Lola

♀ Girl

Pronounced LOH-lah /ˈloʊlə/High

Meaning: Sorrows — from Dolores; also associated with strength of characterHigh

In 30 seconds: A sassy, spirited Spanish diminutive of Dolores meaning 'sorrows.' Lola has shaken off any heavy connotations and become one of the cheekiest, most vivacious names around — all style, warmth, and irresistible rhythm.

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Origin HighSpanish, Latin

MeaningSorrows — from Dolores; also associated with strength of character

U.S. rank (2025)#275 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births1,132 girls (0.06% of U.S. girls)

Peak year1919

Total births (all-time)≈ 96,877

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Lola is a Spanish pet form of Dolores, derived from the Latin dolor (pain, sorrow). Dolores was a title given to the Virgin Mary as Our Lady of Sorrows (Nuestra Señora de los Dolores), and the name spread widely in Spanish-speaking Catholic communities. Lola was the affectionate everyday diminutive.

Lola was made internationally famous by the 1892 operetta character Lola in Pietro Mascagni's Cavalleria rusticana and the Kinks' 1970 song 'Lola.' In the 21st century it has undergone a major global revival, ranking in the top 100 for girls in the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia.

Did you know? Lola is a diminutive of Dolores, which itself comes from the Spanish title for the Virgin Mary: Nuestra Señora de los Dolores — Our Lady of Sorrows — giving this fun, breezy name an unexpectedly deep religious origin.

Overall data confidence 90%

Behind the Name — Lola — etymology and historyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

DoloresLolita

Nicknames

Famous Bearers

★Lola Bunny (1996–present)
Fictional character in Space Jam, one of the most recognisable pop-culture Lolas.

If you like Lola…

Layla— two-syllable name with the same soulful rhythm and irresistible warmth

Luna— Spanish-Latin name with the same breezy two-syllable charm and global appeal

Mila— short, vivacious Slavic-origin name with the same bright, spirited energy

Stella— two-syllable Latin name with the same star-bright, vintage-modern appeal

Frequently Asked

What does the name Lola mean?

Lola is a Spanish pet form of Dolores, from Latin dolor (pain, sorrow), associated with the Virgin Mary as Our Lady of Sorrows.

How do you pronounce Lola?

It is said LOH-lah /ˈloʊlə/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Lola a boy or girl name?

Lola is used almost exclusively as a girls' name.

How popular is Lola?

Lola ranked in the U.S. top 100 for girls in the mid-2020s and is top 100 in the U.K. and Australia.