Lou
Lou: name meaning, origin and popularity
Pronunciation (IPA): /luː/
Meaning and origin of Lou
- A unisex given name.
- A diminutive of the male given name Louis.
- A diminutive of the female given names Louisa and Louise; often also used as a middle name.
Etymology
Shortening.
How popular is Lou?
Since 1880, 34,109 girls and 4,089 boys in the U.S. have been named Lou (89% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #125 in 1880. Its highest rank for boys was #452 in 1881. In 2025, 146 babies were given the name, outside the top 1,000.
Names similar to Lou
Names that start with the same letters, most popular first.
Sibling name ideas for Lou
Names that peaked around the same time as Lou and are still in the U.S. top 1,000.
Lou FAQ
What does the name Lou mean?
A unisex given name. A diminutive of the male given name Louis. A diminutive of the female given names Louisa and Louise; often also used as a middle name. Shortening.
How popular is the name Lou?
Since 1880, 34,109 girls and 4,089 boys in the U.S. have been named Lou (89% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #125 in 1880. Its highest rank for boys was #452 in 1881. In 2025, 146 babies were given the name, outside the top 1,000.
Is Lou a boy or girl name?
Lou is used for both boys and girls in the U.S. (34,109 girls and 4,089 boys since 1880).
Popularity data: U.S. Social Security Administration baby name data, 1880–2025 (names given to 5+ babies per year). Origin and etymology text: Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.