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

Popularity of Lula by gender

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

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 110 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Lula.

The history of the first name Lula

The name Lula is believed to have its origins in the Latin language, derived from the word "lullus," meaning "little one" or "small." It is also thought to be related to the Latin word "lullare," which means "to sing softly" or "to lull to sleep." This connection suggests that the name Lula may have been initially used as a term of endearment for young children or as a reference to a calming or soothing presence.

In the early days of Christianity, the name Lula was occasionally used as a diminutive form of the Latin name Lollia or Lolia. These names were derived from the Roman surname Lollius, which may have originated from the Latin word "lolium," meaning "darnel" or a type of weed found in wheat fields.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Lula can be found in the medieval era, particularly in parts of Italy and Spain. In the 13th century, there are mentions of a woman named Lula de Toro, who was a noblewoman from the Kingdom of León in present-day Spain.

During the Renaissance period, the name Lula gained popularity in Italy, where it was used as a nickname or diminutive form of other names such as Luigia or Lucrezia. One notable figure from this time was Lula Grilli (1495-1565), an Italian painter and printmaker who specialized in religious subjects and was active in Rome.

In the 19th century, the name Lula became more widely used in the United States, particularly in the Southern states. One of the most famous bearers of this name was Lula Vollmer (1892-1955), an American playwright and screenwriter who was known for works such as "Sun-Up" and "The Shame Woman."

Another notable figure was Lula Hyers (1888-1944), an African American actress and vaudeville performer who was one of the first black women to headline on the Broadway stage. She was also known for her role in the 1920 film "Birthright."

In the world of literature, Lula Smedley (1858-1943) was an American novelist and short story writer who wrote under the pen name "Lula Ritchie." She was known for her works that depicted life in the American South.

While the name Lula has its origins in Latin and has been used throughout various periods in history, it has remained a relatively uncommon name in most parts of the world. However, its enduring presence and connections to notable figures across different eras and cultures have contributed to its unique charm and 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 Lula was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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