People from the state of Louisiana who have achieved fame or note include:
- George Washington Baines (1809–1882) Baptist pastor and evangelist, maternal great-grandfather of Lyndon Baines Johnson
- Fred Baden (1934–2009) politician
- Algernon Sidney Badger (1839–1905) politician
- Bobby Badon (born 1950) politician
- Ben Bagert (born 1943) lawyer, politician
- Bryant W. Bailey (1868–1961) politician
- John Henry Baker (born 1934) politician
- Richard Baker (born 1948) former U.S. Representative
- Scott Baker (born 1981) starting pitcher for the Minnesota Twins
- Jesse Bankston (1907–2010) politician
- Allen Bares (1936–2008) politician
- C. E. "Cap" Barham (1905–1972) state senator and later lieutenant governor from 1952 to 1956
- Charles C. Barham (1934–2010) state senator from Ruston
- Edwards Barham (born 1937) first Republican elected to Louisiana state senate since Reconstruction, served 1976-1980
- Mack Barham (1924-2006) Judge of the Louisiana Supreme Court
- Robert J. Barham (born 1949) Secretary of the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries; former Republican state senator
- Danny Barker (1909–1994) singer/songwriter, musician, writer
- Taylor Barras (born 1957) state representative
- Greg Barro (born 1957) state senator
- Dave Bartholomew (born 1920) musician, composer, promoter
- Robert E. "Bob" Barton (born 1948) state representative from Bossier Parish (1996–2000)
- Brandon Bass (born 1985) power forward for the Boston Celtics
- Ron Bean (1938–2005) politician, pilot for Richard Nixon
- Bryan Batt (born 1963) actor, Sal Romano on Mad Men
- Arnaz Battle (born 1980) wide receiver for the Pittsburgh Steelers
- Jack Batton (1913–1996) mayor of Minden (1978–1982)
- Gary Beard (born 1956) politician
- Hazel Beard (born 1930) mayor of Shreveport (1990–1994)
- P.G.T. Beauregard (1818–1893) general, inventor
- Geoffrey Beene (1927–2004) fashion designer
- Sidney Bechet (1897–1959) musician
- Demetrius Bell (born 1984) offensive tackle for the Buffalo Bills
- V.J. Bella (born 1927) state legislator and fire marshal
- E. J. Bellocq (1873–1949) photographer
- Judah P. Benjamin (1811–1884) U.S. Senator, Confederate cabinet member, lawyer in Great Britain
- Kirt Bennett (1967–2010), businessman and politician
- J. Rayburn Bertrand (1918–2005) mayor of Lafayette
- B.G. (born 1980) rapper, musician
- Rene J. Bienvenu (1923–1983) university president
- Bienville (Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne) (1680–1767) French colonial governor, founder of New Orleans
- Walter O. Bigby (1927–1980) politician
- Stuart Bishop (born ca. 1975), incoming member of the Louisiana House of Representatives from Lafayette
- [[Morton Blackwell (born 1939), Louisiana Republican political activist, since relocated to Virginia
- Cecil R. Blair (1916–2001) state representative and state senator from Rapides Parish
- Joan Blair (born 1960) actress
- Newton C. Blanchard (1849–1922) governor of Louisiana from 1904 to 1908; U.S. senator from 1894 to 1897
- Terrence Blanchard (born 1962) musician, composer
- Kathleen Blanco (born 1942) Governor of Louisiana (2004–2008)
- Walter Boasso (born 1960) politician, businessman
- Jean Boese (1925–2004) politician and poet laureate
- Lindy Boggs (born 1916) congresswoman, ambassador
- Buddy Bolden (1877–1930) musician, "inventor of jazz"(?)
- William R. "Billy" Boles, Sr. (1927–2008) politician, banker
- Skip Bolen photographer
- Bruce M. Bolin (born 1950) state representative; district court judge
- James E. Bolin (1914–2002) state representative; district court judge; appeal court judge
- C. J. Bolin (1924–2007) district court judge in Caddo Parish
- James Booker (1939–1983) musician
- Billy Joe Booth (1940–1972) Canadian football player for Ottawa Rough Riders of Canadian Football League
- Pierre Bossier (1797-1844) first U.S. representative from Louisiana's 4th congressional district, 1843-1844
- Drayton Boucher (1908–1983) politician
- Jesse L. Boucher (1912–2004) politician; developer
- Savannah Smith Boucher (born 1943) actress
- Sherry Boucher (born 1943) actress
- Charles Boustany (born 1956) US Representative
- John Boutté (born 1958) jazz singer
- W. George Bowdon, Jr. (1921–2005) state representative and mayor of Alexandria (1953–1969)
- Kenny Bowen (1926–2002) mayor of Lafayette
- Shirley D. Bowler (born 1949) state representative
- Betsy Vogel Boze (born 1953) University President at Kent State University Stark Campus
- Terry Bradshaw (born 1948) Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback
- Mike Branch (born 1968) politician and commercial pilot
- Parey Branton (1918–2011) politician
- Wellman Braud (1891–1966) musician
- Donna Brazile (born 1959) author, professor, political analyst for the Democratic Party
- John Breaux (born 1944) U.S. Senator
- Phanor Breazeale (1858-1934) U.S. Representative
- Henry L. Bridges (1874–1939) businessman, politician
- Reid Brignac (born 1986) shortstop for the Tampa Bay Rays
- Pat Brister (born 1946) politician
- Poppy Z. Brite (born 1967) writer
- Overton Brooks (1897–1961) politician
- Marc Broussard (born 1982) singer/songwriter
- Algie D. Brown (1910–2004) politician
- Campbell Brown (born 1968) journalist
- Edmund Graves Brown (1921–2008) newspaper executive
- H. Rap Brown (born 1943), black activist imprisoned in Georgia
- James H. "Jim" Brown (born 1940) politician
- John Calhoun Brown (1879–1964) politician
- Ossie Brown (1926–2008) attorney; district attorney of East Baton Rouge Parish, 1972–1984
- Sharon Brown Miss USA 1961
- Tom Brown (1888–1958) musician
- W. K. Brown (1923–2011) state representative
- Roy Brun (born 1953) state representative and judge from Caddo Parish
- Peppi Bruneau (born 1942) state representative from Orléans Parish
- George Brunies (1902–1974) musician
- George E. Burch (1910–1986) noted cardiologist and Tulane Medical School professor
- Richard Burford (born 1946) politician
- Paul Burke (1926–2009) actor: Naked City,Twelve O'Clock High
- Henry Burns (born 1947) politician
- Timothy G. Burns (born 1957) politician
- Bryan Edward Bush, Jr. (1934–2010), East Baton Rouge Parish district attorney, 1985–1989
- Victor Bussie (1919–2011) AFL-CIO president from 1956 to 1997
- Noel "Gene" Byars (born 1939) politician
- C.E. Byrd (1859-1926) educator, founder of C.E. Byrd High School
- George Washington Cable (1844–1925) writer
- James David Cain (born 1938) politician
- Jefferson Caffery (1886–1974) US ambassador(cousin of Patrick and Donelson Caffery)
- Patrick T. Caffery (1932) US Representative (cousin of Jefferson Caffery and grandson of Donelson Caffery)
- Donelson Caffery (1835–1906) US Senator (grandfather of Patrick T. Caffery)
- Chris Cagle (born 1968) country music artist
- Buddy Caldwell (born 1946) attorney general of Louisiana since 2008
- David T. Caldwell (1925–1993) Shreveport judge
- George A. Caldwell (1892–1966) building contractor; designed twenty-six public buildings in Louisiana
- Sam Caldwell (1892–1953) mayor of Shreveport
- Stephen A. Caldwell (1889–1956) educator
- Meredith Calhoun (1805-ca. 1866) principal founder of Colfax in Grant Parish
- Jorrick Calvin (born 1987) cornerback for the Philadelphia Eagles
- Foster Campbell (born 1947) politician
- Theo Cangelosi (1911-1992) politician
- Barney Cannon (1955–2009) Country music deejay
- Billy Cannon (born 1937) LSU Heisman Trophy winner
- Joseph Cao (born 1968) former U.S. representative; lawyer
- Truman Capote (1924–1984) writer
- Lindsey Cardinale (born 1985) American Idol finalist, country singer
- Mark T. Carleton (1935–1995) historian
- Kitty Carlisle (1910–2007) entertainer; married to playwright Moss Hart
- Thomas G. Carmody (born 1961) state representative
- Lane Carson (born 1947) first Vietnam veteran to serve in Louisiana House of Representatives
- Cecil K. Carter, Jr. (born 1927) state senator
- Stephen F. "Steve" Carter (born 1943) state representative
- James Carville (born 1944) political consultant
- Tommy Casanova (born 1950) American football player, ophthalmologist, politician
- Leopold Caspari (1830–1915) politician from Natchitoches
- Bill Cassidy (born 1957) U.S. representative, physician
- John Ardis Cawthon (1907–1984) historian, educator
- Don Cazayoux (born 1964) politician
- Henry E. Chambers (1860–1929) historian, educator
- Simone B. Champagne (born 1954) politician
- Sherri Smith Cheek (born 1966) politician
- Kate Chopin (1851–1904) author
- Ben Claassen III (born 1978) illustrator and comics artist DIRTFARM
- William C. C. Claiborne (1775–1817) first US Governor of Louisiana
- Lewis Strong Clarke (1837–1906) sugar planter and politician[1]
- Ernest S. Clements (1898-1987) politician
- Clifton Chenier (1925–1987) Zydeco musician
- Claire Chennault (1893–1958) aviator, general
- Jack Christian (1911–1972) politician
- Marcus R. Clark (born 1956) judge
- Ryan Clark (born 1979), safety for the Pittsburgh Steelers
- Patricia Clarkson (born 1959) actress
- Michael Clayton (born 1982), wide receiver for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Ernest Clements (1898–1987) politician
- A.C. "Ace" Clemons, Jr., (1921–1992) first Republican state senator since Reconstruction, switched parties in 1970
- Van Cliburn (born 1934) pianist
- L. L. Clover (1902–1975) clergyman
- Boyer Coe (born 1946) bodybuilder
- Walter L. Cohen (1860–1930) politician and businessman
- J. Frank Colbert (1882–1949) politician
- Frank Estes Cole (1908–1981) politician and educator
- Elliot D. Coleman (1881–1960) sheriff and bodyguard at the assassination of Huey P. Long, Jr.
- Hamilton D. Coleman (1845-1926) U.S. representative from Louisiana's 2nd congressional district, 1889-1991
- Vincent Coleman (1901–1971) actor
- Ashton B. Collier (1910–1973) state representative from Winn Parish
- Marshall Colt (born 1948) actor
- Tom Colten (1922–2004) newspaper publisher and politician
- Amie Comeaux (1976–1997) country singer
- Ward Connerly (born 1939), political activist, businessman, and former University of California Regent
- Harry Connick, Jr., (born 1967) musician, entertainer
- Harry Connick, Sr., (born 1926) district attorney, singer
- Patrick Connick (born 1961) politician
- John Cooksey (born 1941) US Representative
- Joe Henry Cooper (1918–1980) state representative from DeSoto Parish
- Lance Cormier (born 1980) relief pitcher for the Tampa Bay Rays
- Claybrook Cottingham (1881–1949), president Louisiana College and Louisiana Tech University
- Rob Couhig (born 1949) politician, businessman
- Beth Courtney (born 1945) president of Louisiana Public Broadcasting
- Kent Courtney (1918–1997) Radical Right politician
- Carl Crane (born 1939) state representative from Baton Rouge, 1984–2008
- Jack Crichton (1916–2007), Texas oil industrialist and Republican candidate for governor of Texas; native of Red River Parish
- Lane Crockett (born 1942) entertainment journalist from Shreveport
- Greg Cromer (born 1958) state representative from St. Tammany Parish
- Mike Cross (born 1944) politician
- Noah W. Cross (1908–1976) sheriff of Concordia Parish
- Charles Cusimano (born 1954) politician
- Floyd D. Culbertson, Jr. (1908–1989) mayor of Minden from 1940 to 1942
- Ed Cullen (born 1946) journalist and radio essayist
- Cupid (born 1982) R&B singer
- Currensy (born 1981) rapper
- Jacob Cutrera (born 1988) middle linebacker for the Jacksonville Jaguars
- Paul N. Cyr (1878–1946) lieutenant governor who quarreled with Huey Pierce Long, Jr.
- Casey Daigle (born 1981) relief pitcher for the San Francisco Giants
- Jay Dardenne (born 1954) state senator, Louisiana secretary of state, and lieutenant governor since 2010
- John T. David (1897–1974) politician
- Buster Davis (born 1985) wide receiver for the San Diego Chargers
- Glen Davis (born 1986) power forward and center for the Orlando Magic
- Jackson B. Davis (born 1918) attorney and former state senator
- Jimmie Davis (1899–2000) singer, Governor of Louisiana
- Paul M. Davis, Jr. (1919-2007) orthopedic surgeon and medical author
- Willie Davis (born 1934) Hall of Fame defensive end for the Cleveland Browns and Green Bay Packers
- Keyunta Dawson (born 1985) defensive end for the Indianapolis Colts
- Nelder Dawson (1928–2006) newspaper executive
- Lynn Dean (born 1923) politician
- Pap Dean (born 1915) cartoonist
- Cleveland Dear (1888-1950) politician
- Michael E. DeBakey (born 1908) pioneering cardiovascular surgeon
- Edmond Dede (1827–1903) musician, composer
- J.D. DeBlieux (1912–2005) state senator
- Robert DeBlieux (1933–2010) historic preservationist and mayor of Natchitoches from 1976 to 1980
- Ellen DeGeneres (born 1958) actress, comedian
- Charles deGravelles (1913–2008) Republican politician and businessman from Lafayette
- Virginia deGravelles (born 1915) former Republican national committeewoman
- Jake Delhomme (born 1975) quarterback for the Houston Texans
- David Dellucci (born 1973) retired MLB outfielder, played primarily with the Arizona Diamondbacks
- Vail M. Delony (1901–1967) politician
- James L. Dennis (born 1936) judge of the United States Circuit Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit; former judge of the Louisiana Supreme Court; former state representative
- Catherine Dent (born 1965) actress, Danni Sofer on The Shield
- Helen Derr (1918–2011) journalist
- John Desmond (1922–2008) architect
- George Despot (1927–1991) politician and businessman
- Natalie Desselle-Reid (born 1967) actress
- Henry C. Dethloff (born 1934) historian
- Charles W. DeWitt, Jr. (born 1947) politician and rancher
- S. S. DeWitt (1914–1998) politician
- F.O. "Potch" Didier (1919–2007) sheriff
- Margaret Dixon (1908–1970) newspaper editor
- Lurita Doan (born 1958) Administrator of the General Services Administration under President George W. Bush
- William Joseph "Bill" Dodd (1909–1991) politician
- Monroe E. Dodd (1878–1952) Baptist clergyman, educator, and early radio evangelist in Shreveport
- John J. Doles, Jr. (1922–2004) banker
- John J. Doles, Sr. (1895–1970) Plain Dealing banker and state senator from 1952 to 1956
- James R. Domengeaux (1907-1988) U.S. representative; French language cultural activist
- Fats Domino (born 1928) musician
- Jim Donelon (born 1944) politician
- Caroline Dormon (1888–1971) naturalist, horticulturist, promoter of Kisatchie National Forest
- Glenn Dorsey (born 1985) LSU Tigers defensive tackle
- Cat Doucet (1899–1975) sheriff
- Early Doucet (born 1985) wide receiver for the Arizona Cardinals
- Donna Douglas (born 1933) television star, The Beverly Hillbillies
- Emmitt Douglas (1926–1981) president of the Louisiana NAACP from 1966 to 1981
- Gordon Dove (born 1957) state representative; Houma businessman
- Hunt Downer (born 1946) politician; National Guard officer
- Hollis Downs (born 1946) state representative
- Dee D. Drell (born 1947) U.S. district judge in Alexandria
- Harmon Caldwell Drew (1889–1950), district attorney and state district and circuit court judge
- Harmon Drew, Jr. (born 1946), appeals court judge, musician
- R. Harmon Drew, Sr. (1916–1995) city judge, state representative
- Richard Cleveland Drew (1848–1919), state district and circuit court judge
- Richard Maxwell Drew (1822–1850), judge and state representative
- Clyde Drexler (born 1962) former NBA star, Basketball Hall of Fame
- Chris Duhon (born 1982) point guard for the Orlando Magic
- David Duke (born 1950) former state representative, former Ku Klux Klansman
- W.W. Dumas (1916–1993) Mayor-President of East Baton Rouge Parish, 1965–1981
- Charles E. Dunbar (1888–1959), attorney and civil service reformer
- Forrest Dunn (born 1928) politician and museum curator
- Warrick Dunn (born 1975) NFL running back
- Mark Duper (born 1959) Miami Dolphins wide receiver
- Adrian G. Duplantier (1929–2007) U.S. District Judge and former state senator from Orleans Parish
- Jay Duplass (born 1973) film director
- Champion Jack Dupree (c. 1909–1992) boxer, musician
- Chad Durbin (born 1977) Philadelphia Phillies pitcher
- Joey Durel (born 1953) mayor of Lafayette since 2004
- Claude B. Duval (1914–1986) politician
- Stanwood Duval (born 1942) federal judge in New Orleans
- Jack M. Dyer (born ca. 1925) politician
- B.G. Dyess (born 1922) minister and politician
- W.E. "Bill" Dykes (born 1923) politician
- Jamie Fair (born 1946) former state representative
- James R. Fannin (born 1949) politician
- Clyde Fant (1905–1973) mayor of Shreveport
- Lenny Fant (1923–1998) basketball coach at the University of Louisiana at Monroe, 1957–1979
- Rick L. Farrar state representative from Rapides Parish
- Kevin Faulk (born 1976) New England Patriots running back, LSU Hall of Famer
- Marshall Faulk (born 1973) St. Louis Rams running back
- Trev Faulk (born 1981) St. Louis Rams linebacker
- William C. Feazel (1895–1965), interim U.S. Senator in 1948; former state representative from Ouachita Parish
- Valerie Fitzenreiter (born 1955) author, unschooling advocate
- Jimmy Fitzmorris (born 1921) politician, lieutenant governor
- Dan Flavin (born 1957) politician
- John C. Fleming (born 1952) U.S. representative; medical doctor
- Dan Flores (born 1948), historian of the American West
- J. Howell Flournoy (1891–1966), sheriff of Caddo Parish, 1940–1966
- Heulette Fontenot (born 1961) former state representative and state senator from Livingston Parish
- Jerry Fontenot (born 1966) assistant coach for the Green Bay Packers
- Mary Alice Fontenot (1910–2003) author
- Mike Fontenot (born 1980), second baseman for the San Francisco Giants
- Humberto Fontova (born 1954), author, blogger, political commentator
- Faith Ford (born 1964) actress
- Frankie Ford (born 1939) singer
- C.B. Forgotston (born 1945) state government watchdog
- Barbara Forrest (born unknown) philosopher and prominent critic of the intelligent design movement
- Garey Forster (born 1950), radio host, former state representative
- Connell Fort (1867–1937), politician
- Matt Forté (born 1985), running back for the Chicago Bears
- Paul Lee Foshee, Sr. (born 1932) former state representative and state senator
- Ezola B. Foster (born 1938) activist, writer, and politician
- Mike Foster (born 1930) Governor of Louisiana
- Murphy J. Foster (1849–1921) Governor of Louisiana
- Pete Fountain (born 1930) musician
- John B. Fournet (1895–1984) Speaker of the Louisiana House, lieutenant governor, Associate and Chief Justice of the Louisiana Supreme Court
- Douglas Fowler (1906–1980) politician
- Jerry Marston Fowler (born 1940) politician and convicted felon
- Mike Francis (born 1946) businessman, Republican politician
- Lether Frazar (1904–1960) politician and college president, author of state teacher retirement law
- A.A. Fredericks (1891–1975) politician and college president
- Dennis Freeman (1940–2007) politician
- Sylvan Friedman (1908–1979) politician
- Mannie Fresh (born 1974) record producer, musician
- Gregory L. Fruge (born 1942) state representative
- Robert L. Frye (1927–2011) educator
- Frank Fulco (1908–1999) politician
- Samuel B. Fuller (1905–1988) founder and president of the Fuller Products Company, publisher of the New York Age and Pittsburgh Courier
- Thomas Wafer Fuller (1867–1920), politician, educator, publisher
- Alexander Fulton (unknown-died ca. 1818) founder of Alexandria
- Henry L. Fuqua (1865–1926) Governor of Louisiana (1924–1926), died in office
- Mike Futrell (born 1960) politician
- P. Elmo Futrell, Jr. (1916–1993) politician
- Ernest Gaines (born 1933) author
- Count Bernardo de Gálvez (1746–1786) Spanish governor, viceroy of New Spain
- James C. Gardner (born 1924) mayor of Shreveport, 1954–1958, called "Mr. Shreveport"
- John Sidney Garrett (1921–2005) politician
- Jim Garrison (1921–1992) former New Orleans district attorney and later a state judge
- Chad Gaudin (born 1983) relief pitcher for the Toronto Blue Jays
- Randall Gay (born 1982) cornerback for the New Orleans Saints
- Terry W. Gee (born 1940) state representative and businessman
- Gaston Gerald (born 1931) politician
- Brett Geymann (born 1961) state representative
- H. Lawrence Gibbs (1919–1993) politician
- J.C. "Sonny" Gilbert (born 1922) state representative and state senator
- Mickey Gilley (born 1936) musician, singer, nightclub owner
- George Girard (1930–1957) musician
- Hap Glaudi (1912–1989) New Orleans sports journalist
- E.D. Gleason (1899–1959) state representative
- Mary Smith Gleason (1899–1967) state representative
- Ron Gomez (born 1934) state representative
- John Goodman (born 1952) actor
- Jasper Goodwill (1889–1974) mayor of Minden, 1955–1958
- Cletis Gordon (born 1982) cornerback for the United Football League's Florida Tuskers
- Stephen Gostkowski (born 1984) placekicker for the New England Patriots
- Louis Moreau Gottschalk (1829–1869) pianist, composer
- Lucille May Grace (1900–1957) first woman in statewide elected office as register of state lands
- R. W. "Buzzy" Graham (born ca. 1937) state representative from Rapides Parish, 1968–1972
- Shirley Ann Grau (born 1929) writer
- Webster "Webbie" Gradney, Jr. (born 1985) rapper
- Danny Granger (born 1983) small forward for the Indiana Pacers
- Camille Gravel (1915–2005) lawyer, advisor to governors
- E. W. Gravolet (1919–1968) politician
- Veleka Gray (born 1951) actress, writer, producer
- Howard Green (born 1979) nose tackle for the Green Bay Packers
- BenJarvus Green-Ellis (born 1985) running back for the New England Patriots
- Hunter Greene (born 1966) state representative
- Thomas A. "Tom" Greene (born 1948) former state senator
- Allen C. Gremillion (1929–1971) politician
- Jack P.F. Gremillion (1914–2001) attorney general
- John Grenier (1930-2007) Republican politician in Alabama, born in New Orleans
- Grits Gresham (1922–2008) sportsman, journalist
- Moon Griffon (born 1961) statewide conservative radio talk show host
- Robert Groves (born 1948) sociologist and Director of the United States Census Bureau under Barack Obama
- Dudley A. Guglielmo (1909–2005) insurance commissioner
- Troyce Guice (1932–2008) businessman, politician
- Ron Guidry (born 1950) former Cy Young-winning pitcher for the New York Yankees
- John E. Guinn (born 1953) politician
- Bryant Gumbel (born 1948) television anchor, sportscaster
- Greg Gumbel (born 1946) sportscaster
- Stephen L. Gunn (born 1946) politician
- William J. "Billy" Guste, Jr., (born 1922) attorney general, politician, businessman
- Buddy Guy (born 1936) blues musician
- Billy Hagan (1932–2007) Championship NASCAR owner and racer, businessman
- Jan Hamer (1927–2008) organic chemist
- Rusty Hamer (1947–1990) child actor
- Bryant Hammett (born 1956) politician
- Kernan "Skip" Hand (born 1945) politician
- Sam Hanna, Sr. (1933–2006) newspaper publisher
- Paul Jude Hardy (born 1942) state senator, secretary of state, lieutenant governor
- Henry E. Hardtner (1870–1935), lumberman, conservationist, politician, founder of Urania
- Robert Harling (born 1951) screenwriter and film director
- Winsor Harmon (born 1963) actor, The Bold and the Beautiful
- Allen "Puddler" Harris (born 1936), pianist for Ricky Nelson and Jimmie Davis
- Eric W. Harris (1916–2007), businessman
- T. H. Harris (1869–1942), state superintendent of education, 1908–1940
- Joe Harrison (born ca. 1952), state representative
- Benjamin Morgan Harrod (1837–1912), engineer
- Torrence "Lil Boosie" Hatch (born 1982) rapper
- Jason Hatcher (born 1982) defensive end for the Dallas Cowboys
- Rufus D. Hayes (1913–2002), first state insurance commissioner, East Baton Rouge Parish district attorney and judge, Democratic state chairman
- Fred Haynes (1946–2006), LSU football player
- O.H. Haynes, Jr. (1920–1996) Webster Parish sheriff
- William Wright Heard (1853–1926) governor of Louisiana from 1900 to 1904
- George E. Hearn (1926–2010) psychologist
- Bobby Hebert (born 1960) former New Orleans Saints quarterback known as "Cajun Cannon"
- Felix Edward Hébert (1901–1979) journalist, politician
- Paul M. Hebert (1907–1977) judge, Louisiana State University Law Center dean
- Troy Hebert (born 1966) politician
- Marie Alice Heine (1858–1925) first American Princess of Monaco
- Norman E. "Pete" Heine (born 1928) politician
- Knute Heldner (1875–1952), impressionist artist
- Lillian Hellman (1905–1984) playwright
- Devery Henderson (born 1982), wide receiver for the New Orleans Saints
- William Kennon Henderson, Jr. (1880–1945), founder of radio station KWKH in Shreveport
- Ellis Henican (????) journalist, commentator, talk show host
- Charlie Hennigan (born 1935) football player
- Cameron Henry (born 1974), politician
- Clarence "Frogman" Henry (born 1937) singer, musician
- E. L. "Bubba" Henry (born 1936) politician, lawyer, lobbyist
- L. B. Henry (1920–2008) politician
- Bob Hensgens (born 1955) politician
- George Herriman (1880–1944) Krazy Kat cartoonist
- Jacob Hester (born 1985) fullback for the San Diego Chargers
- W. Scott Heywood (1872–1950) state senator; discovered oil in Jeff Davis Parish in 1901
- Andrew Higgins (1886–1952) shipbuilder, industrialist
- Wiley W. Hilburn (born 1938) journalist, educator
- Charles Franklin Hildebrand (1893–1966) journalist
- Kenny Hill (born 1958) former NFL defensive back
- Corey Hilliard (born 1985) offensive tackle for the Detroit Lions
- Quin Hillyer (born 1964) columnist and editor
- Walker Hines (born 1984) state representative from Orleans Parish
- Gerry E. Hinton (1930–2000) state senator, pioneer of chiropractic profession
- Al Hirt (1922–1999) musician
- Frank Hoffmann (born 1944) state representative
- Cheryl Holdridge (1944–2009) actor
- Ken Hollis (1942-2010) state senator from Jefferson Parish (1982–2008)
- Paul Hollis (born 1972) state representative from St. Tammany Parish
- Clyde C. Holloway (born 1943) former US Representative; member of the Louisiana Public Service Commission
- Russel L. Honoré (born 1947) general
- Taylor Horn (born 1992) singer and actress
- Son House (1902 (?)–1988) blues singer and guitarist
- Frank A. Howard (born 1939) politician
- Perry H. Howard (1922–2009) sociologist at Louisiana State University who researched into Louisiana politics
- Arlene Howell (born 1935) Miss USA 1958 and actress
- Jerry Huckaby (born 1941) former US Representative
- Morley Hudson (1917–2001) State Representative, advocate for the mentally retarded
- Sarah Hudson-Pierce (born 1948) author and book publisher from Shreveport
- Edgar Hull (1904–1984) physician
- Hubert D. Humphreys (1923–2009) historian
- Guy E. Humphries, Jr. (1923–2010) state court judge in Alexandria
- John S. Hunt, III (1928–2001) Monroe attorney; politician
- Clementine Hunter (c. 1886–1988) folk artist
- Jeffrey Hunter (1926–1969) actor, born in New Orleans, reared in Wisconsin
- Nita Rusich Hutter (born 1949) politician
- Mike "Pete" Huval (born ca. 1956) politician
- John M. Jackson (born 1950) actor, JAG
- Lisa Jackson (born 1962), current Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency
- Mahalia Jackson (1911–1972) gospel singer
- Shelby M. Jackson (1903–1972) state education superintendent from 1948 to 1964
- Randy Jackson (born 1956), running back Television personality
- Brandon Jacobs (born 1982), running back for the New York Giants
- Bradie James (born 1981), linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys
- Antawn Jamison (born 1976), power forward for the Cleveland Cavaliers
- Rajarsi Janakananda (1892–1955) former president of the Self-Realization Fellowship
- Eddie Jemison (born ???), actor, Hung, Bruce Almighty, Ocean's Eleven and its sequels
- Mykel Shannon Jenkins (born 1969), actor, The Bold and the Beautiful
- Woody Jenkins (born 1947) politician
- Bobby Jindal (born 1971) current governor of Louisiana
- Ronnie Johns (born 1949) politician
- Andrew R. Johnson (1856–1933) state senator and mayor of Homer; named Ashland, Louisiana
- Avery Johnson (born 1965), head coach of the New Jersey Nets and retired NBA point guard
- Bill Johnson (1872–1972) jazz musician
- Neal Lane "Lanny" Johnson (born 1940) school superintendent, former state representative
- Quinn Johnson (born 1986), fullback for the Green Bay Packers
- John Bennett Johnston, Jr. (born 1932), U.S. Senator (1972–1997); lobbyist, since 1997; state senator, 1968–1972; state representative, 1964–1968
- Bert Jones (born 1951) LSU Tigers & Baltimore Colts quarterback
- Chad Jones (born 1988), safety for the New York Giants
- Dub Jones (born 1924), former NFL and AAFC running back
- Edgar Jones (born 1984) linebacker and tight end for the Baltimore Ravens
- Howard M. Jones (1900–1980) politician
- Jacoby Jones (born 1984), wide receiver for the Houston Texans
- Ralph Waldo Emerson Jones (1905–1982), president and baseball coach at Grambling State University from 1936 to 1977
- Robert Gambrell "Bob" Jones (born 1939) politician, businessman
- Sam Houston Jones (1897–1978) Governor of Louisiana
- Henderson Jordan (1896–1958), Bienville Parish sheriff who was part of the posse that ambushed Bonnie and Clyde
- J. Lomax Jordan (born 1952) state senator from Lafayette, 1992–2000
- Juvenile (born 1975) rapper
- Ed Karst (1931–1992), mayor of Alexandria (1969–1973), gubernatorial candidate, 1991
- Kay Katz (born 1940), state representative from Ouachita Parish and Republican National Committeewoman from Louisiana
- Jack Keahey (1935–2007), president of Tensas Basin Levee District
- Kelly Keeling (born 1966), Houma, Louisiana, Singer, Songwriter, Recording Artist
- J.E. Keeny (1860–1939), educator
- Bill P. Keith (born 1934), author in Longview, Texas, and former member of the Louisiana State Senate
- William P. Kellogg (1830–1918) Congressman, Governor and United States Senator
- Donald G. Kelly (born 1941), state senator from Natchitoches, 1976–1996
- Bolivar E. Kemp (1871–1933), U.S. representative from 1925 to 1933
- Bolivar Edwards Kemp, Jr. (1904–1965), Louisiana attorney general from 1948 to 1952
- Donald Ray Kennard (1936–2011), state representative from Baton Rouge, 1976–2008
- John Neely Kennedy (born 1951) current Louisiana State Treasurer
- Edward Kennon (born 1938) businessman; politician
- Robert F. Kennon (1902–1988) Governor of Louisiana from 1952 to 1956
- Doug Kershaw (born 1936) musician, singer
- Sammy Kershaw (born 1958) musician, singer, candidate for lieutenant governor
- Ernie K-Doe (1936–2001) singer, "Emperor of the Universe"
- DJ Khaled (born 1975), record producer, radio personality, DJ, record label executive
- Nat G. Kiefer (1939–1985) state senator from New Orleans
- Arnold R. Kilpatrick (1920–2005) educator
- K.D. Kilpatrick (1928–2010) state senator from Ruston
- Catherine D. Kimball (born 1945) chief justice of the Louisiana Supreme Court
- Harold R. "Hal" King (1945–2010) novelist
- Earl King (1934–2003) musician
- Claude Kirkpatrick (1917–1997) politician and businessman
- Edith Killgore Kirkpatrick (born 1918) music educator; former member of Louisiana Board of Regents
- Chuck Kleckley (born 1960) state representative
- Mark Klein (born 1993) singer
- Jesse Monroe Knowles (1919–2006) politician and survivor of Bataan Death March
- L.D. Knox (1929–2009) politician
- Allison Kolb (1915–1973) politician
- Robert Kostelka (born 1933) district attorney, judge, and state senator from Monroe
- Suzanne Mayfield Krieger (born 1953) politician
- Dan Kyle (born 1937) politician
- John S. Kyser (1900–1975) educator
- Adras LaBorde (1912–1993) journalist and columnist
- Raymond Laborde (born 1927) politician
- John LaBruzzo (born 1970) politician
- Len Lacy (1900–1998) politician
- Alvan Lafargue (1883–1962) physician and politician
- Ed Lafitte (1886–1971) baseball player
- Jean Lafitte (c. 1780 – c. 1826) blacksmith, pirate
- Papa Jack Laine (1873–1966) bandleader
- Eddie J. Lambert (born 1956) state representative
- Louis Lambert (born 1940) politician
- Dorothy Lamour (1914–1996) actress
- Katherine LaNasa (born 1966) actress, Judging Amy
- Mary Landrieu (born 1955) US Senator
- Mitch Landrieu (born 1960) politician
- Moon Landrieu (born 1930) judge, politician
- Ali Landry (born 1973) actress, model, Miss USA 1996
- Jeff Landry (born 1970) politician
- Lisa Landry (born 1977) stand-up comedian
- Nancy Landry (born 1962) politician
- Eric Laneuville (born 1952), actor, TV director, St. Elsewhere, Room 222
- Carroll E. Lanier (born 1927) mayor of Alexandria from 1977 to 1982
- Nick LaRocca (1889–1961) self-proclaimed "inventor of jazz"
- John Larroquette (born 1947) actor
- Dud Lastrapes (born 1929) mayor of Lafayette from 1980 to 1992
- Hank Lauricella (born 1930) football player; state senator
- Marie Laveau (c. 1794 – c. 1881) Voodoo priestess
- Samuel Lawrason (1852–1924) - state senator who authored Lawrason Act regarding Louisiana municipal government
- Claude "Buddy" Leach (born 1934) politician, businessman
- Leadbelly (1885–1949) musician
- Dudley J. LeBlanc (1894–1971) politician, businessman who made a fortune in the patent medicine Hadacol
- Fred S. LeBlanc politician
- Patrick LeBlanc (1954–2008) architect, businessman, politician
- Marietta LeBreton (1936–2009) historian
- Richard Leche (1898–1965) Governor of Louisiana
- David Lee (born 1943) football player
- Harry Lee (1932–2007) Jefferson Parish sheriff
- John A. Lejeune (1867–1942), Marine Corps general
- Lloyd E. Lenard (1922–2008), politician, businessman, author
- Art Lentini (born 1953), former state senator
- Countess Leon (1798–1881), founder of Germantown Colony in Webster Parish
- Elmore Leonard (born 1925) author
- Joe LeSage (born 1928), former state senator and LSU supervisor
- Jared Leto (born 1971) actor, lead singer/guitarist of alternative rock band 30 Seconds to Mars
- Shannon Leto (born 1970) drummer of alternative rock band 30 Seconds to Mars, occasional actor
- Zachary Levi (born 1980) actor, Less than Perfect, Chuck
- Jerry Lee Lewis (born 1935) musician
- Keenan Lewis (born 1986), cornerback for the Pittsburgh Steelers
- Michael Lewis (born 1960), author, financial journalist
- Rashard Lewis (born 1979), forward for the Orlando Magic
- Tony Ligi (born ca. 1955), politician
- Lil' Wayne (D'Wayne Michael Carter) Rapper
- Coleman Lindsey (1892–1968) politician
- F.A. Little, Jr. (born 1936), retired judge of the United States District Court for the Western District of Louisiana
- Sam Little (born 1950) politician
- Lloyd Harlin Polite (born 1986) R&B singer
- Lil Wayne (born 1982) rapper
- Bob Livingston (born 1943) congressman (1977–1999)
- Edward Livingston (1764–1836) congressman, United States Secretary of State
- Lloyd (born 1986), R&B and hip hop artist
- Blanche Long (1902–1998), Mrs. Earl Long, First Lady of Louisiana, 1939–1940; 1948–1954; 1956–1960
- Earl Kemp Long (1895–1960) Governor of Louisiana (1939–1940, 1948–1952, and 1956–1960)
- George S. Long (1883–1958) US Representative
- Gerald Long (born 1944), Republican state senator from Natchitoches; only elected Republican official of Long family
- Gillis William Long (1923–1985), US Representative
- Huey Pierce Long, Jr., (1893–1935) former Governor of Louisiana, US Senator
- Jimmy D. Long (born 1931) politician
- Russell Long (1918–2003) US Senator
- Speedy O. Long (1928–2006) US Representative and district attorney from La Salle Parish
- Professor Longhair (1918–1980) musician
- Joseph Lopinto (born ca. 1976) state representative from Jefferson Parish
- Nicholas Lorusso (borm 1966) state representative from Orleans Parish since 2007
- W. Matt Lowe (1872–1955) politician
- Walter M. Lowrey (1921–1980) historian
- Charlton Lyons (1894–1973) "father of modern Republican Party in Louisiana"
- Ted Lyons (1900–1986) Hall of Fame baseball player
- Anthony Mackie (born 1979) actor, Eagle Eye, Million Dollar Baby
- Magic Sam (1937–1969) blues music pioneer
- Karl Malone (born 1963) former basketball great, mainly with the Utah Jazz
- Max T. Malone (born 1953) geologist and state senator
- Jeff Mangum (born 1970) musician, founder of Neutral Milk Hotel
- Archie Manning (born 1949) former New Orleans Saints quarterback
- Eli Manning (born 1982) New York Giants quarterback
- Peyton Manning (born 1976) Indianapolis Colts quarterback
- Tommy Manzella (born 1983) shortstop for the Houston Astros
- Charles E. Maple (1932–2006) journalist
- "Pistol" Pete Maravich (1947–1988) LSU & NBA basketball Hall of Famer
- Paul Mares (1900–1949) musician
- Anna Margaret (born 1996), singer
- Angélica María (born 1944), Mexican actress and singer
- Robert M. Marionneaux (born 1968), politician
- Branford Marsalis (born 1960) musician
- Ellis Marsalis, Jr., (born 1934) musician, educator
- Ellis Marsalis, Sr., (c. 1908–2004) poultry farmer, jazz musician, hotelier, civil rights activist
- Wynton Marsalis (born 1961) musician
- Leonard Marshall (born 1961) former defensive end, primarily for the New York Giants
- Wade O. Martin, Jr. (1911–1990) secretary of state
- Wade O. Martin, Sr. (1885–1956) politician
- Danny Martiny (born 1951) politician
- Virginia Martinez (1922–1992) Louisiana Republican national committeewoman from 1977 until her death
- James L. McCorkle, Jr. (born 1935) historian
- Jim McCrery (born 1949) former US Representative
- Tim McGraw (born 1967) country musician, actor
- Tom Ed McHugh (born 1943) politician
- J. Frank McInnis (1886–1959) judge
- John McKeithen (1918–1999) Governor of Louisiana from 1964 to 1972
- W. Fox McKeithen (1946–2005) Louisiana secretary of state, 1988–2005
- Charles E. McKenzie (1896-1956) U.S. representative
- Joe McKnight (born 1988) tailback for the New York Jets
- Chuck McMains (born 1948) former state representative and Baton Rouge lobbyist
- Joe McPherson (born 1950) state senator from Rapides Parish
- Tom McVea (born 1945) state representative
- Gil Meche (born 1978) former MLB pitcher
- D.L. Menard (????) Cajun musician from Erath
- Adah Isaacs Menken (1835–1868) actress
- Louis J. Michot (born 1922), businessman, former state superintendent of education, and State Representative from Lafayette
- Michael J. Michot (born 1963), businessman, state senator from Lafayette since 2000
- Quintin Mikell (born 1980), safety for the Philadelphia Eagles
- Roderick Miller (1924–2005) politician, lawyer
- Fred H. Mills, Jr. (born 1955) politician, pharmacist, banker
- Newt V. Mills (1899-1996) U.S. representative
- P.J. Mills (born 1934) politician, businessman
- Paul Millsap (born 1985) power forward for the Utah Jazz
- Lizzie Miles (1895–1963) singer
- Percy "Master P" Miller (born 1967) musician, actor, record producer, athlete
- Alexander Milne (1742–1838) businessman, slave-trader, philanthropist
- Leland G. Mims (1901–1979) politician
- E. R. Minchew (1908–2001) educator
- RJ Mitte (born 1992) actor, Walt, Jr. on Breaking Bad
- Robert W. Mondy (1908–1997) historian
- Nickie Monica (born 1960) politician
- Bill Monroe (1920–2011) journalist, host of Meet the Press (1975–1984)
- Greg Monroe (born 1990) center for the Detroit Pistons
- Billy Montgomery (born 1937) politician and former educator
- Harold Montgomery (1911–1995) state senator and businessman
- John Willard "Jack" Montgomery, Sr. (born 1936) state senator and lawyer
- Little Brother Montgomery (c. 1906–1985) musician
- Cleo Moore (1923–1973) 1950s movie star
- Danny Roy Moore (born 1925) state senator from Claiborne Parish, 1964–1968
- Ellen Bryan Moore (1912–1999) former Register of State Lands, captain in Women's Army Corps during World War II
- Mewelde Moore (born 1982) running back for the Pittsburgh Steelers
- W. Henson Moore (born 1939) former US Representative
- Jackie Moreland (1938–1971) professional basketball player
- Aaron Morgan (born 1988), outside linebacker and defensive end for the Jacksonville Jaguars
- Cecil Morgan (1898–1999) state legislator who led the impeachment forces against Huey Pierce Long, Jr., later executive with Standard Oil Company and dean of Tulane University Law School
- Elemore Morgan, Jr. (1931–2008) landscape painter and photographer
- Lewis L. Morgan (1876-1950) U.S. representative; 1944 gubernatorial runoff candidate
- Dutch Morial (1929–1989) judge, mayor of New Orleans
- James Hollis "Jim" Morris (born 1954), state representative from Caddo and Bossier parishes
- Dan Morrish (born 1950), member of both houses of the Louisiana State Legislature
- deLesseps Story Morrison (1912–1964), mayor of New Orleans, ambassador to the Organization of American States, three-time gubernatorial candidate
- Jacob Haight Morrison (1905–1974), politician, historical preservationist
- James H. Morrison (1908–2000) US Representative
- Jelly Roll Morton (1890–1941) musician, composer, self-proclaimed "inventor of jazz"
- Morgus the Magnificent (born ????) horror host
- Paul Morphy (1837–1884) world chess champion
- Garrett Morris (born 1937) comedian, Saturday Night Live
- Isaac Edward Morse (1809–1866) Louisiana state Attorney General and US Congressman[2]
- Alexander Mouton (1804–1885) Governor and United States Senator
- Ashton J. Mouton (1916–1988) mayor of Lafayette
- Jonas Mouton (born 1988) linebacker for the San Diego Chargers
- George B. Mowad (1932–2000) mayor of Oakdale, physician, developer
- Bernhard Müller (1788–1834) colonizer of Grand Ecore in Natchitoches Parish
- W. Spencer Myrick (1913–2001) state legislator from West Carroll Parish
- Robert Pack (born 1969) former NBA player, current assistant coach for the Los Angeles Clippers
- Stephen B. Packard Reconstruction politician
- Jonathan Papelbon (born 1980) closer for the Boston Red Sox
- John M. Parker (1863–1939) Governor of Louisiana (1920–1924
- Mary Evelyn Parker (born 1920) state treasurer from 1968 to 1987
- Edward Grady Partin (1924–1990) Teamsters Union business agent in Baton Rouge
- Otto Passman (1900–1988) US Representative
- David I. Patten (1920–1998) politician
- Carly Patterson (born 1988) Olympic gold medalist in gymnastics
- Jacob E. "Pat" Patterson (1924–2010) politician
- Benjamin Pavy (1874–1943) District judge, opponent of the Longs, father-in-law of Carl Weiss, M.D.
- John William Payne (1877–1933), Natchitoches Parish sheriff from 1914 to 1933
- Nicholas Payton (born 1973) musician
- Barrow Peacock (born 1970) politician
- Dave L. Pearce (1904–1984) politician
- Kevin Pearson (born 1959) politician
- William S. Peck, Jr. (1916–1987) politician
- William S. Peck, Sr. (1873–1946) politician
- Louis Pendleton (1931–2007) dentist and civil rights activist
- Morgan D. Peoples (1919–1998) historian
- Leander Perez (1891–1969) District judge, political boss of St. Bernard and Plaquemine parishes from 1919 to 1969
- Tony Perkins (born 1963), conservative politician, head of Family Research Council
- Pauley Perrette (born 1969) singer and actress
- Jonathan W. Perry (born 1973) politician
- Tyler Perry (born 1969) Television and movie producer
- Andy Pettitte (born 1972), former starting pitcher for the New York Yankees and Houston Astros
- Rupert Peyton (1899–1982) politician, journalist, historian
- Marguerite Piazza (born 1926) operatic soprano
- Webb Pierce (1921–1991) singer
- Wendell Pierce (born 1962) actor, Bunk Moreland on The Wire
- Juan Pierre (born 1977), outfielder for the Chicago White Sox
- Gil Pinac (born 1951) politician
- P.B.S. Pinchback (1837–1921) politician, Governor of Louisiana
- Leonidas Polk (1806–1864) Confederate general, Episcopal bishop, founder of Sewanee, The University of the South
- Tracy Porter (born 1986), cornerback for the New Orleans Saints
- Bryan A. Poston (1924–2009) politician
- Charles M. Poston, Sr. (1898–1968) politician
- Henry "Tank" Powell (born 1945), politician
- A. T. Powers (1896–1975), clergyman
- Julien de Lallande Poydras (1740–1824) poet, politician
- Fred Preaus (1912–1987) state highway director from 1952 to 1955, 1956 gubernatorial candidate
- Edwin G. Preis (1916–2011), politician
- Phil Preis (born 1950), politician
- Sister Helen Prejean (born 1938) activist
- O. E. Price (1924–2006) judge
- Louis Prima (1910–1978) musician, entertainer
- Professor Longhair (1918–1980) musician
- Paul Prudhomme (born 1940) chef
- Robert G. Pugh (1924–2007) Shreveport lawyer, gubernatorial advisor
- Stephen E. "Steve" Pugh (born 1961) politician
- Steve Pylant (born c. 1955) sheriff and incoming state representative from Franklin Parish
- Paul Rae (born 1968) actor
- Max Rafferty (1917-1982) educator, author, and California politician
- Henry Ragas (1897–1919) early jazz pianist
- Kevin Rahm (born 1971) actor
- William Rainach (1913–1978) politician
- W.L. Rambo (1917–1984) politician
- Ned Randolph (born 1942), State Representative, state senator, and mayor of Alexandria (1986–2006)
- Kevin Rankin (born 1976) actor, Friday Night Lights, Trauma, Unforgettable
- John Rarick (1924–2009) US Representative and state judge
- B.B. "Bennie" Rayburn, Jr. (1944–2006) Washington Parish sheriff
- B.B. "Sixty" Rayburn, Sr. (1916–2008) politician
- Eddy Raven (born 1944) singer-songwriter
- Shawn Reaves (born 1978) actor
- Mac "Dr John" Rebbenack (born 1940) pianist, singer-songwriter
- Ed Reed (born 1978), free safety for the Baltimore Ravens
- Willis Reed (born 1942), former Basketball Hall of Fame player with the New York Knicks and former NBA head coach
- Bob Reese (1929–2004), Republican political activist
- Pee Wee Reese (1918–1999), shortstop for the Brooklyn and Los Angeles Dodgers
- Edmund Reggie (born 1926), lawyer, judge, father-in-law of Edward M. Kennedy
- Godfrey Reggio (born 1940) film-maker
- Kevin P. Reilly, Sr. (born ca. 1928), former state representative and retired CEO of Lamar Advertising Company
- Sean Reilly (born ca. 1961), former state representative, chief operating officer of Lamar Advertising Company
- Darius Reynaud (born 1985), wide receiver and running back for the New York Giants
- Anne Rice (born 1941) writer
- E.S. Richardson (1875–1950), educator
- Norman L. Richardson (1935–1999) journalist
- Dan Richey (born 1948) politician
- Beth Rickey (1956–2009) political activist who opposed David Duke
- Teddy Riley (1924–1992) jazz trumpeter
- Norbert Rilleaux (1806–1894) inventor, engineer
- Neil Riser (born 1962) politician
- Joel Robideaux (born c. 1962) politician
- Cokie Roberts (born 1943) journalist, author, daughter of Hale and Lindy Boggs
- Scotty Robertson (1930–2011) basketball coach
- George Rodrigue (born 1944) "Blue Dog" artist
- Charles P. Roland (born 1918) historian
- Buddy Roemer (born 1943) Governor of Louisiana
- Ned Romero (born 1925) actor originally from Franklin
- Leon Roppolo (1902–1943) musician
- Sol Rosenberg (1926–2009), Monroe industrialist and Dachau concentration camp survivor
- Louis J. Roussel, Jr. (1906–2001) businessman
- Chris Roy, Jr. (born 1962) state representative from Alexandria
- Jacques Roy (born 1970) mayor of Alexandria since 2006
- Alvin Benjamin Rubin (1920-1991) federal judge
- Robert Edwin Russ (1830–1902) founder of Ruston, Louisiana
- Jeffrey D. Sadow (born 1962) political scientist, columnist, educator
- Joe R. Salter (born 1943) politician, educator
- J. Berry Sandefur (1868–1954) politician
- Kurtis Scaletta writer
- Tom Schedler (born 1950) politician, businessman
- Fred L. Schiele (1933–2002) state representative and sheriff of Concordia Parish
- Matthew P. "Pete" Schneider, III (born 1953) politician, businessman
- John Schroder (born 1966) politician, businessman
- John F. Schwegmann (born 1946) politician, businessman
- John G. Schwegmann (1911–1995) politician businessman
- Melinda Schwegmann (born 1947) lieutenant governor from 1992 to 1996
- Mike Scifres (born 1980) punter for the San Diego Chargers
- Ed Scogin (1921–1999) state representative from St. Tammany Parish (1972–1992)
- Jock Scott (1947–2009) politician, historian, lawyer
- Nauman Scott (1916–2001) judge
- W. Ray Scott (1923–2008) mayor of Natchitoches (1960–1976)
- Pat Screen (1943–1994) Mayor-President of East Baton Rouge Parish (1981–1988)
- Alan Seabaugh (born ca. 1967) state representative
- J.C. Seaman (1898–1964) state representative from Tensas Parish (1944–1964)
- Andrew L. Sevier (1894–1962) politician
- Rob Shadoin (born 1953) politician
- George W. Shannon (1914–1998) newspaper editor
- Amanda Shaw (born 1990) actress, singer and fiddler
- B.L. "Buddy" Shaw (born 1933) politician and educator
- Rhonda Shear (born 1954) beauty queen, television host
- Ben Sheets (born 1978) starting pitcher for the Oakland A's
- Virginia Shehee (born 1923) businesswoman, first woman to serve in Louisiana State Senate (1976–1980)
- Eddy Shell (1937–2008) educator; politician
- Clarence Shelmon (born 1952) offensive coordinator for the San Diego Chargers
- Kenny Wayne Shepherd (born 1977) musician
- Lawrence A. Sheridan (1919–2001) state representative
- Chris Shivers (born 1978) professional bull rider
- Jimmy G. Shoalmire (1940–1982), historian
- Don Shows (born 1940), football coach
- Henry Miller Shreve (1785–1854) inventor, steamboat captain
- Phil Short (born 1947) state senator; relocated to Virginia
- Rockin' Sidney (1938–1998) Zydeco star
- Richard Simmons (born 1948) entertainer
- Scott M. Simon state representative
- Bobby R. Simpson (born 1953) politician
- Oramel H. Simpson (1870–1932) Governor of Louisiana (1926–1928
- Dale Sittig (born 1941) politician
- Fulwar Skipwith (1765–1839) diplomat, politician
- Eric Skrmetta (born 1958) politician
- John Slidell (1793–1871) U.S. Senator, Confederate diplomat
- Soulja Slim (1977–2003) musician
- Donald Sloan (born 1988) guard for the Atlanta Hawks
- Floyd W. Smith, Jr. (1932–2010) politician
- Howard K. Smith (1914–2002) journalist, reporter
- James Monroe Smith (1888–1949) president of Louisiana State University in 1930s
- Jane H. Smith (born 1948) first woman high school principal, school superintendent, and state legislator from Bossier Parish
- Joe D. Smith, Jr. (1922–2008) newspaper publisher, businessman
- John R. Smith (born 1945) politician
- Kenneth Michael "Mike" Smith (born 1948), politician, businessman
- Otis Smith (born 1965) former New England Patriots cornerback, Kansas City Chiefs assistant coach
- P.K. Smith (1917–1983) state representative, Winnfield businessman
- Ada Jack Carver Snell (1890–1972) short story writer
- David Snell (1921–1987) journalist and cartoonist for Life Magazine
- John K. Snyder (1922–1993) mayor of Alexandria (1973–1977; 1982–1986)
- Robert C. Snyder (1919–2011) professor of English at Louisiana Tech University
- Robert H. Snyder (died 1906) politician
- Steven Soderbergh (born 1963), film producer, screenwriter, cinematographer, film director
- Floyd Soileau (born 1938) record producer
- Ian Somerhalder (born 1978) actor, model
- Art Sour (1924–2000) State Representative from Shreveport, 1972–1992
- Britney Spears (born 1981) singer
- Jamie Lynn Spears (born 1991) actress
- Marcus Spears (born 1983), defensive end for the Dallas Cowboys
- Freddie Spencer (born 1961) world motorcycle champion
- Tommy Spinks (1948–2007) football player
- Tam Spiva (born 1932) Hollywood script writer
- Tom Stagg (born 1923) U.S. District Court judge
- Victor T. "Vic" Stelly (born 1941) politician
- Craig Steltz (born 1986) safety for the Chicago Bears
- Kordell Stewart (born 1972) NFL quarterback/wide receiver
- Brandon Stokley (born 1976) wide receiver for the Seattle Seahawks
- Jesse N. Stone (1924–2001) civil rights activist; Southern University System president, 1974–1985
- Carl Stracener (1931-2011) physician and inventor
- Michael G. Strain (born 1959) veterinarian; former state representative; Louisiana commissioner of Agriculture and Forestry
- Roy C. Strickland (1942–2010) businessman; politician
- Patrick Surtain (born 1976) NFL cornerback
- Hal Sutton (born 1958) PGA Tour golfer
- Liz Swaine (born 1960) broadcast journalist
- Jimmy Swaggart (born 1935) evangelist
- Lawson Swearingen (born 1944) former state senator from Ouachita Parish and later the president of the University of Louisiana at Monroe
- Stephanie Swift (born 1972) actress
- Stromile Swift (born 1979) NBA player, Memphis Grizzlies
- Harold Sylvester (born 1949) actor, Married... with Children, Today's F.B.I., Shaky Ground
- Joseph Tabarlet (1900–1951) politician
- Kirk Talbot (born 1969) state representative from Jefferson Parish
- Elmer R. Tapper (1929-2011) politician
- Gregory Tarver (born 1946) civil rights activist; former state senator from Caddo Parish
- Albert Tate (1920–1986) state and federal judge
- Billy Tauzin (born 1943) US Representative and lobbyist
- F. Jay Taylor (born 1923) university president
- Ike Taylor (born 1980) cornerback for the Pittsburgh Steelers
- Jim Taylor (born 1935) Hall of Fame fullback, primarily with the Green Bay Packers
- Joe Gray Taylor (1920–1987) historian
- Richard Taylor (1826–1879) Confederate general
- Zachary Taylor (1784–1850) 12th US President, US Army general
- Garrett Temple (born 1986) point guard for the San Antonio Spurs
- Ricky Templet (born 1963) politician
- Byron Thames (born 1969) actor and musician, Father Murphy
- Jimmy G. Tharpe (1930–2008) clergyman, educator
- Roy R. Theriot (1914–1973) politician
- Ryan Theriot (born 1979) infielder for the St. Louis Cardinals
- Steve Theriot (born 1946) politician
- Gerald Theunissen (born 1933) banker, politician
- Ricky Thibeault (born 1976 or 1977) United States Navy EOD
- David Thibodaux (1953–2007) politician, educator, author
- Keith Thibodeaux (born 1950) actor
- David William Thomas (1876–1961) politician, educator, journalist, attorney
- Jerry A. Thomas (born 1953), politician, physician
- Lee Emmett Thomas (1866–1935), politician
- Mike Thomas (born 1987), wide receiver for the Jacksonville Jaguars
- Tyrus Thomas (born 1986) power forward for the Charlotte Bobcats
- C.W. Thompson (1890–1951) politician
- Francis C. Thompson (born 1941) politician and landowner
- Ken Thompson (born 1943), pioneer of computer science
- Lizzie P. Thompson (1894–1973) state representative
- Michael F. "Mike" Thompson (born 1942) politician and home builder
- Richard S. Thompson (1916–1997) state representative from Grant Parish
- Sandra Thompson (born 1946) politician and environmentalist
- T. Ashton Thompson (1916-1965) U.S. representative
- William Y. Thompson (born 1922) historian
- Tom Thornhill (born 1952) attorney and former state representative
- Marcus Thornton (born 1987) shooting guard for the New Orleans Hornets
- George H. Tichenor (1837–1923) surgeon, pioneer in antiseptics
- Stanley R. Tiner (born 1942) journalist
- Joseph F. Toomy (born 1948) politician
- David Toms (born 1967) golfer
- John Kennedy Toole (1937–1969) writer
- Ned Touchstone (1926–1988) Radical Right politician and publisher
- Wayne Toups (born 1958) musician
- Allen Toussaint (born 1938) musician, composer, record producer
- Thomas Taylor Townsend (born 1963) state representative
- Chet D. Traylor (born 1945) [Associate justice of the Louisiana Supreme Court, 1997–2009
- David C. Treen (1928–2009) US Representative (1973–1980) and Governor of Louisiana (1980–1984)
- John S. Treen (born 1926) homebuilder and politician
- Risley C. Triche (born 1930), attorney; former state representative
- Robert O. Trout (1904–1995), sociologist
- James Wayne "Jim" Tucker (born 1964), politician; first Republican Speaker of the Louisiana House of Representatives since Reconstruction
- Robert Beall "Buddy" Tudor, Jr. (1935–2010) real estate developer
- Simon W. Tudor (1887–1956) businessman; educator
- Paul Tulane (1801–1887) businessman, philanthropist
- Ben Turpin (c. 1872–1940) silent film comedian
- Abner Drake Turner (1877–1953) politician
- Odessa Turner (born 1964) former NFL wide receiver
- Marshall H. Twitchell (1840–1905) politician, planter, diplomat
- Robert P. "Bobby" Waddell (born 1948) judge, former state representative from Shreveport
- Von Wafer (born 1985) shooting guard for the Orlando Magic
- Joseph David Waggonner, Jr. (1918–2007) U.S. representative from Louisiana's 4th congressional district
- R.B. Walden (1901–1966) politician
- Madam C.J. Walker (1867–1919) business tycoon
- Joseph Marshall Walker (1786–1856) Governor of Louisiana
- Lillian W. Walker (born 1923) politician
- Lorenz James "Lo" Walker (born 1933) politician and retired United States Air Force officer
- George T. Walker (1913–2011) university president
- Morgan W. Walker, Jr. (1928–2008) businessman
- Morgan W. Walker, Sr. (1893–1983) businessman
- William Stewart Walker (1914–1999) U.S. Army officer and congressional candidate
- Shady R. Wall (1922–1985) politician and banker
- Mike Wallace (born 1986), wide receiver for the Pittsburgh Steelers
- Ray Walston (1914–2001) actor
- Mike Walsworth (born 1956) state senator from Ouachita Parish
- Lula Wardlow (1876–1970) first woman mayor of a Louisiana community, having served in Montgomery in Grant Parish (1926–1930)
- Henry C. Warmoth (1842–1931) Governor of Louisiana during Reconstruction
- Ron Washington (born 1952), manager for the Texas Rangers
- Arthur C. Watson (1909–1984) politician
- Eugene P. Watson (1911–1964) librarian
- Muse Watson (born 1948) actor, Prison Break, NCIS
- Reggie Wayne (born 1978), wide receiver for the Indianapolis Colts
- Carl Weathers (born 1948) actor
- Blayne Weaver (born 1976) actor
- Loy F. Weaver (born 1942) retired banker and state legislator
- Corey Webster (born 1982), cornerback for the New York Giants
- Carl Weiss (1906–1935) physician and purported assassin of Huey Pierce Long, Jr.
- Fred Weller (born 1966) actor, In Plain Sight, Missing Persons
- Rebecca Wells (born 20th century) actress, playwright, author
- Vernon Wells (born 1978) center fielder for the Los Angeles Angels
- H.O. West (1900–1981) founder of West Brothers clothing stores
- Shane West (born 1978) actor
- Bodi White (born ca. 1956) politician
- Edward Douglass White (1845–1921) Supreme Court Chief Justice
- Tony Joe White (born 1943) singer-songwriter, musician
- Lynn Whitfield (born 1953) actress
- Les Whitt (1951–2008) zookeeper in Alexandria
- Leon "Pee Wee" Whittaker (1906–1993) musician
- V.V. Whittington (1893–1974) state senator and banker
- Randy Wiggins (born 1951) state representative and insurance agent
- Jonathan Wilhite (born 1984), cornerback for the Denver Broncos
- Pinkie C. Wilkerson (1948–2000) state representative and attorney
- W. Scott Wilkinson (1895–1985), Shreveport attorney and member of the Louisiana House of Representatives from 1920 to 1924
- Brian "Baby" Williams (born 1969) record executive, record producer, entrepreneur, musician
- Chris Williams (born 1985) offensive guard for the Chicago Bears
- Hank Williams, Jr (born 1949) singer
- Kyle Williams (born 1983) nose tackle for the Buffalo Bills
- Lucinda Williams (born 1963) singer-songwriter, musician
- T. Harry Williams (1909–1979) historian
- Tramon Williams (born 1983), cornerback for the Green Bay Packers
- Earl Williamson (1903–1992) Caddo Parish politician, long-serving police juror in Louisiana, 1933–1972, 1979–1980; mayor of Vivian
- Don W. Williamson (born 1927) politician, businessman
- James Whitfield Williamson (1925–2008) politician, businessman
- Edwin E. Willis (1904–1972) US Representative from 1949 to 1969
- Tom Willmott (born c. 1959) state representative from Jefferson Parish since 2008
- Robert L. Wilkie(born 1962) Assistant Secretary of Defense
- Justin E. Wilson (1914–2001) Cajun raconteur, chef, humorist, politician
- Riley J. Wilson (1871-1946) U.S. representative
- Lorris M. Wimberly (1898–1962) politician
- Fritz Windhorst (born 1935) state senator
- Stephen J. Windhorst (born 1957) judge; state representative
- Diane Winston (born 1948) state representative
- John D. Winters (1917–1998) historian
- Tommy Wiseau (born 1968) screenwriter, director, producer, executive producer, and actor
- Reese Witherspoon (born 1976) actress
- A. Baldwin Wood (1879–1956) inventor, engineer
- Susan Ward (born 1976) actress, model
- Ernest Wooton (born 1941) politician
- Captan Jack Wyly (1917–2006) politician