Louisa

Louisa is the Latinate feminine form of Louis, which derives from the Old Frankish name Hludwig, composed of the elements hlud, meaning famous or renowned, and wig, meaning war or battle. The name gained wide use across Europe during the early modern period, carried in part by the prestige of French royal culture. Among its most celebrated bearers is the American author Louisa May Alcott, whose novel Little Women brought the name enduring popular recognition. Closely related forms include Louise, Luisa, Eloise, and Aloysia.