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Lois

Girl name · 1,125 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Lois: 1,125 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to girls, peaking at 53 births in 2012.

Of Greek origin, the name Lois comes from Λωΐς, thought to mean "more desirable" or "better." It appears in the New Testament as the devout grandmother of Timothy, making it a quiet biblical choice. Famous bearers include Lois Lane, the intrepid journalist and love interest of Superman, and Lois Maxwell, who played the first Miss Moneypenny in the James Bond films. While no major place is named after a bearer, the name shares its confident simplicity with the Scottish Gaelic name Lòis – a rare but related form. In Scotland, Lois has been a steady presence on birth registers since the 1970s, never overly common but always recognised as a classic, understated name with strong literary and cinematic ties.

Girl 52 of 52 years

Peak year
201253 babies
Latest (2025)
#24215 babies
Total births
1,125since 1974
5-year trend
▼ 37%vs prior 5y
1980 1990 2000 2010 2020 2012 · 53
Births per year in Scotland. Missing years had a count of 2 or fewer (suppressed by NRS).