Declining since 2011, #2,645 for girls today.
Popularity of Loralei since 1940
Babies named Loralei per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1940s | 11 |
| 1950s | 21 |
| 1960s | 48 |
| 1970s | 23 |
| 1980s | 10 |
| 1990s | 33 |
| 2000s | 457 |
| 2010s | 828 |
| 2020s | 380 |
Meaning & origin
Loralei first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1940, a modern coinage that rose slowly in usage before reaching its peak popularity in 2011. Since then, its trajectory has been falling, and in 2025 the name ranked 2,645 with a frequency of 1 in 24,727 births. The name has been most common in Alabama, Minnesota, and Ohio. Loralei's appeal lies in its melodic sound and its connection to the more established Lorelei, though its exact origins remain unclear. As a stylistic blend of classic and contemporary, it fits alongside other names ending in the 'lay' sound.
Loralei is a modern coinage, first recorded in the United States in 1940. It likely blends elements from names like Laura (meaning 'laurel') and Lee or Leigh (meaning 'meadow' or 'clearing'), or it may be a respelling of Lorelei, a name from German folklore. The name's popularity peaked in 2011 and has since declined.
Where Loralei is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Lora, Lei, Lori
Sibling names for Loralei
Names that share Loralei's style, for a brother or sister.
