Girl · 31st of 9,204
Lois
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
335,474
Total Births
145
Years of Data
1927
Peak Popularity Year
10,587
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Lois stands across generations
Rankings for U.S. births from 2013 to 2024.
Based on the most recent three-year movement in the national data.
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Meaning, origin & U.S. popularity
Summary
Lois is a name of Greek origin meaning 'more desirable.' It has evolved through various languages, including Latin and Old French. The name is connected to biblical references through its mention in the New Testament. It is perceived positively in modern contexts and has several variants. Notable figures with this name include fictional characters and prominent actors.
Etymology & cultural background Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/lɔɪs/
Origin
Greek
Etymology
The name Lois is derived from the Greek name 'Lois' which appears in the New Testament as the mother of Eunice and the grandmother of Timothy.
Meaning
More desirable
Language Evolution
Greek: Λωΐς (Loïs), Latin: Lois, Old French: Loïs, Middle English: Lois
Biblical Background
Lois is mentioned in the New Testament in relation to Timothy, indicating a significant biblical connection.
Historical Usage
The name Lois gained popularity in the English-speaking world during the 19th century, likely due to its biblical association.
Variants & Derivatives
Louise, Luisa, Lola
Modern Popularity & Image
Today, Lois is viewed as a classic and timeless name, often associated with strong, nurturing qualities.
Famous People
Lois Lane, a fictional character in DC Comics, Lois Smith, an American actress
Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Explore popularity by location
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Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 10,587 peak births in 1927
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in South Dakota
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 14 different American generations with varying popularity
Alternative spellings & similar sounds
Compare 7 names that share a similar pronunciation but use different spellings.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Full popularity table across American generations 14 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 790th of 7545 | 1,145 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 853rd of 6773 | 1,008 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 2146th of 7552 | 272 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 4282nd of 10718 | 94 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 8057th of 16616 | 57 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 17717th of 24088 | 18 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 21740th of 23106 | 6 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 38th of 9107 | 112,706 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 31st of 9204 | 136,878 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 123rd of 12526 | 66,754 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 466th of 19264 | 7,149 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 1303rd of 27321 | 1,912 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 2245th of 35406 | 1,283 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 1804th of 30306 | 1,389 |