A 1960s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Lori since 1924
Babies named Lori per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1920s | 31 |
| 1930s | 126 |
| 1940s | 794 |
| 1950s | 56,070 |
| 1960s | 176,560 |
| 1970s | 77,777 |
| 1980s | 21,645 |
| 1990s | 4,945 |
| 2000s | 1,884 |
| 2010s | 1,247 |
| 2020s | 832 |
Meaning & origin
Lori is a mid-20th century American coinage that soared in popularity during the 1960s, reaching its peak rank of 1721 in 1963. Currently ranked 1,721 (as of 2025), it has been on a gradual rise since 2011, with a 1-in-13,621 birth rate. The name was first recorded in 1924 and has historic strongholds in states like Louisiana, Missouri, and Pennsylvania. Its simple feminine sound and spelling made it a favorite among parents seeking a modern but familiar choice.
Lori emerged in the early 20th century as a diminutive or variant of Laurie, itself a pet form of Laura, or as a shortening of Lorraine, a name derived from the French region Lorraine. It gained popularity as an independent given name mid-century, particularly in the United States. The name saw peak use during the 1960s.
Where Lori 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.
Nicknames & variants
Sibling names for Lori
Names that share Lori's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Kimberly, Deborah, Pamela, Rhonda, Sherry, Connie, Joni, Sheri, Sherri, Stacey, Tammy, Terri, Tonya, Cheri, Christi, Cori, Darla, Geri, Jami, Jeri, Kandi, Karie, Marci, Sandi, Sheree, Tami, Tammi, Tammie, Traci, Wendi, Bethann, Bonni, Cathi, Cyndi, Cyndy, Debbi, Debi, Jodee, Karri, Loni, Merri, Mistie, Perri, Ronni, Sandee, Sharie, Tammera, Wendie, Carrieann, Cindee, Corri, Joani, Kammi, Lezlee, Lourie, Marcee, Marcey, Sharrie, Shiree, Tawnia, Terilyn, Terriann, Cynde, Denni, Donni, Ginni, Jennilyn, Jeree, Khristy, Krisann, Shonnie, Terie, Tonni, Kimarie, Tambi, Wyndi, Barby, Bekki, Chaunda, Dedee, Jany, Khristi, Meliss, Myndi, Shanin, Sheralee, Sholanda, Tamee, Tamey, Timmi
Brothers: Gary, Larry, Steven, Michael, David, Darrin, Jody, Deron, Marty, Torry, Kirt, Terrill, Dondi, Lonn, Terris, Dary, Dwon, Jodey, Kimothy
Names like Lori
Names whose popularity has moved with Lori's over the last 50 years.
