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Lula

Pronunciation: [ l-OOL-uh ]

Girl Name #1,952 Most Popular Hidden Gem 2 Syllables

A sweet Southern Victorian revival with universal warmth

English Arabic American German
Vintage Playful Gentle Whimsical Classic

Meaning & Origin

"famous warrior"
Origin: Germanic
Language: English
"pearl"
Origin: Arabic
Language: English

The Story of Lula

Lula is a diminutive of Louise (from the Germanic Ludwig/Louis, meaning 'famous warrior') or of the Arabic name Lulua/Lulu meaning 'pearl.' It was used as an independent name particularly in the American South during the Victorian and Edwardian eras. Its gentle reduplication (LOO-lah) gives it an immediately warm, affectionate quality.

Lula was a popular name in the American South in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and is experiencing a fashionable revival among parents who love vintage, antique names. The current trend toward short, two-syllable names ending in 'a' (like Luna, Nora, Mila) has given Lula a fresh moment in the spotlight.

In Brazil, the name has a different resonance — 'Lula' is the popular nickname of Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, the former and current president of Brazil, making it politically charged in that context. In the English-speaking world, Lula remains a charming, apolitical vintage name.

Fun Facts

  • In the 1938 film 'Too Hot to Handle,' the character Lula was played by Myrna Loy, lending the name Golden Age glamour
  • Lula is the nickname of Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who has served as Brazil's president and is one of the most significant figures in modern Latin American politics

Lula in Other Languages

Arabic لولو
French Lula
German Lula
Spanish Lula
Portuguese Lula

Famous People Named Lula

L

Lula Vollenweider

Musician

2003

Swiss singer known as 'Lulleaux' who gained attention on social media platforms

L

Lula Mae Barnes Fictional

Other

The birth name of Holly Golightly in Truman Capote's 'Breakfast at Tiffany's' (1958)

Quick Facts

Gender
Girl
Syllables
2
Popularity Rank
#1,952
Total SSA Count
101
Cultural Origins
English Arabic American German
Pronunciation
Easy
Formality
Casual
Cross-Cultural Ease
High

Alternative Spellings

Common Nicknames

Lou Lu

Pairs Well With

Lula Mae Lula Rose Lula Jane Lula Belle Lula Grace Lula Pearl Lula June

Sibling Names

Also a Boy Name

Lula is also used as a boy name, ranked #31411.

View Lula as a boy name →

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Frequently Asked Questions About Lula

What does the name Lula mean?
"famous warrior" (from Germanic). "pearl" (from Arabic). Lula is a diminutive of Louise (from the Germanic Ludwig/Louis, meaning 'famous warrior') or of the Arabic name Lulua/Lulu meaning 'pearl.' It was used as an independent name particularly in the American South during the Victorian and Edwardian eras. Its gentle reduplication (LOO-lah) gives it an immediately warm, affectionate quality.
What is the origin of the name Lula?
Lula has Germanic, Arabic, English, American, and German origins. In Germanic, it means "famous warrior". In Arabic, it means "pearl".
Is Lula a boy or girl name?
Lula is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #1952. As a boy name, it is ranked #31411. Lula is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Lula?
Lula is pronounced l-OOL-uh.
How popular is the name Lula?
Lula is currently ranked #1952 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Lula?
Common nicknames for Lula include Lou and Lu.
What are good middle names for Lula?
Popular middle name pairings include Lula Mae, Lula Rose, Lula Jane, Lula Belle, Lula Grace, Lula Pearl, and Lula June.
What are good sibling names for Lula?
Names that pair well with Lula as siblings include Cleo, Maisie, Otto, Beau, Dot, Arlo, and Wren.
How many syllables does Lula have?
Lula has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Lula a common or rare name?
Lula is an uncommon name, ranked #1952 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.

About the Name Lula

Lula is a girl name with English, Arabic, American, and German origins . The name means "famous warrior" in Germanic .

Is Lula a boy or girl name? Lula is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #1,952 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #31,411. Lula is more commonly used as a girl name.

Lula is currently ranked #1,952 in popularity for girl names in the United States.

The name Lula has 2 syllables and is pronounced l-OOL-uh, making it easy to pronounce and remember.

Common nicknames for Lula include Lou and Lu. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.

Alternative spellings of Lula include Lulu . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.

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