Declining since 1985, #5,722 for girls today.
Popularity of Delores since 1890
Babies named Delores per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1890s | 54 |
| 1900s | 278 |
| 1910s | 2,375 |
| 1920s | 16,462 |
| 1930s | 37,603 |
| 1940s | 28,504 |
| 1950s | 19,363 |
| 1960s | 8,459 |
| 1970s | 2,423 |
| 1980s | 1,145 |
| 1990s | 612 |
| 2000s | 259 |
| 2010s | 182 |
| 2020s | 102 |
Meaning & origin
Delores is a variant spelling of Dolores, a name with deep religious roots in the Spanish title for the Virgin Mary, María de los Dolores. Although it peaked in popularity in 1932, the name has been in use since at least 1890. Its trajectory as a falling name since 1985 is evident in its current rank of 5,722 in 2025, with a 1-in-76,537 birth rate. Delores remains a recognizable name, especially among older generations, but has become rare for modern newborns. The nickname Lola offers a lively alternative.
Delores is a variant of Dolores, derived from the Spanish title María de los Dolores, meaning 'Mary of the Sorrows,' a reference to the Virgin Mary's grief on Calvary. The name was first used as a given name in the 19th century, and it gained popularity among Spanish-speaking communities and beyond. The spelling Delores, while less common than Dolores, reflects a phonetic rendering that emerged in English-speaking contexts.
Where Delores is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Lola, Loli, Lolita
Sibling names for Delores
Names that share Delores's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Carmen, Rosario, Consuelo, Esperanza, Mercedes, Lavonne, Lorita, Remona, Ardean, Arnette, Deloria, Delorse, Geraldean, Juanice, Lavetta, Lonita, Rolinda, Jearline, Larene, Loletta, Yolander, Deletha, Delrose, Denelda, Doneta, Dorthia, Lafreda, Lurlean, Norvella
Brothers: Jose, Manuel, Javier, Ramon, Pablo, Demaris, Glendell, Clydell, Lavoy, Lenville, Levorn
