"from the kingdom of Lothar"
Origin: Germanic via Old French
Language: English
Lorraine
Pronunciation: [ l-er-AYN ]
Does Lorraine flow with your last name?
A vintage French gem ready for a stylish comeback
French
English
American
Irish
Vintage
Classic
Elegant
Traditional
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Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Nicknames
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Meaning & Origin
"from the Lorraine region of France"
Origin: French place name
Language: English
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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.
Historical Record
Lorraine first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 72,512 babies have been named Lorraine in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Lorraine is past its peak , currently ranked #1,416 for girl names in the US .
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
Popularity Over Time
#1,416
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Peaked 1951
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Lorraine
L
Lorraine Kelly
Entertainer
1959
Scottish television presenter and journalist, one of the most recognizable faces on British morning television
L
Lorraine Warren
Other
1927
American paranormal investigator whose cases inspired The Conjuring film franchise
L
Lorraine Baines McFly Fictional
Other
Protagonist's mother in the Back to the Future film trilogy, played by Lea Thompson
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Compare Lorraine with:
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
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, French 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, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Lorraine
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Lorraine is also used as a boy name, ranked #14964.
View Lorraine as a boy name →Similar Names
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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.
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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