Lou - Name Meaning and Popularity -

Meaning of Lou

Lou (pronounced the easy-breezy “LOO”) may be only three letters long, yet it carries a suitcase full of history and heart. Springing from the Germanic Ludwig—“famous warrior”—and passed through the elegant French Louise, Lou was once the go-to nickname for stalwarts like Louis, Lucille, and Louise, but today it stands proudly on its own badge, charming both boys and girls with equal ease. Think of it as the verbal equivalent of a favorite pair of jeans: relaxed, versatile, and impossible to dislike. Pop-culture heroes—from baseball legend Lou Gehrig to rock icon Lou Reed—keep its profile shining, while its quiet, century-long presence in America’s Top 1,000 proves it’s more timeless treasure than fleeting trend. For parents hunting a name that feels vintage yet spry, brief yet big-hearted, Lou is ready to step forward, flash a friendly grin, and say, “Nice to meet you.”