"superior, more desirable"
Origin: Greek
Language: English
Lois
Pronunciation: [ l-OH-uhs ]
Does Lois flow with your last name?
A plucky vintage name with biblical roots
English
American
Welsh
Vintage
Classic
Gentle
Literary
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
"faithful, good"
Origin: Biblical Greek
Language: English
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Things to Know About This Name
- Strongly associated with Lois Lane from Superman since 1938
The Story of Lois
Lois appears in the New Testament as the name of the grandmother of Timothy, described by Paul as a woman of sincere faith. The name likely derives from the Greek loion meaning superior or more desirable. It was adopted into English use through biblical tradition and gained widespread use in the early 20th century.
Lois was extremely popular in the 1920s-1940s in the US, partly through Lois Lane in Superman comics (1938). After decades of decline, it is experiencing a modest revival as vintage names come back into fashion.
Lois Lane, the fearless journalist and love interest in Superman, is one of the most iconic fictional characters bearing this name, making it synonymous with intelligence and independence.
Historical Record
Lois first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 57,078 babies have been named Lois in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Lois is past its peak , currently ranked #1,692 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Lois Lane first appeared in Action Comics #1 in 1938, the same issue that introduced Superman
- Lois is one of only two women mentioned by name in Paul's letters in the New Testament
Lois in Other Languages
Welsh
Lois
French
Louise
German
Lois
Spanish
Luisa
Popularity Over Time
#1,692
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Peaked 1950
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Lois
L
Lois Lane Fictional
Other
Fearless investigative journalist and Superman's love interest, first appearing in Action Comics #1 (1938)
L
Lois Griffin Fictional
Other
Matriarch of the Griffin family in animated sitcom Family Guy
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #1,692
- Total SSA Count
- 120
- Cultural Origins
- English American Welsh
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Common Nicknames
Lo
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Lois
5 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Lois is also used as a boy name, ranked #19882.
View Lois as a boy name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Lois
What does the name Lois mean?
"superior, more desirable" (from Greek). "faithful, good" (from Biblical Greek). Lois appears in the New Testament as the name of the grandmother of Timothy, described by Paul as a woman of sincere faith. The name likely derives from the Greek loion meaning superior or more desirable. It was adopted into English use through biblical tradition and gained widespread use in the early 20th century.
What is the origin of the name Lois?
Lois has Greek, Biblical Greek, English, American, and Welsh origins. In Greek, it means "superior, more desirable". In Biblical Greek, it means "faithful, good".
Is Lois a boy or girl name?
Lois is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #1692. As a boy name, it is ranked #19882. Lois is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Lois?
Lois is pronounced l-OH-uhs.
How popular is the name Lois?
Lois is currently ranked #1692 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are good middle names for Lois?
Popular middle name pairings include Lois Marie, Lois Anne, Lois Jean, Lois Ellen, and Lois Claire.
What are good sibling names for Lois?
Names that pair well with Lois as siblings include Clark, Nora, Helen, Dorothy, and Rex.
How many syllables does Lois have?
Lois has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Lois a common or rare name?
Lois is an uncommon name, ranked #1692 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Lois
Lois is a girl name with English, American, and Welsh origins . The name means "superior, more desirable" in Greek .
Is Lois a boy or girl name? Lois is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #1,692 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #19,882. Lois is more commonly used as a girl name.
Lois is currently ranked #1,692 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Lois has 2 syllables and is pronounced l-OH-uhs, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Lois include Lo. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis