Find out how popular the first name Loralei has been for the last 49 years (from 1975 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Loralei by gender

Based on the last 49 years of data, Loralei is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 52 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Loralei.

The history of the first name Loralei

The name Loralei is a variation of the German name Lorelei, which is derived from the name of a rock formation on the Rhine River near St. Goarshausen, Germany. The Lorelei rock is known for its dangerous currents and has been associated with a legendary siren who lured sailors to their deaths with her enchanting singing.

The earliest known written record of the Lorelei legend dates back to the 19th century, when it was popularized by the German writer Clemens Brentano in his ballad "Zu Bacharach am Rheine" (1801). The name Lorelei is thought to be a combination of the German words "Lure" (murmuring) and "Lay" (rock), referring to the murmuring sounds of the river currents around the rock.

One of the earliest recorded individuals with the name Loralei was Loralei Kessler (1880-1962), an American actress and singer who performed in vaudeville and on Broadway in the early 20th century. Another notable Loralei was Loralei Piper (1926-2018), an American artist and sculptor known for her large-scale public artworks.

In literature, the name Loralei appears in the novel "The Lorelei" by German author Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, published in 1801. The novel explores the legend of the siren and her impact on the lives of those who encountered her.

Other notable individuals with the name Loralei include Loralei Jeffries (1887-1967), an American actress and dancer; Loralei Hill (1905-1996), an American actress and singer; and Loralei Moncus (1927-2015), an American politician who served as the first female Lieutenant Governor of Louisiana from 1972 to 1980.

Throughout history, the name Loralei has been associated with the themes of enchantment, danger, and the power of nature, drawing from its origins in the legendary siren of the Rhine River. While not a widely popular name, it has been embraced by those drawn to its unique and evocative sound and cultural significance.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Loralei was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Loralei, please contact us.

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