A 1930s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Dolores since 1880
Babies named Dolores per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 144 |
| 1890s | 407 |
| 1900s | 1,468 |
| 1910s | 10,781 |
| 1920s | 51,990 |
| 1930s | 77,139 |
| 1940s | 33,099 |
| 1950s | 18,304 |
| 1960s | 9,630 |
| 1970s | 3,594 |
| 1980s | 2,130 |
| 1990s | 1,291 |
| 2000s | 687 |
| 2010s | 401 |
| 2020s | 375 |
Meaning & origin
Dolores, a name with deep religious roots, has experienced a notable revival in recent decades. After reaching its peak rank of 2564 in 1930, the name declined sharply but has been rising again since 2011. Today, it is given to approximately 1 in every 23636 newborn girls in the United States, with the highest concentrations in Texas, California, and Florida. The name's trajectory shows a steady increase, likely fueled by a broader trend toward vintage and traditional names. Despite its association with sorrow, many parents are drawn to its melodic sound and strong Marian heritage.
Dolores derives from the Spanish plural of dolor (sorrow), directly taken from the Marian title María de los Dolores (Mary of Sorrows). It first emerged as a given name in the 19th century, particularly in the Catholic Spanish-speaking world, and enjoyed peak popularity in the United States during the 1930s.
Where Dolores 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.
“Dolores” around the world
Where Dolores lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Lola, Lolita, Dolly
Sibling names for Dolores
Names that share Dolores's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Carmen, Esperanza, Guadalupe, Pilar, Socorro, Deloris, Mercedes, Ramona, Angelita, Benita, Bonita, Carmelita, Concepcion, Consuelo, Dionne, Hortencia, Jaunita, Laraine, Milagros, Monserrat, Rosario, Amparo, Angeles, Candelaria, Carmina, Clarita, Concha, Conchita, Consuela, Delorise, Jesusa, Jesusita, Josefa, Julene, Maricruz, Marilou, Natividad, Ouida, Refugia, Rosio, Sanjuanita, Soledad, Argelia, Asusena, Bonnita, Buena, Conception, Conchetta, Esperansa, Esthela, Gerldine, Getsemani, Isidra, Mariadejesus, Mariaguadalupe, Petrona, Ramonia, Ramonita, Vicenta, Virgen, Vonita, Youlanda, Agapita, Altagracia, Armenta, Asuncion, Bevelyn, Blasa, Carmita, Chrystine, Consepcion, Corazon, Cruzita, Gaylia, Joyceann, Lamona, Moncerrat, Nieves, Piedad, Rojean, Shearon, Ynez, Dorthia, Inocencia, Janann, Ladonne, Loral, Lynore, Mariadel, Mariadelaluz, Mariadelosang, Milta, Monserrate, Montserrath, Obdulia, Olita, Paquita, Pascuala, Remedios, Rudean, Soyla
Brothers: Jose, Manuel, Miguel, Ramon, Victor, Fidel, Rigoberto, Alfonza, Arnulfo, Braulio, Candelario, Duwayne, Jerardo, Lindell, Margarito, Pascual, Refugio, Ysidro, Aniceto, Ascencion, Asencion, Donaciano, Doroteo, Eleuterio, Encarnacion, Eulogio, Glendale, Higinio, Inocencio, Magdaleno, Melchor, Meliton, Merced, Placido, Seferino, Sotero, Terril, Abundio, Cleofas, Crescencio, Eliodoro, Emigdio, Honorio, Onofre, Refujio, Trino, Alcario, Celedonio, Crecencio, Emeterio, Espiridion, Frutoso, Medardo, Ponce
