Holding steady.
Popularity of Lorel since 1939
Babies named Lorel per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1956, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Lorel's real moment was 1949.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1930s | 5 |
| 1940s | 45 |
| 1950s | 95 |
| 1960s | 40 |
| 1970s | 24 |
| 1980s | 11 |
| 1990s | 16 |
| 2000s | 11 |
| 2010s | 36 |
| 2020s | 5 |
Meaning & origin
Lorel is a rare and modern name that first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1939. Despite its long history, it has never ranked among the top 1,000 names, with its peak usage occurring in 1949. The name has remained consistently uncommon, with a stable trajectory and no significant revival in recent decades. Lorel is given almost exclusively to girls, and its rarity makes it a distinctive choice. Its etymology is uncertain, but it may be a variant of Lorelai or a creative spelling inspired by similar-sounding names. Because Lorel is rarely used, it carries no strong cultural or religious associations, and its meaning is open to interpretation.
Lorel first appeared in records in the 1930s, with no clear historical derivation. It may be a short form of Lorelai, a name popularized in the 20th century, or a modern coinage inspired by names like Loretta and Laurel. Its usage has remained rare and concentrated in the United States.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Lori, Lore, Elle
Sibling names for Lorel
Names that share Lorel's style, for a brother or sister.
