Lulu

♀ Girl

Pronounced LOO-loo /ˈlu.lu/High

Meaning: Pearl; from Arabic lu'lu'aHigh

In 30 seconds: A pearl in Arabic, a party in English: Lulu doubles the most cheerful syllable available. Vaudeville loved her; so does modern Riyadh.

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Origin HighArabic, English

MeaningPearl; from Arabic lu'lu'a

U.S. rank (2025)#3194 ↗ Rising

2025 U.S. births50 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year1886

Total births (all-time)≈ 12,706

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

Lulu lives two full lives: in Arabic it is lu'lu'a, 'pearl' — a Quranic image of paradise and a name across the Gulf — while in the West it began as the doubled pet form of Louise and Lucille. The Lulu of Wedekind's plays and Berg's opera gave it dangerous glamour; sixties pop singer Lulu gave it a grin.

Today it rides the nickname-name revival with Lottie and Goldie, often as a given name in full. It remains rare on U.S. birth certificates — a name that refuses to frown.

Did you know? In English slang a 'lulu' has meant something remarkable since the 1880s — possibly from this very name — so the dictionary itself calls Lulu extraordinary.

Overall data confidence 88%

Behind the Name — Lulu — dual origin

Variations

LoulouLulaLuloah

Nicknames

Famous Bearers

★Lulu (1948–present)
Scottish singer born Marie McDonald McLaughlin Lawrie, famous for 'To Sir with Love'.

If you like Lulu…

Lula— the southern vintage sister form

Lottie— a fellow doubled-warmth nickname revival

Goldie— shares the bright treasure meaning and retro charm

Layla— the Arabic crossover companion

Explore names like Lulu

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Lulu mean?

Lulu means 'pearl' in Arabic; in English it began as a pet form of Louise and Lucille.

How do you pronounce Lulu?

It's said LOO-loo /ˈlu.lu/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Lulu a boy or girl name?

Lulu is a girl's name.

How popular is Lulu?

Lulu is a rare standalone name in the U.S., beloved as a nickname worldwide.