Lois Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
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.
The name Lois is most popular in South Dakota, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the G.I. Generation generation in the West region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Lois has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. Across generations, 'Lois' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 790th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 853rd out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 2146th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 4282nd out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 8057th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 17717th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 21740th out of 23106 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 38th out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 31st out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 123rd out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 466th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 1303rd out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 2245th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 1804th out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Lois' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Lois"
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
Explore More Lois Name Visualizations
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Lois"
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 of "Lois"
"Lois" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Regional Popularity of "Lois" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- |
86.58% 1194th/1379 |
23.46% 555th/2366 |
- |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
57.76% 893rd/1546 |
62.02% 965th/1556 |
34.59% 814th/2353 |
- |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - |
63.94% 4039th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity of "Lois" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
1.48% 21st/1416 |
4.86% 67th/1379 |
1.61% 38th/2366 |
1.58% 18th/1142 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
1.62% 25th/1546 |
2.63% 41st/1556 |
1.57% 37th/2353 |
2.33% 36th/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
5.16% 115th/2227 |
4.49% 109th/2430 |
4.17% 119th/2853 |
6.13% 170th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
13.96% 410th/2937 |
12.95% 451st/3483 |
11.74% 413th/3518 |
16.82% 680th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
36.20% 1334th/3685 |
28.34% 1268th/4475 |
24.16% 1255th/5194 |
26.96% 1703rd/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
53.10% 2433rd/4582 |
39.99% 2065th/5164 |
37.37% 2733rd/7313 |
31.46% 2348th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
43.95% 1751st/3984 |
42.68% 1915th/4487 |
31.88% 2175th/6822 |
28.20% 1770th/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity of "Lois"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Lois" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.