"sorrows"
Origin: Spanish, from Dolores
Language: Spanish
Lola
Pronunciation: [ l-OHL-uh ]
Does Lola flow with your last name?
Bold, retro, and irresistibly fun — Lola runs the room
Spanish
English
German
American
Playful
Vintage
Bold
Retro
Fun
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Meaning & Origin
"free woman"
Origin: Spanish, from Carlota
Language: Spanish
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Things to Know About This Name
- Lolita has significant negative connotations due to Nabokov's 1955 novel — Lola is considered entirely separate, but parents of literary sensibility may note the connection
The Story of Lola
Lola is a Spanish diminutive of Dolores (meaning sorrows, from the Virgin Mary title Nuestra Senora de los Dolores) and Carlota (the feminine form of Charles, meaning free man). As a standalone name, Lola has largely shed its diminutive status and gained independent cultural identity. The name has been propelled by its use in entertainment — songs, films, and fictional characters have given Lola an irresistible, rebellious energy.
Lola enjoyed widespread use in the early 20th century before declining mid-century. It made a massive comeback beginning in the 2000s in both Europe and North America, fueled by its fun, retro sound and cross-cultural appeal. In Germany and Spain, Lola has been a consistent top name. The Kinks song Lola (1970) kept the name alive in popular consciousness throughout its dormant period.
Lola became an icon of Spanish culture through flamenco and cabaret traditions, where Lola was often the name of the irresistible female lead. In Germany, the film Run Lola Run (1998) made the name synonymous with urgency, determination, and reinvention. The name vibrates with a specific retro glamour that parents find irresistible.
Historical Record
Lola first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 39,092 babies have been named Lola in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Lola is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #272 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- The Kinks' song Lola (1970) is one of the first mainstream songs to address gender identity and remains a classic rock staple
- In Germany, Lola has been a top-20 baby name consistently since the 2000s
- Run Lola Run (1998) is studied in film schools worldwide for its innovative narrative structure
Lola in Other Languages
French
Lola
German
Lola
Italian
Lola
Russian
Lola
Spanish
Lola
Popularity Over Time
#272
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Lola
L
Lola Falana
Entertainer
1942
American actress, dancer, and singer who was one of the highest-paid entertainers in Las Vegas during the 1970s
L
Lola Bunny Fictional
Other
Animated character from Space Jam (1996), a skilled basketball-playing rabbit and romantic interest of Bugs Bunny
L
Lola Fictional
Other
Protagonist of the German film Run Lola Run (1998), a determined young woman who has 20 minutes to save her boyfriend's ...
Protagonist of the German film Run Lola Run (1998), a determined young woman who has 20 minutes to save her boyfriend's life
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Compare Lola with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #272
- Total SSA Count
- 1,155
- Cultural Origins
- Spanish English German American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Casual
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Common Nicknames
Lo
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Lola
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Lola is also used as a boy name, ranked #17184.
View Lola as a boy name →Similar Names
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"Magnol's flower, magnificent bloom"
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Frequently Asked Questions About Lola
What does the name Lola mean?
"sorrows" (from Spanish, from Dolores). "free woman" (from Spanish, from Carlota). Lola is a Spanish diminutive of Dolores (meaning sorrows, from the Virgin Mary title Nuestra Senora de los Dolores) and Carlota (the feminine form of Charles, meaning free man). As a standalone name, Lola has largely shed its diminutive status and gained independent cultural identity. The name has been propelled by its use in entertainment — songs, films, and fictional characters have given Lola an irresistible, rebellious energy.
What is the origin of the name Lola?
Lola has Spanish, from Dolores, Spanish, from Carlota, Spanish, English, German, and American origins. In Spanish, from Dolores, it means "sorrows". In Spanish, from Carlota, it means "free woman".
Is Lola a boy or girl name?
Lola is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #272. As a boy name, it is ranked #17184. Lola is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Lola?
Lola is pronounced l-OHL-uh.
How popular is the name Lola?
Lola is currently ranked #272 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are good middle names for Lola?
Popular middle name pairings include Lola Rose, Lola Grace, Lola Mae, Lola Jean, Lola Belle, Lola Darlene, and Lola June.
What are good sibling names for Lola?
Names that pair well with Lola as siblings include Stella, Iris, Cleo, Nico, Otis, Milo, and Vera.
How many syllables does Lola have?
Lola has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Lola a common or rare name?
Lola is a popular name, ranked #272 for girls. It is well-known without being overused.
About the Name Lola
Lola is a girl name with Spanish, English, German, and American origins . The name means "sorrows" in Spanish, from Dolores .
Is Lola a boy or girl name? Lola is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #272 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #17,184. Lola is more commonly used as a girl name.
Lola is currently ranked #272 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Lola has 2 syllables and is pronounced l-OHL-uh, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Lola include Lo. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis