Lorraine

Pronunciation: [ l-er-AYN ]

Girl Name #1,416 Most Popular Hidden Gem 2 Syllables

A vintage French gem ready for a stylish comeback

French English American Irish

Vintage Classic Elegant Traditional Sophisticated

Meaning & Origin

"from the kingdom of Lothar"

Origin: Germanic via Old French

Language: English

"from the Lorraine region of France"

Origin: French place name

Language: English

The Story of Lorraine

Lorraine is a place name turned given name, derived from the historical region of Lorraine in northeastern France. The region's name comes from the medieval Latin 'Lotharingia,' meaning 'kingdom of Lothar' — named after Lothair II, the Frankish king who ruled the area in the 9th century. The name entered English as a given name primarily in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when French-derived names were fashionable. It carries a distinctly romantic, Franco-European character.

Lorraine peaked in popularity in the United States in the 1930s through 1950s, when it was a genuinely fashionable name. It has declined since then and is now considered a vintage name, though it retains a sophisticated, classic quality. The name is overdue for a retro revival, as similar mid-century names like Eleanor and Frances have already made comebacks.

The region of Lorraine in France has been historically significant — it was repeatedly contested between France and Germany and became a symbol of French patriotism, especially after its return to France following WWI. The Cross of Lorraine became a symbol of Free France under de Gaulle in WWII. As a name, Lorraine carries a quietly proud, Franco-European heritage.

Fun Facts

The region of Lorraine gave its name to the Quiche Lorraine, now one of the most popular savory dishes worldwide
The Cross of Lorraine was the symbol of the Free French Forces led by Charles de Gaulle during World War II
Lorraine was a top-50 name in the US during the 1930s and 40s

Lorraine in Other Languages

French Lorraine

German Lothringen

Italian Loredana

Spanish Lorena

Japanese ロレーヌ

Famous People Named Lorraine

Lorraine Kelly

Entertainer

1959

Scottish television presenter and journalist, one of the most recognizable faces on British morning television

Lorraine Warren

Other

1927

American paranormal investigator whose cases inspired The Conjuring film franchise

Lorraine Baines McFly Fictional

Other

Protagonist's mother in the Back to the Future film trilogy, played by Lea Thompson

Quick Facts

Gender: Girl
Syllables: 2
Popularity Rank: #1,416
Total SSA Count: 157
Cultural Origins: French English American Irish
Pronunciation: Easy
Formality: Moderate
Cross-Cultural Ease: High

Common Nicknames

Lori Lorri Lorie Rain Rainy

Pairs Well With

Lorraine Marie Lorraine Anne Lorraine Elizabeth Lorraine Grace Lorraine Jean Lorraine Claire Lorraine Rose

Sibling Names

Marlene Arlene Paulette Colette Francine Gerald Maurice

Also a Boy Name

Lorraine is also used as a boy name, ranked #14964.

View Lorraine as a boy name →

Similar Names

Helen Ellen Lorena Elena Lanie Elaine Laney Corina

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Frequently Asked Questions About Lorraine

What does the name Lorraine mean?

"from the kingdom of Lothar" (from Germanic via Old French). "from the Lorraine region of France" (from French place name). Lorraine is a place name turned given name, derived from the historical region of Lorraine in northeastern France. The region's name comes from the medieval Latin 'Lotharingia,' meaning 'kingdom of Lothar' — named after Lothair II, the Frankish king who ruled the area in the 9th century. The name entered English as a given name primarily in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when French-derived names were fashionable. It carries a distinctly romantic, Franco-European character.

What is the origin of the name Lorraine?

Lorraine has Germanic via Old French, French place name, French, English, American, and Irish origins. In Germanic via Old French, it means "from the kingdom of Lothar". In French place name, it means "from the Lorraine region of France".

Is Lorraine a boy or girl name?

Lorraine is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #1416. As a boy name, it is ranked #14964. Lorraine is more commonly used as a girl name.

How do you pronounce Lorraine?

Lorraine is pronounced l-er-AYN.

How popular is the name Lorraine?

Lorraine is currently ranked #1416 in popularity for girl names in the United States.

What are common nicknames for Lorraine?

Common nicknames for Lorraine include Lori, Lorri, Lorie, Rain, and Rainy.

What are good middle names for Lorraine?

Popular middle name pairings include Lorraine Marie, Lorraine Anne, Lorraine Elizabeth, Lorraine Grace, Lorraine Jean, Lorraine Claire, and Lorraine Rose.

What are good sibling names for Lorraine?

Names that pair well with Lorraine as siblings include Marlene, Arlene, Paulette, Colette, Francine, Gerald, and Maurice.

How many syllables does Lorraine have?

Lorraine has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.

Is Lorraine a common or rare name?

Lorraine is an uncommon name, ranked #1416 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.

About the Name Lorraine

Lorraine is a girl name with French, English, American, and Irish origins . The name means "from the kingdom of Lothar" in Germanic via Old French .

Is Lorraine a boy or girl name? Lorraine is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #1,416 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #14,964. Lorraine is more commonly used as a girl name.

Lorraine is currently ranked #1,416 in popularity for girl names in the United States.

The name Lorraine has 2 syllables and is pronounced l-er-AYN, making it easy to pronounce and remember.

Common nicknames for Lorraine include Lori, Lorri, Lorie, Rain, and Rainy. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.