s name in 2009. The British prefer the spelling Lewis, but the Americans opt for the French spelling Louis. Amazingly, Lewis is currently the second most popular name in Scotland, the 27th most popular in England/Wale and the 30th most popular in Northern Ireland. We think it’s safe to say that Lewis is sweeping across the whole of Great Britain. Lewis is also a popular name in Australia and New Zealand. The most famous English name bearer is Lewis Carroll (1832-1898), author of “Alice's Adventures in Wonderland” and “Through the Looking-Glass”.

All About the Baby Name – Lewis

Personality

OF THE BOY NAME LEWIS

The number Five personality loves the excitement of life and can easily adapt to all situations. As natural adventurers, these personalities thrive on the new and unexpected and prefer to be in constant motion. It makes them feel alive. They'll stir up some action if there's not enough around, and as inherent risk-takers they enjoy pushing the envelope. Naturally rebellious, the Five personality has no fear and never resists change.  Traveling and new experiences feed their souls. Fives are very social and attract friends with ease. People love to be around the Five fun-loving and exciting energy.  This is also a lucky number in numerology (like the Threes), so fortune seems to shine on them, helped along by their own optimism and good-nature. Fives have a quick wit, a cerebral mind, and are generally very persuasive. 

Popularity

OF THE BOY NAME LEWIS

As we mention above, Louis has always been the preferred spelling of this name in America, and that’s pretty much always been the case. However, Lewis has always mimicked the success of his bigger brother on the charts for well over 100 years. Lewis can claim Top 100 honors on the charts for at least 60 consecutive years from the late 19th century up through 1937. Lewis really started his quiet descent down the popularity charts in the latter half of the 20th century (even Louis doesn’t do so great anymore). The form of this name that’s most successful in the United States today is Luis (the Spanish equivalent). Lewis is a pretty uncommon name in the U.S. right now, but considering how hip-and-happenin’ he is in Great Britain, we’re surprised American parents haven’t rediscovered him. Trendy and fashionable in the U.K. but aged and outdated in the U.S. Both Louis and Lewis are currently neglected in our opinion and may be names to reconsider. And for the very daring and bold parents out there, may we also suggest Aloysius?

Quick Facts

ON LEWIS

GENDER:

Boy

ORIGIN:

English

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

2

RANKING POPULARITY:

640

PRONUNCIATION:

LOO-iss

SIMPLE MEANING:

Famous warrior

Characteristics

OF LEWIS

Freedom-loving

Adventurous

Adaptable

Intellectual

Easygoing

Progressive

Sensual

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Lewis

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME LEWIS

We cannot find any significant literary characters by the name of Lewis

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME LEWIS

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Lewis


Popular Songs

ON LEWIS

Wonders of Lewis
a song by The Waterboys

Lewis (Mistreated)
a song by Radiohead

Famous People

NAMED LEWIS

Lewis Carroll (author)
Lewis Hamilton (British race car driver)
Lewis Black (comic)
Lewis Arquette (actor)

Children of Famous People

NAMED LEWIS

We cannot find any children of famous people with the first name Lewis

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME LEWIS

Lewis Carroll is the pseudonym of Alice in Wonderland’s creator, Charles Lutwidge Dodgson, the shy Victorian don of Christ Church, Oxford, who spun a fantasy that has become immortal. Lewis Carroll came naturally to his storytelling proclivities, being one of eleven children and used to entertaining his siblings. In addition to his children’s writings, Lewis was an accomplished scholar and teacher of mathematics, as well as an avid photographer at a time when that art was in its infancy. Lewis Carroll obtained fame and wealth with the success of the “Alice” books, but his quiet life changed little. He remained at Oxford until his death from complications of influenza. By any name, Lewis Carroll was a genius who has afforded pleasure to millions over the years.