The name Lorelei originates from the Germanic languages and is derived from the combination of the words "lore" meaning "murmur" or "luring song" and "lei" meaning "rock". It is associated with a legendary rock formation along the Rhine River in Germany, known as the Lorelei Rock.

The first recorded use of the name can be traced back to the medieval legend of a beautiful maiden named Lorelei who was abandoned by her lover. Heartbroken, she threw herself into the Rhine River and was transformed into a siren whose enchanting songs lured sailors to their deaths on the treacherous rocks. This legend was popularized in the 19th century by the German writer Clemens Brentano and the poet Heinrich Heine.

One of the earliest notable bearers of the name Lorelei was Lorelei Gilmore, a character in the American television series Gilmore Girls, which aired from 2000 to 2007. The name gained popularity after the show's success.

In literary history, Lorelei was the title character in the novel Lorelei by Zane Grey, published in 1915. The novel is set in the American West and follows the adventures of a young woman named Lorelei.

In music, Lorelei is the name of a character in the opera "The Pirates of Penzance" by Gilbert and Sullivan, first performed in 1879. The character is a beautiful but conniving young woman who tricks the pirates into freeing her.

Another notable bearer of the name Lorelei was Lorelei Redding, the daughter of the legendary American singer-songwriter Otis Redding. Born in 1967, she is a musician and songwriter in her own right and has released several albums.

While the name Lorelei has its roots in German folklore, it has gained popularity in various cultures around the world, particularly in the English-speaking world, due to its unique and intriguing sound and association with the captivating legend.