Find out how popular the first name Lorelai has been for the last 23 years (from 2001 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Lorelai by gender

Based on the last 23 years of data, Lorelai is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 650 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Lorelai.

The history of the first name Lorelai

The name Lorelai is derived from the German word "Lore," meaning "alluring" or "tempting," and the name "Ley" or "Lay," which refers to a meadow or clearing. The name originated in the 19th century and is associated with the legendary figure of the Lorelei, a beautiful maiden who lived on a rock along the Rhine River.

According to folklore, the Lorelei was a siren whose enchanting singing lured sailors to their deaths on the treacherous rocks. The name became popular in Germany and other German-speaking regions, and it eventually spread to other parts of Europe and beyond.

One of the earliest recorded uses of the name Lorelai can be found in the writings of German writer Clemens Brentano, who published a ballad titled "Lore Lay" in 1801. The ballad tells the story of the Lorelei and her tragic fate.

Throughout history, several notable women have borne the name Lorelai. One of the most famous was Lorelai Gilmore, a fictional character from the popular television series "Gilmore Girls," which aired from 2000 to 2007. The character, portrayed by actress Lauren Graham, was known for her quick wit and close relationship with her daughter, Rory.

Another notable Lorelai was Lorelai Linklater, an American actress and director born in 1976. She is the daughter of acclaimed filmmaker Richard Linklater and has appeared in several of her father's films, including "Boyhood" and "Everybody Wants Some!!"

In the world of literature, Lorelai Kude was a German writer and poet who lived from 1919 to 2011. She was known for her works exploring themes of love, nature, and the human condition.

Lorelai Dieckmann, a German actress born in 1965, has had a successful career in both film and television. She is best known for her roles in the TV series "Tatort" and "Der Alte."

Lorelai Mosnegutu, born in 1937, was a Romanian gymnast who competed in the 1956 and 1960 Olympic Games. She won a gold medal in the team competition at the 1960 Olympics in Rome.

While the name Lorelai may have originated from German folklore and mythology, it has since transcended its roots and gained popularity in various cultures around the world, with each bearer adding their own unique story and significance to the name.

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 Lorelai was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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