Holding steady.
Popularity of Dola since 1886
Babies named Dola per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1917, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Dola's real moment was 1910.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 16 |
| 1890s | 68 |
| 1900s | 105 |
| 1910s | 231 |
| 1920s | 223 |
| 1930s | 145 |
| 1940s | 118 |
| 1950s | 55 |
| 1960s | 27 |
| 1970s | 6 |
| 1980s | 0 |
| 1990s | 0 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
The name Dola is a rare, vintage choice that saw its peak usage in 1910, according to Social Security data. Despite being first recorded in 1886, the name has never broken into the top 1000 and has maintained a stable, low profile through the latest year of data, 2025. With no top states associated, Dola has a scattered, independent history. Its uncertain etymology adds an air of mystery: it may be a diminutive of Dolores, evoking the Spanish title for the Virgin Mary, or a variation of Dolly or Dorothy. For parents drawn to turn-of-the-century names that are virtually unknown today, Dola offers a succinct, two-syllable option with a soft sound that pairs well with classic sibling names like Cora and Hugh. However, its lack of clear meaning or well-known bearers means it may require explanation.
The name Dola is of uncertain origin. It may have emerged as a diminutive or pet form of Dolores, which derives from Spanish 'dolores' meaning 'sorrows,' a reference to the Virgin Mary as 'María de los Dolores.' Alternatively, Dola could be a variant of Dolly, a nickname for Dorothy (from Greek 'Dorothea,' meaning 'gift of God'), or an independent coinage. Historical records show sporadic use in the United States from the late 19th century, with a small peak in the 1910s, but it has never been common.
Nicknames & variants
Variants: Dolly
Sibling names for Dola
Names that share Dola's style, for a brother or sister.
