A 1900s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Lola since 1880
Babies named Lola per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1919, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Lola's real moment was 1904.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 2,054 |
| 1890s | 4,217 |
| 1900s | 5,949 |
| 1910s | 11,765 |
| 1920s | 14,654 |
| 1930s | 10,391 |
| 1940s | 7,624 |
| 1950s | 5,542 |
| 1960s | 2,864 |
| 1970s | 1,591 |
| 1980s | 853 |
| 1990s | 528 |
| 2000s | 7,817 |
| 2010s | 13,900 |
| 2020s | 7,143 |
Meaning & origin
Lola is a spirited revival name, ranking 275th in 2025 with approximately 1 in 1,420 girls receiving it. Its peak year was 1904, when it was in more common use, but after a long decline it began climbing again in 1994. Notably, Lola's top states are Hawaii, Minnesota, and Utah, reflecting the name's varied regional appeal. The name's vintage charm and bright sound make it a favorite for parents seeking a name with history and a modern edge.
Lola originated as a pet form of Dolores, from Spanish 'dolores' meaning 'sorrows', a reference to the Virgin Mary as Nuestra Señora de los Dolores (Our Lady of Sorrows). By the late 19th century, Lola gained independent use, popularized by stage and film actresses such as Lola Montez. The name has a playful, vintage charm that contributed to its revival in the 1990s.
Where Lola 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.
“Lola” around the world
Where Lola lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
#44
in 2024
Ireland
38
babies in 2025
New Zealand
#96
in 2025
Quebec
23
babies in 2025
Australia (NSW)
#72
in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland) · NZ Dept of Internal Affairs (New Zealand) · Retraite Québec (Quebec) · NSW Registry of BDM (Australia (NSW)).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Lo, Lols, Lollie
Variants: Lola
Sibling names for Lola
Names that share Lola's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Layla, Stella, Mia, Zoe, Nina, Leola, Reese, Chiquita, Coco, Rosita, Roxie, Gema, Lavera, Verlie, Dorla, Fanta, Leoma, Mayola, Mery, Nollie, Pecola, Charo, Cuca, Gorgeous, Haylo, Tita, Mescal, Chavela, Loza, Paquita, Roda, Zsazsa
Brothers: Leo, Felix, Max, Milo, Oscar, Rocky, Tito, Willis, Telly, Arville, Chico, Seve, Galo, Manolito, Rocko
Names like Lola
Names whose popularity has moved with Lola's over the last 50 years.
