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Home › Baby Names Directory › Dolores

Dolores

♀ Girl

Pronounced doh-LOR-ess /doʊˈlɔːr.ɛs/High

Meaning: From Spanish dolores, plural of dolor (pain, sorrow), used in the Marian title Nuestra Señora de los Dolores (Our Lady of Sorrows)High

In 30 seconds: A deeply Catholic Spanish name meaning 'sorrows,' honoring Our Lady of Sorrows. A mid-century classic with dignified vintage warmth, carried by Dolores del Río and Dolores O'Riordan.
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Origin HighSpanish, Latin
MeaningFrom Spanish dolores, plural of dolor (pain, sorrow), used in the Marian title Nuestra Señora de los Dolores (Our Lady of Sorrows)
U.S. rank (2025)#2567 ↗ Rising
2025 U.S. births68 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)
Peak year1930
Total births (all-time)≈ 211,436

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 193018802025

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Dolores is the Spanish plural of dolor, from Latin dolor meaning pain or grief. The name arose from the Marian devotion to Nuestra Señora de los Dolores (Our Lady of Sorrows), which commemorates the Seven Sorrows of the Virgin Mary as described in Catholic tradition. This title became a source of given names across the Spanish-speaking Catholic world from the 17th century onward.

In the United States, Dolores peaked in popularity during the 1930s and 1940s, reaching the top 15 girls' names. It was carried by celebrated figures including Mexican film star Dolores del Río and Cranberries singer Dolores O'Riordan. The name has faded from common use but carries a nostalgic vintage elegance prized by revival namers.

Did you know? The feast of Our Lady of Sorrows on September 15 was historically a common baptismal occasion for girls named Dolores in Spain and Latin America — the calendar literally shaped naming trends.
Overall data confidence 95%
Behind the Name — Dolores — Etymology and Catholic Marian originU.S. Social Security Administration Baby Names — Historical popularity data

Variations

DolorsLolaDeloresDoloris

Nicknames

LolaLolitaDeeDolo

Famous Bearers

  • ★Dolores del Río (1904–1983)
    Mexican actress, one of the most celebrated stars of the Golden Age of Hollywood and Mexican cinema.
  • ★Dolores O'Riordan (1971–2018)
    Irish singer and songwriter, lead vocalist of the rock band The Cranberries.
  • ★Dolores Huerta (1930–present)
    American labor leader and civil rights activist, co-founder of the United Farm Workers.

If you like Dolores…

Lola— primary nickname for Dolores with shared Spanish Catholic heritage
Carmen— classic Spanish Catholic given name with similar vintage gravitas
Mercedes— another Marian Spanish title name of the same era
Angeles— a similarly popular pick
Agnes— another Latin name

Explore names like Dolores

By themespanishclassicvintagemariancatholic

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Dolores mean?

Dolores is Spanish for 'sorrows,' from the Marian title Nuestra Señora de los Dolores (Our Lady of Sorrows), honoring the Virgin Mary.

How do you pronounce Dolores?

Dolores is pronounced doh-LOR-ess /doʊˈlɔːr.ɛs/ — three syllables with stress on the second.

Is Dolores a boy or girl name?

Dolores is used exclusively as a girl's name.

How popular is Dolores?

Dolores peaked in the U.S. during the 1930s–40s and is now rare, though it is considered a stylish vintage revival choice.

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