The given name Lewis has its origins in the Germanic language family, derived from the old Frankish words "leuthi" (people) and "wig" (war), forming the combined meaning of "renowned warrior" or "famed fighter among the people". It gained prominence during the Early Middle Ages in Western Europe, particularly in regions with Frankish cultural influences.

The name Lewis can be traced back to the 8th century, when it was recorded as a personal name among the Franks and other Germanic tribes. One of the earliest known bearers of the name was Louis the Pious (778-840), the son of Charlemagne and King of the Franks from 814 to 840 CE. He played a significant role in the spread and adoption of the name throughout Europe.

Lewis appears in various forms throughout medieval texts and historical records. In the 11th century, the name was documented as "Lodewig" in Old High German, and as "Lodovic" in Old French. It also appeared in Latin texts as "Ludovicus" and in Old English as "Hlodwig" or "Hloduwig".

Some notable historical figures with the name Lewis include Louis IX (1214-1270), also known as Saint Louis, who was the King of France from 1226 until his death. He led the Seventh and Eighth Crusades and is remembered for his piety and efforts to reform the French monarchy. Lewis Carroll (1832-1898), the English author best known for his works "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" and "Through the Looking-Glass", is another famous bearer of the name.

Other notable Lewis figures include Lewis Latimer (1848-1928), an African American inventor and draftsman who worked with Alexander Graham Bell and Thomas Edison; Lewis Hine (1874-1940), an American sociologist and photographer who documented the lives of child laborers and immigrants; and Lewis Terman (1877-1956), an American psychologist who developed the Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale and pioneered research on gifted children.

The enduring popularity of the name Lewis can be attributed to its rich historical significance, as well as its association with notable figures throughout various eras and fields, from royalty and religion to literature and science.