Lou is a unisex name of French origin. It is derived from the French word "loup," which means "wolf." The name Lou has been used in various forms throughout history, including Louis for men and Louise for women.
In France, Lou has traditionally been more popular as a male name than a female one. However, in recent years, it has gained popularity among parents choosing names for their daughters as well. This shift can be attributed to the name's simplicity and versatility - it works well as both a standalone given name and as a nickname for longer names like Louisiana or Louise.
The name Lou has been carried by several notable figures throughout history. For example, Louis XIV was the king of France from 1643 until his death in 1715, earning him the nickname "the Sun King." On the other hand, Louise Brooks was an American actress famous for her roles in silent films during the 1920s.
Today, Lou continues to be a popular choice among parents looking for unique yet timeless names for their children. Its meaning - wolf - adds an element of wildness and strength that some find appealing. Whether used as a given name or nickname, Lou remains a strong and distinctive option with deep historical roots.
Based on the statistics provided, the name Lou has seen varying popularity in the United States over time. From 1880 to around 1950, the number of births with the name Lou fluctuated between single-digit numbers, indicating that it was not a very popular name during this period.
However, starting from the late 1950s, there seems to be an increase in the popularity of the name Lou. Between 1957 and 2023, the number of births with the name Lou has consistently been above single digits, with several peaks observed:
* In 1970, there were 40 births.
* In 1989, there were 18 births.
* In 2005, there were 21 births.
* In 2016, there were 45 births.
* Most recently, in 2023, there have been 74 births.
The recent popularity of the name Lou is further highlighted by its total number of births in the United States since records began. From 1880 to 2023, there have been a total of 3936 babies named Lou at birth, with most of these births occurring in more recent years.
Overall, while Lou may not have been a highly popular name historically, it has experienced periods of increased popularity over the past few decades, culminating in its highest recorded popularity in recent years. This trend suggests that the name Lou continues to be chosen by parents for their children, contributing to its overall total of births in the United States.