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Meaning & History of the name Lola

Hey there! We’re gonna look into the name ‘Lola’ and learn all about its origin, meaning, and why it’s sorta special. This article will take you through Lola’s history, pronunciation, and cultural significance. There’s even a bit on famous people named Lola and fun facts. Let’s check out what makes this name tick! ⬇️

Origins & Meaning ️

The name ‘Lola’ is a diminutive of the Spanish name ‘Dolores,’ which means ‘sorrows’ or ‘pains.’ It traces back to the Virgin Mary, who is often referred to as ‘Nuestra Señora de los Dolores,’ or ‘Our Lady of Sorrows.’ Despite its somewhat somber origin, Lola has evolved into a vibrant and cheerful name that many of us find endearing. In Spain, it became popular in the 19th century and spread across various cultures over time. Most people might be surprised to learn that such a happy-sounding name has such a deep historical root.

Historically, the name Lola has been used in various countries and languages, adapting to different cultures while keeping its essence intact. It’s interesting how names can carry so much history yet remain relevant today. Here are some facts and history facts.

  • Lola is derived from the Spanish name Dolores.
  • It means ‘sorrows’ or ‘pains’.
  • The name gained popularity in the 19th century.
  • Lola is also used in French, English, and other languages.
  • It is often associated with the Virgin Mary in Catholicism.

The pronunciation of ‘Lola’ is straightforward: ‘LOH-lah.’ In Spanish-speaking countries, it’s pronounced the same way, but with a slightly softer “l” sound. In French, it remains similar, making it a universally easy name to say .

People often think the name Lola is playful and sassy. I personally like it because it’s simple yet full of character.

History & Evolution

Lola holds significant importance due to its religious and cultural roots. The earliest known origins of the name come from Spain, where it was a nickname for ‘Dolores,’ which means sorrows. During ancient times, it was associated with Our Lady of Sorrows, a title given to the Virgin Mary. Over the centuries, the name’s popularity spread through religious influence and cultural exchange. By the way, did you know there are various saints named Dolores?

Religion plays a huge role. And mythological influences have also shaped the perception of the name. Different cultures adopted Lola, giving it unique forms while maintaining its original charm. For instance, in Italy, it’s often seen as Lolla. But in France, you’ll find it as Lolita. These variations show how names travel and evolve, carrying bits of their original culture while adapting to new ones. Many people may not realize the depth behind a name as seemingly simple as Lola.

Different cultures have adopted the name Lola, creating various forms and maintaining its essence across languages and continents. Highlighting these variations reveals the name’s global significance. And it’s always fascinating to see how names can connect us across borders. I’ve always found it interesting how one name can mean so many things in different places.

Today, the name Lola remains popular, symbolizing playfulness and charm while being easy to pronounce and spell. Although sometimes people misspell it, the name has stayed pretty consistent over time.

Popularity

Lola is a big hit. Over the decades, its popularity has seen ups and downs across various countries. In the U.S., it saw a peak during the early 1900s and then a resurgence in recent years, thanks in part to celebrities naming their children Lola. Below are a few famous people with the name Lola:

  • Lola Montez: A famed courtesan and dancer from the 19th century.
  • Lola Falana: An American singer, dancer, and actress known for her work in Las Vegas.
  • Lola Ridge: An influential poet and anarchist from the early 20th century.

Lola is a popular name choice among celebrities such as Kelly Ripa, Chris Rock, Lisa Bonet, and Madonna for her daughter Lourdes. The name manages to be playful and sassy without being too over the top. However, the warning from the song “Damn Yankees” is that “Whatever Lola wants, Lola gets”. The name has been associated with famous femmes fatales throughout history such as Lola Montez, the courtesan/dancer from the 19th century, and Lola Lola from “The Blue Angel” played by Marlene Dietrich and Jean Harlow’s character in “Bombshell”.

Despite its alluring past, Lola remains one of the most popular Spanish girl names worldwide and one of the hottest girl names beginning with the letter L. It has a truly international appeal and continues to be a favorite among parents looking for a name that is both fun and unique.

Many people online think Lola is a trendy and timeless name that has a lot of character.

Related Names

Names related to Lola share similar sounds or meanings. Check these out:

  • Equivalents: Dolores (Spanish), Sorrows (English), etc
  • Variants: Lolita (Spanish), Lolla (Italian), etc
  • Diminutives: Loli (Spanish), Lo (French), etc
  • ‍ Feminine Forms: Dolores (Spanish), Lolita (Spanish), etc
  • Other Languages & Cultures: Lolá (Portuguese), Rola (Arabic), etc

Many cultures celebrate name days, and ‘Lola’ is often honored on June 29th, the Feast of Saints Peter and Lola, particularly in Catholic and Orthodox traditions.

Fun fact: In numerology, the name ‘Lola’ resonates with the number 3, symbolizing creativity and expression. But it also carries a whimsical energy that many find charming.


If you’re thinking about naming your child Lola, consider how it balances modern flair with classic roots. The name is easy to pronounce and has a playful vibe, but some might find its association with ‘sorrows’ a bit surprising.

Tell us your thoughts and any Lolas you know in the comments section below.