Rising since 1988, #441 for girls today.
Popularity of Lorelei since 1916
Babies named Lorelei per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2016, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Lorelei's real moment was 2022.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 5 |
| 1920s | 154 |
| 1930s | 354 |
| 1940s | 587 |
| 1950s | 1,269 |
| 1960s | 1,020 |
| 1970s | 633 |
| 1980s | 429 |
| 1990s | 375 |
| 2000s | 2,919 |
| 2010s | 6,407 |
| 2020s | 4,037 |
Meaning & origin
Lorelei, a name of German origin, has been in use in the United States since at least 1916, when it first appeared in Social Security records. Its popularity has grown steadily, especially since 1988, and it reached its peak rank in 2022. As of 2025, Lorelei sits at rank 441, with approximately 1 in 2,299 baby girls receiving the name. The name is most favored in states like West Virginia, Oregon, and Nebraska. Lorelei's allure lies in its mythological roots and melodic sound, making it a distinctive choice that balances uniqueness with a familiar history.
Lorelei derives from the name of a legendary rock on the Rhine River in Germany. The name is composed of the Middle High German elements 'lur' (related to 'lure') and 'lei' (rock or cliff). According to folklore, a beautiful maiden named Lorelei sat on the rock and sang, distracting boatmen and causing them to wreck. The name was popularized by Heinrich Heine's 1824 poem 'Die Lorelei.'
Where Lorelei 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.
“Lorelei” around the world
Where Lorelei lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
15
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Lori, Lora, Rei
Sibling names for Lorelei
Names that share Lorelei's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Aurora, Seraphina, Isadora, Celeste, Vivienne, Marilee, Merrilee, Myranda, Anaid, Armonie, Clorissa, Genessa, Lourie, Marelyn, Valora, Aleera, Annalese, Aquanetta, Audrinna, Caralee, Dalayza, Elanora, Gustavia, Jaretssi, Lorel, Melinna, Myrical, Noelly, Taralee, Alencia, Armina, Elloree, Evanie, Laurelyn, Rowene, Salene, Sherilee, Vineta
Brothers: Julian, Silas, Felix, Theodore, Matthias, Amadeus, Dorien, Dillinger, Decorian, Dorrien
Names like Lorelei
Names whose popularity has moved with Lorelei's over the last 50 years.
