Updated November 2023
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Short form of Lula or Louise, German and French
"renowned warrior"
One of the few Lu- names that you've probably never heard of, Lulie could prove a good alternative for Luna, Lucy, and Lula.
German
"renowned ruler"
Unfashionably ornate female form of unfashionable Roderick.
A name with two strong literary associations, one overwhelmingly negative -- Lolita 's pedophilic narrator Humbert Humbert -- and one positive, in the preferable European version: Italian author…
Italian variation of Humbert
A definite improvement over the English Humbert, Umberto has nevertheless been rarely heard outside the Italian community. The writer-semiotician Umberto Eco is a noteworthy namesake.
"bright or renowned north"
A medieval German saint's name which remained popular in Germany until the middle of the 20th century. It is still in relatively wide use in other European countries, including Poland and Hungary.…
Diminutive of Louisa
Wheezy short form of lovely name, featured in the movie "Steel Magnolias", spelled as Ouiser. Similar, literary Ouida is less breathy, while Lou, Lulu, Lula, Lissy or Whizz might appeal instead.
Combination of Mary and Lou
"bitter; renowned warrior"
This charming name, popular in France and the Netherlands, has not traveled to the U.S. yet but would make a modern way to honor grandma Mary or Louise, or as a perfect short form of Mary Louise. Or,…
Hungarian variation of Louis, German and French
Greek mythology name
"glorious or renowned"
Clytie was a sea nymph who loved the sun god Helios, who spurned her. She turned into the heliotrope flower.
Variation of Lovisa, Swedish
Lovis is Lovisa's quirkier counterpart — if you're searching for a name that combines Scandinavian style with retro darlings Avis and Mavis, Lovis could be your girl.
Diminutive of Lovisa, Swedish
Lova, a Louise relative virtually unknown in the US, is one of the top girl names in Sweden .
French combination of Lou and Anne
"graceful renowned warrior"
In the US it might be read as a creative spelling of '50s hit Luann, but in France Louane is pronounced the rhyme with "swan" — preferable for a modern baby.
Feminization of Volodya, Russian
"renowned prince"
Vola comes from Volodya, a masculine Russian name that is often used as a nickname for Vladimir.
Catalan feminine variation of Louis
German variation of Louisa
Obscure form of an old-fashioned favorite that's poised to make a comeback. This version, which owes as much to Alison as to Louisa, has a stylish A beginning and a multi-syllabic feminine grace.