MyNameList

    Lois

    Λόις(Lóis)

    Pronunciation: LOH-is

    ♀ Female
    Greek

    Meaning

    more desirable, better

    Origin

    Greek, via English

    The Story Behind Lois

    The name Lois has ancient Greek roots, derived from the word 'loion' (λοῖον), meaning 'more desirable' or 'better'. It gained prominence through its appearance in the New Testament of the Bible, specifically as the grandmother of Timothy, a disciple of Saint Paul. This biblical association helped to introduce the name into Christian cultures, particularly in English-speaking countries.

    While present in earlier periods, Lois saw a significant rise in popularity in the English-speaking world during the Puritan era, alongside many other biblical names. Its usage has fluctuated over the centuries, experiencing peaks in the early to mid-20th century, particularly in the United States, before becoming less common in recent decades. Despite its decline in widespread popularity, it remains a recognizable and classic name.

    Popularity & Trends

    Rarity:
    Uncommon
    Trend:Declining
    Peak decade:1920s
    Era:Biblical / Early Christian, Victorian, Early 1900s, Mid-century

    Popularity Trends

    Is Lois Right for Your Baby?

    Lois is a Classic, Gentle name for girls that suits parents looking for something with character. It works well internationally and is easy to recognise across cultures. Most people will pronounce it correctly on the first try.

    Syllables1
    LengthMedium
    International UseGlobal
    PronunciationEasy

    Cultural Associations

    Biblical / Christian

    Regions Where Lois Is Used

    Anglo-Saxon / British

    Name Vibe

    Classic
    Gentle

    Famous People Named Lois

    • Lois Lane (fictional character in Superman comics)
    • Lois Maxwell (Canadian actress, known for playing Miss Moneypenny in James Bond films)
    • Lois Lowry (American author, known for 'The Giver')
    • Lois Wilson (American actress of the silent film era)
    • Lois Smith (American actress)

    Nicknames & Short Forms

    Lo

    Lois in different fonts

    LoisDancing Script
    LoisCaveat
    LoisSatisfy
    LoisPacifico
    LoisGreat Vibes

    Sibling Name Style

    If you like Lois, you might also like names with these styles:

    Biblical names
    Classic names

    Related Names

    Found in these lists

    Frequently Asked Questions About Lois

    What does Lois mean?

    Lois means "more desirable, better". It is derived from Greek, via English.

    What is the origin of Lois?

    Lois originates from Greek. Its cultural origin is Greek, via English.

    Is Lois a male or female name?

    Lois is a female name.

    How do you pronounce Lois?

    Lois is pronounced "LOH-is".

    What language does Lois come from?

    Lois comes from Greek.

    Is Lois a popular name?

    Lois is considered a uncommon name, and its popularity trend is declining.

    What are nicknames for Lois?

    Common nicknames for Lois include Lo.

    Articles You Might Like

    Browse more L names →