Find out how popular the first name Lore has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Lore by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Lore is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 9 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Lore.

The history of the first name Lore

The name Lore has its origins in the German language. It is a shortened form of the feminine name Lorena or Lora, which is derived from the French name Laurene. The name Laurene, in turn, has its roots in the Latin name Laurentius, meaning "from Laurentum" – a city near Rome.

Lore was first recorded as a given name in the late Middle Ages, around the 13th or 14th century. It was particularly popular in German-speaking regions of Europe during this period. The name may have been influenced by the Latin word "laurus," meaning "laurel," which was a symbol of victory and honor in ancient Roman culture.

One of the earliest known references to the name Lore can be found in the medieval German epic poem "Das Nibelungenlied" (The Song of the Nibelungs), written around 1200 AD. In this work, the character Kriemhild has a handmaiden named Lore.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Lore. One of the earliest was Lore Webster (c. 1610-1662), an English Puritan woman who was accused of witchcraft during the Salem witch trials. Another early example is Lore Lay (1781-1855), a German folklore figure known as the "Lorelei," who was said to have lured sailors to their deaths with her enchanting singing.

In the 19th century, Lore Milch (1860-1931) was a German writer and feminist activist who advocated for women's rights and education. Lore Oppenheim (1871-1942) was a German-Jewish artist and painter who was known for her portraits and landscapes.

In the 20th century, Lore Nori (1901-1986) was an Italian actress and film director, best known for her work in Italian neorealist cinema. Lore Noto (1923-2015) was an American artist and sculptor, known for her abstract works in various mediums.

These are just a few examples of individuals who have borne the name Lore throughout history, spanning different cultures, professions, and time periods. While the name has its roots in German and Latin, it has been adopted and used in various parts of the world, reflecting its enduring appeal and rich historical 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 Lore was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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