Last Name Saint-louis

The surname Saint-Louis is derived from a place name, specifically referring to Louis (a name associated with the French king Saint Louis IX, who reigned in the 13th century). People with this surname may have originally lived near places named for Louis, or they could be descendants of crusaders who returned to France from the Holy Land and adopted the name as a mark of honor due to their association with Louis IX's patronage of the Crusades. Alternatively, the name could also have been given to immigrants as a way to recognize their origins in the Kingdom of France (specifically, modern-day Saintes, Charente-Maritime).

Learn more about the origin of the last name Saint-louis

The meaning and origin of the last name Saint-louis

The surname Saint-Louis is primarily of French origin, derived from the location named Saint-Louis or a reference to King Louis IX of France (Saint Louis), who was canonized in 1297. The name's origin can be traced back to the Crusades when Saint Louis led a crusade in Egypt and founded the city of Mansourah, which he later renamed Saint-Louis. Over time, people from this city adopted the name as their surname upon migrating or settling elsewhere. In modern times, the surname can be found among French descendants and has also been anglicized to St. Louis in English-speaking countries. The name signifies a connection with the influential saint-king and his religious crusades.

Geographical distribution of the last name Saint-louis

The surname Saint-Louis is primarily associated with France and its former colonies, reflecting its historical origin from the city of Saint-Louis in Senegal. In France, it's most common in regions like Nouvelle-Aquitaine, particularly around Bordeaux, where the name originated, and Paris. In Africa, it is predominantly found in countries with French colonial history such as Senegal, Ivory Coast, Cameroon, and Congo (Brazzaville). The name has also spread to other parts of the world due to migration, particularly to North America, where French-speaking immigrants settled. In Canada, Quebec province has a significant number of people bearing the surname Saint-Louis, while in the United States it is most common in Louisiana, due to the city's French colonial past.

Variants and spellings of the last name Saint-louis

The surname Saint-Louis exhibits various spelling variations and adaptations due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Some common versions include: Saint Louis, Sain-Louis, St. Louis, Saint-Louis, and Saintlouis. These variations reflect regional pronunciation differences, changes in spelling conventions, and errors in record keeping. In French, the name is derived from the city of Saint-Louis or its patron saint, Louis IX of France, who was canonized as a saint. The name is often associated with the French colonial period, particularly in North America, where cities, towns, and landmarks bearing the name Saint-Louis can be found. In English, the surname Saint-Louis represents an anglicization of the original French form.

Famous people with the last name Saint-louis

The Saint-Louis surname has been associated with notable figures across various fields and eras. One of the most prominent individuals bearing this name is Louis IX (1214-1270), who reigned as King of France from 1226 to 1270, and is known for his devotion to the Catholic Church and his Crusades to the Holy Land. In the realm of art, Jean-Baptiste-Simeon Chardin (1699-1779), a French painter and draftsman, is widely recognized for his genre paintings that focused on ordinary objects and scenes from daily life. Furthermore, Dwight Edward "Dizzy" Dean (1910-1974), an American professional baseball player, gained fame as a pitcher in the Major Leagues. He won the National League Most Valuable Player Award twice during his career with the St. Louis Cardinals.

Genealogical research on the last name Saint-louis

The surname Saint-Louis originates from France, specifically in the city of Paris, and is derived from the given name Louis, which was borne by several French kings, notably King Louis IX (ruled 1226–1270). The name became a toponymic, meaning "of Saint Louis," as a result of settlement by people who had connections with that city or its famous royal resident.

The Saint-Louis family can be traced back to the 13th century in France. Some members emigrated during the Huguenot diaspora in the 16th and 17th centuries due to religious persecution, settling primarily in England, Germany, Holland, Switzerland, and North America. In North America, prominent Saint-Louis families can be found in Quebec, Louisiana, and Ontario.

In Quebec, the name is particularly common due to early settlement by Huguenots, while in Louisiana, it may have been adopted by French colonizers or their descendants. Notable individuals with the surname include Louis IX (Saint Louis), King of France; Claude Saint-Louis (1830–1906), a Canadian lawyer and politician; and Louis St. Louis (born 1972), a Canadian ice hockey player.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "saint-louis"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 29 July 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends