'Luisa' originates from Old High German via Latin and the Romance languages (notably French and Spanish/Italian), specifically from the name 'Ludwig' (through Latinized forms such as 'Ludovicus'), where 'hlud' meant 'fame' and 'wig' meant 'warrior'.

'Luisa' changed from the Old High German name 'Ludwig' to Latinized 'Ludovicus', then to French 'Louis' and the feminine French form 'Louise'; the Spanish and Italian feminine form 'Luisa' developed from these Romance-language adaptations and became the modern given name 'Luisa'.

Initially it meant 'famous warrior' in its Germanic roots; over time it evolved into a personal (female) name that retains that historical meaning but is used primarily as a given name without literal sense in everyday use.