Luiz is a name of Portuguese origin, derived from the Germanic name Ludwig. The name Ludwig is composed of two elements: "hlud" meaning loud or famous, and "wig" meaning war or battle. Therefore, Luiz means "renowned in war."
The name Luiz has a long history dating back to the Middle Ages. It was borne by several prominent figures throughout European history, including Holy Roman Emperors such as Ludwig II of Bavaria and Ludwig I of Bavaria.
In Brazil, Luiz is one of the most popular male names due to its Portuguese influence. It is often spelled with an "z" instead of a "c," but both spellings are used interchangeably. Famous Brazilians named Luiz include Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, a former president of Brazil, and Luiz Antonio Garcia-Roa, a renowned Brazilian footballer.
Overall, the name Luiz carries a strong historical legacy and is widely recognized across various cultures. Its meaning, "renowned in war," adds to its powerful and authoritative tone.
Based on the statistics provided, the name Luiz has had varying popularity in the United States over the past century. The name's highest prevalence was seen in the late 1960s to early 1970s, with a peak of 26 births in 1971 and 24 births in 1973. This trend continued into the mid-1980s, with a notable spike in popularity between 1987 and 1990, reaching as high as 91 births in 1992.
However, since the late 1990s, the name Luiz has experienced a steady decline in popularity. From a peak of 112 births in both 2000 and 2001, the number of annual births with the name Luiz has decreased to just 30 in 2023. Despite this decrease, it's clear that the name Luiz still maintains some level of popularity among parents in the United States.
In total, based on the data provided, there have been approximately 3,300 newborns named Luiz in the United States over the course of a century. This illustrates the enduring appeal of the name Luiz, despite fluctuations in its popularity over time.